Limited CD audio book version of the Fairey Rotodyne publication.

The Fairey Rotodyne was a large British compound helicopter designed and built by the Fairey Aviation Company and intended for commercial and military applications. It was considered to be one of the iconic aviation projects of the 1950s/60s and a bright future was planned for the aircraft. Widely accepted to be a revolutionary design, it was economically viable, fast and capable of vertical take-off and landing from city centre heliports.

However, despite the proven feasibility of this bold concept, the Rotodyne project was terminated in 1962 due to escalating development costs and unresolved technical issues. This book seeks to fill a gap in aviation literature on the history of the Rotodyne, an aircraft ahead of its time. Winner of Hampshire Libraries Special Collections Award 2010.

This book, by Rotodyne expert David Gibbings, seeks to fill a gap in aviation literature and offers a long-awaited full, illustrated, and in-depth history of the Rotodyne, many of whose features are still valued by organisations such as Nasa, highly in demand and used to this day.

Format: CD

Rare signed copies of the Fairey Rotodyne publication.

The Fairey Rotodyne was a large British compound helicopter designed and built by the Fairey Aviation Company and intended for commercial and military applications. It was considered to be one of the iconic aviation projects of the 1950s/60s and a bright future was planned for the aircraft. Widely accepted to be a revolutionary design, it was economically viable, fast and capable of vertical take-off and landing from city centre heliports.

However, despite the proven feasibility of this bold concept, the Rotodyne project was terminated in 1962 due to escalating development costs and unresolved technical issues. This book seeks to fill a gap in aviation literature on the history of the Rotodyne, an aircraft ahead of its time. Winner of Hampshire Libraries Special Collections Award 2010.

This book, by Rotodyne expert David Gibbings, seeks to fill a gap in aviation literature and offers a long-awaited full, illustrated, and in-depth history of the Rotodyne, many of whose features are still valued by organisations such as Nasa, highly in demand and used to this day.

Few aircraft encompass as many contradictions as the Fairey Swordfish.

The legendary 'Stringbag' naval torpedo bomber was approaching antiquation at the start of the war yet struck mortal blows against some of the most powerful battleships in the Axis fleets. Naval Aviation historian Matthew Willis explores how modern technology such as radar kept the Swordfish effective in the early years of the war and enabled it to find and hit the Italian fleet at Taranto, and the Bismarck in the Atlantic, in circumstances where no other aircraft could have succeeded.

When it was finally superseded in its main role with the Fleet, the Swordfish fulfilled vital roles protecting convoys from the U-boat menace. The story of the Swordfish's service across the majority of theaters in WW2, from the hunt for the Graf Spee to the beaches of Normandy, is told here with never-before-published accounts from veteran aircrews. Includes 100+ historic photographs and unique images of the Royal Navy Historic Flight's preserved aircraft.

• Format Paperback: 116 pages
• Dimensions: 184 x 248mm
• Publication date 31 Aug 2022
• ISBN: 9781911658498

The bi-plane is decorated in silver with black, white and yellow markings. Its Royal Navy numbers W5856 and A2A are printed in black and white respectively with A2A featuring again in white on the underside of the upper wings. The many struts, spars and braces, which gave it the wartime nickname ‘Stringbag’ are also painted silver. The upper fuselage and forward section horizontal stabilisers are black, the torpedoes are grey with red nose cone, propeller tips and spinner yellow, engine cowl and exhaust pipes bronze, cockpit interior grey-green and fuselage bands dark red and dark blue. Additional decoration includes a black and white horizontal section on the tail fin, black and yellow wheels and the RAF roundel on both sides of the fuselage.

Packed: 19.2cm 15.2cm 12.2cm ( L x W x H )
Unpacked: 23.8cm 23.8cm 9.4cm ( L x W x H )

Dimensions excludes shipping carton. Packed item comes on plinth with case.

Brand: Oxford Diecast

Trumpeter Fairey Swordfish Mk.II Model

Plastic model kit

Requires assembly and painting

Suitable for ages 14 and over

Scale 1/32

The legend that is the Fairey Swordfish LS326 (MkII) HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED by W5856, the oldest flying example and another of the aircraft carefully maintained in the hangar here at RNAS Yeovilton. Most of her wartime career was spent in the Mediterranean. This is an accurate diecast model of a real life icon who earned her laurels flying over the white horses that concealed a deadly threat to our survival.

