The Handley Page Halifax was one of two heavy bombers with which the UK ended the war. The other, of course, was the Lancaster and while some might add the Sterling in there, by war's end, it was pretty much relegated to non-bombing duties. Unfortunately, over time, the Lancaster has been the aircraft to get all the press and like the Liberator, was much more suited to a variety of roles, thanks to its larger and more spacious fuselage.

Handley Page had been building bombers since WW I and so had a great deal of experience in the subject, so it was with little surprise that they won the 1936 contract to build the RAF's next generation of heavy bombers. As with all aircraft there were development problems to try to overcome  but with the war underway, it was imperative that the type was brought into squadron service as early as was possible. Despite a trickle of aircraft, 35 Squadron was able to fly its first combat sorties by early 1941. This unit was the test of the aircraft and it was able to put the Halifax through its paces. As production ramped up with other companies getting into building the aircraft, there were soon enough to start other squadrons on the type.

As the war progressed, of every ten heavy bombers produced, four were Halifaxs. They were able to equip not only Bomber Command but also Coastal Command where their long range was particularly well suited. The Halifax even operated in the far east with units in India performing not bombing, but equally needed transport roles.

Author Ken Merrick is probably more well known to readers for his work in German camouflage books, but he is also very well versed in the Halifax. His book covers all of the various modifications and upgrades performed over the life of the aircraft and into its post war usage (which is more than most think). In addition to the history of the plane and its operations, there are segments on serial number sequences, units that flew the aircraft and those that made it to the civil register. There are also very interesting sections on building the Halifax as well as the standard crew training on the airplane.

All of this makes for a superb read on this interesting aircraft. This is not a quickie read either as the pages are loaded with somewhat small type to get it all within the covers. I found it to be a fascinating look into this rarely covered aircraft and I'm sure that you will as well.  A book I know you'll enjoy and one that I can easily recommend to you.

October 2009

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.