Ladies and Gentlemen, we’d like to introduce you to ex-matelot, now author, Paul White.

Paul White walked through the gates of HMS Raleigh in 1973 and never looked back.

During a long career, including time on HMS Tiger where he came to know the Sea King and Lynx pilots and crews of 826 NAS (and their passion for eggy bacon butty's when night flying), Paul became imbued with the traditions of the Royal Navy. Who better to write books about the food, tales and vernacular of the Senior Service?

He now lives on the outskirts of a quiet Yorkshire market town but is often away traveling - the wanderlust he acquired in the Royal Navy never left him.

Apart from his fictional books, Paul's focus is on recording Royal Naval social history, capturing the true and honest essence of naval life told by those who lived it.

The result is a collection of books Paul refers to as his 'Blue Books', including 'The Pussers Cook Book', 'Jack's Dits' and 'The Andrew, Jack & Jenny' and 'When I was on the Massive'.

 Now, let Paul introduce you to his books

 When I was on the Massive

When I was on the Massive highlights the collective customary witticism prevalent throughout the Royal Navy.

This book does not solely contain ‘Massive’ jokes, but includes the whole spectrum of Jack's humour, Jokes, Dits, Ditties and Shaggy Dogs, oddities of Royal Naval life, along with the expected boastful entries, known colloquially as 'Black Catting'.

There is an adage which states, 'That many a true word hath been spoke in jest', and this is true of 'When I was on the Massive', where honest and accurate historical attitudes of our society during such times are recorded within the mirth and merriment of this book.

The content is often bawdy, ribald, and rude but always full of ‘Jack’s Humour.

Enjoy.

THE PUSSERS COOKBOOK (revised and updated)

The Pussers Cook Book contains many of the most popular and loved traditional dishes served in the Royal Navy’s Galleys from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s.

Some of these dishes are still being served on the ships and shore bases of today's modern navy, although some have been slightly altered and others given, let's say, more politically correct names.

Woven between the recipes in this book are true facts and tidbits about the food, the cooks and general life aboard ship.

Along with the recipes, this book aims to preserve a segment of British history, Royal Navy social history, which is fading all too quickly and would otherwise be lost in the grey sea-mists of oblivion.

 THE ANDREW, JACK & JENNY

Unlike the civilian nicknames we get labelled with, those our classmates called us at school, the names various work colleagues may apply to us from time to time or the ones our siblings find amusing, a military nickname has greater significance, it holds a value only fully comprehended by our contemporaries.

Arguably, the Royal Navy has the most entrenched tradition among the services for bestowing nicknames, names not only for each sailor but for places, equipment and actions.

This book, The Andrew, Jack & Jenny, focuses primarily on the names given to each skin and essence the moment they became a matelot.

Royal Naval nicknames are not chosen by the recipient, they are bestowed, irrevocably, by custom and tradition. Yet, each sailor soon becomes attached to their 'new' name, which grows into a large part of their identity, even influencing their character. It soon becomes the name which is spoken with pride in answer to the question "Who are you?"

JACKS DITS

With hundreds of men, tons of military paraphernalia, complicated machinery, technological equipment, weaponry, stores and various other forms of kit, you can be assured not every day in the Royal Navy was straightforward and undemanding.

Equipment failed. People made mistakes. Accidents and mishaps occurred. Personalities and characters clashed.

Add to this mix the activities of matelots on a 'run ashore' in far-flung, unsavoury and questionable seaports. Include beer, spirits, wine, women and song into the equation and the resulting concoction is a wonderful hothouse for the creation of imaginative narrative.

The goings-on of Sailors, both aboard and ashore, created astonishing accounts of events to be told at stand easy or after a watch; when the exaggerated telling's of the day's happenings or those of last night's run ashore, would be shared in the mess squares of Royal Navy ships and shore bases throughout the world.

This book is not one which simply and only harks back in nostalgic fashion to the past, Jack's Dit's is an authentic validation, a historical record of Royal Naval Social History; one told by the voices of those who served, those who were there. It is a true and genuine recording of life during the Royal Navy's heydays, the late 1950s through to the earlier part of the 1980s.

