British Naval Aviation: The Fleet Air Arm, 1917-1990 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)At first glance, this book would appear to be a general history of British Naval Aviation. It is not. Rather, it is largely a collection of oral histories and photographs linked through loose analysis. This makes the title somewhat misleading but does not mar the overall quality of the endeavor. The combination of unique personal reminiscences and extensive photographs of disparate aircraft types makes for a delightful and impressionable study. However, this book would have greatly benefited from more strict editorial supervision, particularly in regard to organization. There is an average of about 5 pages per chapter. This, combined with verbatum oral history excerpts and frequent photographs, results in a distinct lack of probing analysis. The chapters should have been expanded to include more information, thus making a more voluminous book, or, reorganized and amalgamated into fewer, yet more substantial, units. There are several minor mistakes which should have been eliminiated. In referring to Operation Torch (p. 92), Sturtivant states that Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers were the respective targets of the Western, Central, and Western naval task forces of the Allied fleets. Clearly, the last reference was intended to signify the Eastern Naval Task Force. In his chapter discussing the 'Suez Affair,' he states that the Malayan Emergency ended in 1956 (p. 187). This is incorrect as it did not officially terminate until 1960. Regarding the Falklands War, the photo caption on the top of pages 208-209 is dated June 8, 1962. The correct date was obviously June 8, 1982. Minor errors, though vexing, do not entirely detract from the overall quality and intent of the effort. The appendices, glossary, and maps are welcome additions and are generally well done. One cannot adequately describe the raw power of the oral history extractions. They are pithy, exciting, comedic, and sometimes tragic. Unfortunately, Sturtivant virtually ceases to utilize them for the post World War II years and changes focus to write more of a general overview for these last chapters. One must question why he changed his style, format, and emphasis at this point. Perhaps time constraints prevented him from interviewing surviving veterans of more recent operations. It would certainly have been consistant and appropriate to record the reminiscences of such men while they yet live. The collection and presentation of photographs is the most stunning aspect of the book. The long litany of serving aircraft, from the earliest Sopwith Pup to the currant Sea Harrier, provide a pictorial testimony to the technological and aesthetic applications of over seventy years of service. Sturtivant concentrates nearly two thirds of his book in describing World War II operations. This was surely the greatest event in the history of the Fleet Air Arm, especially the successes achieved by such obsolete aircraft as the Swordfish, but more attention could have been rendered to the post war years. Many technological developments, doctrinal debates, and variegated military operations have occured. The carrier debate, which resulted in the decline and modification of the use of fixed-wing aircraft, and the growing ascendency of the helicopter, are noted but not sufficiently clarified. Despite imperfections, this book provides a genuine taste of what it must have been like to live, and sometimes die, in the service of British aviation. It is an excellant introductory, or supplement, for those interested in the men and machines of the Fleet Air Arm and is generally recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: British Naval Aviation: The Fleet Air Arm, 1917-1990

Click here for more information about British Naval Aviation: The Fleet Air Arm, 1917-1990