Christmas cards aren't just for wishing 'Merry Christmas', they can equally say something about where your heart lies. We have a selection of Christmas cards from which to choose and all have an FAA or Navy connection. 

• Code flag Merry Christmas (A5)
• Heritage Reindeer (A5). Santa's heritage sleigh ride
• Daedalus Memorial (1/3 A4) by Nicholas Zambellas
• Aircraft Snow Crystal (A5) If you look very carefully, each 'crystal' is comprised of tiny aircraft silhouettes. I wonder if your friends will spot them?
• Swordfish Snowglobe Bauble (A5). An FAA twist on a Christmas favourite.
• Zigzag Robin (A5). A cheerful Christmas Robin with an FAA zigzag waistcoat.
• Swordfish in the Snow (A5). A dramatic image of a Swordfish flying low over a Christmas snowy landscape
• Sea Vixen Sleigh (A5). Comical cartoon of Santa and a Sea Vixen sleigh
• HMS QE and Santa (A5). Santa's landing routine as he approaches the QE's flight deck (not realising that  it doesn't have arrestor wires).
• Wing Walking Santa (A5). Santa and the reindeer use our own LS326 instead of their sleigh. 
• Christmas Fireplace. (A5). An good old fashioned roaring fire and two Fleet Air Arm socks for Santa to fill. You can almost smell the wood smoke and mulled wine.
• Christmas Zigzag (A5). A festive twist on the Fleet Air Arm zigzag 

Christmas cards are sold in packs of 10 and supplied with envelopes.

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. 

Veteran Phantom pilot John Dixon was the driving force behind the creation of this stunning range of Wings badges intended to be worn when wearing 'civvies'. The result is a range of beautifully crafted badges for Pilots, Observers and Aircrew in three different sizes.

Standard

Medium (either with brooch fitting ('Sweetheart' style) or butterfly clip pins)

Lapel

The detailing of these gold plated and enamelled badges is excellent and we have had a massively positive response both to their creation and their quality.

Licensed by the MOD.

The Royal Naval rum was measured in half-gill tots and variously diluted, often into a two-gill (half-pint) measure. Our measures are made in the time-honoured way - from skilfully hand-beaten brass which is copper-plated, polished and then lined with silver to neutralise taste. Practical as well as ornamental.

Height 2"

These very neatly embroidered tags celebrate some of our best known aircraft and famous WWII actions, and will look great on any key ring, belt, bag or rucksack.

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.

Encouraging people to 'Fly Navy' is great, but what if you've already been there and done that? 'Flew' Navy recognises your Naval flying career.

High quality items that say it all.

Handwash recommended.
Capacity 330ml

This fun, novel and multi-purpose item can either be sent with the enclosed note card filled in or sent complete as a present for someone else.

We think that it can also be repurposed to make a great Christmas tree ornament. We supply it with a hook in case you wish to do that, but please note that a small hole will need to be made to suspend it.

Pack size 16cm x 11cm

The magnificent men and women of the Fleet Air Arm flew in some magnificent flying machines. 

The British Legends collection includes awesome aircraft: Swordfish, Sea Fury, Sea Vixen, Sea Harrier, Sea King, Phantom, Wasp, Wessex, Lynx and Buccaneer...Merlin Bagger & Pinger, Wildcat & Sea King Junglie!

Matching coasters also available in Atlantic grey, black or white.

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 daring life story and astonishing adventures of Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown - Britain's greatest-ever pilot.

Brown's extraordinary flying career saw him fight in the Battle of Britain, narrowly escape death on a torpedoed aircraft carrier, achieve a litany of new records and firsts as a test pilot, and fly more kinds of aircraft than any other pilot in history.

With a life as remarkable as his flying, Brown faced imprisonment in Germany at the outbreak of WWII, and after the Allied victory his fluent German saw him interviewing senior Nazi officials and participating in the liberation of Belsen - an experience that haunted him for the rest of his life.

A rival to Chuck Yeager and hero to astronaut Neil Armstrong, by the time of his death in 2016 Winkle Brown had become a legend in his own lifetime and a national treasure.

Drawing on Brown's own papers and fascinating new research, Paul Beaver uncovers surprising new truths and incredible achievements in the definitive account of a pilot and man who was revered around the world.

Paperback

This is the Swiss Army Knife of clothing and can be used in so many ways for ladies or gents - to keep your neck, face and head warm, to wear while playing sport, as an Alice or hair band or in an emergency if you forget your mask.

However you wear them, it's proudly FAA.

Pictured in the French Alps and worn by a member of the Royal Navy Winter Sports Team.

One size fits all.

