Second World War Articles
In-depth articles, analysis and long reads from The RAF Chronicle.
The RAF in the Desert Air War and North African Campaign
Second World War
How the RAF fought and adapted in the desert air war, where North African conditions helped shape modern tactical air power.
Read the article →244 Wing Moves into Sicily with the Desert Air Force
On 13 July 1943, 244 Wing moved into Sicily, bringing RAF and SAAF Spitfire squadrons forward to support…
John Dering Nettleton VC Reported Missing After Turin Raid
On 12/13 July 1943 Acting Wing Commander John Dering Nettleton VC failed to return from a No. 44…
Danzig Attacked in RAF Long-Range Daylight Raid
On 11 July 1942 Bomber Command struck Danzig shipyards in the RAF’s most distant daylight raid yet attempted…
Kanalkampf Begins: Opening Battles of the Battle of Britain
On 10 July 1940 Luftwaffe attacks on Channel convoys began the Kanalkampf, the opening fighting of the Battle…
Sergeant James Allen Ward Awarded the Victoria Cross
On 8 July 1941 Sergeant James Allen Ward received the Victoria Cross after climbing onto a Wellington’s wing…
Victoria Cross in RAF Service: Gallantry and Memory
A documentary history of the Victoria Cross in RAF service, examining wartime gallantry, operational context and the place…
RAF Coastal Command Uses the Depth Charge in Combat
On 6 July 1940 Coastal Command introduced the Mk VII depth charge to RAF service, strengthening Britain’s anti-submarine…
Edwards Awarded the Victoria Cross for Bremen Raid
On 4 July 1941 Wing Commander Hughie Idwal Edwards received the Victoria Cross for leading a gallant daylight…
RAF Mediterranean Air War: From Survival to Offensive Power
How the RAF fought the Mediterranean air war from early weakness in 1940 to offensive power over North…
Halifax HR837 Survives Bomb Damage on the Raid to Cologne
On 29 June 1943, Halifax HR837 survived a falling Allied bomb over Cologne and was flown safely back…
David Hornell Wins the Victoria Cross in Anti-Submarine Attack
Flight Lieutenant David Hornell sank U-1225 on 24 June 1944, then fought to save his crew after ditching…
The V1 Campaign and the RAF’s Air Defence Response
How the RAF met the V1 offensive through Operation Diver, fighter interception and an adapted air-defence system over…