Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Now is available at book despository

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Available at the UK Amazon

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Recent update news today on Stone and Stone:
http://stonebooks.com/

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Errata vol 3:

p 13: not Loire 302 of escadrille E 4 but Laté 302,

p51,52 & 53 not Loire et Olivier LeO 451r but Lioré et Ollvier.

p 28 what is 709 Met Flight ?

Thank you

Alain

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Alain,

Thanks for the corrections. 709 Met stands for 709 Meteorological Flight that tested the weather.

Regards

Russell

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Agreed Russell

But what was it actually? It is not listed in any of Air Britain's unit books, unless it also had a different name.
A short potted history perhaps?

The use of a 700 block range indicates a Naval use, but their catapult flights were long gone and the block was not in use post 1940 for any RN flights as far as I can see. It also indicates there are more Met Flights in that same block.
As far as RAF goes, I can only locate four Met Flights, No 1 to 4, all later in the 1300 block

Cheers
Stig

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Per Graham Warner, No. 775 Naval Air Squadron was equipped with twin-engined Bristol Blenheims on Gibraltar. I don't know when these aircraft were delivered to The Rock, but given the limited resources circa November 1942 Blenheim would have been the most suitable type for weather recce.

Assuming that "709" Met Flight is officially correct, could it be that planes and crew were drawn from 775 NAS?

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Stig: there were also numerous met flights in the 1400 range.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Bruce

Thanks, yes I noticed that after I sent my e-mail. However it does not bring us any closer to an answer.

Nifty.50
According to Ray Sturtivant (Air Britain) No. 775 Sq moved to the Rock on Feb 1st 1944 but did not operate any Blenheims until May 1945, so that unit is not in the time frame at all.

Cheers
Stig

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Hi everyone,

I see the point of this - the number 709 is not a "normal"number. Chris Shores is investigating his sources and we will get back to you with an response as soon as we can.

Hope those who have it are enjoying the book

Cheers

Russell

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Oh yes. A specialist on RAF meteorological flying posts posts regularly on the RAF Commands Forum so it is probably worth adding a request there.
http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/for...&s=&daysprune=

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Some hopefully useful background about the importance of meteorology from its beginning.


http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/r/q/Remember.pdf

https://www.rmets.org/sites/default/files/hist03.pdf




Ed

Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

My copy finally arrived today, and it was certainly worth the wait.

The level of detail in these volumes is simply stunning and full credit goes to the authors for their dedication to the level and quality of content inside.

Regards Richard.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Does the current volume (3) cover Ju 86 operations over N. Africa in July-August '43?

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Volume 3 ends in mid-May 1943 with the surrender of the Axis forces in North Africa. Volume 4 (in process) will cover July-August 1943. It should be published sometime next year. We will let everyone know when the manuscript is finished, and what it covers.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Thanks Frank.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Quick question which I'll put here rather than a new thread. The 1970's books Fighters over.... suggests it was going to be a trilogy - did the 3rd volume get written?

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

The third volume was completed & released last year. So far I have the first three volumes of the series & EAGERLY waiting for vol. 4.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Nick

Phil is refering to the old books not the new ones.
No only the first two, Fighters over the Desert and Fighters over Tunisia were ever released.

Cheers
Stig

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Apologies for the late response, but RE: the original 'Fighters Over..' I did not know they were 'supposed' to be a trilogy.

And since we're on this subject is there an expected date of release for Volume 4? I have cleared a spot on my book case in anticipation.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Nick,

From the front flap of the dust jacket of FOTD - The first volume of a trilogy, Fighters Over the Desert tells in detail...

Col.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

I've never been able to read a version with the dust jacket intact, to tell the truth. The inter-library loans usually don't hold up for too long.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Interestingly enough the Arco Publishing Company version [the American edition], omits mention of the book being part of a trilogy. Its front flap reads as follows:
so perhaps plans changed between the UK and US publication.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

In the middle of August four team members (Chris, Giovanni, Russell and myself) gathered at Chris' house, along with John Davies (publisher) for lunch. And a discussion of MAW4 and MAW5. It was decided that MAW4 will go from May 14, 1943 to the fall of Rome, June 5, 1944. And MAW5 will go from there to the end of the war. Both MAW4 and MAW5 are covering only the tactical operations in Italy, Southern France and the Balkans. This will include the heavy bomber operations to the end of October 1943, except for Ploesti (Tidal Wave). The strategic operations, starting with Tidal Wave and continuing from November 1, 1943 will go in MAW6 and a probable MAW7.

It was also decided that we will aim to have MAW4 available at the July 2018 Duxford Air Show. And MAW5 sometime in 2019, possibly more than a year after MAW4. No timeline for MAW6/7 was discussed, that being too far in the future.

Another pleasant note from the meeting was the news that the original print run for MAW1 has now sold out. And John was able to organize a small additional printing of it in a manner which will allow him to continue small print runs to keep it in print.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Great news, thank you. I'm looking forward to the next volumes.

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

Thank you Frank
I wish you and your colleagues "long life"!!!
Steve

Re: Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores
 

That goes double for me! Great news!