RAF Aircraft Safety Systems and Crew Protection in Service
How RAF aircrew protection grew from parachutes to armour, oxygen, self-sealing tanks and the Martin-Baker ejection seat, which has saved more than 7,700 aircrew since 1949.
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The RAF and the Fall of France: Retreat and Lessons of 1940
A long read on the RAF in the Fall of France, from bomber losses and retreat to evacuation, survival and the lessons carried into 1940.
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PRU Spitfire Finds Bismarck in Norway: 21 May 1941
On 21 May 1941, a photo-reconnaissance Spitfire found Bismarck in Norway, giving British planners crucial intelligence before the chase at sea.
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Final Empire Air Day Draws Vast Crowds Across RAF Stations
On this day in 1939, the RAF staged its final Empire Air Day, drawing huge crowds to stations and airfields just months before war.
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RAF in the Battle for Crete: Air Superiority and Withdrawal
RAF in the Battle for Crete shows how German air superiority shaped the campaign, weakened the defence and made withdrawal inevitable.
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RAF Withdraws from Crete Under Luftwaffe Air Superiority
On this day in 1941, the RAF withdrew its remaining aircraft from Crete as Luftwaffe air superiority made continued operations impossible.
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Atlantic Conveyor Reinforces British Air Power in Falklands
On this day in 1982, Harrier GR3s and Sea Harriers arrived aboard Atlantic Conveyor, reinforcing British air power in the Falklands War.
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RAF Nimrods Begin Second Cod War Surveillance Patrols
On this day in 1973, RAF Nimrods began surveillance patrols during the Second Cod War, monitoring Icelandic gunboats and British trawlers.
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617 Squadron Launches the Dams Raid with Upkeep Mines
On this day in 1943, 617 Squadron launched the dams raid, using Barnes Wallis’s Upkeep mine in the famous Operation Chastise attack.
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Strategic Bombing Offensive Effectively Begins in 1940
On this day in 1940, Bomber Command sent ninety-nine bombers against Ruhr targets, effectively opening the RAF’s strategic bombing offensive.
