An alphabetical account of the part in the Second World War played by the 'Kipper Fleet' as it was known in the RAF. Coastal Command often lacked resources compared with other home commands, giving it its other nickname of the 'Cinderella Service'. Its main role was defensive - that of protecting Britain's vital seaborne supply lines in home waters as well as in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and around the coasts of Africa. Coastal Command also acted in an offensive capacity, particularly in the so-called 'Battle of the Barges' in 1940 which helped deter Hitler from invading the UK, and in the Mediterranean and the Baltic, attacking German shipping. Coastal Command, however, is most usually remembered for the war against the U-boats, one that was eventually won. From A to Z this well-illustrated book tells the story of the gallantry, the achievements, the losses, the VCs, the aircraft and much else about RAF Coastal Command. AUTHOR: Geoff Simpson is a writer and journalist who has studied the RAF in the Second World War for many years. He has written a number of books on the subject, as well as lecturing and broadcasting. He also leads battlefield tours in southern England, visiting sites associated with the Battle of Britain. Geoff is a Trustee of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, a member of the RAF Historical Society and a former Council member of the Friends of the Imperial War Museum. 50 illustrations
