Casemate is about to release author Tim Hillier-Graves’s new book The Vought F4U Corsair in The War Against Japan: A Photographic Record of the 15th Naval Fighter Wing at War 1944-5 .
By mid-1944, the Allies, especially the United States, began preparing for a potential invasion of Japan. Churchill expected the Royal Navy to support the U.S. Navy in achieving aerial dominance. The Admiralty focused on strengthening its carrier forces, forming the 15th Naval Fighter Wing. However, a key question arose: which aircraft would the Wing use?
The Supermarine Seafire lacked the necessary range and endurance for Pacific operations, while Hellcats were in short supply and prioritized for U.S. use. This left the Vought F4U Corsair as the best option. Although initially dismissed due to its poor safety record on carriers, the Corsairs were eagerly acquired by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, so relieving the US Navy of this controversial aircraft until its problems could be sorted out.
The 15th Naval Fighter Wing, initially comprising Nos. 1830, 1831, and 1833 squadrons, became the first carrier based unit to successfully deploy the Corsair at sea. Despite early losses, British and Commonwealth pilots demonstrated its effectiveness, eventually convincing even the skeptical U.S. Navy of its capabilities. The Corsair proved to be one of the war’s most effective fighters.
Led by Battle of Britain ace Dickie Cork until his death in 1944, the Wing achieved notable successes against Japanese forces aboard HMS Illustrious.
This 152 page book draws on accounts from 20 veterans and extensive archives to highlight the Corsair’s transformation into a legendary naval fighter and the pilots’ indomitable spirit. It is currently available for pre-order with release set for November 25.
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