The Swordfish was a three-man torpedo-bomber and reconnaissance biplane with a basic structure of fabric-covered metal. The wings folded for storage on the crowded deck of an aircraft carrier. Armament included one forward-firing Vickers machine gun and one swiveling Vickers in the rear cockpit. Primary offensive power took the form of depth charges, mines, bombs or, especially, a torpedo. Unfortunately, this outstanding plane was too slow to withstand the punishment of German anti-aircraft fire. Long, accurate approaches to the target made the Swordfish very vulnerable when delivering its torpedo. Thus came re-deployment in an anti-submarine warfare role, using depth charges and, later, rockets.

As with many wartime aircraft, Swordfish were produced by more than one manufacturer. Well over half (almost 1700) were built by the Blackburn company in Sherburn in Elmet, UK.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USAAC Fairey Swordfish Mk. I torpedo plane that was attached to No.833 Squadron, then embarked upon HMS Biter (D97), which participated in Operation Torch, the invasion of Northwest Africa, in November 1942. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-3/4-inches
Length: 6-inches

Release Date: May 2024

Historical Account: "Piercing the Reich" - Swordfish aircraft used during 'Operation Torch' were assigned to provide anti-submarine patrols to protect the invasion force from enemy attack, with patrol operations commencing on October 30th whilst the task force was on approach to Gibraltar.

An extremely busy period then followed for Swordfish crews, however, not everything went to plan during this time, with HMS Biter losing three of its Swordfish to landing accidents in just a few days, whilst aircraft were attempting to recover onto the carrier in rough seas.

Indeed, two of these aircraft were so badly damaged that they were unceremoniously pushed over the side of the vessel into the angry seas which had caused their demise. On November 7th, 1942, the Swordfish of both A and B flights of No.833 Squadron FAA put ashore at Gibraltar and commenced anti-submarine patrol operations from the island, as the work to finalize the huge assault groups began in earnest.

HMS Biter was assigned to the Central Naval Task Force aimed at Oran, and whilst her Swordfish continued to protect force vessels from U-boat attack, her complement of Sea Hurricanes would be required to provide fighter top cover for other fighter attack aircraft tasked with taking out Axis airfields following the commencement of operations.

Although enemy submarine activity posed a very real threat to the sizeable Allied assault force, the Swordfish screen helped deter any futile attacks by enemy units.