Category Archives: Bomber – Naval

The Douglass TBD is one of those types synonymous with the painful start to the US’ war effort in the Pacific War, and is often reviled as painfully obsolete. Of course, like many such examples, there’s more to the story … Continue reading →

The US Navy’s famous workhorse of the early War period was just entering service as a combat ready type the summer before the US got into the War. Let’s take a look at one from the transition period just before … Continue reading →

The US Navy’s upset victory at Midway is well known, a hard won American triumph. Let’s take a look at a part of the cost of that victory.

Even after retirement from fleet carriers the SBD continued to provide service to the end of the War. Let’s take a look at an example in Marine service in the later phase of the type’s career.

This dive bomber was one of the first generation monoplanes in Navy service and was thoroughly obsolete at the outbreak of World War II in the Pacific.  Yet a small number served in Marine squadrons until the Battle of Midway. … Continue reading →

In November of 1942 US and British forces invaded Vichy French held areas of North Africa to trap Italian and German forces. After the jump, a brief look at this early amphibious operation and one aircraft that provided support.

A troubled design that did ultimately prove effective, the Curtiss Helldiver was the last dedicated Dive Bomber to see service with the US Navy. Join me for a brief look at an interesting bit of naval history.