Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
No. 1 Squadron Harriers Deploy to Belize with Victors
Cold War
On 7 July 1977, six RAF Harrier GR.3s deployed to Belize with Victor tanker support, beginning a sustained BRITFORBEL air presence.
Read the article →TSR2 Cancellation and a Turning Point in RAF Procurement
On 6 April 1965, the British government cancelled the TSR2, creating one of the most debated turning points…
Berlin Corridor Crisis: RAF Argosy Flights Hold Firm
On 5 April 1965, Soviet pressure in the Berlin air corridors met continuing RAF Argosy flights that maintained…
Operation Mop Up: RAF Hunters Attack the Torrey Canyon
On 28 March 1967, RAF Hunters joined Operation Mop Up, attacking the Torrey Canyon wreck as Britain tried…
Vampire Altitude Record Set in the RAF’s Early Jet Age
On 23 March 1948, Group Captain J. Cunningham set a world altitude record in a de Havilland Vampire,…
RAF Supports the Anguilla Airlift in a 1969 Crisis
On 18 March 1969, the RAF helped airlift 300 troops to Anguilla, showing the speed and reach of…
Reserve Flying Units End in a Turning Point for RAF
On 10 March 1957, Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve flying squadrons were disbanded, marking…
Operation Bold Resumes RAF Lincoln Deployments to Malaya
On 1 March 1953, Operation Bold resumed RAF Lincoln deployments to Singapore, reinforcing Operation Firedog during the air…
Canberra Cyprus Run Showed RAF Jet Speed and Reach
On 28 February 1955, Air Vice Marshal J. R. Whitley made a record Canberra flight from Scampton to…
RAF Northern Ireland Troubles: Air Power and Conflict
Explore RAF Northern Ireland Troubles operations, from air bridge and helicopter warfare to intelligence, Special Forces support and…
USAF B-29 Exercise with RAF Fighter Command
On 16 February 1948, USAF B-29 bombers took part in air defence exercises with RAF Fighter Command during…
RAF Pilot Sets New Speed Record in the Gloster Meteor
On 6 February 1948, RAF pilot W. A. Waterton set a new speed record in the Gloster Meteor,…
Britain’s Blue Steel Missile Becomes Operational
On 1 February 1963, RAF Vulcan bombers entered service with the Blue Steel missile, strengthening Britain’s airborne nuclear…