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Merchant Ship Fighter Unit by G. H. Davis
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Merchant Ship Fighter Unit by G. H. Davis
The Merchant Ship Fighter Unit (MSFU) at work during the Second World War: a system which was able to defeat the long-range bomber. Drawings showing the sequence of events when a Hurricane is catapulted into action from the bows of a merchantman to defend the ships of a convoy far out at sea. Date: 1942
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Media ID 14133333
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1942 Action Bows Catapult Catapulted Convoy Davis Defeat Defeating Defence Defend Dinghy Enemy Escape Hurricane Merchant Merchantman Parachute Parachuting Pilot Range Rubber Sequence Survival System Unit Bomber
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph print by G. H. Davis depicts the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit (MSFU) in action during the Second World War. The MSFU was an innovative system designed to protect merchant ships and convoys from long-range bomber attacks, far out at sea. The sequence of events begins with a Hurricane fighter plane being catapulted from the bows of a merchantman. The catapult, a crucial component of the MSFU, propels the Hurricane into the air with enough momentum to enable it to take off and engage enemy aircraft. The pilot, securely strapped into his cockpit, braces himself for the sudden launch. Once airborne, the Hurricane quickly climbs to intercept any incoming enemy bombers. The MSFU's effectiveness was proven during the war, as it provided a valuable defense against long-range attacks that could otherwise decimate entire convoys. The photograph also highlights the importance of the MSFU in ensuring the survival of the pilots. Upon returning to the merchantman after a successful mission, the Hurricane would touch down on the water, and the pilot would parachute out, landing safely in a rubber dinghy. This escape mechanism allowed the pilot to return to the merchantman and prepare for the next sortie. This historical photograph is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Allied forces during the Second World War. The MSFU represents a critical moment in maritime history, as it provided a vital defense against long-range bombers that threatened the safety of merchant ships and the vital supply lines they carried.
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