History of the RAF

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The RAF was probably the most illustrious flying unit to participate in World War II. Its origins in the Royal Flying Corps gave the nascent Royal Air Force experience which it put to good use a generation later. From the early Spads and Sopwiths which fought against the Fokkers of the Richofen Squadron over France, pilots and the manufacturers of aircraft in Britain learned some valuable lessons. Although the RFC was a colorful adjunct to trench warfare in 1914-18, the use of aircraft in the next war was seen by most observers to be far from peripheral. The Spitfires and Hurricanes which were developed in the 1930s were to save Britain in her 'finest hour.' The Lancaster bombers of the RAF were to make fiery infernos of the cities of Germany in the strategic bombing offensive which followed the Battle of Britain.

In World War II, the RAF distinguished itself in every theater of the conflict. This book and the technical qualities of British warplanes from World War I to the present day is told by Chaz Bowyer, whose 26-year career in the RAF and 13 books on the subject rank him among the foremost experts.