In 1933, the Air Ministry issued a specification for a general-purpose four-engine flying boat capable of operating from the outposts of the Empire. The result was the remarkable Sunderland, built by Short Brothers. This book covers the development of the Short Sunderland and its operation in the Second World War.

The Sunderland's Crew's ability to take on combats with six or more enemy fighters earned it the Luftwaffe's nickname of the "Flying Porcupine". The aircraft's "maid of all work" role over the eastern Mediterranean is covered in detail, and includes recces for the Royal Navy, evacuations from Yugoslavia, Greece and Crete, as well as attacks on enemy submarines.

The Canadian, Australian and Norwegian squadrons' operations within Coastal Command are included plus, outside the Command, those of South Africans and New Zealanders. The author also includes details of post-war operations such as the Berlin Airlift. Detailed appendices include lists of Sunderlands with brief histories and all known successful attacks on enemy submarines.