On This Day, 1940: On 22 July 1940, an RAF Blenheim used airborne interception radar to shoot down a Dornier Do 17…
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Dispatches, analysis, long reads and On This Day entries from The RAF Chronicle.
The V-Force and Britain’s Cold War Nuclear Deterrent
How the RAF’s V-Force became Britain’s early Cold War nuclear deterrent through the Valiant, Vulcan and Victor bomber force.
Read the article →RAF Wins First Radar-Guided Night Victory with Blenheim
On 22 July 1940, an RAF Blenheim used airborne interception radar to shoot down a Dornier Do 17…
From Radar to Night Fighting: How RAF Air Defence Evolved
How radar, ground control and specialist night fighters enabled the RAF to build a more effective air-defence system…
The King’s Flight Is Formed for Royal Air Travel in 1936
On 21 July 1936, the RAF officially formed the King’s Flight, creating a dedicated air transport unit for…
RAF Opens More Aircrew Roles to Women in 1989 Reform
On 20 July 1989, the RAF opened female aircrew service to all non-combat flying specialisations, marking a major…
First Carrier-Borne Air Strike Destroys Zeppelins at Tondern
On 19 July 1918, Sopwith Camels from HMS Furious struck Tondern’s airship sheds, proving the carrier-borne strike concept.
Concorde Return-to-Service Trials Begin from RAF Brize Norton
On 18 July 2001, a modified Concorde began RAF Brize Norton trials ahead of the supersonic airliner’s return…
Cruickshank VC Attack on U-347 Sinks U-Boat in 1944
On 17 July 1944, Flt Lt John Alexander Cruickshank pressed home a Catalina attack on U-347 despite severe…
RAF and the Berlin Crisis, 1948–49: Beyond the Airlift
How the RAF turned the Berlin crisis of 1948–49 into a test of access, air transport and Cold…
German Invasion Preparations in Directive No. 16
On 16 July 1940, War Directive No. 16 began preparations for Operation Sea Lion and made the destruction…
Spitfires Flown in under Operation Colima and Operation Pinpoint
On 15 July 1942, Spitfires launched from HMS Eagle reached Malta in Operations Colima and Pinpoint, sustaining the…
Sicily from the Air: RAF and Allied Air Power in 1943
How RAF and Allied air power shaped the invasion of Sicily in 1943 through air superiority, interdiction and…
RAF Creates Bomber, Fighter and Coastal Commands in 1936
On 14 July 1936, the RAF replaced Air Defence of Great Britain with Bomber, Fighter and Coastal Commands,…