One I was proud to be part of.

Jack's Dits 2 – More Tales from the Mess, continues spinning humorous yarns, fables, anecdotes and jokes which originate in the mess squares and on the decks of Royal Navy ships.
Continuing from the original 'Jacks Dit's – Tall tales from the Mess Deck', Jacks Dit's 2 mixes more dit's and more hilarious jokes, interspersed with a further flurry of ditty's, quotes and oddities which will entertain and amuse, along with evoking fond memories.
It is, in a large part, the sharing of such humour between the men who served which made the Royal Navy the best navy in the world. 

Centuries of operating in a semi-closed and unique society has led the Senior Service to evolve its own language. The enormous scale and longevity of our Royal Navy inevitably led to this language spilling out of military confines and into general parlance. Now there are innumerable phrases in common use everyday where the original meaning and origin are lost to those who use them.

A fascinating book for anyone interested in the either the Royal Navy or the development of our mother tongue. Read it and be amused, surprised and fascinated.

Hardback.

Duke Hawkins books are renowned for their level of detail and fantastic photography. Each book is a comprehensive study of an iconic aircraft packed with detailed information, superb images and knowledgeable commentary about its history and use by air forces around the globe.

Essential reads for any aircraft enthusiast.

Steve Bond is back with the final volume in this popular series. Unlike his previous three tomes, with their focus on air/rotorcraft, this book is uniquely dedicated to the personnel of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) themselves. Each chapter will concentrate on the memories of contributors who served in a range of roles, including those below the flight deck. Accounts will focus on the everyday life upon an aircraft carrier as well as the extraordinary challenges faced during operations. There is a fascinating chapter covering exchange services with the RAF and other navies including the French and US; and also insight into the Indian navy’s experience with the Sea Hawk and Sea Harrier.

Within the previous volumes, we met some remarkable characters and there is a chapter devoted to people’s memories of them. The closing section entitled ‘Thoughts’ sees contributors reflect on their FAA career with many deeply moving responses and discourses on the future of the service.

The book is heavily illustrated throughout in colour and black and white with personal photographs from the contributors, artwork and tongue-in-cheek cartoons for which the FAA is famous. Volume Four is the perfect conclusion to the ongoing post-war story of a truly astounding branch of the armed forces.

Signatories.

Pls note that, owing to the nature of the event, we cannot guarantee that all books will be signed by all signatories.

Co-authors Steve and Heather Bond and John Davies (Grubstreet Publishing)

Some recent reviews...

“I have to say this is very much the best, ‘leaving the finest to last’ has a Biblical provenance. The inclusion of many of the ‘non-flyers’ is excellent.” 

William Nicol-Gent 

“As I scanned through the pages, my eye caught sight of Jane Cole-Hamilton's - A Pilot's Wife - and I had to stop and read it. From that alone, your book is a winner with me.” 

Mel Evans 

“Ah, those were the days! A great read."

Mike Turner

“I've enjoyed all the books in the series and I found Vol.4 a particularly thought provoking read. The more action events featured in the earlier books were lapped up by me. I never tire of reading about other flyers experiences and adventures. Interesting, too, to hear the stories from ground crews and maintainers. Vol.4 was more reflective in character and reminded me of a few more sober moments experienced in my eight years in.”

Tony Wilson

 “All four books in Steve Bond's Fleet Air Arm Boys series have been absorbing, filled with the tales of the activities of various areas of naval aviation life, both ashore and when operating from a carrier. This last volume in the series is more concerned with personal reflections of what that life meant to the various individuals involved, particularly poignant were the reflections by those remembering the lives of those lost in flying accidents, and even more so the consideration of the tragic effects on wives, girlfriends and families left behind as a result. A thought promoting consideration of the drives and motivations of those involved in the ever perilous and rarely seen daily working lives of those Fleet Air Arm Boys and Girls who chose this life as a profession. Eminently readable and thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable.”

Tony Wilson on Amazon, rated 5 stars

 “I love Vol.4!! I also suffered a flew flashbacks (all good!)”

