First Operational Grand Slam Bomb Dropped on Bielefeld
On 14 March 1945, Squadron Leader C. C. Calder used the RAF’s first operational Grand Slam to collapse the Bielefeld viaduct.
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Fatal Crash of Fighter Ace Sammy Allard Near Wimbish
On 13 March 1941, fighter ace Geoffrey “Sammy” Allard was killed in a flying accident near Wimbish alongside Francis Walker-Smith and William Hodgson.
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James McCudden Awarded the Military Cross in March 1917
On 12 March 1917, James McCudden received the Military Cross, recognising a pilot whose skill and discipline made him one of the RFC’s leading aces.
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U-31 Sunk by RAF Aircraft in an Anti-Submarine First
On 11 March 1940, a Blenheim of No. 82 Squadron sank U-31, the first U-boat destroyed by air power alone without naval assistance.
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Reserve Flying Units End in a Turning Point for RAF
On 10 March 1957, Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve flying squadrons were disbanded, marking a turning point in reserve air power.
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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 control on the imperial frontier.
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Fall of Rangoon 1942: The RAF Retreats North in Burma
On 8 March 1942, the fall of Rangoon forced RAF units in Burma into retreat and reorganisation during one of the campaign’s darkest moments.
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Merlin HC3 Delivered to No. 28 Squadron at RAF Benson
On 7 March 2001, the first Merlin HC3 arrived at RAF Benson, marking a major step in modern RAF support helicopter capability with No. 28 Squadron.
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Railway Offensive Opens with Bomber Command Strike
On 6 March 1944, Bomber Command struck the marshalling yards at Trappes, opening the Railway Offensive against French transport links.
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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 the RAF’s most important fighters.
