Age of Aces » The Three Mosquitoes

Just in time for PulpFest . . .

David — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 00:40:15 +0000

We’ll be debuting the second volume of our Captain Philip Strange series at PulpFest on Friday. So if you’re in attendance stop by our table and meet the Age of Aces crew and pick up a copy of Captain Philip Strange: Strange Enemies (and The Three Mosquitoes: The Thunderbolt Ace if you haven’t yet).

He hope to see you there!

The Thunderbolt Ace!

David — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:52:49 +0000

Streaking swiftly through Hell skies, their three Hisso engines thundering, we find The Greatest Trio of Aces! The famous and inseparable “Three Mosquitoes,” the mightiest flying combination that had ever blazed its way through overwhelming odds and laughed to tell of it, take off in four more exciting adventures from the pages of Popular Publications! Yes, Kirby, impetuous young leader of the great trio, lanky Travis, eldest and wisest of the Mosquitoes, and the mild-eyed, corpulent little Mosquito—“Shorty” Carn are all back and ready for action. This time up we have two tales from 1932 issues of Dare-Devil Aces and two from 1933 that were published in Battle Birds. If you enjoyed the pride and glory of the 44th’s last two books then you’ll surely want to pick up this volume. And if you are new to The Adventures of The Three Mosquitoes, what better place to start than with The Thunderbolt Ace!

“No Survivors” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:20:20 +0000

That intrepid trio of aces known as “The Three Mosquitoes” made the scar of their Vickers hated by every flying Hun. But even the skill of their wings was child’s play when they went to sea against that dread Channel menace that was leaving no survivors to tell it’s tale of dread. Then came the day when the red courage of madness swept the Mosquitoes leader into the maelstrom.

Download “No Survivors” (June 1931, War Birds)

“Blind Aces” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:03:49 +0000

Without each other they were helpless, together the Three Mosquitoes were the greatest destructive force in the air. When Kirby is accidentally blinded, Travis and Shorty fly him to meet the man who is the Allies’ greatest enemy—and in whose hands lay not only the fate of the German army, but also of Kirby’s eyes.

Download “Blind Aces” (May 1931, War Birds)

“Q-Boat of the Air” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:31:55 +0000

In this early Three Mosquitoes story, Kirby, Shorty, and Travis take on a German staffel who ambush helpless Allied observation flights, but run when confronted by any fighter craft. The Mosquitoes’ C.O. comes up with a wild solution to trap the cowardly Boche.

Download “Q-Boat of the Air” (December 1928, War Birds)

“Blood on the Sun” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:18:59 +0000

Here is the second of The Three Mosquitoes stories that were set in pre-WWII China. There isn’t much actual Air War in this one but there is still plenty of action as the Mosquitoes try to rescue a Chinese warlord’s son from the invading Japanese.

Download “Blood on the Sun” (November 1938, Sky Fighters)

“Roaring Motors” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:27:43 +0000

Here is another early adventure of The Three Mosquitoes by Ralph Oppenheim. This one tells the story of the Mosquitoes daring raid deep behind the lines to rescue an Allied spy.

Download “Roaring Motors” (May 24, 1928, War Stories)

“Stars for China” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:44:27 +0000

The Three Mosquitoes spent most of their time in Europe fighting the Kaiser’s worst in WWI. But this and one other of their exploits took place in pre-WWII China where they helped fight the invading Japanese. Author Ralph Oppenheim managed to update the trio for these stories and still keep the spirit of the Mosquitoes intact. An odd fact, Oppenheim wrote all these air tales having never flown.

Download “Stars for China” (January 1939, Sky Fighters)

“Hawks of the Night” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:11:04 +0000

Another exciting Three Mosquitoes adventure!
Out went the bombing squadron into that shell-filled night—straight for the enemy drome. It was against orders, but the famous “Three Mosquitoes” followed in swift pursuit, led by the daring Kirby. Suddenly, they found themselves headed right into a large Boche formation…

Download “Hawks of the Night” (March 15, 1928, War Stories)

“Secret of the Hell Hawks” by Ralph Oppenheim

Bill — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:57:44 +0000

An exciting Three Mosquitoes adventure!

To the Three Mosquitoes:
   I turn to you three gallants as stand in the shadow of death. For my crime I must die. But before I die there is information I dare convey only to you three, in whose hands alone it may serve to expiate the damage my honesty, rather than my treachery, has caused.
   If this reaches you in time, and if you are moved by a doomed man’s last prayer, speed to Vincennes and enable me to speak with you before they execute me at dawn.
   - Emil Rodet.

Download “Secret of the Hell Hawks” (November 1935, Flying aces)