The Merchant Services Fighter United, an RAF operational aircraft unit based at Speke

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Memory Lane

The Merchant Services Fighter United, an RAF operational aircraft unit based at Speke

The Merchant Services Fighter United, an RAF operational aircraft unit based at Speke Airport, have played one of the most daring parts in the war at sea and in the air. The pilots, with a small maintenance staff, travelled with defensively armed merchant ships in convoy. Their aircraft carried on these vessels were catapulted off when going into action against enemy aircraft approaching the convoy.
The operation vas controlled by an Officer of the Royal Navy known as the Fighter Defence Officer.
At the end of a combat or when he was running short of fuel, the merchant Service Fighter Unit pilot endeavoured to land on friendly territory. If, as sometimes happened, he was far out at sea, he baled out and took to his dinghy, hoping to be picked up by a passing ship.
Picture taken a training station shows: Testing the electrical contacts on the firing rockets.
June 1945

Official
Reach PLC
Mirrorpix
Liverpool
Merseyside
England

Media ID 21899495

© Mirrorpix

Armed Forces Royal Air Force Royal Navy Sea War Ships

MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.