This next book covers one of the RAF's Auxiliary Air Force squadrons that was called to duty just prior to WWII. The unit was originally outfitted as a bomber unit and flew a number sedate types like the DH.9, Wapiti, and Wallace. It was redesignated a fighter squadron and in 1938 started to receive Hurricanes, the type on which it eventually went to war. This was one of the units that took its Hurricanes to France and was caught up in the mass retreat when the Germans finally overran that country. The unit was also part of the 'anti-diver' campaign against the V-1 and had considerable success against this first cruise missile.

The 138 pages of softbound book are basically divided into two sections. The first section is a squadron history from the start of the war in 1939 until the end of hostilities. The unit itself continued post war until all Auxiliary and Reserve units were disbanded in the mid-1950s . Throughout this portion, there are photos of the aircraft used as well as color profiles of some. Special sections are also in there that provide snippets of information that include things like serial/code tie-ins for a specific time period, organizational information, code names and the like.

Part two is  the Appendix, and  this covers  a myriad of things like squadron commanders, details of first and last mission, bases, total sorties by date, know serial/code tie-ins during the existence of the unit, victory and loss list and a lot more. Then there is a small biography of every known pilot from the unit. Each man's information includes successes and awards. Some of the more notable pilots have their personal information expanded. Throughout this section are more great photographs and profiles.

I would me remiss if I didn't mention that my copy had a printing error in which much of the unit history from page19 to 34 was missing, replaced by duplicate pages 83 to 98. I would encourage the buyer and publisher to check their volumes to see if this was endemic to the printing run or just this one case. Late note: the publisher is aware of the problem and is checking every book sent out to be sure it is OK.

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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