RAF Far East Air Force Disbanded at Changi
On 31 October 1971, RAF Far East Air Force closed at Changi as Britain shifted towards shared defence arrangements for Malaysia and Singapore.
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RAF V-bombers Return to the SAC Bombing Competition
On 30 October 1957, RAF Valiants and Vulcans entered the SAC competition in Florida, testing crews and equipment alongside American bombers.
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The RAF in Cyprus: Air Power, Empire and Sovereignty
Explore RAF history in Cyprus, from Nicosia and Suez to sovereign bases, the 1974 crisis and Akrotiri’s modern expeditionary role.
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Israeli Advance into Sinai Triggers the Suez Countdown
On 29 October 1956, Israel invaded Sinai, activating the timetable for an Anglo-French ultimatum and the RAF air campaign against Egypt.
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Spitfires Bring Down the First German Aircraft on British Soil
On 28 October 1939, Scottish Spitfire squadrons brought down a Heinkel at Humbie, the first German aircraft brought down on British soil.
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RAF Nuclear Readiness: Alert States, Dispersal and V-Force
RAF V Force readiness depended on alert crews, aircraft servicing and dispersal, sustaining the nuclear bomber deterrent until the 1969 handover.
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Bomber Command Attacks the Skoda Works at Pilsen
On 27 October 1940, RAF Bomber Command first attacked the Skoda works at Pilsen, extending its offensive against German-controlled industry.
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RAF Nuclear Forces on Alert During the Cuban Missile Crisis
On 26 October 1962, RAF nuclear strike and Thor missile squadrons went on alert as the Cuban Missile Crisis intensified, remaining at their bases.
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Italian Bombers Open Their Campaign Against Britain
Italian BR.20 bombers attacked Harwich on the night of 24/25 October 1940, opening the Corpo Aereo Italiano’s limited campaign against Britain.
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Protocol of Sèvres Agrees the Path to Suez Intervention
The Protocol of Sèvres agreed on 24 October 1956 linked an Israeli attack to Anglo-French intervention and the forthcoming RAF campaign in Egypt.
