Ad Hoc Publications
Firefly: From the Cockpit 4
by  J.G.S. (Joe) Norman
Reviewed By  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

[book cover image]

MSRP: £17.95 (approx. $36)
ISBN: 978 0 946958 59 7
Thaks to Ad Hoc Publishing for this review copy (www.adhocpublications.com)

The Fairey Firefly is one of the most versatile aircraft ever flown by the Fleet Air Arm, serving in many varied roles over the course of 15 or so years of service, including combat service in two major wars and many minor incidents. Developed as a two-seat fighter/ recon aircraft, the Firefly also ended up serving in the strike, night fighter, anti-submarine and trainer roles, and later as a target tug and target drone. Two restored Fireflies are airworthy today.

As with previous volumes in this absorbing series, the author was a service pilot who writes with style and authority o the subject at hand. In this case, Joe Norman was a Firefly pilot with two squadrons, and was perhaps the last FAA pilot to fly the type operationally, albeit a drone. In the now familiar manner, Norman describes the Firefly in some detail, outlining its development and World War II service before delving into its post war career.

Interspersed with this text are the personal reminiscences of former Firefly aircrew, along with many previously unpublished photos from these sources. These stories range from the regular, run-of-the-mill operations, to tales of the Korean War and of accidents and incidents that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

For the modeler, there are 4 pages of color profiles, and the book is rounded out with an illustrated section detailing all operational units, as well as a table of other Firefly units and operators.

To me, the highlight of the Firefly's career was its combat service in Korea, but this book mentions this phase only in passing and to me that is most disappointing. A forgotten aircraft in The Forgotten War deserves better.

This criticism aside, this is another fine book from Ad Hoc, and I can recommend it to all Fleet Air Arm enthusiasts.

Our sincere thanks to Ad Hoc for the review sample. Ad Hoc books can be ordered directly from their website, and from leading hobby distributors.


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