Mosquito Night Intruder Ace
Mosquito Night Intruder Ace

Author: Danny Burt

Publisher: Air World

Published: 2023-04-20

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 1399017896

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Bertie Rex O’Bryen Hoare was born on 6 June 1912. Having been educated at Harrow and Wye Agricultural College, ‘Sammy’, as he was often known to friends and family, entered the RAF on a short-service commission in 1936. In October 1938, while piloting a Fairy Battle Bertie sustained a serious injury from a piece of loose piece of aircraft cowling. This incident resulted in him being totally blinded in one eye. Though he was initially grounded, his determination to return to the air never diminished. The outbreak of war in September 1939, saw his wish be granted when Bertie was given permission to return to operational flying duties. Bertie was posted to 23 Squadron, which was flying Blenheims at the time. The squadron then converted to Havocs, the crews being tasked with undertaking out nighttime operations over Occupied Europe. Despite his restricted night vision and depth perception, Bertie went on to became one of the RAF’s leading advocates in the art of what was known as ‘intruder operations’. In the months and years that followed, Bertie served in, and then commanded, a number of RAF squadrons. By the time the war in Europe came to an end, he was the Station Commander at RAF Little Snoring in Norfolk – which, at the time, was home to de Havilland Mosquitos undertaking intruder operations. Bertie opted to remain in the RAF after the war, this time being posted to 84 Squadron. However, his luck finally ran out on 26 March 1947, when the Mosquito he was ferrying to Australia crashed off its northern coast. Reported missing at the time, Danny Burt reveals the full circumstances of this tragic incident. This is the biography of one of the RAF’s greatest characters of the Second World War. With his ‘epic’ over-sized mustache, Bertie Hoare was a pilot who, with the end of the fighting, had risen to the rank of Group Captain, been awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, and been Mentioned in Despatches. Bertie ended the war having flown over 100 combat sorties.

Mosquito Aces of World War 2
Mosquito Aces of World War 2

Author: Andrew Thomas

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-02-20

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 1472801865

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The Mosquito developed into one of the most versatile aircraft of World War 2, entering service with Fighter Command in early 1942. The 'Mossie' was soon defending raids on Britain's Cathedral cities and became an integral part of the country's night defences. Its airborne radar gave it the ability to 'see' the enemy at night, and its speed and devastating fire power made it the finest nightfighter deployed by any side during World War 2. This book examines the infamous Mosquito, the nightfighter that was used by many leading RAF, Commonwealth and American aces.

Three in Thirteen
Three in Thirteen

Author: Roger Dunsford

Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Published: 2017-04-19

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1612004415

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This “incredibly engaging and deeply personal” story of World War II pilot Joe Singleton “draws the reader into the dangerous world of night fighting” (Manhattan Book Review). Joe Singleton was an unlikely hero. A junior manager at a paints and varnish company at the outbreak of war, he was surprised to discover he had a hidden talent for flying. Despite RAF Fighter Squadrons crying out for replacements after the carnage of the Battle of Britain, Joe was posted to the rapidly developing world of night fighting. He flew first Defiants, then Beaufighters, finding himself in the thick of the very earliest stages of ground-controlled interception and airborne radar engagements. His skills finally began to bear fruit when piloting a Mosquito, and he took part in several successful missions. But the pinnacle came on the night of March 19, 1944: scrambling to intercept a big German raid on Hull, he located and shot down a Junkers 188, then went on to shoot down two more, all in the space of thirteen dramatic minutes. He and his navigator survived the crash-landing that ensued, and he went on to be feted as a national hero. Three in Thirteen is a unique sortie-by-sortie account of his journey from bewildered recruit to celebrated expert, illustrated with extracts from Joe’s RAF logbook and unpublished photographs and illustrations. Roger Dunsford’s extensive experience as an RAF pilot brings a vivid immediacy to Joe’s experiences, combined with astute analysis of the planes, the tactics, and the events of that fateful night. “Inspirational and thoroughly engaging—a true hero’s story.” —Books Monthly

De Havilland Mosquito
De Havilland Mosquito

Author: Philip Birtles

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2017-04-20

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13:

