On This Day, 1988: Sheila Scott died on 20 October 1988, leaving a legacy of solo world flights, polar exploration and record-breaking…
Read the entry →Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Valiant Flies Direct from Maine to RAF Marham in 1956
Cold War
On 2 September 1956, a Vickers Valiant flew direct from Maine to RAF Marham, proving the range and credibility expected of Britain’s V-bomber force.
Read the article →RAF Deploys to Sharjah During the Buraimi Dispute in 1952
On 15 September 1952, the RAF deployed to Sharjah during the Buraimi dispute, showing the Service’s continued role…
RAF Coltishall Marks 40 Years Since the Battle of Britain
On 13 September 1980, RAF Coltishall marked the Battle of Britain’s 40th anniversary, linking living RAF service with…
Vulcan XA897 Departs for Australia on RAF Demonstration Tour
On 9 September 1956, Vulcan XA897 departed for Australia, demonstrating the range, prestige and political purpose of RAF…
From Bomber Command to V-Force: RAF Air Power and Deterrence
How RAF air power moved from wartime bombing doctrine to the V-Force and Britain’s early nuclear deterrent.
Operation Cyclone Begins RAF Herbicide Spraying in Malaya
On 31 August 1953, Operation Cyclone began in Malaya, showing how the RAF was adapting helicopters and air…
Canberra Sets a New Height Record for the RAF in 1955
On 29 August 1955, an English Electric Canberra reached nearly 66,000 feet, reinforcing the aircraft’s reputation as one…
Flying Officer M. O. Berg Captured in Korean War, 1952
On 28 August 1952, Flying Officer M. O. Berg was shot down in a Meteor and captured, becoming…
How the RAF’s Global Role Changed from Empire to Cold War
How the RAF moved from imperial policing and global garrisons to alliance strategy, deterrence and post-war overseas commitments.
RAF Sunderlands Confirmed off Korea’s West Coast, 1950
On 22 August 1950, the RAF confirmed Sunderland flying boats were operating off Korea, showing the continued value…
RAF and the Suez Crisis: Air Power and Humiliation
A deep RAF history of the 1956 Suez Crisis, from planning and air strikes to the political collapse…
RAF Fighter Power Beyond 1940: From Spitfire to Deterrence
How RAF fighter power evolved from wartime Spitfire defence into overseas presence, air control and Cold War deterrent…
V-Bomber Force Reduced to 144 Aircraft in Principle
On 1 August 1957, ministers confirmed a 144-aircraft V-bomber frontline force, reshaping Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent.