Civil flyers

 

Civilian flying saw a huge surge in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s with many learning to fly.

The First World War had turned aircraft production into a booming industry. Out of the conflict many companies emerged with new ideas and designs.

de Havilland produced their popular Moth series of aircraft which were favourably priced. Flying clubs were founded across Britain and for a while, the government funded private flying.

It was also a period of competition and excitement with record breaking and endurance feats in aviation.

Since 1933 the Nazis had been re-arming. As it became more apparent that war was inevitable Britain started to re-equip the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm.

New metal monoplane fighters such as the RAF’s Spitfire and the Navy’s Fairey Fulmar were developed to replace outdated biplanes.