On This Day, 1940: On 5 September 1940, Bromide jamming was used operationally against German navigation beams, marking the practical beginning of…
Read the entry →First World War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Edward Mannock VC Killed After 61st Victory in July 1918
First World War
On 26 July 1918, Major Edward Mannock VC was killed near Lestrem after claiming his final victory as one of Britain’s leading aces.
Read the article →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…
First Carrier-Borne Air Strike Destroys Zeppelins at Tondern
On 19 July 1918, Sopwith Camels from HMS Furious struck Tondern’s airship sheds, proving the carrier-borne strike concept.
Major James McCudden VC Killed in France, July 1918
On 9 July 1918 Major James McCudden VC, one of Britain’s greatest First World War aces, was killed…
How Technology Changed RAF Aircraft Design and Capability
A deep RAF Chronicle Long Read on how airframes, engines, fuel systems, avionics and crew protection reshaped RAF…
RAF Intervention in North Russia Sanctioned by Allies
On 2 June 1918, Allied leaders approved intervention in North Russia, with RAF units intended to support key…
Captain C. H. Darley and the Bruges Canal Locks Raid
On 28 May 1918, Captain C. H. Darley led a low-level Handley Page raid on the Bruges canal…
Independent Air Force Announced Under Hugh Trenchard
On this day in 1918, Britain announced the Independent Air Force under Hugh Trenchard, an early step towards…
RAF Area Redesignations Help Shape the New Service
On this day in 1918, the RAF redesignated its home Air Force Areas by region, helping give the…