Helldiver Units of World War 2

Although hated by the myriad crews who flew the plane, the Curtiss Helldiver was the most numerous Allied dive-bomber of World War II. This volume charts the history of the plane and the units who flew them.

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The Curtiss Helldiver made its service debut on November 1943, flying from the deck of USS Bunker Hill. Hated by aircrews, it was still the most numerous Allied dive-bomber of World War II destroying more Japanese targets than any other dive-bomber. More aircraft were lost in deck landing accidents than to enemy action and combat crews grimly joked that its designation SB2C stood for "Son of a Bitch, 2nd Class". This volume charts the history of the plane from its first days in action through to VJ-Day. Unit histories are included, plus appendices covering unit dispositions and locations.