Handley Page Victor Retires from RAF Service
On 15 October 1993, the Handley Page Victor retired from the RAF after 36 years, ending a career spanning nuclear bombing and tanker support.
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Canberra Aries IV Begins Its North Pole Jet Flight
Canberra Aries IV flew over the North Pole on 14–15 October 1954, demonstrating RAF jet navigation on a six-hour, 43-minute flight from Norway.
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From V-Force to Polaris: Why Britain Moved the Deterrent to Sea
Why Britain transferred its strategic nuclear deterrent from RAF V-bombers to Polaris submarines, from the Skybolt crisis to the 1969 handover.
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First Poseidon MRA1 Lands at RAF Lossiemouth
On 13 October 2020, City of Elgin became the first Poseidon to land at RAF Lossiemouth, establishing the fleet at its permanent Moray base.
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Operation Manna: British Paratroops Land at Megara
On 12 October 1944, British paratroops landed at Megara in Operation Manna, carried by USAAF aircraft as Allied forces returned to Greece.
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Valiant Conducts Britain’s First Air-dropped Atomic Test
On 11 October 1956, a Valiant of No. 49 Squadron dropped a live Blue Danube atomic bomb at Maralinga, testing Britain’s airborne nuclear capability.
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No. 83 Squadron Forms as the RAF’s First Vulcan B.2 Unit
On 10 October 1960, No. 83 Squadron formed at RAF Scampton as the first Vulcan B.2 unit, ahead of its first aircraft delivery in December.
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RAF Tankers Support US Carrier Strikes over Afghanistan
On 9 October 2001, RAF tankers supported US carrier strikes in Afghanistan as reconnaissance and surveillance crews flew operational sorties.
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RAF Hudsons Bring Down a Dornier Do 18 over the North Sea
On 8 October 1939, No. 224 Squadron Hudsons destroyed a Dornier Do 18, the first German aircraft brought down by RAF aircraft operating from Britain.
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Archie McKellar’s Battle of Britain Ace-in-a-Day Feat
On 7 October 1940, Hurricane pilot Archie McKellar of 605 Squadron was credited with five Bf 109 victories during the Battle of Britain.
