No 56 Sqn RAF/RFC

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Osprey Publishing, Midland House, West Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 0PH.
128pp, 175×248mm, softback.
ISBN 978-1-84603-428-2, ₤14.99.

This is arguably the most famous of all Fighter Squadrons. Everyone who was anyone served in it. They ruthlessly poached all the best personnel, and were the first to have the best available equipment (the SE5a). Alex Revell has done this group of prima donnas proud, as we would expect. The Osprey format suits this kind of story perfectly, and the myriad of gripping personal histories, lavishly illustrated, makes for compelling reading. There is even a picture of their famous orchestra. What comes through is that the squadron’s success was due to (mostly) superb leadership, fine pilots and ground crew. The latter were more highly regarded in 56 than in many other squadrons. Highly recommended.

 

GM Volume 40 Number 4