On This Day, 1940: On 22 July 1940, an RAF Blenheim used airborne interception radar to shoot down a Dornier Do 17…
Read the entry →Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
The RAF Deploys Blackburn Buccaneers to the Gulf
Cold War
On 26 January 1991, RAF Blackburn Buccaneers reached Bahrain to support laser designation for Tornado strikes during the Gulf War.
Read the article →RAF Wildenrath Opens in the Federal Republic of Germany
On 15 January 1952, RAF Wildenrath opened in the Federal Republic of Germany as the first of the…
Monte Bello Task Force Air Element Organised
On 11 January 1956, an air element was formally organised to support forthcoming British atomic trials associated with…
The Formation Of Air Headquarters Cyprus
On 9 January 1954, Air Headquarters Cyprus (AHQ Cyprus) was formally established, creating a dedicated Royal Air Force…
Tri-National Tornado Training Begins: European Defence Plans
On 5 January 1981, the first tri-national training course for Panavia Tornado crews commenced at RAF Cottesmore.
Operation Nutcracker: British Military Exercise Explained
On 4 January 1964, Operation Nutcracker began in the Radfan, with British forces and RAF aircraft supporting efforts…