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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. Along with its battle record, fully illustrated specifications are given for all variants of the Swordfish, as well as names of all its squadrons, and a history of all individual aircraft.
