I’m currently finishing up the Squadron/Signal book on the Swordfish, and it’s been quite an interesting read. As with mose S/S books, its packed with rare photos and details all the nitpicky stuff like various weapons configurations, and even has a mention of the sighting system Swordfish pilots used to aim their torpedoes.
After having seen one recently at the Comemorative Air Force air show in Midland, TX, my interesting in the airplane was renewed yet again, and yet again I’m more confident than ever that this is one of my favorite airplanes of WWII, and just in general. Seeing one in person was great! It was huge!. Beautifully restored airplane too though I wasn’t sure if it was flyable or not (as many of the CAF’s fleet is). I would love to see one fly some day.
Anyways, just thought I’d see if anyone has any interesting photos or information on the Stringbag they would like to contribute.
Also, does anyone know anything about the book entitled “Bring Back My Stringbag”? I was thinking of giving it a try if it’s a good read.
On a side note let me commend you Brits for having come up with what I consider one of the greatest success stories of aviation history. Cheers to both the Stringbag herself as well as her brave flight and ground crews. May none of the three ever be forgotten.
By: low'n'slow - 27th October 2009 at 12:07
Also, does anyone know anything about the book entitled “Bring Back My Stringbag”? I was thinking of giving it a try if it’s a good read.
Despite the cheesy (and contentious) title inflicted on the book by its publishers, Lt Cmdr John Moffat’s book “I Sank the Bismark” is an excellent read on the flying of Swordfish in all weathers.
It is probably a bit far away for you PhantomII, but John is acting as a guest speaker and carrying out a book signing at the RAF Museum, Hendon in a few weeks time. PM me your details if you wish and I’ll get you a copy!
By: T-21 - 27th October 2009 at 07:10
Fisons-Airwork at Bourn airfield ,Cambridgeshire had about a dozen airframes stored in the late forties/early fifties waiting for conversion to possible crop-spray aircraft. Does anybody know the serials and their fate ?
By: super sioux - 26th October 2009 at 23:04
The total losses!
From 21 May 1936 until 2 September 1939, 54 Swordfish were lost. Numbers from the war will need to be counted as there is quite a lot I may not get the info. to you until later.:eek:
Ray
After much use of fingers and toes the total for the war was 695! Not all aircrew were casualties. The total was made up of 54 the same amount lost in peacetime which only took until 24 May 1940. Then 100’s the first taking until 5 April 1941, followed by the second ending on the 2nd March 1942, the third ending 29 September 1942. The fourth took a bit longer ending fifteenth July 1943. On tenth March 1944 another 100 had left the fleet. After among other things the D-Day landings it took until first of November 1944 to get the last hundred and when the war ended in Europe another forty one had gone! Post war eight prangs joined the hundreds scrapped, the last being NF399 belonging to the ATDU Gosport on an experimental torpedo drop, partial EF, FL, overshot small aerodrome, struck perimeter wall, u/c torn away, St Mary’s, Scilly Isles (Flt Lt A. Twigg) on the second July 1951.
Ray
PS the information was provided by ‘The Swordfish Story by Ray Sturtivant , published Arms & Armour in 1993. This book covers the Swordfish thoroughly including history of all aircraft and users.
By: super sioux - 26th October 2009 at 21:45
Pre war losses!
Anyone know what Swordfish attrition was like? You hear about other bomber/attack types such as the Ju-87 Stuka, Blenheim, Avenger, etc. suffering heavy losses, and I would assume that the Swordfish did as well, but does anyone have more specific information? I’ve heard it was actually a very durable and robust airplane despite its fragile looks.
From 21 May 1936 until 2 September 1939, 54 Swordfish were lost. Numbers from the war will need to be counted as there is quite a lot I may not get the info. to you until later.:eek:
Ray
By: benyboy - 26th October 2009 at 03:34
My lasting memory of being up close to the stripped fuselage was the size of the main longerons, I think they were close to 2 inches in diameter. It’s no wonder the Stringbag was able to withstand those wild carrier landings in the stormy North Altlantic, when on the hunt for the Bismarck. TW
Everything is built to last in Yorkshire. Blackburn built the Swordfish at its Sherburn factory from 1941 to 1944. Building 1700 aircraft.
ben
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By: PhantomII - 26th October 2009 at 03:02
Anyone know what Swordfish attrition was like? You hear about other bomber/attack types such as the Ju-87 Stuka, Blenheim, Avenger, etc. suffering heavy losses, and I would assume that the Swordfish did as well, but does anyone have more specific information? I’ve heard it was actually a very durable and robust airplane despite its fragile looks.
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October 22, 2009 at 6:12 am