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