All posts in Aviation Historian

On this day, 5 March in 1936, now 85 years ago, the first Spitfire took the skies.

Citizen Airman 2: Ray Holmes and the ‘Buckingham Palace Raider’

The Battle of Britain may have been waged in the air, but there was a lot happening on the ground and at sea in order to keep the aircraft fighting.

What part did women play in the Far East during the Second World?

Touching the Sky with Glory: The Royal Indian Air Force, 1932 – 1947

Singapore was the symbol of the British Empire in the Far East. Yet, its defences were neglected and became exposed when Japan attacked in late 1941.

'Cheshire and the Bomb'

Wolverhampton had a strong connection with the RAF during the Second World War.

The ‘Flying Nightingales’ is the story of the female medical orderlies who flew aboard Dakotas to Normandy and back.

Thousands of pilots, airmen and airwomen joined the RAF during the Second World War. The Hurricane 80K commemorates the Few.

The RAF's contribution to Operation DYNAMO, the evacuation of Dunkirk in May and June 1940

‘Hidden Heroes’: The Untold Story of Jewish Personnel during the Second World War.

Bomb disposal has developed a great deal since the first wars. Some things, however, have changed little. Ewan Burnet, Curator of Film, explains.

A short history of RAF bombers

A critical look at the contribution of the RAF to the outcome of the Second World War