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.
Military Aircraft in 1914: The RFC’s Reconnaissance Role
First World War
Military aircraft in 1914 gave the RFC vital reconnaissance, while photography, wireless and artillery observation began to develop.
Read the article →James McCudden Awarded the Military Cross in March 1917
On 12 March 1917, James McCudden received the Military Cross, recognising a pilot whose skill and discipline made…
The First Airship Raid on Britain: Zeppelin Operations
On the night of 19 January 1915, the German Imperial Navy carried out the first successful airship raid…
War Office Purchases Geoffrey de Havilland’s No. 2 in 1911
On 14 January 1911, the British War Office purchased the de Havilland No. 2 biplane, later designated the…
Clive Collett Makes the First British Service Parachute Jump
On 13 January 1917, Captain C. F. Collet made the first parachute jump by a British service flyer…
Thomas Mottershead VC: The Burning FE2d, 7 January 1917
On 7 January 1917, Sergeant Thomas Mottershead of No. 20 Squadron was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous…