On the 12th of February1942, six Swordfish set off from RAF Manston to attack Kriegsmarine battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as they dashed up the English Channel heading away from Brest to safer ports to the north.

The CO of RAF Manston, not expecting them to return, saluted each aircraft as it took off.

The powerful German squadron was escorted by numerous destroyers and E boats and squadrons of fighter aircraft.

Several RAF fighter squadrons were supposed to engage the German fighters and provide protection for the Swordfish, but only one made the rendezvous with the Swordfish. They were hopelessly outnumbered by German fighters and, fighting for their own survival, were unable to support.

The Swordfish, now in two flights of three, pressed home their attacks, but were cut to ribbons by a combination of enemy fighters and the massed guns of the ships they were attacking and their escort screen. All six were shot down and only five of the eighteen crewmen survived.

Flight leader, Lt Commander Eugene Esmonde, who had received a DSO for his part in the attack on the Bismarck, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. 

The German commander, Vice Admiral Otto Ciliax described the courage of the Swordfish crews. “…the mothball attack of a handful of ancient planes, piloted by men whose bravery surpasses any other action by either side that day”.

The Fairey Swordfish achieved legendary status in WWII. The bravery and sense of duty of their crews, in the doomed action that was to become known as The Channel Dash, have become part of the legend.

This limited edition commemorative print by Duncan Robertson is signed by veterans who took part in that ill-fated mission and shows one of the six Swordfish that was lost on that fateful day.

This is your opportunity to own a piece of history that will look superb in any home.

Supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

The prints are all signed by:-

Don Bunce (825 Sqn Channel Dash survivor)
Edgar Lee (825 Sqn Channel Dash survivor)
Pat Kingsmill (825 Sqn Channel Dash survivor). 
Brian Kingcome (Spitfire Pilot – C.O. 72 Sqn)
Tom Gleave (C.O. RAF Manston)

Fairey Swordfish

Fairey Swordfish LS326 and W5856 are both members of the Navy Wings Heritage Flight and veterans of active service in WWII

Approx 71cm x 54cm

N.B. This item is supplied as a print. The image where it is depicted with a frame is for illustrative purposes only.

The full visual history of the special forces combat diver from World War II to the present day.

Combat divers are an elite within an elite. Every special forces combat diver is required to pass selection twice – first into the elite military unit and then a combat diving qualification. The combat dive units themselves are tiny and the operations highly classified. The role of a military diver is inevitably a lonely and a dangerous one, whether clearing mines or striking from the sea against enemy-held targets. Fully illustrated with rare and unusual images, Combat Divers reveals their little-known yet fascinating operations, from Dutch Special Forces combat divers covertly operating against Somali pirates to the actions of Soviet Spetsnaz divers in Swedish territorial waters during the Cold War. It also examines how the most famous units, such as the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Navy's SBS, are currently operating and adapting to threats in a multitude of theatres.

Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.

Hardcopy

This is a unique account of the Falkland War, told by former Commando Medic, Malcolm Hazell, who led a team of 39 men, initially at Ajax Bay, and subsequently at Teal Inlet where they were alongside members of the Special Boat Service (SBS) and the Commandos specialist Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre (M&AW Cadre).

Detailed accounts are given of the facilities the medical team provided at both locations, and the largely untold military role Teal Inlet played in defeating the Argentine Forces. Above all this is a graphic account of the war, and its many battles, including Naval gunfire support provided by destroyers and frigates, and the damage and losses resulting both ashore and afloat. Having written the account, shocking anomalies regarding fatalities from both sides of the conflict are uncovered and remain unresolved.

The pivotal role played by the Commando Helicopter Pilots of 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons and 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron is fully emphasised, and the author is clear that the remarkable success his men enjoyed in saving so many critically injured lives from both sides of the war, was in no small measure also due to the heroic endeavour of these pilots, often flying in the most appalling weather conditions and visibility, to evacuate the wounded.

Malcolm Hazell's medical team played a full part in the reception and treatment of around two thirds of all the casualties treated ashore, ably supported at Ajax Bay by both Royal Navy and Parachute surgical teams; but they subsequently had to negotiate very hard to secure any surgical support at Teal Inlet, and in the end gained the vital support of a single Parachute surgical team, comprised of just one surgeon and a handful of other medics to manage an operating table. When weather conditions deteriorated as the war reached its climax, the team at Teal Inlet were the sole receiving medical facility, placing an unimaginable strain on the facility, much of which was under-canvas. If this was not enough, Argentine and British fatalities were also being flown back to the facility - something that has proven highly controversial and contentious as the author has sought to clarify anomalies he identified in 2020, only to be met with denials and silence.

Also told in some detail is the conversion of the British Merchant liner Uganda, into a Hospital Ship. Complete with a helicopter flight deck, the conversion remarkably took just a few days to complete at Gibraltar, and the author explains the crucial role this ship and its Royal Navy medical staff played in receiving and treating casualties from the medical facilities ashore, and their subsequent evacuation out of the war zone to Montevideo, utilising Royal Navy survey ships, re-rolled as ambulance vessels.

This is not just a medics story however, and the reader is given a full understanding of the tactical situation throughout the account, on a day by day, blow by blow basis - how each piece of turf had to be proven to be free of the invading Argentine forces, or recaptured, and herein the book gives a detailed description of the extensive mine threat that confronted the British Forces ashore. Commando Medics in the Falkland War provides a complete insight into almost every aspect of this brutal war.

Our exclusive Fleet Air Arm 'Fly Navy' bunting is finally here..

Whatever the occasion, if you're part of the FAA fraternity, these will be just the job.

These large size, double sided pennants are made in the UK and are heavy duty so they will last for years.

Only available from Navy Wings.

• Made in the UK
• Heavy duty, double-sided
• Dimensions: W20cm x H30cm
• Length: 10m - 24 pennants 

The game of Spoof (sometimes known in this version as 'Three coin') is played throughout the Royal Navy and wherever people gather. It is a simple family strategy game, but is often associated with pubs and bars, where the loser buys drinks for the other players.

Our coins feature Supermarine Seafire, Fairey Swordfish and Westland Wasp, each with the Great British Take Off logo on the reverse and in gold, silver and bronze colours.

The Battle of the Atlantic (1939-1945) was the longest and most complex battle of WWII. Often referred to as the Battle FOR Britain (as opposed to the Battle of Britain), it was the battle that Britain simply had to win or be strangled out of the conflict. Fairey Swordfish and MAC (Merchant Aircraft Carrier - converted merchantmen) ships played a vital role in winning the war against the U boat. 

In c.270 convoys accompanied by this redoubtable duo, there was only one successful attack on a convoy.

2023 marks the 80th anniversary of that point in the battle where Admiral Doenitz and German High Command conceded that the balance had shifted from highly successful predation of allied convoys to their own unsustainable losses.

Quality mug with quality design showing Swordfish, carrier and U boat.

Hand wash recommended.

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

Sliding out of the shadows of World War Two, the de Havilland Vampire – accompanied by the distinctive whine of its Goblin engine – quickly proved itself an effective alternative to piston-powered fighters. After entering operational service with the RAF (as the service’s first single-engined jet) in 1946, the Vampire – sought by air forces the world over – held a number of notable records: the first fighter to exceed 500 mph, the first to set a world altitude record of almost 60,000 ft, the first jet to take off and land from an aircraft carrier, and the first jet to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Not bad for something built partly of wood. Throughout these pages, the “Vampire Boys” bring to life the trials and tribulations of operating a first-generation jet across the globe. Through their insightful anecdotes and exceptional experiences, the reader can follow squadrons across the dusty deserts of Iraq to exercises in West Germany. First-hand tales of training, aerial handling, incidents and accidents (including the much-maligned spin characteristics) and squadron life – accompanied by unique images – bring together a portrait of a pioneering time in aviation advancement, right up to the present day with the T.11 still flying from Coventry Airport.

Eric Brown: A Pilot's Story (DVD) - Britain's Greatest Aviator in His Own Words

The title says it all. The story of the world's greatest test pilot. An 80-minute DVD is barely able to do justice to the fascinating story of a man who had an extraordinary life. Winkle contributed so much to the development of aviation in general, and naval aviation in particular, in the 20th century. He holds numerous 'firsts', is credited with over 2,400 carrier landings (no one else has come close) and his record of 487 different types of aircraft flown will never be broken.

Subtle and understated, the circular zigzag motif speaks for itself or you can spell it out loud and proud with 'Fleet Air Arm' carefully embroidered underneath! 

Can either be worn smart or casual and these quality polo's with neat embroidery will last for years.

Tablets aren't cheap, so anything that can be done to protect them is a good thing!

These new covers are smart, carry the Fleet Air Arm zigzag and offer protection from scrapes, scuffs and bumps.

Made from tough, durable neoprene, these are suitable for 10" tablets (or smaller).

Dimensions: 275 x 200 x 30mm

Now your four-legged friends can support the Commando Helicopter Force with a stylish Zig Zag collar and/or lead.

Standard collar length extends between 32-52cm / 12-20in /width: 2cm
Large collar extends to 22in, width 2.5cm/1in
Dog lead length: 147cm / 58in, width: 2.5cm

The Commandos were created by Winston Churchill in 1940 as a 'butcher and bolt' raiding unit to destroy vital targets in German occupied Europe. Recruits for this 'special service' were all volunteers, drawn from the British Army, and later from the Royal Marines and other Allied armies. Commando training was extremely demanding - men had to be physically fit and show initiative, mental toughness and adaptability. The training courses were designed to cultivate these qualities and to simulate real battle experiences, which included the use of live ammunition. Commandos learned a diverse range of skills at dedicated training centres in the remote Scottish Highlands.

This pocket-book draws on authentic training manuals, lecture notes, course literature and other material from the commando schools to give a real insight into this highly specialised fighting unit - demonstrating how commandos were taught to live, fight and move on offensive operations, initially as raiding parties, and later as skilled assault infantry. Sections of the book cover survival and fieldcraft skills; night operations; assaulting obstacles; use of equipment - such as the COPPS canoe for beach reconnaissance and sabotage; and weapons training, including the Thompson submachine gun, the Bren gun, and the famous emblem of the commandos - the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife.

