RAF Duxford
eBook - ePub

RAF Duxford

A History in Photographs from 1917 to the Present Day

  1. 160 pages
  2. English
  3. ePUB (mobile friendly)
  4. Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub

RAF Duxford

A History in Photographs from 1917 to the Present Day

About this book

A pictorial account of the airfield's 90-year history—from WWI to housing the largest collection of war and peacetime vintage aircraft in Europe. Established in 1917 to train Royal Flying Corps aircrew, during WWI Duxford was also the base for two United States Aero Squadrons, 137 and 159, and by the end was a mobilization airfield for three DH9 day bomber squadrons. During the 1920s and 30s, expansion continued apace, with three fighter squadrons, 19, 29 and 111, and the presence of many illustrious names, including Harry Broadhurst, Johnny Kent and Frank Whittle. The first aerodrome in Fighter Command to receive the Spitfire (in August 1938), Duxford rose to supreme prominence during the early part of the Second World War. Part of 12 Group detailed to protect the industrial midlands and north east Britain, the base's role during the Battle of Britain was mired in controversy due to the "Big Wing" tactics of Douglas Bader and Trafford Leigh-Mallory. From October 1942 to the end of the war, Duxford was essentially an American base for, variously the 8th Air Force, 357th and 78th Fighter Groups. Postwar the RAF operated jets from the station until 1961 when the future was put on hold. Managing to avoid the ignominy of becoming a prison or sports complex, the Imperial War Museum finally came to the rescue making Duxford into today's premier international air museum. Richard Smith's research has led him to numerous previously unpublished collections form which he has unearthed some marvelous images of historical significance. A must for the collector, historian, or veteran of the times.

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Yes, you can access RAF Duxford by Richard C. Smith in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in History & Military & Maritime History. We have over one million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.

Information

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Contents
  6. Acknowledgements
  7. Select Bibliography
  8. Introduction
  9. Commanders Through the Years
  10. Chapter One: Fledgling Eagles 1917 – 1929
  11. Chapter Two: Siskins to Spitfires 1930 – 1939
  12. Chapter Three: To Defend and Attack 1940 – 1942
  13. Chapter Four: The American Years 1943 – 1945
  14. Chapter Five: The Jet Era 1946 – 1962
  15. Chapter Six: Saved for the Nation 1967 – Present