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Previously unpublished accounts from the designers, builders and aircrew of the de Havilland MosquitoMany contemporary and previously unpublished photographsComprehensive details on the conversation of surviving aircraft De Havilland Mosquito: The Original Multirole Combat Aircraft covers the creation, design and development of this beloved aircraft. Built in Britain, Canada and Australia, the Mosquito saw extensive service in Britain, Europe and Asia throughout the Second World War. It was initially designed as a twin-Rolls-Royce Merlin-powered unarmed bomber (with a two-man crew), but the aircraft’s versatility allowed it to carry out many more functions. The additional roles of the Mosquito included path finding and photo reconnaissance; acting as a night fighter, an intruder, or a fighter bomber; electronic counter measures and naval operations; and high-speed courier missions. This book is essential for those seeking to study this iconic British aircraft, featuring the experiences of Mosquito designers, construction workers and aircrew. It also contains many original, contemporary and previously unpublished photographs, which cover the aircraft’s service with RAF squadrons and overseas air forces in its many varied roles. For reference, there are detailed appendices describing production, the specifications of each variant, the RAF and RN units equipped with the type, and details of Mosquitos that survive today.

Camel Combat Ace
Camel Combat Ace

Author: Barry M. Marsden

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Published: 2016-06-30

Total Pages: 122

ISBN-13: 1473866863

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A thrilling account of a World War I airman’s service in the skies over the trenches: “Well detailed and illustrated. . . . highly recommended.” —Over the Front This book follows the First World War career of Captain (later wing commander) Edwin Swale, CBE DFC and bar, who served with 210 Squadron RAF, piloting Sopwith Camel scouts between March and October 1918. During this timeframe, he destroyed seventeen enemy aircraft, the majority being the formidable Fokker DV11. He undertook a series of perilous operations, including patrols, bombing and strafing missions, and bomber escorts. After the cessation of hostilities, he continued his flying career by piloting gliders over his native Derbyshire. He rejoined the RAF during the Second World War, and ended the conflict as an intelligence officer in charge of Ultra operations with the 2nd TAF. His legacy continued with his son Duncan, who also served in the RAF during the Second World War, flying low-level intruder operations in de Havilland Mosquitoes and earning a DFC and a US DFC—and he also left his mark on his native Chesterfield, where he served as mayor, among other prominent positions. This is his story, told in full and thrilling detail.

Defiant, Blenheim and Havoc Aces
Defiant, Blenheim and Havoc Aces

Author: Andrew Thomas

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-11-20

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 1780964382

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An illustrated history of three pioneering fighters. The Defiant and the Blenheim enjoying early successes until they came up against the vastly superior Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the American-built Havoc. The Blenheim IF flew some of Fighter Command's early offensive operations, and the type soon proved vulnerable when pitted against single-seat fighters. However, for much of 1940 the Blenheim fighter squadrons provided the RAF's main long-range convoy escort and nightfighter capability. In the mid-1930s, in an attempt to capitalise on its expertise in power-operated gun turrets, the Boulton Paul Company developed the Defiant, a single-engined fighter in which all the armament was concentrated in the turret behind the pilot. Intended as a 'bomber destroyer', the Defiant had its combat debut over Dunkirk, and initially achieved some considerable success. A number of American-built aircraft called Douglas DB-7 light bombers (named Havoc by the RAF), were fitted with radar for nightfighter duties and others successfully replaced the Blenheim as night intruders. As this book outlines, a total of 11 pilots claimed five or more victories when flying these three types to become aces, whilst no fewer than 33 who became aces claimed at least part of their scores when flying the Blenheim, Defiant or Havoc.

American Nightfighter Aces of World War 2
American Nightfighter Aces of World War 2

Author: Warren Thompson

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-02-20

Total Pages: 97

ISBN-13: 1846037794

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An illustrated description of the famous US Nightfighter aces and their planes. The Americans lagged behind their European contemporaries in military aviation in the late 1930s, and it took the Battle of Britain to awaken America to the necessity of having aircraft that could defend targets against night-time attack by bomber aircraft. This book examines the numerous aircraft types that were used by the US in this role, beginning with the early stop-gap conversions like the TBM Avenger, Lockheed Ventura and the A-20 Havoc (P-70). It goes on to detail the combat history of the newer, radar-equipped Hellcats, Corsairs and Black Widows that were designed to seek out enemy aircraft and which registered most of the kills made by the Navy, Marine Corps and USAAF in 1944–45. With full-colour profiles and rare photographs, this is an absorbing account of an underestimated flying force: the American Nightfighters.