 Hardback‏: ‎ 128 pages

Smart, durable and very good at keeping things hot or cold....

Each tumbler has a wide opening for comfortable filling and pouring with an easy sipping push-on lid with slide closure.

Top quality, these are solidly built and will last for years.

This item is not dishwasher safe.

Capacity 350ml.

A high quality t-shirt with the ever popular Great British Take Off logo. 

Now your child can display both your and their passion for British Naval Aviation Heritage.

 We recommend washing and ironing inside out. This garment is machine washable.

The Maritime Volunteer Service is a recognised national maritime training organisation and a UK registered charity with more than 25 units around the country providing training to nationally and internationally recognised standards, serving local communities especially in times of need or emergency and taking part in resilience exercises ashore and afloat. 

• Embroidered Patch
• H115mm 
• Sew on
• Rayon - Artificial Silk - Stitching

Arriving November 14th, 2024

On May 1st, 1982, nine Sea Harriers from 800 Naval Air Squadron, attacked the airfield at Port Stanley. Then a Flight Lieutenant, David Morgan was the pilot of the last aircraft to attack and was forced to come in just above ground level to avoid the, by then fully alert, airfield defences.

Despite being hit by 20mm AA fire, he managed to escape by flying at less than 30 feet above the runway and returned safely to HMS Hermes.

Lt Cdr Morgan ended the conflict as the highest scoring pilot with four confirmed victories and was subsequently awarded the DSC.

This superb print by Darryl Legg captures the speed and danger of those moments as he completes his mission and hurtles along the runway to get clear of the danger zone.

Each print of the limited edition of 300 is individually signed by Lt Cdr David Morgan DSC.

Approx 70cm x 50cm

A specialist variant of the Westland Sea King, the HC.4 was the Royal Navy's Commando troop carrying and resupply helicopter replacement for their Wessex HU.5 helicopters and a development of similar aircraft produced for the Egyptian and Qatari Air Forces. 42 newly built helicopters were eventually produced in this configuration, which by their nature, were never too far from any action hotspots.
Deployed to combat zones right across the world during their 36-year service career, the Junglie as it was affectionately known, served with distinction from the Falklands War, through to the UK's campaign in Afghanistan.

King of the Junglies
Known as ‘King of the Junglies’, ZA298 was the longest serving Sea King HC.4. For over 30 years it was active in wars in the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq and most recently Afghanistan.

Features:
- Folding rotor blades and tail
- Undercarriage without sponsons unique to HC.4 variant
- New interior parts including lengthened cabin and extra seats
- Open/closed door option
- GPMG machine gun mount
- New cockpit detail parts
- Extra antenna and countermeasures detail parts to suit the HC.4’s front-line role

Decal schemes:

Scheme A
Westland Sea King HC.4 - ZA298 ‘King of the Junglies’, No. 846 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, HMS Fearless, Operation 'Corporate', Falkland Islands, 1982.

Scheme B
Westland Sea King HC.4 - ZA312, No.845 Naval Air Squadron, Operation 'Granby'/Desert Storm, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, King Khalid Military City, Saudi Arabia, January-February 1991.

Scheme C
Westland Sea King HC.4 - ZD480, No.845 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, Croatia, 1995.

Scheme D
Westland Sea King HC.4 - ZF122, No.845 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy, Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, 2013.

Kit Specs
- Pieces: 289
- Length: 460mm
- Width: 397mm
- 4 x Decal Options

The de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk (or Chippie) is a tandem, two-seat, single-engine primary trainer aircraft designed and developed by de Havilland (Canada). It was developed shortly after WWII and sold in large numbers during the immediate post-war years, often used as a replacement for the de Havilland Tiger Moth biplane. Introduced in 1946 it was finally retired in the UK in 1996.

It was much loved by the generations of trainee pilots who cut their teeth on this very capable, reliable and pilot friendly aircraft.

This specific aircraft, WK608, beautifully rendered here by Joe Roberts, currently resides in the Navy Wings hangar. It is part of the Navy Wings 'tail dragger' training process and makes regular appearances at airshows around the UK.

Poster: A3

Neptune and the Pollywogs is an in-depth study of the most traditional of seafaring initiation ceremonies, Crossing of the Line, which is performed when one of Her Majesty’s Ships crosses the equator.

Neptune and the Pollywogs examine the rites historical roots, follows its chronological evolution, formalities and observances, the parts and origin of the characters used in the ceremonies historic and modern-day practice.

Furthermore, this book reveals the Admiralties pamphlet, issued in September 1946, which outline the ceremonies procedure and its conduct following H.M.S. Renown's crossing, when the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, was a willing Pollywog.

The crossings of HMS Deer Sound and HMS Perseus are recorded using original documentation.
Included, primarily for entertainment, is the anecdotal story of the SS Warrimoo.

Published in conjunction with the Royal Navy Research Archives.com