Rhodesian Squadron
http://www.ukbookpublishing.com
The Stabber Of The Sky, Barry Woodhouse, UK Book Publishing, sbk, illus, 404pp, £12.99
The unit’s motto – Shona Hlabezulu, meaning ‘the stabber of the sky’ – has inspired the title for this history of the
Rhodesian-named outfi t’s activities in World War Two. Written in an interesting and accessible diary format, it tracks
the RAF’s 266 Rhodesian Fighter Squadron from the early days of the war, including Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain,
to the liberation of Europe in 1945. It also contains a series of archive images, a roll of honour, profi les of some of the
key personnel and other useful information. It is an educational read focusing on a unit that has rarely been written
about in detail before. It fl ew Spitfi res in 1940 and converted to Hawker Typhoons in 1942, later undertaking fi ghter-
bomber ‘ops’ in support of the Normandy invasion along with
armed reconnaissance missions. It followed the Allied invading
forces as they progressed through Europe and was disbanded
in Germany on July 31, 1945, the latter described as “a sad day
for the squadron”.WHAT’S NEW NEW PRODUCT REVIEWS
book briefs
Sally B...& Me!, F J Beerling and Gareth Bowler, Fairy Faye Publications, sbk, illus, £5.99 – aimed
at very young children, this short and colourful book explains what it takes to keep Boeing
B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B in the air. The famous UK-based aircraft is presented as a
character, and her past, present and future is explored in a manner that’s designed to be
read to under-fi ves. It’s good fun to fl ick through and of course a great way of supporting
the cause to keep the bomber in airworthy condition. Beautifully illustrated by Gareth
Bowler, it even includes cartoon versions of Ellie Sallingboe and her team!
http://www.fairyfayepublications.co.ukRoyal Flying – A Pictorial History, Keith Wilson, Amberley, sbk, illus, 128pp, £15.99 – when the
King’s Flight was formed in 1936, passenger fl ying was still in its infancy. In order to facilitate
fl ying members of the Royal Family, the RAF allocated a series of specifi c aircraft for
these duties. Over the years these have involved an interesting variety of types, including
helicopters – but it’s a subject that has rarely been documented. This well-written and
copiously illustrated book covers not just the King’s and Queen’s Flight, but also the military
and civilian fl ying undertaken by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Prince William.
http://www.amberley-books.com116 FLYPAST May 2018Diecast model range
http://www.clevelandsdiecast.co.uk
http://www.airforce1model.com
Clevelands Wholesale has been awarded sole UK
distribution rights for Air Force 1 Models. This established
brand of military aviation and associated models will
complement the already vast range of diecast models,
hobbies and toys that Cleveland supplies and distributes.
The business operates from Rickmansworth in
Hertfordshire, and has almost 6,000 sq ft of showroom
display, incorporating a cash-and-carry. Trade customers
are welcome to visit and browse. A comprehensive range
of diecast aircraft models are stocked, along with many
toy products from Mattel and Tomy, as well as plastic
kits.
Among the models now on offer are a beautifully
rendered 1:72 scale Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, a
Northrop P-61 Black Widow, a Eurocopter Tiger attack
helicopter in German Army colours (pictured), and a
USMC Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. Clevelands is also the UK
and European distributor of the Aviation 72, InFlight200,
Aviation 200, and JC Wings aviation ranges, among
several others.Diecast model range
distribution rights for Air Force 1 Models. This establishedcomplement the already vast range of diecast models,
hobbies and toys that Cleveland supplies and distributes.Hertfordshire, and has almost 6,000 sq ft of showroom
display, incorporating a cash-and-carry. Trade customers
are welcome to visit and browse. A comprehensive range
of diecast aircraft models are stocked, along with manyUSMC Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. Clevelands is also the UK
and European distributor of the Aviation 72, InFlight200,Marking the hundredth
http://www.ospreypublishing.com
The Royal Air Force – A Centenary of Operations, Michael Napier,
Osprey, hbk, 340 pages, £30
This sumptuous but very reasonably priced book describes 100 years of RAF operations. The author, a former
RAF pilot and veteran of ‘ops’ in Iraq, has wisely concentrated on actions starting from the desperate days
of 1918, when the German Spring offensive was at its height. The ten well-illustrated chapters then describe
Empire policing between the wars, during World War Two and beyond into the long years of the Cold War.
Michael is to be congratulated in not ‘over hyping’ some campaigns and in keeping everything in proper
context. Criticisms are few – but some of the splendid photographs may have benefi ted from more detailed
captioning. Also, more images of named individuals, rather than machines, would have been welcome. It is
sobering to see no fewer than 50 pages devoted to RAF operations since the fall of the Berlin Wall. British
aircraft have recently been engaged in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, making the title of this book entirely
accurate. It is thoroughly recommended to serious historians and the many thousands of former RAF service
men and women without whom none of these accomplishments could have been made. ANDY THOMAS