Bob Turner

 “I did enjoy reading it and had a few laughs. It was interesting - no doubt. It was a bit of an odd feeling reading about incidents on the Carriers that I do recollect very well, even to this day. Sad at times. I found the article written by Arun Prakash Indian Navy, particularly interesting, more especially his description of the Russian replacement for the Sea Harrier! John Fords ‘In defence of Aircraft Carriers’ was ‘bang on’.”

John Keenan

Wing Commander Bob Crane. Observer.

893 Sqn Sea Vixen HMS Hermes, RAF Phantom, US Navy VF-171 F-4J USS Forrestal, RAF Tornado F.3

 Rear Admiral Tom Cunningham CBE.

Observer. 750 Sqn Sea Prince, 737 Sqn Wessex, 826 Sqn Sea King, 360 Sqn Canberra, 702, 815, 829 Sqns Lynx HMS Amazon, HMS Battleaxe and Gibraltar Flt, Ops Officer HMS Illustrious, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Air and Carriers

 Leading Wren Beverley McDermott

Radio Operator, Communications Centre Yeovilton

 Leading Airman Richard Dickinson.

Aircraft handler. Portland Wasp and Wessex, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Blake Sea King, 846 Sqn Sea King

 Chief Petty Officer John Keenan.

Aircraft Engineering Artificer. 800 and 809 Sqns Buccaneer, HMS Eagle, Hermes, Victorious, 892 Sqn Phantom HMS Ark Royal.801 Sqn Sea Harrier HMS Invincible, 360 Sqn Canberra

 Petty Officer Terry McDonald.

Radio and radar technician. Hunter, Sea Hawk, Sea Vampire, Sea Venom Lossiemouth. 899 Sqn Sea Vixen HMS Eagle, 848 Sqn Whirlwind HMS Bulwark

 Lieutenant Commander Andrew Murray AFC. Pilot.

705 Sqn Gazelle, 706, 771, 820, 814, 820, 849 Sqns Sea King. 857 Sqn Sea King Afghanistan.. Gulf War 2. HMS Ark Royal, Illustrious, Invincible. 824 Sqn Merlin. Flew last Sea King to HMS Sultan 2018. Deputy Command Flight Safety Officer

 Commander Mike Norman OBE AFC.

Aircraft Artificer, 728 Sqn Meteor, 750 Sqn Sea Venom. Observer. 826 Sqn Wessex 3, Wessex 5, Wasp and 814 Sqn Sea King 2. HMS Sheffield XO and 2 i/c, with the ship until it was sunk by an Exocet missile in the Falklands War. Naval and Air Attache in Portugal, Head of Service in Northern Ireland., Head of service in the Falkland Island garrison, Naval Base Cdr in Hong Kong.

 Lieutenant Kim Sharman. Pilot.

899 Sqn Sea Vixen HMS Eagle, ‘C’ Sqn A&AEE Sea Vixen, 750 Sqn Sea Prince

 Lieutenant Commander Digby Stephenson. Observer.

824 Sqn Sea King HMS Ark Royal, 800 Sqn Buccaneer HMS Eagle, 809 Sqn Buccaneer HMS Ark Royal, US Navy VA42 A-6 USS Nimitz, FRADU Hunter

 Leading Wren Catherine Davies van Zoen. Aircraft Mechanic (Airframes and Engines).   

Visiting Aircraft Section Yeovilton, Hunter, Canberra, Buccaneer, Phantom, Sea Prince, Sea Devon, Wasp, Whirlwind, Tiger Moth, Swordfish 

Hardback
ISBN: 9781911667438
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

N.B. Only sales here contribute to keeping heritage aircraft flying

The late and much lamented Surgeon Captain Rick Jolly OBE compiled this classic and definitive book during his service as a Royal Marines Doctor. For this, among many other things, we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Illustrated by Tugg

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Osprey Publishing; Illustrated edition (22 Feb. 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9781472834133
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.98 x 3.85 x 21.41 cm

During five years of research for the four volumes of the Fleet Air Arm Boys book series, (see below) covering the post-war FAA, former personnel not only contributed a huge quantity of stories but also sent many thousands of photographs, largely taken by themselves, and mostly never previously seen. It soon became clear that what was needed was a stand-alone photograph-heavy book, showing off many of these superb photos to best effect by giving them up to a full page or more with high quality reproduction.

