Raf Air Publications

Advertisement



  raf air publications: RAF Trainers Neil Robinson, Peter Freeman, 2012 'RAF Trainers Volume 1' offers over 70 pages of profiles and 4-views of the bright and often gaudy color schemes and markings applied to RAF aircraft used in the Training Role from the end of World War One and the creation of the RAF in April 1918 until the end of World War Two in May 1945. The aircraft types and numbers used in the training role during these years was vast, and color schemes just as eclectic, making for a unique and fascinating reference source for modelers and aviation enthusiasts alike. Volume 2, already being researched and worked upon, is planned for 2013, and will continue the theme, from the immediate postwar era in 1945, with the introduction of jet-engine types, right up to the aircraft types used today.
  raf air publications: Consolidated List of Government Publications Great Britain. His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1923
  raf air publications: Consolidated List of Government Publications Great Britain. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1923
  raf air publications: Consolidated List of Parliamentary and Stationery Office Publications, with Prices (strictly Net) and Postage Affixed Great Britain. His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1923
  raf air publications: RAF Airborne Forces Manual Great Britain. Air Ministry, 1979-01-01
  raf air publications: The RAF's Armourers Tony Lamsdale, Phil Appleby, 2023-11-23 It is said that one of the earliest trades in the world is that of the armorer. Historically, it is a profession dated slightly after prostitution, but well before banking! Since the birth of the Royal Flying Corps in 1912 through to the modern Royal Air Force, the role of the armorer has been pivotal. Not for nothing did the founder of the RAF, Lord Trenchard, once declare: ‘The armorer – without him there is no need for an air force.’ In the years since the need for RAF armorers was first recognized, it has been a role that has evolved with the times. What has remained constant, however, is the fact that it is still a fascinating and potentially dangerous trade with many different branches and specialisms. In this book the authors, one of whom, Tony Lamsdale, is himself a former RAF armorer, reveal the previously untold story of how the trade has adapted to the most modern of military machines, the aircraft. The authors look at the shared history of the armorer and the RAF through the eyes of those who served. These veterans’ stories span decades, and their first-hand accounts and insights into conflict and peace-time operations demonstrate the qualities and characteristics that make armorers unique. The book starts with a brief history of the armorer, then before capturing the adventures and exploits of RAF armorers from the Second World War and on into the Cold War. The dangerous duties of the armorers on deployment in such places as the Falklands, Iran, Iraq or Afghanistan are all explored. There is also the question of having to learn of bomb dumps, the use of small arms and the unique world of the armorer with its own peculiar language and the camaraderie of the crew room. With each chapter brought to life through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, this book provides an insight into an utterly essential role which has remained largely hidden – until now.
  raf air publications: Air Power History Sebastian Cox, Peter Gray, 2013-11-05 he 20th century saw air power transformed from novelists' fantasy into stark reality. From string and canvas to precision weaponry and stealth, air power has progressed to become not only the weapon of first political choice, but often the only conceivable option. This rapid development has given rise to considerable debate and controversy with those holding entrenched views rarely slow to shout their case. Many myths have grown over the period, ranging from the once much vaunted ability of air power to win wars alone through to its impact as a coercive tool. This volume examines the theory and practice of air power from its earliest inception. The contributors have been drawn from academia and the military and represent some of the world's leading proponents on the subject. All significant eras on air power employment are examined: some are evidently turning points, while others represent continuous development. Perhaps more importantly, the book highlights the areas that could be considered to be significant, and invites the reader to enter the debate as to whether it constitutes a continuum, a turning point, or indeed a revolution.
