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Books VP-49 MiscellaneousBooks

BooksBOOKs: VPNAVY Book Title: "Wings over Bermuda - 100 years of aviation in the West Atlantic" by Ewan Partridge and Tom Singfield. Contributed by Tom Singfield tomsingfield@gmail.com [09JUL2015]

The first fixed wing aircraft in Bermuda in 1919 was a USN Curtiss Jenny from the ship SS Elinor. In 1924 the USN sent the first "operational" aircraft to Bermuda in the shape of a Vought UO-1 seaplane from the USS Cincinnati. Visits by the airship Los Angeles commencing in 1925 are detailed as are the much later operations by a variety of US Navy blimps from the airport.

Other pieces in the book that will interest VP Navy readers include the US Navy Naval Operating Base (always known as the NOB) (1939-1965). This massive base (no runway) was built from re-claimed land and housed warships and submarines as well as flying boats and seaplanes. After WW2 the flying boats became the front line force in the Cold War anti submarine "battle". Types operated there included Kingfisher, Goose, PBM Mariner, P5M Marlin and Albatross.

The US Navy was very active in Bermuda during WW2. The book has details of the early neutrality patrols of late 1940 and has extensive coverage of the Battle of the Atlantic and the specialist fleet training operations. The exploits of the Patrol, Scouting and Utility squadrons that were based at Darrell's Island and the NOB are also told.

Post war, the stories continue of the Patrol Squadrons through the cold war and details of support units, accidents, incidents at both the NOB (flying boats and amphibians) and Kindley Field are revealed. The book also includes the never before told story of the Navy Bermuda Flying Club. It also includes details of the many US Navy aircraft carriers that visited Bermuda and the surrounding seas to carry out operations and exercises.

The following US Navy Squadrons are all mentioned in "Wings over Bermuda".

FAW-9, VAQ-141, VB-105,VC-1, VC-13, VC-19, VC-42, VC-58, VC-69, VCS-8, VF-15, VF-41, VF-72, VGF-27, VGF-28, VGS-27, VGS-29, VGS-30, VJ-4, VJ-15, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-15, VP-16, VP-23, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49, VP-51, VP-52, VP-54, VP-63, VP-74, VP-92, VP-201, VP-204, VP-207, VP-215, VP-661, VP-MS-5, VP-MS-9, VQ-4, VR-1, VR-6, VR-8, VR-44, VRC-40, VS-2D1, VS-32, VS-35, VS-36, VS-41, VS-71, VS-72, VS-201, VS-5D4, VX-1, VX-4. In addition there are stories from FASRON 104, FASRON 111, FASRON 795 and the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS).

US Navy ships mentioned include USS Akron (airship), Bogue, Charger, Chenango, Cincinnati, Cobbler, Core, Croatan, Currituck, Effective, Elinor, Gannet, George E. Badger, Guadalcanal, Hamilton, Hornet, Intrepid, Laffey, Long Island, Mission Bay, Odum, Owl, Patoka (airship), Ray, St. Louis, Sicily, Philadelphia, Ranger, Santee, Savannah, Stansbury, Theodore Roosevelt, Thrush, Timbalier, Valley Forge, Wainwright, Wake Island, Wasp, Yorktown.

Many military bases with US Navy connections are mentioned including Patuxent River, Norfolk VA, Elizabeth City, Keflavik, Azores, Argentia, Charleston, Miami, Newfoundland and San Juan.

The book can be obtained direct from the National Museum of Bermuda for $60 plus P&P. Contact info@nmb.bm for details. The authors (both British) have some signed copies in the UK, contact tomsingfield@gmail.com for details of costs etc.

This book was published in 2014 by the National Museum of Bermuda and for the first time ever tells the intriguing story of aviation in and around the British Colony islands of Bermuda. Historians, former Bermuda US Navy servicemen and women, and relatives of USN personnel based there will be delighted to see such a good coverage of all types of US Navy operations


BooksBOOKs: VPNAVY Book Title: MARTIN P5M MARLIN by Capt Richard Hoffman USN (Ret) dickdot@san.rr.com.

