When navigator Geoff Shakespeare joined Coastal Command in 1944 it had blossomed considerably from the days of its formation in July 1936 when it was very much the 'Cinderella service'. Then primarily defensive in nature, the force had gone on the offensive. Ceaseless patrolling from well-equipped Consolidated Liberators, HP Halifaxes, Vickers Wellingtons and Short Sunderlands meant the German submarine force no longer had freedom of the seas. Enemy shipping supplying occupied Scandinavian territories was constantly at threat from Coastal Command's DH Mosquitos and Bristol Beaufighters.
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