  raf air publications: Forever Vigilant Graham Pitchfork, 2016-05-05 208 Squadron based at RAF Valley in Anglesey will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in October 2016, making it one of the few RAF squadrons to achieve this unique distinction whilst still part of the RAF’s current order of battle. To celebrate this achievement, Air Commodore Pitchfork has compiled a chronological history of the squadron’s main activities and personnel with the aim of illustrating the spirit, comradeship, and professionalism of the squadron. Taking its title from the squadron’s motto, ‘Vigilant’, the book starts with the formation of Naval 8 as a scout squadron on the Western Front during the First World War. It then continues through the various conflicts that Naval 8/208 Squadron has played a key role in, including the Second World War and Gulf War. The squadron’s move to Egypt in the inter-war years as an army cooperation squadron, which inspired the Gizah Sphinx motif for 208 Squadron, is also covered. Its modern-day role as an advanced flying training squadron concludes the squadron’s story. This history has been written with the use of important sources from the squadron’s archives, along with interviews from veterans and current members of the squadron. It also has the support of the squadron’s Old Comrade’s Association, which was pioneered and fostered by its first CO, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Geoffrey Bromet. The association is very active and one of the longest serving and strongest associations within the RAF.
  raf air publications: The Official Illustrated History of RAF Search and Rescue Paul E Eden, 2020-07-09 In February 2016 the RAF's Search and Rescue Force (SARF) celebrated its 75th anniversary. In June that year the world-renowned and universally admired service was officially disbanded, despite attempts from many, including HRH Prince William, to save it as part of the RAF. This book is an official, fully illustrated, in-depth account of the SARF's rich and glorious history, from its origins in World War II through to its recent withdrawal. The book contains a foreword by HRH Prince William himself, plus action-packed and awe-inspiring photographs from the RAF's archive of photographs and exclusive interviews with former crewmembers, telling their own dramatic stories of derring-do. Officially endorsed by the RAF, An Illustrated History of the RAF Search and Rescue Force is the first, and probably the only, major book of its kind written on this subject. It is an essential purchase for anyone with an interest in military history, British history, the Royal Family and those who love stories of extreme and daring rescue missions.
  raf air publications: The Aeroplane , 1925
  raf air publications: Black September 1918 Norman Franks, Russell Guest, Frank Bailey, 2018-09-27 The authors of Bloody April 1917 present a new volume of facts, photos, and analysis covering aerial combat in the last days of the Great War. Fifteen months after the events of April 1917, more battles had been fought, won and lost on both sides, but now the American strength was feeding in to France with both men and material. With the mighty push on the French/American Front at St. Mihiel on September 12 and then along the Meuse-Argonne Front from the 26th, once more masses of men and aircraft were put into the air. They were opposed by no less a formidable German fighter force than had the squadrons in April 1917, although the numbers were not in their favor. Nevertheless, the German fighter pilots were able to inflict an even larger toll of British, French, and American aircraft shot down, making this the worst month for the Allied flyers during the whole of World War I—and this just a mere six weeks from the war’s bloody finale. This book analyzes the daily events throughout September with the use of lists of casualties and claims from both sides. It also contains seven detailed appendices examining the victory claims of all the air forces that fought during September 1918. Although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly who was fighting who high above the trenches, by poring over maps and carefully studying almost all the surviving records, the picture slowly begins to emerge with deadly accuracy. Black September 1918 is a profusely illustrated and essential reference piece to understanding one of the crucial months of war in the skies.
  raf air publications: Air Warfare Peter Gray, 2015-11-19 Air Warfare provides an introduction to the subject's theory, history and practice. As well as delivering an up to date look at the strategy, and historiography of air power, Peter Gray explores the theories behind air power and looks at the political, legal and moral dimensions of the application of air power. Topics covered include: - Key military strategists and their legacy - Air power's strategic effects - Leadership, management and command - Tactics, technology and operations The book draws on primary sources including official narratives and published reports, examines key thinkers in the study of air power, and discusses topics such as concepts of warfare as an art or science, cultural perceptions of air power, and the experience of being an airman. With its broad scope and thorough coverage of a range of key topics, Air Warfare takes air power beyond the study of individual campaigns, or controversies, providing a multi-disciplinary approach to air power studies.
