Fighting the U-boats

Aircraft & Air forces

Aircraft Types


A Mosquito B Mk. IV


Shore-based aircraft

With one exception (the Anson) these were bombers pushed into a maritime role.

Lockheed Hudson, de Havilland Mosquito, Vickers Wellington Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, Lockheed Ventura and Harpoon, B-25 Mitchell, Vickers Warwick, B-18 Bolo, Avro Anson

Carrier-based aircraft

Operating from fleet carriers or more usually escort carriers.

TBF Avenger, F4F Wildcat / Martlet and Fairey Swordfish.

Water-based aircraft

Martin PBM Mariner, Short Sunderland and PBY Catalina.

Very-Long Range aircraft

These aircraft helped to reduce the mid-ocean air gap utilized by U-boats.

Handley Page Halifax, B-17 Flying Fortress, and B-24 Liberator.