The Strike Wings: Special Anti-Shipping Squadrons 1942-45

In 1942, the RAF formed special Strike Wings to attack Germanys iron ore convoys. These battles were intense, with heavy casualties on both sides. Roy Nesbit's book provides a detailed account of these forgotten battles, analyzing their impact on the German war economy. It includes diagrams and photographs from the era.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In November 1942, the Royal Air Force (RAF) established special Strike Wings to launch a daring offensive against the heavily fortified and seemingly impenetrable convoys that transported Germanys essential supply of iron ore from Scandinavia down the coast of Europe to fuel its war machine. The ensuing sea/air battles were intense, fought with increasing ferocity until the very end of the war. The German military deployed a wide range of tactics against the Beaufighters and Mosquitos of the Strike Wings fighters, including intense flak, parachute mines, and even flame-throwers. The casualties on both sides were staggeringly high.

In this captivating account of one of the overlooked yet critical theaters of the air war, Roy Nesbit, himself a survivor of strike aircraft of Coastal Command, provides a detailed account of these complex battles based on British and German records, supplemented by firsthand accounts from some of the brave airmen who participated. He also analyzes the impact of the tactics employed on the German war economy, with some surprising conclusions. The result is a fascinating, well-written, and vivid history of events that were largely kept secret during the war for security reasons. The book includes detailed diagrams of some of the key attacks and features some astonishing photographs taken in action.

The establishment of the Strike Wings marked a significant turning point in the air war, as it demonstrated the RAFs willingness to take on the German military head-on and challenge its dominance in the air. The battles fought between the Strike Wings and the German convoys were some of the most intense and decisive of the entire war, and they had a profound impact on the course of the conflict.

One of the key aspects of the Strike Wings offensive was the use of Beaufighters and Mosquitos, which were designed specifically for ground-attack missions. These aircraft were equipped with powerful engines and heavy guns, making them ideal for taking on heavily fortified enemy positions. The German military, on the other hand, was well-prepared for the Strike Wings threat and deployed a range of defensive measures, including flak guns, anti-aircraft batteries, and even fighter aircraft.

Despite the German defenses, the Strike Wings managed to inflict significant damage on the German war effort. They targeted the convoys that transported iron ore from Scandinavia to Germany, which were essential for the production of weapons and ammunition. By destroying these convoys, the Strike Wings were able to disrupt the German war economy and hinder its ability to carry out its offensive operations.

In addition to their strategic importance, the Strike Wings battles also had a significant impact on the morale of the British and Allied forces. They demonstrated that the RAF was capable of taking on the German military and winning battles against it. This boosted the confidence of the troops and helped to sustain their morale during the difficult months of the war.

However, the Strike Wings offensive was not without its costs. The battles were fought at close quarters, and the aircraft involved were vulnerable to enemy fire. Many airmen lost their lives in these battles, and their bravery and sacrifice are not forgotten.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Strike Wings in November 1942 was a significant milestone in the air war. The sea/air battles fought between the Strike Wings and the German convoys were intense, decisive, and had a profound impact on the course of the conflict. The use of Beaufighters and Mosquitos, combined with the bravery and sacrifice of the airmen involved, demonstrated the RAFs ability to take on the German military and win battles against it. The Strike Wings offensive was a testament to the determination and resilience of the British and Allied forces, and it remains a crucial part of the history of World War II.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 171 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399082822