Martin Marauder Mk. I

Allied Wings No. 2
By Phil H. Listemann
RAF in Combat, ©2008
ISBN 978-295-26-3816-6
Softbound, 58 Pages

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

The Martin B-26 Marauder is popular for its USAAC service, but its record with the RAF is not as well known. The latest title in the Allied Wings series aims to rectify that, with a monograph focusing solely on the Marauder Mk I in RAF service. Like the previous volume in this series, this book, while small in pages, is big in information. After a brief introduction to the Marauder Mk I (equivalent to the B-26A, for which there is a small sidebar detailing that type in US service), the author dives into the operational record.

The Marauder served with only one unit in the RAF, No 14 Squadron, but its performance with that unit was impressive. With the Mitchell operating from English air bases, the Marauder was sent south to operate in the Mediterranean theater. The fact that the Marauder could carry a torpedo helped it fit in down there, as Italian convoys were actively resupplying the North African combatants. Given this role, four of the Marauders were named after Royal Navy submarines, and between 1942 and 1944 the aircraft racked up over 8000 operational hours. The aggressiveness of the crews and challenging environment led to high attrition, though, and when the Marauder was withdrawn, three fourths were lost, along with over 150 crewmen.

In addition to the written history of the operational record, this book also includes a detailed series of data tables outlining the monthly sorties flown, the various bases and detachment locations, claim lists for both aircraft shot down and ships sunk or damaged, a combat loss record, an accident loss record, an individual aircraft register, and more. Complementing this incredibly detailed collection of information are dozens of photographs and a handful of color profile illustrations showing some of the markings and camouflages worn by the RAF Marauders.

The story of the medium bomber during the Second World War is one of the most fascinating out there, as these types often found themselves in roles outside of their original design. How they adapted to those roles, and often excelled, makes for great reading, and this book is no exception. My thanks to RAF in Combat for the review copy.