Swift to Battle: No 72 Fighter Squadron RAF in Action, Vol. 1: 1937 to 1942, Phoney War, Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, Offensive Operations

Docherty, Tom

ISBN 10: 1844158292 / ISBN 13: 9781844158294

Published by Pen & Sword Aviation, 2009

About this Item

Bumped edges. Slight Scratches on Dust Jacket. Appears unread, may have minor damage from transit/storage. Next day dispatch from the UK (Mon-Fri). Please contact us with any queries.

Seller Inventory # mon0000735992

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Swift to Battle: No 72 Fighter Squadron RAF in Action, Vol. 1: 1937 to 1942, Phoney War, Dunkirk, Battle of Britain, Offensive Operations
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Aviation
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1844158292
• ISBN 13: 9781844158294
• Binding: hardcover
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

This first of three volumes traces the history of 72 Fighter Squadron, one of the premier squadrons in the Royal Air Force. The aircraft flown, operational personnel and missions flown are fully described with firsthand accounts from pilots and both air and ground crew.

Having been first established in 1917 the squadron was disbanded in February 1918. It was re-formed in February 1937 from ‘B’ Flight of 1 Squadron and was equipped with Gloster Gladiators. In 1939 it was re-equipped with Spitfires which were used in air defense and convoy protection sorties following the start of the war. In 1940 the squadron moved to assist in the evacuation of Dunkirk. During The Battle of Britain, 72 spent the early days at RAF Acklington as part of 13 Group before moving south during September to assist the main defense force. The squadron then flew penetration ‘Circus’ missions over occupied Europe with the intention of causing havoc to the German forces and also to lure German fighters into combat.

About the Author

Tom Docherty is an author and historian.