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Post by Patch on Aug 16, 2004 10:54:46 GMT -7
During last weekend's campout in Clachan Ontario, I heard the unmistakable rumble of a rotary engine. Not too far over the tree line, I see a beautifully restored Fairley Swordfish. It belongs to Bob Spence of Muirkirk. His airstrip isn't too far from my sisters where we were camping out. He is kind enough to let me use his strip to fly my R/C when I'm out that way. A number of years ago I was able to attend his farm with the local Kiwanis club where he did a slide show of the restoration, and then I was allowed to sit in the cockpit! here is a link to a story and pictures relating. airic.ca/html/fairey_swordfish.html |
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Post by jetmex on Aug 16, 2004 15:30:38 GMT -7
That was too cool. I love Stringbags and you have to admire the crews who flew them. I have a hard time imagining going up against the Bismarck in a fabric biplane with no armor and those puny little .303 popguns to shoot back with. Incredible!
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Post by Patch on Aug 16, 2004 15:43:41 GMT -7
Like many battles in the great wars, it goes to show that a mans courage and dedication to his country/men is far stronger than any armour. I wonder how many more sailors would have lost their lives if not for the couragous efforts of the Swordfish pilots?
I also wonder with their lound rumble, how many German AAA battalions were sitting there saying "come on already, we've heard you coming for 15 minutes now"
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Post by jetmex on Aug 16, 2004 15:51:57 GMT -7
Hmm, hadn't thought of that. But how would you like to be on the receiving end while waiting to get close enough to drop a torpedo?
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Post by Grug - American Neanderthal on Aug 17, 2004 5:43:20 GMT -7
Heheh, yeah, not only are they loud, but they are not speedy, they were heard for 15 minutes, and shot at for 5.  |
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Post by Britbrat on Aug 17, 2004 6:30:14 GMT -7
They were more than just torpedo bombers -- operating from escort carriers, they were pretty good sub killers. In 1943 they had ASV radar & metal-covered lower wings for use with rockets -- that really helped turn the tide against U-boats in the mid Atlantic & on the Murmansk run. The rockets helped offset the sitting-duck 138 mph max speed -- although despite that, some were shot down by the U-boats.
BTW -- they had radial engines, not rotary engines.
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Post by Patch on Aug 17, 2004 11:20:10 GMT -7
Rotory?? what the hell was I thinking? There'a a very remote chance I was posting after a beer or two  |
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Post by Britbrat on Aug 18, 2004 15:30:11 GMT -7
Look Patch, if you're going to be the son I never wanted,  you are going to have to brighten up. 2 beers & you fall to bits  You clearly are not spending enough time & $$ on your fuel. Try a bottle of Chateau Margeaux Cabernet Sauvignon 1978 -- drink it all, then post your stuff!!  |
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Post by exrafbod on Jan 9, 2006 15:09:10 GMT -7
Nothing Fairley about it old son...
The Swordfish was certainly a "Stringbag" in the true sense of the word which shows how much it was regarded by its crews.....and Fairey it was in name only.
It could probably fly backwards in a stiff breeze.
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Post by BrianW517 on Apr 2, 2011 18:24:52 GMT -7
Nothing Fairley about it old son... The Swordfish was certainly a "Stringbag" in the true sense of the word which shows how much it was regarded by its crews.....and Fairey it was in name only. It could probably fly backwards in a stiff breeze.  The German Gunner's said when interviewed, after WWII was over; the Swordfish, was hard to shoot down, because the gunner's were trained to shoot down, fast attack aircraft, and would lead fire too far ahead, of the approaching Swordfish, and miss them completely. When the German's figured out why they missed shooting down the Swordfish; it was too late, the torpedo's were on they're way! ;D  |
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you are going to have to brighten up. 2 beers & you fall to bits 
You clearly are not spending enough time & $$ on your fuel. Try a bottle of Chateau Margeaux Cabernet Sauvignon 1978 -- drink it all, then post your stuff!! 
