TURN INTO THE WIND V1: US Navy and Royal Navy Light Fleet Aircraft Carriers in World War II, and Contributions of the British Pacific Fleet

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In 1942, to compensate for a lack of aircraft carriers, FDR directed the US Navy to convert cruiser hulls, already laid down, into light aircraft carriers -- creating nine Independence-class carriers that would earn more battle stars, on average, than their bigger, better-known sisters (the 12 Essex carriers). Covers a variety of actions and pilots.

Britain similarly began construction on 10 698-foot Colossus-class light fleet carriers. Four entered service before the end of the war, and were allocated to the British Pacific Fleet, but arrived too late for frontline action. Aboard the BPF's larger carriers, which fought in the Battle of Okinawa and other actions, were members of many Commonwealth countries. Among them was Robert Hampton Gray, who (posthumously) was Canada's last Victoria Cross winner of the war.

Includes 165 photographs, maps, and diagrams; appendices; and an index to full names, places, and subjects.