Cold War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
RAF Transport Command: From Wartime Airlift to Global Mobility
Cold War
How RAF Transport Command grew from wartime airlift into a global force supporting overseas operations, reinforcement and post-war British defence.
Read the article →Clement Attlee Announces British Rearmament Plans
On 29 January 1951, Clement Attlee announced a major British rearmament programme in response to rising Cold War…
The RAF Deploys Blackburn Buccaneers to the Gulf
On 26 January 1991, RAF Blackburn Buccaneers reached Bahrain to support laser designation for Tornado strikes during the…
The British Government Approves Atomic Research
On 23 January 1946, the British government approved atomic research at Harwell and plans for an atomic pile,…
RAF Wildenrath Opens as a Cold War Clutch Station in 1952
On 15 January 1952, RAF Wildenrath opened in the Federal Republic of Germany as the first of the…
11 January 1956: RAF Preparations for Operation Mosaic Reported
On 11 January 1956, an air element was formally organised to support forthcoming British atomic trials associated with…
Air Headquarters Cyprus Is Established at RAF Nicosia, 1954
On 9 January 1954, Air Headquarters Cyprus (AHQ Cyprus) was formally established, creating a dedicated Royal Air Force…
Tri-National Tornado Training Begins at RAF Cottesmore
On 5 January 1981, the first tri-national training course for Panavia Tornado crews commenced at RAF Cottesmore.
Operation Nutcracker Begins in the Radfan, 4 January 1964
On 4 January 1964, Operation Nutcracker began in the Radfan, with British forces and RAF aircraft supporting efforts…