[Tom Semenza]

Bruce and Keith,

I recently purchased a copy of the Hobbs book. While it is overall an excellent history of the BPF, you will learn nothing new concerning claims by FAA pilots which are not found in previous sources. The bit mentioned by Keith regarding claims by Victorious Corsairs on 29 Jan 45 reads as follows:

"Victorious' Corsairs had destroyed nine 'Tojos' and an 'Oscar' in the air during the strikes. Major Hay was credited with two of these with two more shared. Sub Lieutenant (A) French RNVR was credited with another two and Sub Lieutenants (A) Richards, Chute and Blair RNVR with one each. Lieutenant Commander (A) Hopkins RNVR and Sub Lieutenants (A) Sheppard and Richards RNVR shared the remainder. Ten more including two 'Nicks', one 'Oscar', two twin-engined and five single-engined aircraft were destroyed on the ground by Lieutenant Commander Hopkins, Lieutenant Durno and Sub Lieutenants (A), Richards, Roberts, Spreckley and Haviland-Davis RNVR."

Comparing the air claims with the claims listed in "Air War for Burma" it is quite clear that Hobbs has included claims from both 24 Jan and 29 Jan in the above totals which I believe is what Hobbs intended as he was analyzing both phases of Operation Meridian. One can only guess at which pilots claimed what on the ground and on what date.

The most complete coverage on claims is for Seafires. However what he writes is word for word taken from David Brown's excellent book The Seafire-The Spitfire that went to Sea!

Hope this helps you decide whether or not the Hobbs book is worth getting.

Tom