Transforming the Skies: Pilots, Planes and Politics in British Aviation 1919-1940

The British Air Industry and the newly founded RAF were neglected after the Armistice of 1918, but the breakdown of the Geneva Disarmament Talks led to renewed interest and the development of rapid modernisation and interceptor aircraft.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 16 February 2018
\n Publisher: The History Press Ltd
\n

After the Armistice of 1918, the British Air Industry and the newly established Royal Air Force (RAF) were relegated to low national priorities. The RAF faced rapid decline, with infant airlines receiving minimal support, and this neglect persisted throughout the 1920s. The role of the RAF was questioned, and civilian air travel remained a luxury for the privileged few. However, the breakdown of the Geneva Disarmament Talks sparked renewed interest in the National Air Force. The rise of European dictators also called for rapid modernisation and interceptor aircraft, along with the development of further European civilian air routes.

In this captivating account, Peter Reese charts the dramatic changes that swept aviation across the dynamic interwar period. He reveals the last-minute preparations for defence in a world where much depended on the contributions of some outstanding individuals. The RAF underwent a transformation, with new aircraft and technologies being developed to meet the challenges of the era. The expansion of airfields and the establishment of air routes across Europe facilitated the growth of commercial aviation and opened up new opportunities for travel and trade.

The interwar period also saw the rise of military aviation, with countries such as Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union investing heavily in their air forces. The development of strategic bombing and the introduction of jet engines further revolutionised the field of aviation. The RAF played a crucial role in the Second World War, with its pilots and aircraft contributing to the success of the Allied forces.

However, the post-war years brought challenges as well. The RAF faced cutbacks and restructuring, and civilian air travel continued to grow. The introduction of commercial jets in the 1950s and 1960s further democratised air travel, making it accessible to a wider range of people.

In conclusion, the interwar period was a transformative time for aviation, with the RAF playing a significant role in shaping the field. The neglect and decline of the RAF in the 1920s were overcome through renewed interest and technological advancements. The expansion of airfields, the development of new aircraft, and the rise of military aviation all contributed to the growth of commercial aviation and the development of the modern world.

\n Weight: 456g\n
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780750984102\n \n