The 'Stringbag' was one of the most remarkable aircraft of the Second World
War, a relatively slow, biplane design in an age of monoplanes. But it
outlived its supposed successor and earned legendary battle honours in so doing
- Norway, the Bismarck attack, Taranto and the 'Channel Dash' operations.
For such a classic naval aircraft, it is only fitting that the author of this
comprehensive study be Ray Sturtivant, whose many years of research and source
discoveries in Fleet Air Arm history have made him uniquely qualified for this
superb study. This is the story of Fairey's most famous aircraft, from design
genesis through peacetime service, war action in many theatres to final
retirement: a fantastic collection of facts and data are combined with ex-crew
reminiscences to create a complete historical narrative. The illustrations are
all genuine contemporary photographs culled from numerous sources with many
never before published and telling their own story. Perhaps the most
remarkable aspect in cementing this book as the definitive study are the
appendixes - an epic feat of enthusiastic research. These include: full
specifications for the variants of Swordfish; the names of all squadrons fully
or partly equipped with Swordfish including RAF and RCAF users; an impressive
directory of all known Swordfish losses; and a list of all individual aircraft
histories - a staggering feat of meticulous detailed research.
The Swordfish was designed by the relatively small firm of Fairey as a Torpedo
Spotter Reconnaissance aircraft in 1933. Official orders were placed despite
the design's being already superseded by monoplane developments, and the
concept clearly owed much to First World War influences. But it appeared just
as German rearmament became more public, and it was seen as an obvious machine
to meet Fleet Air Arm needs in any future war, so it entered full production.
Although of biplane design and limited performance, the Swordfish endeared
itself to its crews, being manoeuvrable and forgiving of errors. No 825
Squadron was the first to receive the type in July 1936. By the outbreak of
war three years later, the Swordfish was the standard Fleet Air Arm
carrier-borne torpedo bomber and also operated from capital ships for
reconnaissance and bombardment spotting duties. It gave sterling service in
all theatres despite virtual total obsolescence, and remained on first-line
duties until the end of hostilities in Europe in May 1945.
'The Swordfisb Story'
represents the most detailed, accurate and consummate history of the
marvellous 'Stringbag' that has ever been written. For all who flew the type,
together with those who simply succumb to its unique and indefinable appeal,
this book is excellent and indispensable reading, for there is unlikely to be
anything in print that comes close to it.
