The fleet air arm and the struggle for the mediterranean, 1940-44

Ben Jones*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The variety of operations conducted by the aircraft carriers and squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm in the Mediterranean proved to be much more diverse than pre-war theories on the use of naval air power, largely concentrating on its contribution to a fleet engagement. This chapter examines the defensive and offensive aspects of early carrier operations, the role of Malta, the success of shore-based naval air deployments and the Fleet Air Arm’s contribution to covering a succession of amphibious landings. The major concern during early carrier operations was the provision of effective fighter cover, the Royal Navy having assumed for much of the 1930s that attacks by shore-based aircraft could not be prevented and hence having designed armoured carriers, the aircraft of which could all be stowed in the hangar. The other major development during the war in the Mediterranean concerned the provision of air cover and support for the Army ashore in Italy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBritish Naval Aviation
Subtitle of host publicationThe First 100 Years
PublisherTaylor and Francis Ltd
Pages79-98
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic)9781317171768
ISBN (Print)9781409406129
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016

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