  raf air publications: The Paths of Heaven The Evolution of Airpower Theory , 1997 Airpower is not widely understood. Even though it has come to play an increasingly important role in both peace and war, the basic concepts that define and govern airpower remain obscure to many people, even to professional military officers. This fact is largely due to fundamental differences of opinion as to whether or not the aircraft has altered the strategies of war or merely its tactics. If the former, then one can see airpower as a revolutionary leap along the continuum of war; but if the latter, then airpower is simply another weapon that joins the arsenal along with the rifle, machine gun, tank, submarine, and radio. This book implicitly assumes that airpower has brought about a revolution in war. It has altered virtually all aspects of war: how it is fought, by whom, against whom, and with what weapons. Flowing from those factors have been changes in training, organization, administration, command and control, and doctrine. War has been fundamentally transformed by the advent of the airplane.
  raf air publications: North American X-15 Peter E. Davies, 2017-05-18 The revolutionary X-15 remains the fastest manned aircraft ever to fly. Built in the two decades following World War II, it was the most successful of the high-speed X-planes. The only recently broken 'sound barrier' was smashed completely by the X-15, which could hit Mach 6.7 and soar to altitudes above 350,000ft, beyond the edge of space. Several pilots qualified as astronauts by flying above 50 miles altitude in the X-15, including Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon. The three X-15s made 199 flights, testing new technologies and techniques which greatly eased America's entry into manned space travel, and made the Apollo missions and Space Shuttle viable propositions. With historical photographs and stunning digital artwork, this is the story of arguably the greatest of the X-Planes.
  raf air publications: TANKER TECHNIQUES MAGAZINE 09 ,
  raf air publications: Two Roads to War Robin Higham, 2012-06-15 Noted aviation historian Robin Higham has written this comparative study of the evolution of the French and British air arms from 1918 to 1940 to determine why the Armée de l’Air was defeated in June 1940 but the Royal Air Force was able to win the battle over Britain in September. After analyzing the structure, men, and matériel of the air arms, and the government and economic infrastructure of both countries, he concludes that the French force was dominated by the Armée de Terre, had no suitably powerful aero engines, and suffered from the chaos of French politics. In contrast, the independent RAF evolved into a sophisticated, scientifically based force, supported by consistent government practices. Higham’s thorough examination, however, finds the British not without error.
  raf air publications: Spitfire Andy Saunders, 2012-07-17 The true story of the recovery of a World War II plane shot down in France—and the effort to restore this historic aircraft. Spitfire is the fascinating story of the recovery of a Battle of France Spitfire Mk 1 from the sands of Calais during the early 1980s—and its subsequent return to the United Kingdom for rebuild and restoration to flying condition. The full history of the airframe from the factory to loss, the airplane’s operational history with 92 Squadron, and the story of the pilots who flew it during its career are also told, as is the unfolding saga of its restoration and return to air—detailing its progress through the workshops right up to the first flight in 2011.
  raf air publications: ACES HIGH MAGAZINE ISSUE 12 (Inglés) ,
  raf air publications: The Other Few Larry Donnelly, 2004 This title pays tribute to the achievements of Bomber and Coastal Command pilots who made such a vital contribution to the war, but whose efforts have gone largely unrecorded.
  raf air publications: 3 Group Bomber Command Chris Ward, Steve Smith, 2009-04-21 During the immediate period before World War Two, the RAF modified its command structure to rationalize for rapid expansion. Bomber Command was divided into six operational groups, each flying the same type of aircraft.3 Group had almost completely re-equipped with the Wellington by 4 September 1939 to carry out the second bombing operation of the war which was against German warships off Brunsbttel. In 1940 the first of the new four-engined bombers, the Short Stirling, came into service with the Group, being followed in 1942 by the Avro Lancaster. On 3rd/4th November 1943, No. 3 Group played a leading part in the first bombing attack in which heavy bombers made use of the radar bombing aid known as G-H. The target was Dsseldorf; bombs were dropped blind and good results were obtained. In July and August 1944, aircraft of this Group equipped with G-H maintained an all-weather attack against flying-bomb sites. Through the D-Day build-up, the liberation of France and conquest of Germany, formations of No. 3 Group attacked railway junctions, marshalling yards, troop concentrations, etc.During the week ending 25th March 1945, Bomber Command made numerous attacks to prepare for the crossing of the Rhine.
