Reviewed by Mick Evans

Mushroom's 304 Squadron book is available online from Squadron.com 

Mushroom Model Publications records the history of No 304 (Polish) Sqn RAF in this recent publication.

The Squadron was formed in 1940 using personnel from the 2nd and 6th Air Regiments of the Polish Air Force who had escaped to England when Poland was overrun by the Germans.

The Squadron was involved in operations with Bomber Command from 1940 to 1942 flying various marks of Wellington bombers flying bombing raids over occupied Europe where they lost at least one third of their aircraft and crews during this period. From May 1942 until the end of the war, the squadron flew anti submarine patrols with Coastal Command flying various anti submarine versions of the Wellington bomber. In the antisubmarine role the squadron had great success with 33 confirmed attacks against submarines resulting in two being sunk. The squadron had a short post war career with transport command flying Vickers Warwick and Handley Page Halifax aircraft.

The book contains 96 pages illustrated with 128 black and white photographs and 2 wartime colour photographs. There are also 16 pages containing 32 full colour profiles containing the colour schemes of the units Fairy Battle trainers, Vickers Wellingtons and Warwicks, and an incorrectly labelled Handley Page Halifax (The publishers labelled this as a Warwick). The publishers have included tables and summaries of the organisation, personnel, and operational losses. Many personal accounts from the squadron aircrew are also included.

This is an excellent historical account of No 304 Squadron that should appeal to aircraft enthusiast and modellers.

Highly Recommended.

All Mushroom Model Publications books are available direct from the publishers, who now accept credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Switch)  

North American distributors are Squadron/MMD, Australian distributors are Platypus Publications. In Europe, the books are available from any good bookshop (via our UK distributors, Orca). Contact MMP direct in case of difficulties. 

Thanks to Roger at Mushroom Model Magazine  for the sample.