Well known British naval historian Peter Kemp traces here the history and development of the Fleet Air Arm from its inception during WWI, through the difficult development years between the two wars when the Royal Air Force and the Admiralty were at odds regarding the control of naval aircraft. This dispute ended in 1937 when the Admiralty emerged the victor, but this left little time to expand and equip the Fleet Air Arm with personnel and modern aircraft before WWII began. Kemp's aaccount follows the developmant of aircraft and carriers immediatly before and during WWII and the many operations in which the FAA participated - including Taranto, Bismark, the anti-U-Boat campaign, the dash through the Channel by major German warships and the war in the Pacfic. The last section covers post-war years and the introduction of jet aircraft on carriers. A fine history from a noted naval writer.