Mosquito Intruders - Target Burma: The RAF’s Daring Low-Level Mosquito Operations

The book "Mosquito Intruders - Target Burma" explores the achievements of the five RAF squadrons that flew low-level and speed operations in Burma during World War II. The squadrons faced challenges in delivering the aircraft, training crews, and operating in hostile weather against an aggressive enemy. Despite the odds, the aircraft and crews delivered, helping to force the Japanese out of Burma. The book uses diaries, first-hand accounts, and official records to tell the story of these brave warriors and their contribution to the war effort.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The daring exploits of the Mosquito crews in Burma, skimming at low-level and at speed along rivers and over treetops to their targets, are the stuff of legend. However, surprisingly, only five RAF squadrons ever flew these operations. Mosquito Intruders – Target Burma explores the achievements of these intruder squadrons, as well as the costs to the men who flew and supported them.

Their story starts in mid-1943, almost as soon as the fighter-bomber variant of the 'Mossie, the iconic de Havilland Mosquito FB VI, had been introduced to squadron service in the UK. The first challenge was to deliver the new aircraft, with its radical wooden construction, to India and build a supply chain to support it. Then, with few dual-control aircraft, they needed to train the crews to operate the Mosquito to the limits of its performance in often hostile weather over inhospitable territory against an aggressive enemy.

Some crews converted from a similar low-level role to extend the reach of the impressive but already obsolescent Beaufighter. Other squadrons, converting from the single-engine Vultee Vengeance dive bomber, needed to learn how to handle a faster twin-engine intruder and to fly at low level. Against the odds, both the aircraft and their crews delivered!

Mosquito Intruders – Target Burma uses diaries, first-hand accounts, and official records to take the reader through the Mosquito intruders three-year campaign to help force the Japanese out of Burma, living and dying with the brave warriors in the five squadrons which flew the FB VI.

The first operations were flown by 27 Squadron, led by the renowned Wing Commander James Nicolson VC, the only person in RAF Fighter Command to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. Many of the airmen, like the authors father, who flew Moss, were young and inexperienced, but they were determined to succeed.

The Mosquito intruders faced many challenges, including fierce Japanese resistance and difficult terrain. They flew their missions at night, using their speed and agility to avoid detection. They also had to contend with the weather, which could be treacherous and unpredictable.

Despite the risks, the Mosquito intruders were successful in their mission. They flew over 10,000 missions, dropping bombs and destroying Japanese infrastructure and troops. They also played a crucial role in the liberation of Burma, which was a major victory for the Allies.

The men who flew the Mosquito intruders were brave and dedicated warriors. They faced danger and adversity every day, but they never wavered in their commitment to their mission. They paid a heavy price for their success, with many losing their lives in the line of duty.

Mosquito Intruders – Target Burma is a powerful and moving tribute to the men who flew the Mosquito intruders in Burma. It is a testament to their bravery, skill, and determination, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made in the name of freedom and democracy.

In conclusion, the exploits of the Mosquito crews in Burma, skimming at low-level and at speed along rivers and over treetops to their targets, are the stuff of legend. Only five RAF squadrons ever flew these operations, but their story is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the men who flew them. Mosquito Intruders – Target Burma explores the achievements of these intruder squadrons, as well as the costs to the men who flew and supported them. The men who flew the Mosquito intruders were brave and dedicated warriors, and their legacy lives on today.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399052658