The lineage of Martin and the flying boat can be traced back to the PBM-4 of 1941. Navy last flying boat and the end of a long era of seaplanes in the US Navy. This book covers the squadron that used them and parts of the pilot handbook and maintenance manual. Squadron and crew patches. Photos of the catwalks and some of the hazard of working on a seaplane over the water. There are also section on the US Coast Guard and French use. The Marlin losses and a list of Casualties. 168 pages, 273 photos, 50 drawings 1 page of models colored front and back cover with 12 colored photos. Also 2 pages on the P6M and advanced seaplanes. Squadrons Mentioned: VP-30, VP-31, VP-40, VP-42, VP-44, VP-45, VP-46, VP-47, VP-48, VP-49, VP-50, VP-56, VT-31 and VX-1 to mention a few! ORDER NUMBER - NF74 $34.95 - ISBN 0-942612-74-4 WebSite for ordering a copy: http://ginterbooks.com/NAVAL/NF74.htm [17MAY2007]


BooksBOOKs: Title: "Gideon's Trumpet" by Jack Key. The P5M-2 is featured in a flashback setting in GIDEON'S TRUMPET to 1958, and to the two squadrons, VP-45 and VP-49 that were operational at the U.S. Navy Base in Bermuda during the period setting in the novel. The story is fiction, but scenes were compiled from the author's own experience and memory of flying the aircraft during a later period of his own naval service, and from other acknowledged sources. See WebSite: http://www.gideonstrumpet.org/index.htm for further information. Contributed by jockdoc@localnet.com [05NOV2005]


BooksBOOKs: Quonset Point Naval Air Station "Gem of the Atlantic" and Quonset Point Naval Air Station "Volume II - VJ Day to Vietnam" by Sean Paul Milligan jetsareforkids@verizon.net WebSite: http://www.angelfire.com/fl/jetsr4kids/ [Updated 30NOV2004 | 20NOV99 | 06MAR99]

VPNAVY BookTitle: Quonset Point Naval Air Station: Gem of the Atlantic
VPNAVY BookTitle: Quonset Point Naval Air Station, Volume II

Squadrons, NAS, etc. mentioned: VP-6(CG), VP-7, VP-8, VP-11, VP-21, VP-24, VP-49, VP-52, VP-82, VB-125, VB-126, VS-22, VS-24, VS-27, VS-30, VS-31, VS-32, VS-34, VS-39, VS-42, VS-913, CASU-22, FASRON-101, FASRON-103, NADU, VJ-2, VJ-4, VJ-15, VU-2, VU-4, VU-5, VX-1, VX-3, VX-4, VC-2, VC-4, VC-12, VC-31, VC-33, VT-1, VT-8, VAW-12, VAW-33, VR-22, FAW-3, FAW-5, FAW-7, and FAW-9.

The works of Aviation Historian Sean Paul Milligan

SGT USMC RET

Sean Paul Milligan is a well-known military historian and speaker whose articles have appeared in the Providence Journal, Naval Aviation News, The Hook, Wings of Gold, and Leatherneck. His career in aviation began at age 14 when he flew as a Cadet in the Civil Air patrol. A former Marine, Milligan has made a lifelong study of Naval Aviation and is the historian for the Quonset Air museum. Mr. Milligan is currently producing a PBS documentary on NAS Quonset Point, RI.

Praise for books by Sean Paul Milligan

A few years ago, a friend of mine was asking for photographs for a book on NAS Quonset Point. That book is now available from the author and it is a real gem. The 128 page, 6 1/2" x 9 1/4" book is just full of photographs detailing the history of the Naval Air Station at Quonset Point. First built in 1941, the air station was homebase for many of the seaplane squadrons that fought the battle of the Atlantic. It was also homeport for several carrier airwings that embarked upon the many 'jeep' carriers who were tasked with convoy protection. The book then goes on to discuss the many classified projects undertaken during the war including Quonset's major involvement in developing a Naval night fighter.

Postwar saw the drawdown of units and ships, but Quonset was set to enter the jet age and there are several good photographs of early jets. Quonset Point was renowned for the Naval Air Rework Facility there and its specialization in reciprocating engines. There are numerous photographs of F4U Corsairs, A-1 Skyraiders, and other prop aircraft that went through the station. It was this specialization in prop aircraft that spelled the final demise of Quonset Point. When the services finally phased out the round-motored aircraft, there was no more need for the rework facility. Quonset Point finally closed in 1974; chopped by Richard Nixon as part of the drawdown after Vietnam.

Sean Milligan's book is page after page of quality black and white photographs. Other than photo captions and the introduction, there is very little verbiage. It is the over 200 superb photographs that make the book. Want photos of J2F Ducks for your next kit? How about Hellcat nightfighters, EA-1 Skyraiders, S-2A's, TBM-3Ws, AF-2's, and the rare TBY Seawolf. They are all here and more. How about a good photo of a 1950 Chevrolet pickup as used by base security complete with fender mounted siren? A little esoteric, but this is the strength of this book.

Highly recommended for USN enthusiasts everywhere. The letter that came with the book mentions another on threat, adversary, target and utility squadrons. I hope it is either available or in work. Buy this book!

    "...A little gem..." Journal - American Aviation Historical Society

    "...Excellent..." William T. Larkins, Founder - Author of U. S. Navy Aircraft 1921-1941

    "..Nifty, well-researched..." Wings of Gold

    "...Pictures are outstanding...informative captions...A good book to have around..." Captain Dick Knott, USN (RET)

    "...The Quonset book is excellent..." R. C. Sturtivant - I.S.O. - Author of The Squadrons Of The Fleet Air Arm

    "...This book belongs in your library..." Naval Aviation News - Commander Peter Mersky, USNR (Retired)

    "...Super...great photos and captions..." The Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum - Stan Piet, Executive Director

    "...Extensive and detailed...an extraordinary archive..." Air Classics

    "...Gem of a book...highly recommended..." The Hook

    "...Jam packed...with rare and historical photographs..." Gosport - Chief Art Giberson, USN (Retired)

    "...A nostalgic look at Naval Aviation..." United States Naval Institute - Proceedings Commander J. Cutler, USN (Retired)

    "...Surprises...lively...chronicles 'hallowed ground' of Quonset Point..." The Providence Journal-Bulletin - Gerry Goldstein

    "...Quonset Point Naval Air Station is for you..." Atlantic Flyer

    "...An awesome tribute...I recommend it strongly to anyone even remotely associated with U. S carrier based warfare..." Military - Major Dominic J Caraccilo.
BOTH BOOKS ARE $18.99 each plus $3.01 each for mailing (Total: $22.00)

Please make checks payable to
JETS ARE FOR KIDS
PO BOX 3214
PAWTUCKET RI 02861

Voice: (401)722-5821
E-Mail: jetsareforkids@verizon.net

Author will sign and write sentiments as requested.

VP LogosLOGOs: Purchase Information: Buy PatchesVP-49 Patch Buy Patches features a large selection of Military related Patches, Aviation Art Prints, Military Caps and more. Free Shipping Worldwide*. VPNAVY will get 5% commission on all purchases! Contributed by Dave Duckworth dave@militarybest.com [17OCT2000]


VP ModelsMODELs: Decal Kits ThumbnailModel decals, VP Aircraft, etc. are available for: VP-4, VP-6, VP-8, VP-14, VP-31, VP-42, VP-45, VP-67, VP-47, VP-49, VP-50, VP-60, VP-64, VP-69, VP-60, VQ-1, Plus more! (MIKE'S HOBBY SHACK) http://mkhobbyshack.bizland.com/ [12AUG99]


BooksBOOKs: Title: "Land of fire and ice : Patrol Squadron Forty Nine, 1974." Imprint [Norfolk, Va. : Tiffany Pub. Co., 1974?] Physical Description 101, [3] p. : chiefly ill., ports. ; 29 cm. WebSite: Navy Department Library http://www.history.navy.mil/library/ [Link Updated 24APR2001 | 30JAN99]


BooksBOOKs: Title: "Patrol Squadron Forty-nine, Adak, Alaska, nineteen hundred and sixty-six." Imprint [Tokyo : Dai Nippon Print Co., 1966?] Physical Description [106] p. : chiefly ill., ports. ; 29 cm. WebSite: Navy Department Library http://www.history.navy.mil/library/ [Link Updated 24APR2001 | 30JAN99]


