No. 91 'Nigeria' Squadron (Osprey Aviation Elite 3) [Paperback]

Peter Hall (Author), Chris Davey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Aviation Elite Units | Publication Date: May 25, 2001

From its humble beginnings as a reconnaissance flight, using second-hand aircraft at the very end of the Battle of Britain, No 91 'Nigeria' Squadron went on to become one of the most famous units in RAF Fighter Command. It achieved outstanding results using new low-level interception tactics along the south coast of England, employing the very latest marks of Spitfire. Indeed, it was one of the few fighter units to be Spitfire-equipped throughout World War 2. Manned by a multifarious band of pilots from across the globe, No 91 'Nigeria' Sqn also produced its fair share of aces.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Looking at elite fighter and bomber units in action, these books draw on profile artworks, black and white photographs, fully detailed appendices and breathtaking first hand accounts.

About the Author

Peter Hall is a policeman serving in Ashford, Kent. He is a specialist in the field of Kentish aviation, having written books on RAF West Malling and a small volume on No 91 Sqn for a local publisher.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841761605
• ISBN-13: 978-1841761602
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,311,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lone Wolves: An RAF Fighter Squadron at War!, July 4, 2008

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No. 91 'Nigeria' Squadron (Osprey Aviation Elite 3) (Paperback)

Judging from Peter Hall's book, 91 Squadron was a hard-fighting - but atypical - RAF squadron in World War II.
Initially established in October 1940 as 421 Flight to run single-aircraft Channel/French coast recce patrols, 421 morphed into 91 Squadron in January 1941. A variety of duties allowed the Squadron to retain its 'lone wolf' character throughout the war. Ninety-One's rather unique history is well-told in this 'Osprey Aviation Elite' volume, #3 in the series.

During 1941, the squadron, equipped with Spitfires, continued their special 'Jim Crow' patrols along with engaging Luftwaffe fighter-bomber raids on England and attacks on German shipping. (Subsequently ASR and photo recce missions were added as well as Ramrods, Rodeos and Rhubarbs). The squadron continued to score against the Luftwaffe, its efforts being aided by the arrival of Spit XIIs in April 1943. The squadron was especially successful against V-1s, eventually destroying 185 'Divers,' the highest tally by any Spit squadron. War's end saw 91 still in the thick off things flying Spit 21s. Notable 91 aces and pilots included Billy Drake, Bobby Oxspring, 'Paddy' Green, Jean Demozay, 'Paddy' Barthropp and 'Chris' LeRoux.

Hall's interesting and informative text is complemented by over 100 photographs and nine pages of color profiles of the unit's Hurris and Spits by Chris Davey. One negative: this book along with the companion 43 Squadron Osprey book lack indexes.

As mentioned, 91 Squadron was rather unique in RAF circles and its story is engagingly told in Peter Hall's book. Recommended.