RAF-in-Combat's Squadrons #41: Bristol Brigand

The latest in RAF-in-Combat's series on WWII RAF squadrons concentrates on the use of the Bristol Brigand. This aircraft was designed during the war as a replacement for the Beaufighter and flew prior to war's end. However, it's mission disappeared after the war so it was redesigned as a light bomber. It really wasn't all that useful in that role as much of what it could do could be done by standard fighter-bombers. The aircraft was also developed into a trainer for night fighter radar operators.

The aircraft did see squadron service with other than training units. 8 squadron operated them out of Aden while 45 and 84 squadron used them in combat during the protracted Malaya insurgency. During the latter, the aircraft were used quite successfully in the ground attack role. While the Brigand was to initially be a coastal strike aircraft, a bomber version, the Buckinghamn was also developed. This aircraft differed from the Brigand by having side by side seating in the cockpit so the fuselage was widened for that purpose. None of these saw service as such and most were converted to cargo types and were used as trainers by Brigand squadrons.

This book follows the usual format  with a brief history of the type then the more extensive history of the units themselves. There's the usual information on victory and tables of losses as well as some great period photos and the usual number of superb full color profiles of aircraft used by these units.

Thanks to all the well done research and choice of illustrations, it makes for a superb addition to the series and its reasonable price is one that should appeal to many. These do make for great references for the fans of the RAF.

September  2020

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