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 →First World War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
The First British Service Parachute Jump
First World War
On 13 January 1917, Captain C. F. Collet made the first parachute jump by a British service flyer using a Calthrop Guardian Angel.
Read the article →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…
Captain Albert Ball Posted Missing Over the Western Front
On this day in 1917, Captain Albert Ball was posted missing after combat over the Western Front, marking…
Death of the Red Baron
Death of the Red Baron: On 21 April 1918, Manfred von Richthofen was shot down on the Western…
Trenchard Resigns as Chief of the Air Staff in 1918
Why Hugh Trenchard’s 1918 resignation after a dispute with Lord Rothermere became an early leadership crisis for the…
The RAF Is Founded as the World’s First Independent Air Force
On 1 April 1918, the Royal Air Force was founded through the merger of the RFC and RNAS,…
Alan Jerrard VC Awarded for Gallantry over Italy in 1918
On 30 March 1918, Lieutenant Alan Jerrard received the Victoria Cross for gallantry over Italy while flying with…