On This Day, 2023: On 9 November 2023, the RAF reported the Dutch-led recovery of Lancaster ED603 from the IJsselmeer, with aircrew…
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Dispatches, analysis, long reads and On This Day entries from The RAF Chronicle.
RAF Aircraft Fuel Systems, Range and Operational Endurance
How fuel shaped RAF range and endurance, from self-sealing tanks and drop tanks to 214 Squadron's Valiant tankers in 1958, the Victors of Black Buck and today's Voyager.
Read the article →Lancaster ED603: RAF Reports Recovery from the IJsselmeer
On 9 November 2023, the RAF reported the Dutch-led recovery of Lancaster ED603 from the IJsselmeer, with aircrew…
RAF Berlin Raid: Heavy Bomber Command Losses in 1941
The RAF Berlin raid of 7–8 November 1941 cost 21 of 169 bombers dispatched, as severe weather and…
RAF Meteor Sets the First Official Jet World Speed Record
On 7 November 1945, H. J. Wilson flew a Gloster Meteor at approximately 606 mph, setting the first…
Hurricane Prototype K5083 Takes Flight at Brooklands
Hurricane prototype K5083 first flew at Brooklands on 6 November 1935, beginning flight trials of Sydney Camm’s new…
RAF Wellesleys Depart on Their Record Flight to Darwin
Three RAF Vickers Wellesleys left Ismailia on 5 November 1938 for a distance-record attempt to Darwin, reached by…
RAF Coningsby Opens Under No. 5 Group
RAF Coningsby opened on 4 November 1940 under No. 5 Group, beginning its development from a grass airfield…
Why the Hawker Hurricane Carried Fighter Command in 1940
Why the Hawker Hurricane carried Fighter Command in 1940: 33 squadrons to the Spitfire's 18, 656 German aircraft…
RAF Signals Command Formed at Medmenham
RAF Signals Command formed at Medmenham on 3 November 1958, taking command-level responsibility for established communications and technical…
Operation Sky Help Begins after Hurricane Hattie
Operation Sky Help began on 2 November 1961, carrying RAF relief supplies through Kingston to British Honduras after…
Archie McKellar Is Killed in Action over Kent
Archie McKellar was killed over Kent on 1 November 1940 while commanding 605 Squadron, a day beyond the…
RAF Far East Air Force Disbanded at Changi
On 31 October 1971, RAF Far East Air Force closed at Changi as Britain shifted towards shared defence…
RAF V-bombers Return to the SAC Bombing Competition
On 30 October 1957, RAF Valiants and Vulcans entered the SAC competition in Florida, testing crews and equipment…