RAF and the Berlin Crisis, 1948 to 1949: Beyond the Airlift
How the RAF turned the Berlin crisis of 1948 to 1949 into a test of access, air transport and Cold War resolve beyond the usual airlift story.
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German Invasion Preparations in Directive No. 16
On 16 July 1940, War Directive No. 16 began preparations for Operation Sea Lion and made the destruction of RAF resistance a central aim.
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Spitfires Flown in under Operation Colima and Operation Pinpoint
On 15 July 1942, Spitfires launched from HMS Eagle reached Malta in Operations Colima and Pinpoint, sustaining the island’s air defence.
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Sicily from the Air: RAF and Allied Air Power in 1943
How RAF and Allied air power shaped the invasion of Sicily in 1943 through air superiority, interdiction and support for Operation Husky.
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RAF Creates Bomber, Fighter and Coastal Commands in 1936
On 14 July 1936, the RAF replaced Air Defence of Great Britain with Bomber, Fighter and Coastal Commands, sharpening roles before war.
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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 the Allied invasion.
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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 Squadron raid on Turin.
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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 against a Baltic target.
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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 of Britain.
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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 in a flying accident in France.
