SCOTTISH AIRFIELDS IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR Vol.2 FIFE & CENTRAL REGION
Prix régulier 25,00 € TTC 6%
Characteristics
Book cover finish | Perfect paperback |
Condition | Like new |
Number of pages | 160 |
Published date | First published in 2009 |
Language | English |
Collection / Series | British Airfields in the Second World War |
Size | 15 x 21 x 1 cm |
Author | Martyn Chorlton |
Editor | Countryside Books |
Description
The contribution of Scotland's airfields during the Second World War is sometimes underestimated, or even overlooked completely, but the aircraft that flew from the seven airfields of Fife and Central Region were of crucial importance in the battle to keep the North Sea open to Allied ships.
Leuchars was ready for action from the very beginning of the war, carrying out coastal and shipping patrols. Aircraft based at Leuchars were also able to take the fight to the enemy as the ports and airfields of occupied Norway were within easy reach of the RAF's bombers.
As the war progressed, more airfields were built. Crail was commissioned by the Royal Navy as HMS Jackdaw and quickly established itself as the Admiralty's most important torpedo training station. Dunino became a satellite airfield for Crail, and both airfields were home to Polish squadrons. Grangemouth was originally planned as a civilian airport, but after the outbreak of war, it was used for training and got its own satellite airfield at Balado Bridge.
Norwegian squadrons were stationed at the seaplane base of Woodhaven and were not only involved in delivering and picking up agents supporting the resistance movement, but were also engaged in submarine hunting, convoy escort duties, and transport flights to Murmansk in Northern Russia. Stravithie was a satellite landing ground and was used for storage and maintenance. Donibristle, one of Scotland's earliest airfields, was transferred to the Admiralty in 1939 and commissioned as HMS Merlin. Affectionately known as 'Donibee', it became a repair depot for the Royal Navy.
Martyn Chorlton's thoroughly researched and action-packed book describes the history of these airfields, highlights the work carried out from them, and describes their overall effect on the war. It will appeal equally to aviation enthusiasts and to readers who recall the era when Scottish skies throbbed with the drone of departing and returning aircraft.
Martyn Chorlton is also the author of Scottish Airfields in the Second World War Vol. 1: The Lothians, Airfields of North-East England in the Second World War, and Cumbria Airfields in the Second World War.
Source : Publisher's summary printed on the cover