This is a vivid and powerful story of life on board the last of our great Second World War-era aircraft carriers, modernised to serve beyond their time. It is a story of the Cold War which conveys the trials and tribulations of flying one of the best-loved military aircraft in history.

Steve Kershaw joined the Royal Navy in 1963. He began flying training in 1968 and progressed to the Blackburn Buccaneer - a world-class naval strike jet that was designed to fly very fast at ultra-low altitudes. In 1970, Steve joined 800 Naval Air Squadron, which embarked on HMS Eagle on its epic final cruise.

The voyage to the Far East was far from trouble-free - an aircraft crashed into the sea, there was a devastating explosion on board the carrier, and then two sailors were arrested for murder in Auckland. New year 1972 saw HMS Eagle decommissioned and 800 NAS disbanded.

Steve was transferred to 845 Naval Air Squadron, on which he flew Wessex helicopters. Embarked on HMS Hermes, the squadron supported Royal Marines Commandos during their deployment to the mountains of Norway under NATO plans for a European war. During this time, helicopters were strangely sabotaged on board and one of them crashed into a fjord at night.

By 1974, HMS Ark Royal was the last remaining Royal Navy fixed-wing aircraft carrier to which Steve returned to fly Buccaneers on 809 Squadron. It was in this period that he participated in a NATO exercise in Norway and a Mediterranean cruise.

On return, the squadron prepared for a bombing competition between the RAF and Royal Navy Buccaneers. As part of this, Steve flew a low-level sortie off the Lincolnshire coast. The light was fading, and he was struggling to see the target ahead. He failed to see they were losing height. The aircraft hit the sea. Steve and his observer, David, were ejected into the water.

In this book, Steve's story is revealed by his son, Simon, through the words of his father, drawn from a mass of letters sent by him, and the recollections of those who served alongside him.

• Publisher: ‎Air World 
• Language: ‎English
• Hardcover: ‎240 pages
• ISBN: 9781399040129

One of the many ingredients required for creating a great aircraft company is the ability to diversify, and this was just one of the strengths that would keep the Fairey Aviation Company in business from 1915 through to 1960. Like so many other aircraft manufacturers of the day, it found its feet by taking on sub-contract work, and, while this was being carried out, it began to build on its own aircraft portfolio.

Fairey did not just sit back and produce aircraft in line with specifications, they designed new features that would be incorporated in all aircraft in the future. The company's greatest, and most surprising, success story came about when the ubiquitous Swordfish, affectionately known as the Stringbag' entered production in 1936. The company's venture into rotary wing aircraft would eventually become its undoing, despite huge technical achievements being achieved in a very short space of time. Soaked up by Westlands in 1960, the legacy of the company's final aircraft, the Rotodyne, still lives on today, and only now, in the 21st Century, is the world really ready for such a fantastic machine. This book explores the fascinating history of the company and the aircraft it produced.

Dramatic images of historic British Naval aircraft.
Perfect for sending to friends, colleagues and family. 

Pack of 5.

Swordfish:  Operation Judgement
Phantom:    The Ark Royal
Buccaneer:  Strike Force 
Phantom:    Take Off from the Ark Royal
Swordfish:  On A Wing and A Prayer 

All cards are blank inside

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

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