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One of the advantages of a bath, compared to a shower, is that you can read a book in a bath. And, here are two recently read, plus one re-read, books that I am sure will be of interest to M4T members.
1. The Jolly Rogers;
Tom Blackburn;
Orion Books, NY; 1989.
For all lovers of the Corsair, this book covers the commissioning of VF-17, it's initial carrier quals, various mods to the aircraft, and its deployment to New Georgia. It also puts some perspective into the old debate about why the Corsair was not initially deployed aboard carriers and was, instead, deployed ashore, alongside the VMF Corsair squadrons. Some great insight into individual tactics, as well as those of section, division, flight and squadron. In 76 "combat" days, over the Solomons in 1943, VF-17 achieved a kill ratio of more than eleven to one, amassing a squadron score of 154 enemy aircraft.
2. Blue Skies;
Bill Olmstead; Stoddart,
Toronto; 1987.
An autobio of a Cdn Spitfire pilot in the RAF who, having deployed aboard ship to Gibraltar, then deployed to North Africa in support of the Op Torch progress eastwards. He then deployed to Malta, took part in Op Husky, flew cover for the landings at Salerno, the D-Day landings at Normandy, the attempt to close the Falaise Gap, and the push for Arnhem's bridge. Olmstead was a self-declared 'poor shot', but was highly regarded as a leader. He also dwells in some detail upon the arduous circumstances faced by tactical support fighter pilots in trying to keep within a reasonable distance of the friendly troops' front line. Like the Blackburn book (above), there are many details of the '24-hour' day, as well as the specific in-air confrontations, such that 'immersion' for the reader is readily achieved.
3. To War In A Stringbag;
Charles Lamb;
Nelson Doubleday, NY; 1977.
One of my favourite books, about one of my favourite aircraft. With perhaps typical British understatement and self-deprecating narrative, Commander Lamb takes the reader from September '39 through to the summer of '45, off Truk. He was deployed aboard HMS Courageous, with Swordfish, when she was sunk by U-Boat in the English Channel; and, he was launching Fireflies and Seafires off HMS Implacable against Truk. In between, he was involved virtually everywhere, including Dunkirk, Greece, Malta and North Africa. A very interesting, immersive, read; fighting the naval air war -- at 90 Knots!
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