Squadrons #8: Halifax I

Author:

Phil Listemann

Price

$14.98

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

Notes: ISBN: 978-2918590-47-7, Available at www.raf-in-combat.com 35 Pages

For their next 'Squadrons' book, RAF-in-Combat has chosen another aircraft that saw limited service though following models were much more widespread. This is on the Halifax I, the initial production of the bomber that had a run of about 85 aircraft. However, this was enough to fully equip two squadrons and provide the needed replacements and aircraft that are used for crew training. The big difference between the Mk.I over the next in the line was less powerful Merlin X engines and the lack of an upper fuselage turret. The plane had beam guns but the RAF found them to be pretty much a useless addition.

The two squadrons that were equipped with the initial Halifax were 35 Squadron in late 1941. They operated the type for about a year before getting in Mk.II replacement aircraft. The other was 76 Squadron which flew them for about seven months before the last one was retired in early 1942. After that, the few remaining planes (about 35 of them) were either used as flight trainers or instructional airframes trainers with the last flyable plane being out of service by sometime in 1943.

In addition to some excellent histories of the units involved, which includes details on operations carried out by the units, there is a listing of aircraft lost to enemy action or accidents, crew members who lost their lives and a brief history of each of the airframes that were built, including codes worn by the aircraft. 

Overall, it is a superbly researched and presented book that gives the background and unit operations of the type. In addition to all the great photos, we have the usual large color profiles we have come to expect in this series. Available both in paper and electronically for those that prefer that medium. A book I found fascinating and one that is bound to be a valuable reference resource in the years to come.

February 2015

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles. You can get this one at this link.

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