Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum - Mediterranean Air War by Chris Shores

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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/

Quote:

No rest for the weary! Christopher Shores and his team have recently released the third book in the highly esteemed History of the Mediterranean Air War, 1940-1945 series, but they remain hard at work on the next volumes. The author kindly sent us a detailed road map with very ambitious plans for the future.
"We are already well stuck into volume 4, but there is a lot of work to do before we can start guessing at dates etc. Of course, it is all "first time round" for us compared to North Africa and Tunisia, although that does make it fresher for us, and helps keep us very sharp!
"So what will it cover? Essentially the invasions/occupations of Sicily, Italy, Sardinia and Corsica, concentrating on tactical air power and operations, up to the end of October 1943. This will include the almost completely "long-range" tactical operations of the heavy bombers. As at 1 November 1943 (the formation of the 15th Air Force) the strategic air forces will be "hived off" to become volume 5.
"Meanwhile volume 4 will continue with the ongoing tactical operations over Italy, Greece, Albania and Yugoslavia including those by the Balkan Air Force. Whether this requires volume 4 to be cut into two parts will depend on size, which will only become clear as our work continues. We do not, for practical reasons, want to produce a volume larger than volumes 2 or 3, so a volume 4 part I and part II may be necessary. We may therefore need to "slice it" appropriately when the time comes.
"Thereafter for the future we move to the strategic picture. Prior to 1 November 1943 and the formation of the 15th AF, the heavy bombers of the 9th and 12th Air Forces only undertook two real strategic operations and we will start volume 5 with these, and then move to that important date. Thereafter our coverage will, of course, concentrate on the US units of that air force but will tie in with the activities of RAF 205 Group. This was, of course, a joint part of the Mediterranean Strategic Air Force, operating from the same Headquarters and frequently in conjunction with the day bombers. This volume will allow us also to incorporate the fascinating involvements of the air forces of Hungary, Rumania, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and the Italian Fascist Republic."

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig Jarlevik (Post 222268)

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