FAA Korean war losses
 

I just finished reading a book I got by inter library loan called "With the Carriers in Korea" by John R.L. Landsdown . It deals with RN and RAN carrier operations during the Korean War.. and has information on most/all the FAA aircraft losses during this period. They lost a lot more aircraft and aircrew than what were documented in Korwald. Just thought this would be of interest to you all.

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Hello James,

Thank you for that information, that work fills an interesting gap. On the subject of Korwald's deficiencies, do you know of similar books which cover the losses RAAF and SAAF in the war? I've read books on this conflict from time to time and have always been surprised how incomplete and confused the loss figures are, 60 years after the war. On page 72 of the newly published Osprey Duel book, "F-86 Sabre vs. MiG-15", there is yet another new set of figures on Sabre losses: 224 total, 40 in accidents, 61 operational, 18 AAA, 1 bombing, 78 to MiGs, 14 fuel starvation and 12 failed to return. I haven't checked against other books so far, but I have a distinct feeling that there will be inconsistencies.

Regards,

Paul Thompson

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

I am afraid I don't have anything else on RAAF and SAAF losses. However, they each only had one squadron flying in Korea which should make it easier to track them down. I have heard that more than a few historians have complained about poor state of USAF record keeping during the Korean war. It looks like this war needs someone to do some more research on it. I am glad to have been of help Paul.

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Hello James,

Thank you for your help, the book about the FAA is an interesting source in any case! I've read about Korea only intermittenly, so perhaps there are already good sources available for both the RAAF and SAAF. I think most 20th century wars need more research, especially when it comes to air battles! Korea is a really good example of professional historians never troubling to assist the efforts of enthusiasts, I hope that changes at last.

Regards,

Paul Thompson

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Hello,

For RAF, RAAF, RN, RAN & SAAF participation in Korea, 1950 -1951 the following publication is unsurpassed:

With the Yanks in Korea - Volume One - The First Definitive Account of British and Commonwealth Participation in the Air War, June 1950 - December 1951.
Cull.Brian & Dennis Newton.
London:Grub Street,2000.

Besides a fine narrative account, there are detailed loss tables for all the participants in Appendixes I - VII. The book has a select bibliography (including Lansdown's, With the Carriers in Korea 1950-53), and an excellent index.

Where is Volume Two, Brian?

Col.

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Hello Col Bruggy,

Excellent, another great title I wasn't aware of! I add my voice to the chorus asking for Volume Two!

Regards,

Paul Thompson

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Hi guys

Thanks for the kind words re WITH THE YANKS IN KOREA - I'm afraid the publisher wouldn't do Volume 2.

However, I have something on the back burner. Stay tuned!

Cheers
Brian

PS: I have some copies of Volume 1 should anyone be interested.

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Hello Brian,

You're welcome! I hope there is more in store.

Regards,
Paul Thompson
P.S. I've sent you a PM

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

Guys, great posts. The Korean air war is like a black hole. Keep it alive!

Re: FAA Korean war losses
 

There is a translation coming out on 01 Aug 2013 called "Red Devils over the Yalu: A chronicle of Soviet aerial operations in the Korean War 1950-53" by Igor Seidov which is in paperback and 712 pages.