Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Gannets in Print
Updated 26 August 2008
The story of the Fairey Gannet in service with the RAN during its operational period from 1956 when the first planes were delivered for training in Northern Ireland, to their last operational sortie in 1967 is the subject of Submarine Hunter - Fairey Gannet in RAN Service by Zbigniew (Ben) Patynowski.
The author tells this story from the perspective of those who flew and maintained the aircraft, an effective way of giving an aircraft's operational history.
No part of the service life of the Australian Gannet goes untouched. There is the initial training in the chilly climes of winter in the British Isles, operational readiness aboard RN carriers, the long trip to Australia aboard the HMAS Melbourne, and finally to a decade of dedicated service and many interesting cruises.
This is by no means a short read, with 248 pages of information, humor and some excitement as well. All of this is illustrated with period photographs, the majority of which have never seen print. There are also excellent large-size profiles of most of the aircraft at some time in their service.
The book is published by Mushroom Models Publications (www.mmpbooks.biz/mmp/index.php) and is available from them or, in Australia, from Platypus Publications (www.apma.org.au/platypus.html), or phone (02) 4753 6148 (10am - 7pm) or PO Box 13, Glenbrook NSW 2773.
The Australian price for Submarine Hunter - Fairey Gannet in RAN Service is $65 (plus $10 for post/packing), or $55 (plus $10) for members of the Association. Reduced postal rates are available for bulk orders.
See also: Review by Glen Porter
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