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 →Formation Interwar Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
Imperial Gift Approved for Dominion and Indian Air Forces
Formation & Interwar
On 29 May 1919, the War Cabinet approved the Imperial Gift, sending surplus RAF aircraft to dominions and India to seed future air forces.
Read the article →Siskin IIIA Becomes the RAF’s First All-Metal Fighter
On 27 March 1927, the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA entered RAF service, becoming the Service’s first all-metal fighter…
Pink’s War Begins in South Waziristan Under Richard Pink
On 9 March 1925, the RAF opened Pink’s War in South Waziristan, an early test of inter-war air…
Supermarine Spitfire Prototype K5054 Makes Maiden Flight
On 5 March 1936, Supermarine Spitfire prototype K5054 made its maiden flight, beginning the story of one of…
Naval Officers Begin Flying Training at Eastchurch
On 2 March 1911, four Royal Navy officers began flying training at Eastchurch, an early step in bringing…
First Operational Radar Aircraft Detection Trial Conducted
On 26 February 1935, Britain carried out an early radar aircraft-detection trial, a key step towards the air-defence…
RAF Operations Against Zeidi Tribes Begin in Aden Colony
On 21 February 1928, RAF operations began against Zeidi tribes in Aden, illustrating the inter-war use of air…
Bert Hinkler Departs England for Australia
On 7 February 1928, Bert Hinkler left England on a pioneering solo flight to Australia, highlighting the potential…
Royal Air Force College Opens at Cranwell
On 5 February 1920, Royal Air Force College Cranwell opened to train future RAF officers, marking a major…
The RAF’s First ‘Little War’ Begins in Somaliland
On 21 January 1920, RAF aircraft began operations in British Somaliland in one of the service's earliest colonial…
RAF Aircraft Continue Operations near Muan
On 6 January 1931, aircraft of No. 30 Squadron RAF continued operations near Muan in northern Iraq during…