88 Squadron Battles Meet Bf 109s Over France in 1939
The loss of two 88 Squadron Fairey Battles on 20 September 1939 exposed the immediate weakness of RAF day bombers against Bf 109 fighters.
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Guy Gibson Killed Returning from Operations in 1944
Wing Commander Guy Gibson was killed on 19 September 1944, a loss that reflected both his fame and the RAF’s relentless late-war operational tempo.
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RAF Hercules Fleet Reaches 500,000 Flying Hours at Lyneham
On 18 September 1978, a flypast at RAF Lyneham marked 500,000 hours for the RAF Hercules fleet, a milestone in British air mobility.
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RAF Atlantic Approaches: Biscay, U-Boats and Air Power
How the RAF fought the Atlantic air war over Biscay, using long-range patrols, radar and strike aircraft to close the U-boat threat.
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29 Squadron Flies First AIR Beaufighter Sortie in 1940
On 17 September 1940, 29 Squadron flew the first operational sortie by an AI-equipped Beaufighter, marking a key step in Britain’s night air defence.
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38 Squadron Activated at RAF Mildenhall During Rearmament
On 16 September 1935, 38 Squadron was activated at RAF Mildenhall, reflecting the wider rebuilding of bomber strength during British rearmament.
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617 Squadron, Chastise and the Making of the Dambusters
How 617 Squadron was formed at Scampton on 21 March 1943 under Guy Gibson, trained over the Derwent dams and breached the Möhne and Eder dams eight weeks later.
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RAF Deploys to Sharjah During the Buraimi Dispute in 1952
On 15 September 1952, the RAF deployed to Sharjah during the Buraimi dispute, showing the Service’s continued role in reinforcement and deterrence in the Gulf.
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British Forces Evacuate Baku in the Final Months of 1918
On 14 September 1918, British forces evacuated Baku, illustrating the improvised and fluid character of imperial operations at the edge of the First World War.
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RAF Coltishall Marks 40 Years Since the Battle of Britain
On 13 September 1980, RAF Coltishall marked the Battle of Britain’s 40th anniversary, linking living RAF service with public memory of 1940.
