Strike Wings
Special Anti-Shipping Squadrons 1942-45
Published on 19. August 2014
240 pages
978-1-78337-860-9 (ISBN)
Description
A thrilling account of the RAF aviators who risked their lives to stop German supply convoys during World War II-includes stunning action photography.
In November 1942, the RAF formed special Strike Wings to attack the heavily defended and seemingly invulnerable convoys that brought Germany's vital supplies of iron ore from Scandinavia down the coast of Europe to feed its war machine. The outcome was a series of sea/air battles at close quarters, fought with increasing ferocity until the last days of the war.
The Germans tried everything against the Beaufighters and Mosquitos of the Strike Wings fighters-intense flak, parachute mines, and even flamethrowers-and the casualties were appallingly heavy on both sides. In this classic account of one of the neglected, yet crucial theaters of the air war, Roy Nesbit, himself a survivor of strike aircraft of Coastal Command, describes these complex battles from British and German records, assisted by firsthand accounts from some of the brave airmen who took part.
He also analyzes the effects of the tactics employed on the German war economy, with some startling conclusions. The result is a fascinating, clearly written, and vivid history of events that were little publicized during the war for reasons of security. His book also includes detailed diagrams of some of the key attacks and features some astonishing photographs taken in action.
In November 1942, the RAF formed special Strike Wings to attack the heavily defended and seemingly invulnerable convoys that brought Germany's vital supplies of iron ore from Scandinavia down the coast of Europe to feed its war machine. The outcome was a series of sea/air battles at close quarters, fought with increasing ferocity until the last days of the war.
The Germans tried everything against the Beaufighters and Mosquitos of the Strike Wings fighters-intense flak, parachute mines, and even flamethrowers-and the casualties were appallingly heavy on both sides. In this classic account of one of the neglected, yet crucial theaters of the air war, Roy Nesbit, himself a survivor of strike aircraft of Coastal Command, describes these complex battles from British and German records, assisted by firsthand accounts from some of the brave airmen who took part.
He also analyzes the effects of the tactics employed on the German war economy, with some startling conclusions. The result is a fascinating, clearly written, and vivid history of events that were little publicized during the war for reasons of security. His book also includes detailed diagrams of some of the key attacks and features some astonishing photographs taken in action.
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Roy Conyers Nesbit has a long-established reputation as a leading aviation historian. His many books include The Royal Air Force: An Illustrated History From 1918, RAF in Camera, The Battle of Britain, The Battle for Europe, Arctic Airmen, Eyes of the RAF, The Battle of the Atlantic, Ultra Versus U-Boats, Reported Missing, The Battle for Burma, and The Strike Wings.
Content
- Intro
- Front Cover
- Half-Title Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Foreword by Air Chief Marshal Sir Neil Wheeler, GCB, CBE, DSO, DFC and Bar AFC, FRAeS, RAF(Ret'd)
- Acknowledgements
- I Historical Background
- II Courage is not enough
- III Rocket Projectile
- IV The Good Shepherd
- V Blockade Runner
- VI D-Day Destroyers
- VII Combined Attack
- VIII Second Squirt
- IX Sailor's Grave
- X Crash Call
- XI Mosquitoes and Tsetses
- XII Black Friday
- XIII Retribution
- XIV The Reckoning
- Appendices
- I Main Locations of the Strike Wings
- II Kriegsmarine Vessels attacked by the Strike Wings
- III Vessels sunk or damaged by the Strike Wings
- Bibliography and Sources