  raf air publications: The Royal Air Force in Texas Tom Killebrew, 2003 With the outbreak of World War II, British RAF officials sought to train aircrews outside of England, safe from enemy attack and poor weather. In the USA, six civilian flight schools dedicated themselves to instructing RAF pilots. Tom Killebrew explores the history of the Terrell Aviation School.
  raf air publications: The Records of the War Office and Related Departments, 1660-1964 Michael Roper, 1998 This guide covers the period from the Restoration of Charles II to the establishment of the Ministry of Defence in 1964. It includes the records of the Board of Ordnance, military intelligence and military aviation.
  raf air publications: Anti-Submarine Warfare in World War I John Abbatiello, 2006-05-02 Investigating the employment of British aircraft against German submarines during the final years of the First World War, this new book places anti-submarine campaigns from the air in the wider history of the First World War. The Royal Naval Air Service invested heavily in aircraft of all types—aeroplanes, seaplanes, airships, and kite balloons—in order to counter the German U-boats. Under the Royal Air Force, the air campaign against U-boats continued uninterrupted. Aircraft bombed German U-boat bases in Flanders, conducted area and ‘hunting’ patrols around the coasts of Britain, and escorted merchant convoys to safety. Despite the fact that aircraft acting alone destroyed only one U-boat during the war, the overall contribution of naval aviation to foiling U-boat attacks was significant. Only five merchant vessels succumbed to submarine attack when convoyed by a combined air and surface escort during World War I. This book examines aircraft and weapons technology, aircrew training, and the aircraft production issues that shaped this campaign. Then, a close examination of anti-submarine operations—bombing, patrols, and escort—yields a significantly different judgment from existing interpretations of these operations. This study is the first to take an objective look at the writing and publication of the naval and air official histories as they told the story of naval aviation during the Great War. The author also examines the German view of aircraft effectiveness, through German actions, prisoner interrogations, official histories, and memoirs, to provide a comparative judgment. The conclusion closes with a brief narrative of post-war air anti-submarine developments and a summary of findings. Overall, the author concludes that despite the challenges of organization, training, and production the employment of aircraft against U-boats was largely successful during the Great War. This book will be of interest to historians of naval and air power history, as well as students of World War I and military history in general.
  raf air publications: Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radar Simon Watts, 2018-08-14 Today, air-to-surface vessel (ASV) radars, or more generally airborne maritime surveillance radars, are installed on maritime reconnaissance aircraft for long-range detection, tracking and classification of surface ships (ASuW—anti-surface warfare) and for hunting submarines (ASW—anti-submarine warfare). Such radars were first developed in the UK during WWII as part of the response to the threat to shipping from German U boats. This book describes the ASV radars developed in the UK and used by RAF Coastal Command during WWII for long-range maritime surveillance.
  raf air publications: The Aviation History Florian Ion Petrescu, Relly Victoria Petrescu, 2012 Larger STOVL designs were considered, the Armstrong Whitworth AW.681 cargo aircraft was under development when cancelled in 1965. The Dornier Do 31 got as far as three experimental aircraft before cancellation in 1970. Although mostly a VTOL design, the V-22 Osprey has increased payload when taking off from a short runway. The Hawker Siddeley Harrier, colloquially the \\\Harrier Jump Jet\\\, was developed in the 1960s and was the first generation of the Harrier series of aircraft. It was the first operational close-support and reconnaissance fighter aircraft with Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) capabilities and the only truly successful V/STOL design of the many that arose in that era. The Harrier was produced directly from the Hawker Siddeley Kestrel prototypes following the cancellation of a more advanced supersonic aircraft, the Hawker Siddeley P.1154. The