The Fleet Air Arm Handbook 1939-45 - Softcover

This is a comprehensive review 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 of the major operations. In-depth analysis reveals what it was like to work as part of the Fleet Air Arm during the war - the food, accomodation, training, activites and uniform; and gives a glimpse into the men's characters. At the outbreak of World War II, British naval aviation was in the midst of chaos and confusion. But as this book shows, the rapid expansion of the Fleet Air Arm was one of the major achievements of the war. The author provides a detailed look at the aircraft, squadrons, naval air stations and aircraft carriers, battleships and cruisers involved. The book ends with a review of what is available at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton.

David Wragg is the author of fourteen books on aviation history, including Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory. (Sutton,2000, Carrier Combat (Sutton, 1998) and Bombers (Sutton, 1999). A former journalist specialising in transport and defence, he has written for many national newspapers. He lives in Scotland.