Full Description
Sweeping
the Skies is the
story of No. 452 Squadron, an RAAF fighter unit formed in the UK in April 1941.
Equipped with the superb Supermarine Spitfire, the squadron soon deployed to
bases south of London and was in the thick of fighting against the Luftwaffe
over England, the Channel and northern France.
Remarkably,
between August and November 1941, No. 452 Squadron held the Fighter Command
record as the top-scoring unit in Britain. This was largely due to the exceptional
skills and leadership of some outstanding ace pilots, including Irishman Wing
Commander Brendan "Paddy" Finucane and well-known VFL footballer Squadron
Leader Keith "Bluey" Truscott.
In 1942 the
squadron moved to Australia and became part of No. 1 Fighter Wing defending
Darwin. The following year was spent intercepting sizeable formations of
Japanese fighters and bombers. These heated combats incurred some cost
including the loss of commanding officer Squadron Leader Ray "Throttle"
Thorold-Smith. In the final period of the war the squadron advanced north to
Morotai and Borneo in the Netherlands East Indies.
No. 452
Squadron was rightly lauded by the Australian media and deserves to be
remembered as one of the foremost RAAF wartime units. However, as a "400"
series squadron raised in the UK it is often overlooked.
The author,
Dr Mark Lax, is a retired air force officer who joined the RAAF in 1974 and
retired in 2024. In recent years he has reinvented himself as a military
historian, educator and author.
Contents
About the Author
Glossary & Abbreviations
Maps
Bases
Preface and Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1 April to July 1941 • Humble Beginnings
Chapter 2 August to December 1941 • Sweeping the Skies
Chapter 3 January to June 1942 • An Increasing Pace
Chapter 4 July to December 1942 • A Change of Scenery
Chapter 5 January to June 1943 • Facing the Japanese
Chapter 6 July to December 1943 • The Days are Not So Easy
Chapter 7 January to December 1944 • Into the Fray Again
Chapter 8 January to December 1945 • To the War's End
Appendix 1 No. 452 Squadron Commanding Officers
Appendix 2 No 452 Squadron Honours & Awards
Appendix 3 No. 452 Squadron Aces & Claims
Appendix 4 No. 452 Squadron Tally Board & Losses
Appendix 5 No. 452 Squadron Roll of Honour
Sources
Index of Names
