The Fleet Air Arm in the Second World War:: Volume I, 1939-1941, Norway, the Mediterranean and the Bismarck

This volume will appeal to everyone interested in how the Royal Navy adapted to the use of air power in the Second World War and provides a new and vital perspective on how Britain fought the War. This is the first of three volumes detailing the history of the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers and naval air squadrons, during the Second World War. It deals with the formative period between 1939 and 1941 when the Fleet Air Arm tried to recover from the impact of dual control and economic stringencies during the inter-war period while conducting a wide range of operations. There is in depth coverage of significant operations including the Norwegian campaign, Mediterrranean actions such as the attack on the Italian Fleet at Taranto and the Battle of Cape Matapan, and the torpedo attacks on the German battleship Bismarck. Incidents involving the loss of and damage to aircraft carriers, including the sinking of Ark Royal, one of the most famous ships in the early years of World War Two, are also reported. Of major importance are key planning and policy issues. These include the requirements for aircraft carriers, the evolving debate regarding the necessary types of aircraft and attempts to provide sufficient facilities ashore for naval air squadrons.

Author: Ben Jones
ISBN-10: 1409452573
ISBN-13: 9781409452577
Publisher: Navy Records Society
Language: English
Published: 04/15/2012
Pages: 624
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.20lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 1.31d