RAF Duxford

A History in Photographs from 1917 to the Present Day

Nonfiction, History, Military, World War I, World War II
Cover of the book RAF Duxford by Richard Smith, Grub Street Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Smith ISBN: 9781909166752
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing Publication: October 27, 2006
Imprint: Grub Street Publishing Language: English
Author: Richard Smith
ISBN: 9781909166752
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
Publication: October 27, 2006
Imprint: Grub Street Publishing
Language: English

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 Richard Smith’s research has led him to numerous previously unpublished collections from which he has unearthed some marvelous images of historical significance. A must for the collector, historian or veteran of the times.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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 from which he has unearthed some marvelous images of historical significance. A must for the collector, historian or veteran of the times.

More books from Grub Street Publishing

Cover of the book Tornado Boys by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Poles in Defence of Britain by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Tapas by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Air War for Yugoslavia Greece and Crete 1940-41 by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Marguerite Patten's 100 Top Teatime Treats by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Home Baked by Richard Smith
Cover of the book A History of the Mediterranean Air War, 1940-1945 by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Margaret Costa's Four Seasons Cookery Book by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Jasta Boelcke by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Vegetarian Dishes from the Middle East by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Malta Spitfire Pilot by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Hunting with Richthofen Jagd in Flanderns Himmel by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Julius Buckler: Malaula! The Battle Cry of Jasta 17 by Richard Smith
Cover of the book The Lightning Boys 2 by Richard Smith
Cover of the book Harrier Boys Volume 1 by Richard Smith
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy