Brian Cull and Frederick Galea have written comprehensive history of the FAA’s leading fighter squadron of the Second World War: 806 Naval Air Squadron with many previously unpublished photographs

806 NAS was formed in February 1940 and equipped with Blackburn Skua fighter-bombers plus a few Blackburn Roc turret fighters. The embryonic squadron flew fighter-bomber sorties against the Norwegian coast before taking part in the Dunkirk operations where the first air victories were claimed. Having re-equipped with Fairey Fulmar two-seat fighters, 806 joined the fleet carrier HMS Illustrious and engaged Italian bombers and reconnaissance aircraft over the Mediterranean during late 1940, scoring many successes. By early January 1941 when the carrier was bombed, the remaining Fulmars participated in her defence flying from Malta. The survivors flew to Egypt and found themselves involved in operations from the carrier HMS Formidable, fighting the Vichy French in Syria, before re-equipping with RAF Hurricanes and fighting in North Africa. By early 1942, one flight of the squadron participated in the capture of Madagascar while the other, equipped with Grumman Martlets, escorted convoy Pedestal to Malta and marked the end of 806’s operational career. The squadron was then withdrawn from frontline duties.

●A gripping account of the conflict as it was viewed during the war by the aircrews of both sides, the press – often for propaganda purposes – and public
●Original research with extracts from official operations and published memoirs
●Includes information extracted from Luftwaffe records regarding claims and losses of German aircraft/aircrew
●Illustrated with new and rarely seen photographs

806 Naval Air Squadron the FAA’s Top-Scoring Fighter Squadron of the Second World War by Brian Cull and Frederick Galea will be published by Fonthill Media

Publication: 5 September 2019
Price: £25.00/$36.95
ISBN: 978-1-78155-750-1
Size: 234 x 156 mm
Binding: Hardback
Extent: 224 pages
Illustrations: 75 mono

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