Royal Air Force (RAF) ordered the Harrier GR.1 and GR.3 (fig. 84) variants in the late 1960s. It was exported to the United States as the AV-8A, for use by the US Marine Corps (USMC), in the 1970s. A Zeppelin is a type of rigid airship pioneered by the German Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin in the early 20th century. It was based on designs he had outlined in 1874 and detailed in 1893. His plans were reviewed by committee in 1894 and patented in the United States on 14 March 1899. Given the outstanding success of the Zeppelin design, the term zeppelin in casual use came to refer to all rigid airships. Zeppelins were operated by the Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-AG (DELAG). DELAG, the first commercial airline, served scheduled flights before World War I. After the outbreak of war, the German military made extensive use of Zeppelins as bombers and scouts.
  raf air publications: Modelling British Aircraft of World War II Jeff Herne, 2020-11-23 Modelling British Aircraft of World War II provides essential guidance for modellers of all levels of experience. It gives advice on how to get started, from choosing the best kit to preparing your workspace with the right tools, paints and equipment. Tips on the use of reference material, construction techniques and painting recipes are given. The book provides step-by-step building and painting techniques of the following models: 1/48 Hurricane Mk IIc, 1/32 Spitfire Mk IIa, 1/48 Mosquito Mk VI, 1/48 Swordfish Mk II and 1/72 Lancaster B III. Instructional use of after-market detailing kits and accessories is given as well as advice on fitting a base or creating a diorama. Finally, there is a chapter on Royal Air Force camouflage and markings.
  raf air publications: Gliders of World War II: ‘The Bastards No One Wanted’ Major Michael H. Manion, 2015-11-06 This study examines the role of combat gliders in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States during World War II (WWII). This thesis compares and contrasts each country with respect to pre-WWII glider experience, glider and airborne doctrine, glider pilot training, and glider production while outlining each country’s major glider operations. The author then compares the glider operations in the China-Burma-India Theater to the operations in Europe to describe the unique challenges based on the terrain and mission. Next, this thesis presents an analysis of the glider’s precipitous decline following WWII. The study concludes with recommendations for glider operations in the future based on the experiences of the past.
  raf air publications: Gunners from the Sky Paul Chrystal, David Chrystal, 2023-10-12 This is the story of the 1st Air Landing Light Regiment RA and its role in the Italian campaign and at the Battle of Arnhem. It is also the story of one of its soldiers: 14283058 Gunner Eric Wright Chrystal, father of the authors. Eric joined the army in September 1942 and, after training, joined the newly formed glider-borne regiment the following year. He first saw action in Italy in 1943, where he was seriously wounded. On 17 September 1944, two years to the day since he enlisted, he and the regiment were landed by glider near to Arnhem in the Netherlands. The authors recount set their father’s experiences in context by describing the formation of the unit and the many months of training in England. Their involvement in the Italian campaign, where Eric served with E Troop, 3 Battery, is then recounted, detailing their actions at Rionero, Foggia and Campobasso, where Eric was wounded. It then moves on to describe 1st Air Landing Light Regiment’s preparation for and involvement in Operation Market (the Airborne half of Market Garden). This very detailed account of the fighting highlights the regiment’s pivotal (but often neglected) role near Arnhem bridge. Here, after nine days of intense combat, Eric was among the many captured and held until the end of the war. The inclusion of Eric’s own eyewitness testimony lends a very personal touch to this excellent account of the regiment’s experience of combat and life in the PoW camps.
  raf air publications: PCI DSS Jim Seaman, 2020-05-01 Gain a broad understanding of how PCI DSS is structured and obtain a high-level view of the contents and context of each of the 12 top-level requirements. The guidance provided in this book will help you effectively apply PCI DSS in your business environments, enhance your payment card defensive posture, and reduce the opportunities for criminals to compromise your network or steal sensitive data assets. Businesses are seeing an increased volume of data breaches, where an opportunist attacker from outside the business or a disaffected employee successfully exploits poor company practices. Rather than being a regurgitation of the PCI DSS controls, this book aims to help you balance the needs of running your business with the value of implementing PCI DSS for the protection of consumer payment card data. Applying lessons learned from history, military experiences (including multiple deployments into hostile areas), numerous PCI QSA assignments, and corporate cybersecurity and InfoSec roles, author Jim Seaman helps you understand the complexities of the payment card industry data security standard as you protect cardholder data. You will learn how to align the standard with your business IT systems or operations that store, process, and/or transmit sensitive data. This book will help you develop a business cybersecurity and InfoSec strategy through the correct interpretation, implementation, and maintenance of PCI DSS. What You Will Learn Be aware of recent data privacy regulatory changes and the release of PCI DSS v4.0 Improve the defense of consumer payment card data to safeguard the reputation of your business and make it more difficult for criminals to breach security Be familiar with the goals and requirements related to the structure and interdependencies of PCI DSS Know the potential avenues of attack associated with business payment operations Make PCI DSS an integral component of your business operations Understand the benefits of enhancing your security culture See how the implementation of PCI DSS causes a positive ripple effect across your business Who This Book Is For Business leaders, information security (InfoSec) practitioners, chief information security managers, cybersecurity practitioners, risk managers, IT operations managers, business owners, military enthusiasts, and IT auditors
  raf air publications: A List of the Books, Periodicals, and Pamphlets in the Library of the Royal Aeronautical Society Royal Aeronautical Society. Library, 1941
  raf air publications: Catalogue of Government Publications Great Britain. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1971
  raf air publications: Boeing B-17 Graham M. Simons, Harry Friedman, 2011-12-01 “Fascinating insight into the early development of the B-17 Flying Fortress . . . undoubtedly outshines other books on this significant WWII aircraft.” —Air Mail The Boeing B-17 was the first American heavy bomber to see action in World War II when it was supplied to the RAF. The design originated in 1934 when the US Air Corps was looking for a heavy bomber to reinforce air forces in Hawaii, Panama and Alaska. For its time, the design included many advanced features, and Boeing continued to develop the aircraft as experience of the demands of long-distance flying at high altitude was gained. When the United States entered WWII, production of the aircraft was rapidly increased and it became the backbone of the USAAF in all theaters of war. This book describes how it was built and utilizes many hitherto unpublished photographs from the design studio and production lines. It illustrates and explains the many different roles that the aircraft took as the war progressed. Heavy bomber, reconnaissance, antisubmarine, and air-sea rescue operations; there were few roles that this solid design could not adopt.
  raf air publications: Monthly Air Force List Great Britain. Air Ministry, 1939
  raf air publications: Monthly Circular of Recent Selected Publications , 1923
  raf air publications: Hawker Hunter 1951 to 2007 , 2006-12 This book is the most current and comprehensive book on the Hunter yet published. It provides up-to-date details of the serials and histories of each individual Hunter aircraft operated by the RAF, RN and the 20 foreign air forces to present civilian ownership over the 56 years since its introduction. It runs from the early prototypes right through to the two latest Hunters with the UK Military, ZZ190 and ZZ191, and of course, who could forget 'Miss Demeanour'. The book was written as an essential reference for the enthusiast, aviation historian and modeler. Many unpublished and some very rare photos are included, with details gathered from many original worldwide sources that span the entire life of the Hunter with 640 pages containing over 400 photos and diagrams. For the modeler there is every plastic, resin or die-cast model produced; walk-round and detail photos; a comprehensive bibliography of books, magazines, websites and DVD's. There are copies of the original specification and contract documents.