Mosquito Night Intruder Ace
Mosquito Night Intruder Ace

Author: Danny Burt

Publisher: Air World

Published: 2023-04-20

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 139901787X

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Bertie Rex O’Bryen Hoare was born on 6 June 1912. Having been educated at Harrow and Wye Agricultural College, ‘Sammy’, as he was often known to friends and family, entered the RAF on a short-service commission in 1936. In October 1938, while piloting a Fairy Battle Bertie sustained a serious injury from a piece of loose piece of aircraft cowling. This incident resulted in him being totally blinded in one eye. Though he was initially grounded, his determination to return to the air never diminished. The outbreak of war in September 1939, saw his wish be granted when Bertie was given permission to return to operational flying duties. Bertie was posted to 23 Squadron, which was flying Blenheims at the time. The squadron then converted to Havocs, the crews being tasked with undertaking out nighttime operations over Occupied Europe. Despite his restricted night vision and depth perception, Bertie went on to became one of the RAF’s leading advocates in the art of what was known as ‘intruder operations’. In the months and years that followed, Bertie served in, and then commanded, a number of RAF squadrons. By the time the war in Europe came to an end, he was the Station Commander at RAF Little Snoring in Norfolk – which, at the time, was home to de Havilland Mosquitos undertaking intruder operations. Bertie opted to remain in the RAF after the war, this time being posted to 84 Squadron. However, his luck finally ran out on 26 March 1947, when the Mosquito he was ferrying to Australia crashed off its northern coast. Reported missing at the time, Danny Burt reveals the full circumstances of this tragic incident. This is the biography of one of the RAF’s greatest characters of the Second World War. With his ‘epic’ over-sized mustache, Bertie Hoare was a pilot who, with the end of the fighting, had risen to the rank of Group Captain, been awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, and been Mentioned in Despatches. Bertie ended the war having flown over 100 combat sorties.

Mosquito Attack!
Mosquito Attack!

Author: Finn Eriksrud

Publisher:

Published: 2014-09

Total Pages: 158

ISBN-13: 9781781553114

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In 1943, Norwegians formed their third squadron flying under RAF command: No. 333 Squadron. One of the chosen few to fly 'The Wooden Wonder', the revolutionary and deadly de Havilland Mosquito, was 21-year-old Finn Eriksrud. Eriksrud had traveled all the way across the world to end up in Scotland to fly the Mosquito after a hazardous escape from Norway. He would now fly over his native country on extremely dangerous low-level reconnaissance and patrol missions from May 1943 onwards. By December 1943, all of the original Mosquito pilots were either killed from flying accidents or shot down over Norway. That same month was Eriksrud's final mission with No. 333 Squadron. He was forced to ditch his Mosquito off the coast of Norway where he was taken prisoner alongside his navigator Erling Victor Johanssen. Eriksrud had not gone down without a fight. During those dangerous months, he had shot down a Junkers Ju 88, his navigator taking a snapshot before the German bomber crashed in flames.

V1 Flying Bomb Aces
V1 Flying Bomb Aces

Author: Andrew Thomas

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-09-20

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 1780962932

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Shortly after the Allied landings in France the Germans unleashed the first of their so-called 'revenge weapons', the V1 flying bomb. Launched from specially constructed sites in northern France, the fast, small, pulse-jet powered pilotless aircraft were aimed at London with the sole intent of destroying civilian morale to the point where the British government would be forced to sue for peace. This dangerous new threat drew an immediate response, and the Air Defence of Great Britain (as Fighter Command had been temporarily renamed) established layers of defence that included a gun line and balloon barrage. The main element, however, were standing patrols by the fastest piston-engined fighters available to the RAF – the new Tempest V and Griffon-powered Spitfire XIV. Other types were allocated too, most notably the Polish Mustang wing, while night defence was left in the capable hands of several dedicated Mosquito squadrons. Although pilotless, the V1 was no easy foe thanks to its speed, powerful warhead and sheer unpredictability. Nevertheless, 154 pilots became V1 aces, 25 of whom were also aces against manned aircraft.