Whereas the ‘Fleet Air Arm Boys’ books are all about fascinating stories supported by photos, here you have fascinating photos supported by some explanation and the occasional short story. The opportunity has also been taken to expand the coverage to cover the whole history from the start of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) before the First World War to today, illustrating the changing equipment and roles of the service.

Coverage is not limited to just a large representative group of aircraft, but also includes many ships and air stations. Most importantly, air and ground crew are highlighted throughout, both at work and at play, and those who lost their lives are suitably remembered.

Flying with the Navy is a once-in-a-lifetime publication and a must-have for all devotees of this truly astounding branch of the armed forces. 

We have just a few remaining copies signed by: 

Dr Steve Bond PhD CEng FRAeS

Rear Admiral Tom Cunningham CBE, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Aviation and Carriers (also Observer Sea King, Canberra and Lynx()

Commodore Jock Alexander OBE MA FRAeS, Assistant Director, Carrier Strike and Aviation on the Naval Staff. HWI, Sea King pilot 819 ( also CO) and 820 squadrons

Rear Admiral Ian Tibbitt CBE Aviation Engineering. Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Aviation & Carriers). Defence Equipment & Support (Head of Helicopters One).

Jim Norris, AEO 899 and 702, Airworthiness advisor to Merlin and F-35 projects

Alistair McLaren, AWI Sea Harrier 800, 801, 809 and 899

Commodore Bill Covington, Lt 809 Falklands, CO 801, 899 and RNAS Yeovilton, Cdre Joint Force Harrier

Brian Stanley, Air Radio Mechanic, Wasp, Sea King, Buccaneer, Sea Harrier FRS1/FA2, 706, 801, 809, 

Phil Thornton, POAEM9(M), Sea Vixen, Wessex V, Lynx, Sea Harrier, 801, 815, 848 and 893

Format: 220 x 290mm Landscape Hardback.
176 pages, lavishly illustrated with 203 powerful images
ISBN: 9781911714033

These pencil sharpeners and are very solidly built (diecast metal) with a very pleasing  antique effect copper finish.

They look great on a desk and are perfect as small gifts or stocking fillers.

The moving story of youths turning to young men as they fight a well equipped and determined enemy with outmoded equipment and often in appalling conditions. Perhaps lacking the glamour of flying from the great carriers, those who flew from MAC ships (merchant ships converted to carry aircraft) nonetheless made a huge contribution to winning the Battle of the Atlantic.

Sub Lt Stanley Brand pranged W5856, the world's oldest flying Fairey Swordfish, in 1944 due to an engine failure on take off. We're happy to report that W5856 currently resides in our hangar and is a very popular addition at air displays around the UK.

Paperback.

These stainless steel, robust bottle openers are a great gift!

One has been commissioned through Navy Wings by HMS Queen Elizabeth for their Taranto Night celebration, there are only 200 available for public sale.

Carefully engraved with HMS Queen Elizabeth's crest, 'To the men of Taranto' and the date of the battle.

The second simply states 'To the Men of Taranto'.

In August 1944 the British Pacific Fleet did not exist. Six months later it was strong enough to launch air attacks on Japanese territory, and by the end of the war it constituted the most powerful force in the history of the Royal Navy, fighting as professional equals alongside the U.S. Navy. How this was achieved by a nation nearing exhaustion after five years of conflict is a story of epic proportions in which ingenuity, diplomacy, and dogged persistence all played a part. This ground-breaking new work by David Hobbs describes the background, creation, and expansion of the British Pacific Fleet from its first tentative strikes, through operations off the coast of Japan, to its impact on the immediate post-war period. It includes the opinions of U.S. Navy liaison officers attached to the British flagships. A fascinating read.

 Highly recommended.

• Publisher: ‎Seaforth Publishing; First Edition (16 Jun. 2011)
• Language: ‎English
• ISBN: 9781526702838
• Dimensions: ‎15.6 x 23.4 cm
• Paperback

Diecast & Plastic constructed and painted Model, some small parts are loose to be fitted and glue is provided for a firm fix to give full display value.