  raf air publications: Unflinching Zeal Robin Higham, 2012-09-15 This consequential work by a pioneer aviation historian fills a significant lacuna in the story of the defeat of France in May-June 1940 and more fully explains the Battle of Britain of July–October of that year and the influence it had on the Luftwaffe in the 1941 invasion of the USSR. Robin Higham approaches the subject by sketching the story and status of the three air forces--the Armée de l’Air, the Luftwaffe, and the Royal Air Force--their organization and preparation for their battles. He then dissects the the campaigns, their losses and replacement policies and abilities. He paints the struggles of France and Britain from both the background provided by his recent Two Roads to War: From Versailles to Dunkirk (NIP, 2012) and from the details of losses tabulated by After the Battle’s The Battle of Britain (1982, 2nd ed.) and Peter Cornwell’s The Battle of France Then and Now (2007), as well as in Paul Martin’s Invisible Vainqueurs (1990) and from the Luftwaffe summaries in the British National Archives Cabinet papers. One important finding is that the consumption and wastage was not nearly as high as claimed. The three air forces actually shot down only 19 percent of the number claimed. In the RAF case, in the summer of 1940, 44 percent of those shot down were readily repairable thanks to the salvage and repair organizations. This contrasted with the much lower 8 percent for the Germans and zero for the French. Brave as the aircrews may have been, the inescapable conclusion is that awareness of consumption, wastage, and sustainability were intimately connected to survival.
  raf air publications: A - Airports British Library, 2012-05-21 No detailed description available for A - Airports.
  raf air publications: Catalogues and Indexes of British Government Publications, 1920-1970: Annual catalogues of British government publications, 1920-1935 Great Britain. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1974
  raf air publications: A History of the Mediterranean Air War, 1940–1945. Volume 2 Christopher Shores, Giovanni Massimello, Russell Guest, Frank Olynyk, Winfried Bock, 2014-07-19 This second volume in the seminal series on aerial combat, pilots, and tactics in Libya and Egypt in the middle of World War II. In volume two of this series, historian Christopher Shores begins by exploring the 8th Army’s movements after Operation Crusader when they were forced back to the Gazala area in northeastern Libya, as well as their defeat in June, 1942, the loss of Tobruk, and the efforts of Allied air forces to protect their retreating troops. Shores continues with the heavy fighting that followed in the El Alamein region. This features the Western Desert Air Force and the arrival of the first Spitfires. The buildup of both army and air forces and the addition of new commanders on the ground aided the defeat of Rommel’s Deutsche Afrika Korps at Alam el Halfa, after which came the Second Battle of El Alamein. With the arrival of the United States Army Air Force, the Allied air forces gained dominance over the Axis. Shores recounts the lengthy pursuit of the Italo-German forces right across Libya, including the capture of Tripoli and the breakthrough into Southern Tunisia. This allowed a linkup with other Allied forces in Tunisia (whose story appears in Volume 3). Included with the action are stories of some of the great fighter aces of the Desert campaign such as Jochen Marseille and Otto Schulz of the Luftwaffe, Franco Bordoni-Bisleri of the Regia Aeronautica and Neville Duke, Billy Drake, and “Eddie” Edwards of the Commonwealth air forces. Finally, Shores touches on the Allied and Axis night bombing offensives and the activities of the squadrons cooperating with the naval forces in the Mediterranean.
  raf air publications: The Battle of Britain Christer Bergström, 2015-09-19 A thorough look at this turning-point WWII aerial battle, with eyewitness accounts, maps, and rare photos: “incredibly well-researched” (Aircrew Book Review). By late summer 1940, Nazi Germany had conquered all its opponents on the continent, including the British Army itself, which was forced to scramble back aboard small boats to its shores. A non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union in hand, Hitler had only one remaining object that season—the British Isles themselves. However, before he could invade, his Luftwaffe needed to wipe the Royal Air Force from the skies. History’s first strategic military campaign conducted in the air alone was about to take place. This book contains a large number of dramatic eyewitness accounts, even as it reveals new facts that will alter common perceptions of the battle. For example, the twin-engined Messerschmitt Bf 110 was actually a good day fighter, and it performed at least as well in this role as the Bf 109 during the battle. The Luftwaffe’s commander, Hermann Göring, performed far better than has been believed. The British night bombers played a more decisive role than previously thought; in addition, this book disproves that the German 109 pilots were in any way superior to their Hurricane or Spitfire counterparts. The author has examined records from both sides and provides surprising statistics that shatter much conventional wisdom—laying out the Battle of Britain as seldom seen before. Includes color photos of the relevant aircraft.
Royal Air Force - Wikipedia
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air and space force of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. [8] It was formed towards the end of the First World War …

