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Fairey Swordfish I
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Fairey Swordfish I
Fairey Swordfish I aircraft of 810 Sqn with Grumman Martlets in the background, HMS Illustrious, 1942
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 1881197
© Charles Brown Collection, Royal Air Force Museum
Fleet Air Arm Royal Navy Ships World War Two
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, captured by Charles E. Brown of the Royal Air Force Museum, presents a striking image of Fairey Swordfish I aircraft of 810 Squadron taking off from the flight deck of HMS Illustrious during World War II. The British aircraft carrier, which served as the flagship of the Mediterranean Fleet, is bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows over the deck. In the background, Grumman Martlets of the Fleet Air Arm are lined up, their wings reflecting in the water. The Swordfish, a versatile biplane torpedo bomber, was a key component of the Royal Navy's carrier-borne fleet during the war. Its distinctive shape, with its large wing span and distinctive fin, is clearly visible as it lifts off, trailing a plume of smoke from its engines. The Swordfish's role in the Royal Navy was crucial in the defense of the United Kingdom during the early stages of the war, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic. Its ability to take off and land on short runways, combined with its long endurance and payload capacity, made it an invaluable asset in the fight against U-boats and surface raiders. This photograph not only captures the technical prowess of the aircraft and the skill of the pilots, but also the sense of urgency and determination that characterized the Royal Navy's efforts during World War II. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served in the Fleet Air Arm during this pivotal period in history.
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