The Swordfish Story

The most unlikely star of the air defense of England against the Nazis was an obsolete biplane known as the "Stringbag"--a version of the Fairey Swordfish that earned legendary battle honors. Endearing to its pilots for its maneuverability and simplicity, the Stringbag finally gets a well-deserved chronicle. From its design origins and early peacetime service to its rush into war action, this torpedo-spotting reconnaissance aircraft soon became the standard carrier-borne torpedo bomber, and participated in such crucial operations as the Bismarck attack, Taranto, Norway, and the Channel Dash.