Royal Air Force | Home
For over a hundred years the Royal Air Force has defended the skies of Britain and projected Britain’s power and influence around the world. We work with our UK and international …

Home | Road Accident Fund - RAF
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) provides appropriate cover to all road users in South Africa, compensating persons injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

Royal Air Force (RAF) | Facts, History, & Aircraft | Britannica
5 days ago · Royal Air Force (RAF), youngest of the three British armed services, charged with the air defense of the United Kingdom and the fulfillment of international defense …

RAF Recruitment | Find Your Role - Royal Air Force
Whether a full time regular or a spare time reserve the RAF has loads of roles for you to choose from including Apprentice, Graduate and Rejoiner roles.

The history of the Royal Air Force | RAF Benevolent Fund
Mar 28, 2025 · The Royal Air Force is the oldest independent air force and has been defending the British skies for more than 100 years. In this hub, you'll find details about the history of the …

Aircraft - Royal Air Force
Find out about the RAF's active aircraft and where and how we use them. Profiles of all the RAF's active aircraft - role, capability, specifications, recognition, history, current squadrons and …

Royal Air Force Mildenhall > Home
U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Korell, 100th Operations Group commander, renders a salute to Airmen during his change of command ceremony at RAF Mildenhall, England, June 10, 2025. This …

Royal Air Force - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Royal Air Force (acronym: RAF) is the air force of the United Kingdom. The RAF began in 1918 [1] when the Royal Flying Corps (pronounced core) and the Royal Naval Air Service …

List of Royal Air Force operations - Wikipedia
This following list of Royal Air Force operations includes both national and multi-national operations, as well as joint and air-only operations that the Royal Air Force has participated in. …

Royal Air Force - Wikipedia
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the air and space force of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. [8] It was formed towards the end of the First World War …

Royal Air Force | Home
For over a hundred years the Royal Air Force has defended the skies of Britain and projected Britain’s power and influence around the world. We work with our UK and international partners …

Home | Road Accident Fund - RAF
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) provides appropriate cover to all road users in South Africa, compensating persons injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

Royal Air Force (RAF) | Facts, History, & Aircraft | Britannica
5 days ago · Royal Air Force (RAF), youngest of the three British armed services, charged with the air defense of the United Kingdom and the fulfillment of international defense commitments. …

RAF Recruitment | Find Your Role - Royal Air Force
Whether a full time regular or a spare time reserve the RAF has loads of roles for you to choose from including Apprentice, Graduate and Rejoiner roles.

The history of the Royal Air Force | RAF Benevolent Fund
Mar 28, 2025 · The Royal Air Force is the oldest independent air force and has been defending the British skies for more than 100 years. In this hub, you'll find details about the history of the …

Aircraft - Royal Air Force
Find out about the RAF's active aircraft and where and how we use them. Profiles of all the RAF's active aircraft - role, capability, specifications, recognition, history, current squadrons and …

Royal Air Force Mildenhall > Home
U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Korell, 100th Operations Group commander, renders a salute to Airmen during his change of command ceremony at RAF Mildenhall, England, June 10, 2025. This was …

Royal Air Force - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Royal Air Force (acronym: RAF) is the air force of the United Kingdom. The RAF began in 1918 [1] when the Royal Flying Corps (pronounced core) and the Royal Naval Air Service …

List of Royal Air Force operations - Wikipedia
This following list of Royal Air Force operations includes both national and multi-national operations, as well as joint and air-only operations that the Royal Air Force has participated in. …