War Office Purchases Geoffrey de Havilland’s No. 2 in 1911
On 14 January 1911, the British War Office purchased the de Havilland No. 2 biplane, later designated the Farman Experimental 1 (FE1).
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Clive Collett Makes the First British Service Parachute Jump
On 13 January 1917, Captain C. F. Collet made the first parachute jump by a British service flyer using a Calthrop Guardian Angel.
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RAF Whitleys Drop Leaflets Over Prague and Vienna
On 12 January 1940, RAF Whitley bombers carried out the service’s first leaflet raid over Prague and Vienna during the Phoney War.
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11 January 1956: RAF Preparations for Operation Mosaic Reported
On 11 January 1956, an air element was formally organised to support forthcoming British atomic trials associated with the Monte Bello task force.
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First RAF Circus Operation: Blenheims Over Guînes, 10 January 1941
On 10 January 1941, the Royal Air Force mounted what became known as the first “Circus” operation over occupied France.
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Air Headquarters Cyprus Is Established at RAF Nicosia, 1954
On 9 January 1954, Air Headquarters Cyprus (AHQ Cyprus) was formally established, creating a dedicated Royal Air Force command structure on the island.
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Operation Excess and RAF Malta: The Convoy Crisis of January 1941
On 8 January 1941, RAF aircraft from Malta supported Operation Excess, the British convoy effort to reinforce Malta and Greece.
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Thomas Mottershead VC: The Burning FE2d, 7 January 1917
On 7 January 1917, Sergeant Thomas Mottershead of No. 20 Squadron was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery over the Western Front.
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No. 30 Squadron Attacks Kurdish Horsemen near Muan, 1931
On 6 January 1931, aircraft of No. 30 Squadron RAF continued operations near Muan in northern Iraq during the campaign against Kurdish rebels.
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Tri-National Tornado Training Begins at RAF Cottesmore
On 5 January 1981, the first tri-national training course for Panavia Tornado crews commenced at RAF Cottesmore.