The Fairey Swordfish is a biplane torpedo bomber designed by the Fairey Aviation Company. Originating in the early 1930s, the Swordfish, nicknamed "Stringbag", was operated by the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm.

Despite being obsolete by 1939, the Swordfish achieved some spectacular successes during the war. Notable events included sinking one battleship and damaging two others of the Regia Marina (the Italian Navy) during the Battle of Taranto, and the famous attack on the Bismarck, which contributed to her eventual demise. By the end of the war, the Swordfish held the distinction of having caused the destruction of a greater tonnage of Axis shipping than any other Allied aircraft. The Swordfish remained in front-line service until VE Day, having outlived multiple aircraft that had been intended to replace it in service.

Bespoke art by acclaimed artist Beanz, hand drawn & digitally mastered using DTG technology which limits cracking & fading of the image thus ensuring a longer lasting fresh design. 

Cartoon aviation theme available in a variety of colours.
Fabric: 100% Organic combed ringspun cotton
Weight: 140gsm

Recommended washing at 40 degrees or below , do not dry clean.

Please allow 5-7 working days for dispatch - as this item is printed to order.

With all their noise and power, jet engines are awesome and dramatic. They can be just as awesome and dramatic after they have ceased in their primary role. This unusual lamp was once the flame tube from a Rolls Royce military jet engine.

Flame tubes allow fuel to be injected into the high pressure air and be completely burned before entering the turbine. Without flame tubes, there would be no place for fuel combustion to take place.

This example has been carefully polished, mounted on a hand turned wooden base and fitted with a low energy bulb. Perfect for some atmospheric lighting and very rare.

Great lighting and great talking piece and you can be sure that your neighbours won't have one.

For Star Wars fans, you may wish to checkout IG-88, the assassin droid in The Empire Strikes Back, whose head bears a remarkable resemblance to a flame tube!

N.B. Designs may vary very slightly from illustration. 

Approx dimensions:

Height 63cms

Diameter 25 cms

The Fleet Air Arm's reputation for getting things done is encapsulated in their renowned 'Can Do' attitude and 'Find, Fix, Strike' motto. Wear these pin badges and key rings with pride or they make great gifts.

That's the spirit!

High quality enamel badges.

Mugs - Handwash recommended
330ml capacity

DISCONTINUED LINE - JUST A FEW LEFT AT GIVEAWAY PRICES

Featuring the proud zigzag pattern of the FAA, the shirts have two frontal designs - Wildcat/Merlin (RNAS Yeovilton) and Merlin/Sea King (RNAS Culdrose). Both have the Fairey Swordfish and F35 on the reverse to symbolise the progression and tradition of the Fleet Air Arm. These are made to our own design by Badger, a company who make shirts for top league and national teams - if they can stand that sort of wear, they will last for years.

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 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

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

Flying the Flag for Britain’s Naval Aviation Heritage 

Fleet Air Arm Centenary Whisky and Gin

We are delighted to be able to offer you Navy Wings' Whisky and Gin to celebrate this year’s Centenary of the formation of the Fleet Air Arm in 1924.

To celebrate this momentous milestone, we have partnered with London & Scottish International to create these wonderful bottles of Whisky and Gin.

Fleet Air Arm Centenary Single Malt Whisky

This 10 year old, complex single malt Whisky is viscous, smooth and savoury on the palate. It is noted for its warming pastry, vanilla, oak and earthy flavours. The additional barrel age has mellowed this spirit beautifully allowing the fruit flavours to develop gently in the glass. At no stage are the components disjointed or overpowered by alcohol or the peat.

The flavours are gentle and balance each other beautifully from the first smell through to the long finish.

70cl 46% abv

Fleet Air Arm Centenary Small Batch Gin

Our Small Batch London Dry Gin has aromas of Alpine Forest, with lively green pine and leafy herbs. It has big, bold robust flavours with brilliant juicy juniper followed by a smooth woody spice and clean citrus notes leading to a strong lingering finish.

