Customer Reviews

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

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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.