Interesting Books - Number 2

The next book in my look at interesting books is, "RAF Coastal Command, 1936-1969" by Chris Ashworth.

"Coastal" was formed in 1936 as a small reconnaissance force operating almost exclusively on behalf of the Royal Navy. After the outbreak of World War Two, and as the war dragged on, the Coastal Command became an essential part of the offensive maritime operations against both the German U-Boats and surface shipping. The Coastal Command also took responsibility for weather flights, photo reconnaissance, and air-sea rescue covering an area that stretched from Iceland to the Azores. In 1969 the Coastal Command ceased to exist as a separate entity when its assets were turned over to No 18 (Maritime) Group.

The author, a pilot with Coastal Command during the 1950s and 1960s, has written a well-researched history that concentrates mainly on the war years when the Coastal Command was at its height. He covers the anti-submarine and anti-shipping operations in great detail. A series of appendices give detailed information on the Order of Battle for the war years, aircraft type, squadron numbers and commanders, and types of Axis submarines Coastal Command fought.

The book is well illustrated with photographs of the various aircraft used by Coastal Command, from Beauforts to Blenheims, and Sutherlands to Spitfires. Also contains a series of maps showing Coastal Command operational areas.

All in all, an interesting book for military history and aviation enthusiasts.