Every once in a while something unexpected arrives at the door and so it was with this book from AdHoc Publications on the Sea Hornet. I really need to preface this review with two comments. One is that I'm a big Hornet fan and so this book is something that piques my interest without even turning a page. Second is that I found this book sheer delight to read.

The author, Alan J. Leahy, was one of those fortunate pilots that actually had an opportunity to spend time in the cockpit of the Sea Hornet, so we get insights into the aircraft that others would not provide. The book itself is more than just a history of the aircraft, an aircraft caught in the middle between older piston engined aircraft and turbojets. This is a compilation of experiences as told by a bevy of pilots who flew the Sea Hornet during her four short years of operational life.

It is difficult to believe, but the Sea Hornet was really only with two deploying squadrons. The fighter version was with 801 squadron and the night fighter with 809 squadron. There were other units to be sure, but they were mostly land based and spent little time, if any, aboard ship. Such was the state of affairs that an aircraft which had bellied in, doing very minor damage, was scrapped rather than spend the money to repair it.

Throughout the stories told in the book, one thing stands out; the Sea Hornet was a pure delight to fly. Though not quite as maneuverable as its contemporary, the Sea Fury, it was slightly faster and had an equal or better load carrying capability. It was only due to circumstances as much as anything else that the Sea Hornet was not sent to Korea as was the Sea Fury. I also think that the size of the aircraft was somewhat against it with carriers able to carry a few more of the smaller planes.

The book is more than 'I was there' stories. In its 84 pages are 125 superb photographs, and 16 outstanding pieces of artwork (profiles and four views). For a Sea Hornet fan, those are enough to justify the cover price. I found the entire volume to be a delight to read and the layout provided large quality images. It is a book that I can most highly recommend to you.

March 2007

My thanks to AdHoc for the review book. You can find these at your local hobby shop and if not, ask them to order them for you. You can also order direct by e-mailing them at www.adhocpublications.com

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