No.128 Squadron 1941-1945 Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | June 2012 | Title | No.128 Squadron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Phil Listemann | Publisher | Philedition |
| Published | 2012 | ISBN | - |
| Format | 28 pages, softbound | MSRP (Euro) | 8.9€ |
Review
The latest addition to Phil H. Listemann’s privately printed “RAF, Dominion & Allied Squadrons At War” examines the unusual. And what a terrific little tome No.128 Squadron 1941-1945 is.
Briefly created and disbanded in 1918, RAF No.128 Squadron reformed in 1941 to counter Vichy French – not German or Italian! – forces. Evolved from the defensive fighter flight of No.95 Squadron in Sierra Leone – and almost entirely equipped with Hurricane Mk.IIB’s – the tiny force amazingly defended all West African Commonwealth assets until local French forces finally rejoined the Allies.
Disbanded in March 1943, No.128 Squadron reformed yet again – as a Mosquito pathfinder unit in Bomber Command from September 1944 through war’s end. Thereafter, it soldiered with the British Air Forces of Occupation until April 1946 – when it became No.14 Squadron.
Phil Listemann’s cool, compact compendium contains all salient No.128 Squadron details – capsule history, commanders, awards, monthly sorties, and victories (just one!). One summary details aircraft losses by type, serial, and code – and includes notes on the crew, incident, and aircraft service. Another matches aircraft serials to unit letter codes.
Modelers definitely enjoy plenty of particulars! Coverage concludes with lists of all known No.128 Squadron pilots and casualties. Twelve photos and six color profiles – all with extensive and enlightening commentary – illustrate this outstanding précis.
Rabidly recommended.
With thanks to Phil H. Listemann for the review copy.