• Dimensions: L 13.75" W 1.75"
• Rotating turrets & Elevating cannons
• Realistic ocean wave blister packaging
• Comes with a display stand.
• Brand New & Boxed
• Weight: 2.10Kg
• Collectors Scale Model - Not Suitable for Children under 14 years

The RAF's continuing role in the projection of air power in the defence of the United Kingdom and its overseas interests since the end of the Second World War is well known. However, the same cannot always be said about the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm (FAA), in part due to the ten-year gap between the retirement of the Harrier and the arrival of the F-35B and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Flying high performance aircraft off a carrier demands not only a high level of skill, but also a considerable amount of courage and determination, not least to land back on a very small piece of real estate bobbing about in a rough sea, often at night, with no possibility of diversion. The nature of these operations has meant that the accident rate and aircrew losses were very high - and accepted as part of the job. With the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales, it is time to redress the balance and bring the FAA's extraordinary story to the audience it so richly deserves through the words of those air and ground crews who have been part of it since 1945. What emerges is an amazing close-knit esprit de corps, often accompanied by a long-standing and still simmering rivalry between the RAF and the Royal Navy over who should project air power overseas. Enormous respect is shown by the aviators and ships' senior officers for the aircraft handlers and maintainers, who work long hours in a highly dangerous environment on the flight deck. This first volume looks chronologically at every aircraft type flown in an air defence role since 1945. Involvement in conflicts including Korea, Suez, the Falklands, Bosnia and elsewhere is included, and perforce the cost in human lives, even in everyday operations, frequently emerges. Balancing this are the everyday grind, the good times, the humour, the 'runs ashore' and the sense of pride in a job well done. All delivered in the words of the men themselves.

We also have a number of copies of Volume 1 signed by FAA Aircrew and Engineers.

Lt Cdr Paul Chaplin - Pilot - Sea Vixen and Phantom
Lt Adrian Tuite - Observer - Gannet, Sea Vixen and Phantom
Lt Kim Sharman - Pilot - Sea Vixen
Cdr Tim Gedge AFC- Pilot - Sea Vixen, Phantom, Sea Harrier
Cdre Duncan Reid MBE FRaeS BA RN - Air Engineering Officer, Task Force Chief                                                                                                                  Aircraft Engineer

About the author

Steve Bond has spent nearly 50 years in aviation. He served in the RAF as an aircraft propulsion technician and was part of the Eurofighter Typhoon project team. He later joined City University London where he developed and ran the world’s first MSc Air Safety Management (ASM) programme, lecturing on the subject all over the world. He has a PhD in ASM, is a chartered engineer, and a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Now a full-time author he was recently elected Freeman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots in recognition of his contribution to aviation.

Hardback
ISBN: 9781911621980
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

N.B. Only sales here contribute to keeping heritage aircraft flying

 ...True Tales From Royal Navy Men and Women Air and Ground Crew

Helicopters have been going to sea with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm for over 70 years. Initially used for search and rescue (SAR) duties from aircraft carriers, the rapid development of both the helicopters and service experience resulted in them taking on the vital anti-submarine (and later anti-ship) attack roles.

The 1956 Suez campaign saw the first operational use of Whirlwind helicopters for the insertion of troops by air into a battle zone, a capability which was expanded with more helicopters such as the Wessex, Sea King and today’s Merlin. Through their vital role in the 1960s Indonesian Confrontation, the Commando helicopter force became universally referred to as the ‘Junglies’, by which name they are still known today.

It is often said that if either of the 1982 Task Force aircraft carriers had been lost the Falklands War could not have been won. The same would surely have been true without helicopters. Their vital tasks, including inserting Special Forces behind enemy lines, protecting the Task Force from Exocet missile attack and recovering wounded troops whilst under enemy fire, are rightly hailed as being instrumental.  At home, the essential SAR effort by both the Royal Navy and their RAF counterparts has resulted in incredible stories of saving lives against the odds.