BooksBOOKs: Title: "Patrol Squadron Forty-nine, Bermuda - Argentia, Newfoundland." Imprint [Norfolk, Va. : Tiffany, 1967?] Physical Description [112] p. : chiefly ill., ports. ; 28 cm. WebSite: Navy Department Library http://www.history.navy.mil/library/ [Link Updated 24APR2001 | 30JAN99]


BooksBOOKs: Title: "WestPac 1968." Imprint [Norfolk, Va. : Tiffany Pub. Co., 1968?] Physical Description [88] p. : chiefly ill., ports. ; 29 cm. WebSite: Navy Department Library http://www.history.navy.mil/library/ [Link Updated 24APR2001 | 30JAN99]


BooksBOOKs: "The Flying Boats of Bermuda" I am just coming to the end of writing a book recording the marine aviation of Bermuda: 1909 to 1987, and including the whole story of US Naval operations (1941 to 1964) from, initially, Darrel's Island and, later, the Naval Annex on the former Morgan's and Tucker's Islands. I have a really good amount of material on the USN marine aviation activities in Bermuda during the war years (VPs and the VSs) - attacks on submarines, air sea rescue missions, aircraft losses, operating procedures, etc - but so very little in the way of photographs. If any of your colleagues could help in any way, you can imagine just how grateful I would be (and, of course, will meet any costs). If the photographs were not specifically NAS Bermuda associated, anything would be a lot better than the virtual blank I have at the moment! VP Squadrons includ: VP-15 Coronado aircraft. May 1943 to May 1944; VP-51 Catalina aircraft. October to December 41; VP-52 Catalina aircraft. June 1942 to May 1943; VP-63 Catalina aircraft. Known to have been at Bermuda in March 1943; VP-74 Mariner aircraft. March to August 1942; VP-105 Catalina aircraft. "Sometime during 1943; VP-201 Mariner aircraft. May 1943 to June 1944; VP-207 Mariner aircraft. June 1944 to June 1945; and VP-215 Mariner aircraft. April 1944 to April 1945. Please contact Colin Pom CPomeroy@aol.com for further information.[29DEC98]

UPDATE "...The main chapters are: "The Early Years", "Darrell's Island - The Civil Story", "Darrell's Island - The RAF Story", "HMS Malabar - The Fleet Air Arm Base", "The United States Navy Operating Base", "The Final Years" and "Today in Bermuda". (VP-15,VP-45, VP-49, VP-51, VP-52, VP-63, VP-74, VP-105, VP-201, VP-207, VP-215, VS-32, and VS-35 all get referred to). There are 12 detailed annexes, including the only list that I have ever come across of Bermuda-Associated Flying Boat and Seaplane Losses. Perhaps of the most (but not only) interest to the VP Community will be the USNOB Chapter. It covers the years from 1940 to 1964 - the Second World War and the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis and includes the early days out on Darrell's Island before the NOB was completed. Incidentally, the first ever flight above Bermuda (1919) was flown by an ensign in the USN!..." Please contact Colin Pom CPomeroy@aol.com for further information. [30MAR2000]

UPDATE "...It has now been published! "The Flying Boats of Bermuda" tells the story of marine aviation in Bermuda from 1919 to 1987 - at war and in peace; military and civil; American, British and other nationalities - and runs to 254 pages with over 200 photographs, diagrams and charts (the vast majority of which have never been published before), and is complemented by a host of annexes on such topics as Bermuda-associated aircraft losses, communications and navigation, destination airports, the loss of "Cavalier", aircraft types and much more. The section on the USN at Darrell's Island and then at The Annex goes into great detail, with references to VP-15, VP-51, VP-52, VP-63, VP-74, VP-105, VP-201, VP-207, VP-215, VS-32, and VS-35 - plus, of course the post war squadrons VP-45 and VP-49. Reviewers have been very generous with their comments on the book. Full details of where to obtain the book ($27.50) from the author, Sqn Ldr Colin Pomeroy, RAF (Retd) at CPomeroy@aol.com..." [21JUN2002]


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