70cl 43% abv

Please note that the drinkware accompanying the whisky and gin in some images is purely for illustration purposes and is not supplied as standard.

Navy Wings Whisky and Gin is currently only available to customers based in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey.

The Fleet Air Arm is the aviation branch of the Royal Navy.

The Fleet Arm provide their pilot's with state-of-the-art aircraft in order to deliver naval air power over land and sea.

Support us and help raise awareness just by having a cuppa!

Choose from - Gazelle, Westland Lynx, Westland Wasp, Westland Wessex, Westland Sea King (SAR & Jungly),

Hawker Sea Fury, BAe Sea Harrier, de Havilland Sea Vixen, Supermarine Seafire, F-35B Lightning and the Mighty Fairey Swordfish.

More designs coming soon!

Dishwasher & microwave safe.

300ml

 You may also like - 

Navy Wings Series: Enamel Aircraft Badges -
https://navywingsflightstore.org/products/navy-wings-series-enamel-aircraft-badges

'Aviation Icons' High Quality Polo Shirt -  
 https://navywingsflightstore.org/products/copy-of-made-in-britain-series-navy-wings-polo-shirt-choice-of-classic-aircraft

'Aviation Icons' Baseball Caps - 
https://navywingsflightstore.org/products/high-quality-baseball-cap 

This elegant, understated and multi-functional chronograph has been designed to meet the exacting standards, in both function and form, of the Fleet Air Arm.

It's subtle, deep blue dial incorporates a disc with the traditional Fleet Air Arm zigzag.

The smart black strap is made from real leather and the chronograph also comes with a Nato style 22mm strap.

Every element of this chronograph has been made to exacting standards and it incorporates a superior and very reliable Japanese movement.

Equally at home for day to day use or for that special occasion.

Supplied in a stylish presentation case with the circular zigzag motif on the cover.

Only available from Navy Wings.

Specifications:

• This smart green flying suit is perfect for all young flying enthusiasts and would make a great gift.

Now a lucky child can look just like a real Fleet Air Arm pilot.

The good quality suit comes with 4 velcro areas where patches can be applied.

Supplied with 3 patch badges worth over £15

1. Royal Navy
2. Fleet Air Arm Wings
3. Navy Wings Heritage Flight

Suit measurements:

1-2 yrs = H78cm
2-3 yrs = H86cm           
4-5 yrs = H94cm
6-7 yrs = H102cm
8-9 yrs = H110cm

10/11yrs = H117cm

12/14 = 127cm

This smart black flying suit is perfect for all young flying enthusiasts and would make a great gift.

Now a lucky child can look just like a real Fleet Air Arm pilot.

The good quality suit comes with 4 velcro areas where patches can be applied.

Supplied with 3 patch badges worth over £15

1. Royal Navy
2. Fleet Air Arm Wings
3. Navy Wings Heritage Flight

Baseball cap (not supplied with flying suit) and badges also available separately.

Our thanks to George for modelling it. A Fleet Air Arm pilot in the making perhaps?

Any occasion, iconic, high quality gift wrap paper.

Perfect for all Fleet Air Arm personnel both retired and present (excuse the pun).

Highest quality gilt enamel Fleet Air Arm cufflinks. Available in two designs.

Chain-link and T-bar fittings.

Both supplied in a plush gift box.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, British naval aviation was in the midst of chaos and confusion. While the design of aircraft carriers had rapidly advanced, there were few naval aviation and maintenance personnel, few naval air stations and no high performance naval aircraft. The Fleet Air Arm was heavily dependent on RAF personnel, and signing up was complicated, often taking several months. But as the war progressed, the FAA soon became an essential force in the fight for victory its huge success was one of the major achievements of the Second World War. Fleet Air Arm Handbook is 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, accommodation, training, activities, uniform, and the relationship between aircrew and their shipmates aboard the Royal Navy's carriers. Each squadron, wing and carrier air group is listed along with their operations and locations. This is a well-researched tribute to an important force and is essential reading for anyone interested in naval or aviation activity during the Second World War.