The Royal Auxiliary Air Force: Commemorating 100 Years of Service

The Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) was established in 1924 by Lord Trenchard to provide civilian pilots for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in times of need. Today, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) is the primary reinforcement capability for the regular RAF, consisting of paid volunteers who train to support the RAF during emergencies and conflicts. AAF pilots have achieved numerous notable successes, including the Battle of Britain, the destruction of German aircraft, the sinking of U-boats, and the development of jet-powered aircraft. The RAuxAF received Royal status in 1947 and has since played an important role in home defense and overseas operations, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) was established in October 1924, owing its origins to Lord Trenchard's desire to establish an elite corps of civilians who would serve their country in flying squadrons during their spare time. Today, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) is the primary reinforcement capability for the regular RAF. It consists of paid volunteers who, at weekends, evenings, and holidays, train to support the RAF, particularly in times of national emergency and conflict. This has seen the AAF play important roles in various historical events, including the Battle of Britain, where its squadrons claimed 30 percent of enemy kills. Other notable achievements by AAF pilots include the first German aircraft destroyed over the British mainland and its territorial waters, the first U-boat to be destroyed with the aid of airborne radar, the first destruction of a V-1 flying bomb, and an AAF squadron claimed the highest score of any British night fighter squadron. It was an AAF squadron that was the first to be equipped with jet-powered aircraft. Receiving Royal status in 1947 in recognition of its contribution to victory in the Second World War, the RAuxAF also came to the fore during the Cold War, providing home defense as the regular squadrons were shipped to hotspots around the world. In more recent times, squadrons and personnel of the RAuxAF have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This book presents, for the first time, the history and development of all the squadrons and units that made up the Auxiliary and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, including the Balloon Squadrons, the Maritime Headquarters Units, Fighter Control and Radar Reporting Units, Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiments, and of course the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. These devoted warriors continue to serve alongside the regular forces in defense of their country.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399062183