Drawing on rare, historical photography and specially commissioned
artwork, Matthew Willis explores the heroic feats of the few Royal
Navy's obsolescent biplanes that stood between the state-of-the-art Axis
warships and their objectives.
Focusing on the technical specifications of both opponents, using
original records, and detailed armament and cockpit views, this book
explores the key attributes and drawbacks of the disadvantaged Royal
Navy torpedo-bombers against the mighty Regia Marina and
Kriegsmarine destroyers and raiders, covering a wide range of sea
battles, from the more famous attacks such as the strike on the
Bismarck, the tragic events of the Channel Dash or the clash with the
Italian battle fleet at Taranto, to less covered sea battles such as the
Battle of Matapan.
Despite their powerful weaponry and heavy armour protection, the Axis
warships proved vulnerable to a skillfully and audaciously flown
torpedo-bomber, thanks to innovative commanders exploiting every
possible advantage. Including rare personal recollections from the
airmen who flew the torpedo-bombers and historical accounts from the
Axis warship crews, this book describes each and every facet of this
dramatic duel.