Royal Navy destroyers and frigates have also long since benefitted from having their own helicopter Flight aboard. Frequently operating in extremes of weather, flying a Wasp, Lynx or today’s Wildcat from and back to a heaving deck is every bit as risky as flying fixed-wing aircraft off the carriers of old using the cat and trap system.

Once dismissed as a novelty, the helicopter has more than proved itself. Indeed, for ten years until the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, the Fleet Air Arm’s operational force was entirely rotary-wing. Today’s Merlins and Wildcats, with their dedicated aircrew, maintenance and support staff continue to demonstrate just how vital an asset the helicopter has become.

Here are the words of the men and women themselves, skilfully brought to life by Steve Bond and profusely illustrated in colour and b/w.

About the author:

Steve Bond has spent nearly 50 years in aviation. He served in the RAF as an aircraft propulsion technician and was part of the Eurofighter Typhoon project team. He later joined City University London where he developed and ran the world’s first MSc Air Safety Management (ASM) programme, lecturing on the subject all over the world. He has a PhD in ASM, is a chartered engineer, and a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Now a full-time author he was recently elected Freeman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots in recognition of his contribution to aviation.

Hardback
ISBN: 9781911667278
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

N.B. Only sales here contribute to keeping heritage aircraft flying

In 1941, as the Battle of the Atlantic raged and ship losses mounted, the British Admiralty desperately tried to find ways to defeat the U-Boat threat to Britain's maritime lifeline. Facing a shortage of traditional aircraft carriers and shore-based aircraft, the Royal Navy, as a stopgap measure, converted merchant ships into small `escort carriers'. These were later joined by a growing number of American-built escort carriers, sent as part of the Lend-Lease agreement. The typical Escort Carrier was small, slow and vulnerable, but it could carry about 18 aircraft, which gave the convoys a real chance to detect and sink dangerous U-Boats. Collectively, their contribution to an Allied victory was immense, particularly in the long and gruelling campaigns fought in the Atlantic and Arctic. Illustrated throughout with detailed full-colour artwork and contemporary photographs, this fascinating study explores in detail how these adaptable ships had such an enormous impact on the outcome of World War II's European Theatre.

Battle of the Atlantic 1939-41: RAF Coastal Command's Hardest Fight Against the U-Boats - At the start of World War II, few thought the U-boat would be as devastating as it proved to be. But convoys and sonar-equipped escorts proved inadequate to defend the Allies' merchantmen, and the RAF's only offensive weapon was the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. For RAF Coastal Command, the first two years of the war were the hardest. Although starved of resources, operating with outdated aircraft and often useless weaponry, they were still the only force that could take the fight to the U-boats.

This is the David-and-Goliath story of how RAF Coastal Command battled with outdated aircraft against the deadly U-boat fleet during the crucial first years of World War II.

Battle of the Atlantic 1942-45: The Climax of WW II'S Greatest Naval Campaign - As 1942 opened, both Nazi Germany and the Allies were ready for the climactic battles of the Atlantic to begin. Germany had 91 operational U-boats, and over 150 in training or trials. Production for 1942-44 was planned to exceed 200 boats annually. Karl Dönitz, running the Kriegsmarine's U-boat arm, would finally have the numbers needed to run the tonnage war he wanted against the Allies. 

This second of these two volumes, explores the climactic events of the Battle of the Atlantic, and reveals how air power, both maritime patrol aircraft and carrier aircraft ultimately proved to be the Allies' most important weapon in one of the most bitterly fought naval campaigns of World War II.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest and most complex campaign of WWII. Fairey Swordfish, launched from Escort carriers and MAC ships, played a huge part in winning that war. These wonderful aircraft, so well suited to the task, flew in all weathers and proved to be a superb deterrent to the German U boats, reducing allied ship losses to a minimum.

This limited edition print (250) shows Swordfish LS326 setting out on yet another cold patrol and has original signatures of veteran aircrew including those who flew in the Atlantic and one survivor of the Battle of Taranto. 

It's a stunning image that will enhance any home and is an opportunity to own a piece of history. It is also a fitting tribute to the bravery of the pilot's and crew.

Supplied with certificate of authenticity.

