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Short Sunderland (Paperback)

The 'Flying Porcupines' in the Second World War

Aviation > WWII WWII

By Andrew Hendrie
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
Pages: 192
Illustrations: 80 Integrated B&W Images
ISBN: 9781399014540
Published: 12th April 2022
Last Released: 26th July 2024

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In 1933, the Air Ministry issued a specification for a general-purpose four-engine flying boat capable of operating from the outposts of the Empire. The result was the remarkable Sunderland, built by Short Brothers.

This book covers the development of the Short Sunderland and its operation in the Second World War. The Sunderland's Crew's ability to take on combats with six or more enemy fighters earned it the Luftwaffe's nickname of the "Flying Porcupine".
The aircraft’s “maid of all work” role over the eastern Mediterranean is covered in detail, and includes recces for the Royal Navy, evacuations from Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete, as well as attacks on enemy submarines.

The Canadian, Australian and Norwegian squadrons’ operations within Coastal Command are included plus, outside the Command, those of South Africans and New Zealanders. The author also includes details of post-war operations such as the Berlin Airlift.

Detailed appendices include lists of Sunderlands with brief histories and all known successful attacks on enemy submarines.

"...a serviceable, comprehensive, and at times gripping, history of the Flying Porcupine. The photographs are extensive and well-chosen..."

The Naval Historical Foundation, September 2022

This book has plenty of detail, all user squadrons are covered, including those manned by personnel from Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

It soon becomes apparent that the Sunderlan was a Jack-of-all trades, from the anti-submarine role to air-sea rescue, transport and supply, and convoy escort. While the crews themselves were involved in sinking of many U-boats, the book convoys faring retrievals of service members, politicians and even royalty from under the noses of the advancing enemy.

Airfix Model World

About Andrew Hendrie

After completing a tour of operations on Lockheed Hudsons during the Second World War, ANDREW HENDRIE logged flights on over seventy Sunderlands, largely air tests of machines delivered by the Short’s factories at Belfast and Windermere. He then began a second tour on Vickers Wellingtons.
Post-war, Andrew joined the RAFVR. After 1980 he began researching and writing books about maritime flying operations. His first title, Seek and Strike: The Lockheed Hudson in World War II, was published in 1983. Andrew passed away in 2004.

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