SEA WINGS: A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CANADA'S WATERBORNE DEFENCE AIRCRAFT.

Agincourt, Ontario: Methuen, 1986. 143 pp, 10 1/2" H. Profusely illustrated with b&w photographs. "Canadian pilots, engineers and enthusiasts returned from the First World War to put (Alexander Graham) Bell's dreams of water-based aircraft to practical use. Canada's unique geography presented special challenges when the RCAF was set up in 1924; most of its bases were seaplane operations and its tasks included the typically Canadian ones of forestry patrol and aerial survey. The Second World War brought the need for convoy protection, with aircraft ranging far out over the North Atlantic in the fight against German U-boats. At the same time Canada developed its capability in naval aviation, first with Canadian squadrons serving with the Royal Navy, then with aircraft carriers operated by the Royal Canadian Navy. Today Maritime Command enforces Canadian sovereignty primarily with shore- and destroyer-based helicopters and long-range Aurora anti-submarine aircraft. As well, Search and Rescue aircraft carry out hundreds of life-saving operations along our coasts every year. (This book) explores that part of our military aviation history that is linked to water, both fresh and salt." Very minor edgewear to boards. Dust jacket has very light rubbing.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.