MAC Ship Pilot – Stanley Brand

Swordfish pilot Sub Lt Stanley Brand joined 836 NAS and served on MAC ships Alexia and Empire MacColl. He is the author of Achtung! Swordfish! (and also pranged W5856 – another Swordfish in the Navy Wings Heritage flight!).

 MAC Ship Observer – John Treble

Lt John Treble served in 826 NAS operating from Malta and North Africa before joining 836 NAS and serving aboard MAC ships Acavus, Empire McAndrew and Empire Mackay.

 MAC Ship telegraphist air gunner – John McFarling

PO (Air) John McFarling served in 833 NAS and 836 NAS on the MAC Ships Miralda, MacAndrew and Rapana before moving o 758 NAS

 MAC Ship Air Staff Officer – John Neale

Lt Cdr John Neale was awarded his DSC for his part in the attack on Taranto in 1940 while flying with 815 NAS. He then served with 823 NAS on the Malta run with HMS Furious and then 841 NAS where he earned a DFC for operations in the Channel.

Artist – Terrence Lee

Terrence Lee is a highly regarded artist who specialises in marine subjects and worked for a period at RNAS Yeovilton

 MV Rapana.

Rapana was launched in April 1935 and was converted to Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC ship) in July 1943.

She displaced only 8000 tons (or 16,000 with a deep load). Almost 483 feet in length, she had a maximum beam of just 62 feet. She was equipped with a single 4inch QF (quick fire) gun, two single 40mm Bofors and six 20mm Oerlikons. She carried 3 Swordfish which were parked on deck as there was no hangar. She was reconverted to a mercantile tanker in 1945, renamed Rotula in 1950 and scrapped in Hong Kong in 1958.

Fairey Swordfish LS326

LS326 is one of the last two flying Fairey Swordfish aircraft in the world and is part of the Navy Wings Heritage Flight. Built by Blackburn in Sherburn in Elmet, she was delivered to the RN in 1943. She saw service in L Flight 836 NAS in MV Rapana between September and November 1943 and later in 836K Flight in MV Empire MacCallum during 1944. In 1959 she was used in the film ‘Sink the Bismarck!’.

Approx 59cm X 42cm

N.B. This item is supplied only as a print. The image with the frame is for illustration purposes only. 

The evolution of naval flying has been as fascinating and complex as the evolution of flight itself. Flying from ships at sea presents unique challenges and this book casts an illuminating light on the process from the very first attempts to bring aviation on board ship.

Hardback.

HMS Ark Royal and the Fairey Swordfish are two WWII legends. This is the complete and unique collection for anyone interested in their joint and illustrious history. It consists of:

A Limited Edition Atlantic Escorts - print signed by WWII Swordfish crew - for complete description...

Atlantic Escorts - Limited Edition print signed by WWII Swordfish crew – Navy Wings Flight Store

A detailed 1/700 scale model of HMS Ark Royal - Norway 1942.

An HMS Ark Royal patch badge

A 1/72 scale model of Fairey Swordfish W5856

A British Legends Swordfish mug and coaster set

A copy of 'I sank the Bismarck' by WWII Swordfish pilot Jock Moffat who took part in the action against the Bismarck

A Swordfish lapel pin badge

A Fleet Air Arm Remembrance lapel pin badge

Taken from an original painting by Peter Hogan, this dramatic print shows a Fairey Swordfish MkII patrolling over an Atlantic convoy as it forges its way through a forbidding sea. Another Swordfish is about to fly over a tiny MAC ship. 

A MAC (Merchant Aircraft Carrier) ship was a converted merchant ship and many, as illustrated, didn't have an internal hangar so the technicians and aircraft were constantly exposed to the elements.

This painting clearly illustrates the tiny decks from which the aircraft had to operate - barely wider than the aircraft and very short!

Overall size 59.5cm x 42cm.

Supplied as print only. (Frame shown is purely for illustration purposes.)

Brian Allen's career began as a naval Aviation Cadet aboard HMS Indefatigable. Starting on the T22 Vampire he moved through Firefly, Gannet, Avenger (yes, Avenger), Whirlwind and Wasp. During this time, in postings around the globe, he was involved in the U.K.'s atomic bomb testing in Operation Grapple and survived several ditchings and forced landings. This book offers an insight into the very different transitional immediate post war years.

