FLEET AIR ARM HANDBOOK

The most comprehensive review available of the Royal Navy's air power during the war years. Starting with a brief history, the book progresses with a full war diary of all the major operations in a gripping narrative account. We see the different functions of the Fleet Air Arm - to protect the essential supplies brought by merchant ships, and their close support of sea and ground forces, both from carriers at sea and bases ashore. In depth analysis reveals what life was like in the Fleet Air Arm during the war; the food, the accommodation, training, activities, uniform and relationship between aircrew and their shipmates aboard the Royal navy's carriers. Each squadron, wing and carrier air group is listed along with the operations and locations. This is a well researched tribute to an important force and is essential reading for anyone interested in naval aviation during the Second World War - and perhaps equally essential for anyone developing the Royal navy's new carrier air operations today.