Everyone loves a comfy cushion on a comfy sofa. Now you can show and enjoy your love of aircraft while you're resting and having a nice cuppa.

Great examples of aircraft that played a significant role in British Naval Aviation and great examples of British aircraft design and engineering.

Choose your favourite from:

Swordfish, Sea Fury, Sea Vixen, Sea Harrier, Phantom, Buccaneer, Sea King, Wessex, Wasp, Lynx, Bagger & Pinger (Merlin and Sea King, Wildcat, Junglie, Taranto Battleplan and FAA zigzag.

Approx 37cm x 37cm

These cushions come pre-filled and ready to grace your armchair or sofa.

Machine washable on cool wash only. Do NOT tumble dry.

We all know the importance of poppies in commemorating those who sacrificed their lives for us. Here is our own design overlaid onto the Fleet Air Arm zigzag to specifically remind us of those who passed from that fighting arm. 

These are high quality and detailed enamel lapel pins supplied in a presentation box.

Diameter 28mm or 18mm

Your huge choice of de Havilland Sea Vixen, Hawker Sea Fury, Fairey Swordfish, Supermarine Seafire, Westland Sea King (Jungly and SAR), Westland Wasp, BAe Sea Harrier, Westland Wessex (Jungly and SAR), McDonnell Douglas Phantom, Westland Lynx, Blackburn Buccaneer, Lightning II F35, Gazelle, Fairey Gannet, Navy Wings 'Great British Take Off' logo and Navy Wings.

Made from heavy duty material with a strong fabric adjuster and 'sandwich' style peak to keep it's shape, our baseball caps are designed to last for years. A choice of legendary naval aircraft.

One size fits all & keeps the sun out of the eyes.

N.B. The Navy Wings logo is now placed at the rear of the hat and NOT at the sides as illustrated.

Spitfire Evolution is the first book to identify 73 variants of Supermarine Spitfire and Seafire.

Its commentary follows the evolution of this remarkable aircraft from its earliest forbears to the final marques (and includes Seafang, Spiteful and numerous small production specialist types).

 There are over 80 beautiful illustrations by Jon Freeman with additional diagrams illustrating both the technical differences and also a huge variety of liveries.

 The author, Paul Beaver, is a well-known writer, biographer, pilot and historian.

 This is a very convenient and extremely comprehensive companion/guide and is ideal for the spotter or aircraft enthusiast.

• Publisher‏: Beaver Westminster Limited (5 Mar. 2016)
• Language: English
• Pages: 68 
• ISBN: 9780993554506

You can now personalise your own belongings and show your enthusiasm for Navy Flying with our Fly Navy and Flew Navy stickers.

Now available as a heavy duty plastic option

Dimensions: 7.5cm x 10cm

Stickers come as a set of 5

You may also like other items in this range - 

https://navywingsflightstore.org/collections/flew-navy-fly-navy

The light blue zigzag mark of the FAA looks smart wherever it appears. The G10, Sports & NATO style straps are all made from tough and attractive nylon webbing and will last for years.

All have stainless steel fittings for good looks and durability.

The G10 & Sports style will take either 18mm or 20mm watches.

The NATO style will fit 22mm watches.

There is so much history in a crest that may have proudly adorned a ship for decades (or even centuries). These are the original high quality embroidered badges that were officially supplied to Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm establishments. 

Approx 13cm tall

Now you can show your love of Navy Flying with a pair of vinyl static-cling car windscreen window stickers. Both at the front, both at the back or one at each end - choices, choices. No adhesive involved - just peel and press. Not just for cars, any windows will do.

Flew Navy & Fly Navy 100mm x 76mm

If you're Royal Navy, a Fleet Air Arm Flying veteran or a current service personnel our baseball caps say it all.

Either is a statement of pride. This is a high quality item with fabric adjustment and sandwich peak for longevity.

One size fits most

Proudly wear the Fleet Air Arm wings crest & zig zag design on these high quality baseball caps.

Recently upgraded to even a higher quality, these durable caps feature a carefully embroidered crest, fabric adjuster (no more cracked plastic) and sandwich peak. 

The zigzag pattern is worn with pride by anyone who has been in service in the Fleet Air Arm.

These pins are neatly enamelled and an elegant addition when you want to show your affiliation.

An ideal gift.

Now your four-legged friends can support the Fleet Air Arm with a stylish ZigZag collar and/or lead.

Brush up on your nautical knowledge whilst drying the dishes!

This galley cloth (tea towel) displays the International Code of Signal Flags and their meanings, as well as the Morse code for each letter.

Some consider this too good for mundane chores and prefer to hang it on the wall in the galley or kitchen to bring some nautical cheer.

Dimensions: 71x51cm

Material: 100% cotton