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 →First World War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
RAF Intervention in North Russia Sanctioned by Allies
First World War
On 2 June 1918, Allied leaders approved intervention in North Russia, with RAF units intended to support key ports and deny German advantage.
Read the article →No. 83 Squadron Forms as the RAF’s First Vulcan B.2 Unit
On 10 October 1960, No. 83 Squadron formed at RAF Scampton as the first Vulcan B.2 unit, ahead…
Sopwith Pups Raid German Airfields in Belgium at Night
On 2 October 1917, three Sopwith Pups raided German airfields in Belgium at night, showing how fighter bombing…
Allied Air Power Helps Breach the Hindenburg Line in 1918
By 30 September 1918, Allied air power was helping breach the Hindenburg Line through reconnaissance, artillery support and…
Military Aircraft in 1914: The RFC’s Reconnaissance Role
Military aircraft in 1914 gave the RFC vital reconnaissance, while photography, wireless and artillery observation began to develop.
Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 Continues Flying Trials
By 29 September 1913, the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 was still in flying trials as Britain searched for…
RAF Aircraft Shatter the Retreat at Wadi el Far’a in 1918
RAF attacks at Wadi el Far'a on 21 September 1918 helped break the Turkish Seventh Army's retreat and…
British Forces Evacuate Baku in the Final Months of 1918
On 14 September 1918, British forces evacuated Baku, illustrating the improvised and fluid character of imperial operations at…
Royal Flying Corps Begins the Move to France in 1914
On 12 August 1914, the Royal Flying Corps began moving to France with the BEF, opening Britain’s first…
Amiens Offensive Air Support: RAF Action in August 1918
On 8 August 1918, Amiens Offensive air support saw RAF aircraft attack roads, bridges and communications behind the…
German Airship Raid Fails as Zeppelin L70 Is Destroyed
On 5 August 1918, a Zeppelin raid failed and RAF aircraft destroyed L70, killing German naval airship chief…
RAF Aircraft Support the Occupation of Archangel in 1918
On 2 August 1918, RAF aircraft supported the British-led occupation of Archangel during the wider North Russia intervention.
RFC Ordered to Prepare for War Mobilisation in July 1914
On 29 July 1914, the Royal Flying Corps was ordered to ready aircraft, crews and equipment for immediate…