RAF in Combat has produced another interesting title in their series of Study, History, and Statistics books on RAF, Dominion and Allied Squadrons at War. This particular one is somewhat unique in that it was not formed in the UK, but in West Africa.

After the fall of France, the British found their colony of Gambia to be surrounded by less than friendly Vichy French colonies. While there was a flight in country, it was felt that it should be increased to squadron size so additional Hurricanes were sent to make up 128 Squadron. Its existence was less than eventful with only one air to air claim, a Martin 167F being claimed. After the North African invasion and the dissolution of Vichy France, the unit was no longer needed and disbaded in 1943. It was reformed in 1944 with Mosquito B.XVI and played an active part in the rest of the war before being disbanded in 1946 and renamed 14 Squadron.

The book opens with a history of the squadron and includes information on the aircraft that it flew. But what this book is really about is statistics. Those sections are; Squadron and Flight Commanders, Major Awards, Operational Diary (Sorties), Victory List (by aircraft type), Aircraft Losses on Operations (this is a rather complete section that includes the circumstances of the loss and other details), and Aircraft Losses in Accidents. Additional sections are a tie-in of known codes and aircraft serials, a listing of pilots and those who lost their life while with the unit. This is followed by six large color profiles printed on high quality glossy paper of the various aircraft flown by the unit. There are also a goodly number of photos of the men and machines of 128 Squadron.

In all, it makes for an excellent reference of the unit. New and updated information on the squadron will be posted on the RAF in Combat website as it becomes available, making this a constant in work effort. It is a book that is superbly researched and is a must for the enthusiast and modeler alike.

May 2012

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles

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