The speed with which the Corsair was rushed into service as a
land-based fighter obliged the pilots to learn on the job. The aircraft soon
proved to be superior to the Japanese Zero and played a major part in the
destruction of Japan’s
elite air forces in the South Pacific. Later, in an effort to counter the
Kamikaze threat, the Corsair was once again hurriedly pressed into service; this
time in its originally intended role as a shipboard fighter. This versatile
aircraft saw service with the US Navy and Marines, the British Fleet Air Arm and
the RNZAF. Most of the 4FU pilots who recount their experiences within these
pages considered it to be the best all-round fighter in the Pacific theatre.
Contents
Guadalcanal Debut * More F4Us
Arrive * Tororkina and Munda * The 'Black Sheep' Squadron * US Navy Corsairs *
Success in the South-west * British Corsairs * The Central Pacific *
Appendices