• Publisher  : ‎ Pen & Sword Aviation; 1st Edition (18 Mar. 2010)
• Language ‏: ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 9781848841895
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16.51 x 1.91 x 24.77 cm

Since the end of World War 2 the primary role of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm has been airborne power projection; the ability rapidly to respond to any trouble spot across the globe and to protect the interests of the United Kingdom and its partner nations. The principal tools in that response were the strike aircraft which took the offensive to the aggressor. Although from 2010 to 2020 fixed-wing carrier aviation was not part of the Fleet Air Arm, with the advent of the navys two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, that capability has been restored. This renewed focus has not only seen the return of flying high performance aircraft from a carrier, but also the regeneration of the necessary skills, and courage, needed to cope with the extremes of weather and the nature of air operations in a very high-risk environment. However the lessons of the past have not been forgotten, and so many of those previous experiences are related within these pages true stories of the last 76 years from aircrew, maintainers, aircraft handlers and many other supporting staff both men and women. Following on from the success of volume one, this second volume covers every fixed-wing aircraft type flown from carriers in the strike, anti-submarine warfare and the vital airborne early warning roles; from Scimitars to Hunters, Buccaneers to Skyraider's & many more, plus an extensive fleet of land-based aircraft. As with the first volume, involvement in operations such as Suez, the Beira Patrol, the Falklands, Belize, Bosnia and elsewhere is included. Despite the intensity and all-to-frequent tragedy of operations, the esprit de corps, and the ability to find the necessary release through laughter, shine through. Here are the words of the men and women themselves, profusely illustrated in black and white and colour. 

About the author:

Steve Bond has spent nearly 50 years in aviation. He served in the RAF as an aircraft propulsion technician and was part of the Eurofighter Typhoon project team. He later joined City University London where he developed and ran the world’s first MSc Air Safety Management (ASM) programme, lecturing on the subject all over the world. He has a PhD in ASM, is a chartered engineer, and a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Now a full-time author he was recently elected Freeman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots in recognition of his contribution to aviation.

N.B. Only sales here will contribute to keeping heritage aircraft flying

Taken from the Archives of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, these reminiscences add the personal element to the historical data and illustrate the tremendously changing circumstances of the Fleet Air Arm from formation to Cold War.  'What emerges from these pages is a particular spirit, peculiar to the Fleet Air Arm and reflecting its somewhat hybrid nature; a spirit derived from a high level of professional competence combined with a certain irreverence towards authority'.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Aviation; Illustrated edition (18 April 2013)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 9781781590928
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16.03 x 2.87 x 24.16 cm

Martin Bowman’s considerable experience as a military historian has spanned over forty years, during which time he has spent hundreds of hours interviewing and corresponding with numerous men and women and their relatives, in Britain, America and beyond, resulting in a wealth of material on the war at sea from World War One to the Falklands and the wars on terror.

All these narratives have been woven into a highly readable and emotional outpouring of life and death in action in all his titles, as here, in World War Two, where the men of the Fleet Air Arm and the US Navy fighter (operating bomber and torpedo carrying aircraft) describe the compelling, gripping and thought-provoking narrative of the air war in the freezing Atlantic wastes to the waters of the mighty Pacific.

'The Royal Navy called them auxiliary carriers. To the crews of endangered merchantmen in the Atlantic and Arctic they were heaven sent protection. To the men who manned them they were Combustible, Vulnerable and Expendable.'

David Wragg reveals the full story of these ships' crucial role and contribution.

 Hardback.

A century of global change has been matched and mirrored by changes in the world of naval flying.  This book not only looks at the range of aircraft used (from balloons and airships to stealth and battle space command) but further details major campaigns such as Taranto, Pearl Harbour, the Doolittle Raid, the Battle of Midway, the Korean campaign, the Falklands campaign and more.  Sure to appeal to any aviation enthusiasts, this is a testament to the people who the aircraft into a new century.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Maritime (30 Jun. 2013)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.88 x 1.91 x 23.5 cm