FAIREY SWORDFISH BOMB SELECTOR TOGGLE

Whilst seemingly heavily antiquated and a relic of a bygone era, the Fairey Swordfish squadrons played a significant role in Coastal Command strategic operations against the German invasion of the Low Countries.

Striking marine targets off the coast of the Netherlands and Belgium in daylight raids, the squadrons were exposed to heavy anti-aircraft fire and interception by the Luftwaffe's more nimble and heavily armed fighters such as the BF 110 and 109.

A slow, lumbering biplane was never going to be a match for the Luftwaffe's turbo-charged and radar equiped new generation fighters but despite this, the Swordfish achieved some spectacular successes during the war; including the sinking one battleship and damaging two others of the Italian Navy during the Battle of Taranto.

It also played a pivotal role in the famous attack on the Bismarck, which contributed to her eventual demise. By the end of the war, the Swordfish held the distinction of having caused the destruction of a greater tonnage of Axis shipping than any other Allied aircraft.

The Swordfish could carry a wide range of munitions beside their primary single torpedo including bombs and mines. 

With a crew consisting of a pilot, observer and air gunner/wireless operator, the Fairy Swordfish's Bomb Toggle was located on the Starboard wall of the Observer's postion with an additional flexible Bomb Toggle Trigger in the pilot's cockpit for the Torpedo release.

This Fairey Swordfish WWII Air Ministry & Crown stamped double Bomb Selector Toggle is a remarkable and original piece of naval aviation history and heroic endeavour and would make a fantastic gift for any aviation enthusiast.

This Fairey Swordfish Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.

Return to Fairey Swordfish MAIN PAGE

Return to Vintage Aviation Collectables MAIN PAGE