Continuing their fine series on RAF and Commonwealth squadrons in WWII, we have this one on 457 Squadron (RAAF). Formed in mid 1941, 457 Sq found itself to be the unofficial OCU for other Australian and RAF units. Initially equipped with obsolescent Spitfire Is and then Mk. II versions, the unit was finally able to see some action after early December 1942 when it was moved to southeast England and equipped with Sptifire Vs.

This was due to the unit being recalled to Australia following the Pearl Harbor attack and the need to defend Australia from the Japanese. But before that, it was felt that it needed some experience, hence a few months of ops on Spitfire Vs. Unfortunately, these aircraft were being soundly drubbed by the new Focke-Wulf 190s and while there were a number of victories, there were also a number of losses.

Eventually the unit was sent via ship to Australia where it reformed in early 1943, again with Sptifire Vs, aircraft that were really not well suited to the interception mission. Spitfire VIIIs were later received, but by then the Japanese air threat was over and the unit was used for ground attack, a mission that was not well suited to the Spitfire VIII, which was designed as an interceptor!

In common with other editions, this one has a full unit history with lists of known aircraft/serials, a war diary of missions flown, list of aces, aircraft shot down, aircraft lost, maps of where the unit was based and a listing of all known pilots with a small biography of each. For those unfamiliar with RAAF units, this one is the famous 'Grey Nurse' unit which eventually adorned its Spitfire VIII's with nice shark mouth markings in the last months of the war.

Overall, it is a superbly researched and presented book. One that I found fascinating and one that is bound to be a valuable reference resource in the years to come. Most highly recommended.

November 2007

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles

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