Royal Air Force
Organization
Found in 305 Collections and/or Records:
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and source material., 28 Jul 1936 - 10 Dec 1936
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/119A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speeches (28 and 29 July, Secret Defence Deputation to the Prime Minister [Stanley Baldwin]) on the relative strengths of the British and German air forces, the war making capacity of British and German industry, British air training facilities, and German power to bomb British cities.Notes for WSC's speech (5 November) on supporting the League of Nations, collective security, and policy towards Germany and Italy. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5800-4.Notes for WSC's...
Dates:
28 Jul 1936 - 10 Dec 1936
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and source material., 27 Jan 1937 - 24 May 1937
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/123
Scope and Contents
Rough notes for WSC's speech (27 January) on air defence, comparing British and German air strength. Source material includes copy of Hansard for 12 November 1936 containing WSC's speech ["The locust years"]. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5825-7.Notes for WSC's speech (4 March) on the defence loan bill, praising its long term nature, but expressing concern over Britain's defences in the immediate future. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5830-5.Notes for WSC's speech (11 March)...
Dates:
27 Jan 1937 - 24 May 1937
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and source material., 22 Feb 1938 - 24 Mar 1938
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/128
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (22 February) on [Anthony] Eden's [later 1st Lord Avon] resignation as Foreign Secretary, Eden's achievements, relations with Italy, and past foreign policy mistakes, which includes the phrase "This has been a good week for Dictators". Source material includes text from the Daily Telegraph on the Italian view of Eden, and a cutting on German reaction to international press criticism. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5911-7.Rough notes for WSC's speech (28 February)...
Dates:
22 Feb 1938 - 24 Mar 1938
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and source material., 05 May 1938 - 25 May 1938
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/129A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (5 May) on the Eire bill, Britain abandoning rights it had under the 1921 Treaty, and the role of [Eamon] De Valera [Prime Minister of Ireland]. Also includes relevant extract from Hansard. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 5948-55.Notes for WSC's speech (25 May) entitled "A private execution" on the replacement of 1st Lord Swinton [earlier Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister and Sir Philip Lloyd-Greame] as Secretary of State for Air, the state of air defence, and setting up a...
Dates:
05 May 1938 - 25 May 1938
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 23 May 1940 - 19 Jun 1940
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/172
Scope and Contents
Statement by WSC (23 May) on fighting in France. Published: Complete Speeches VI p 6223.Statement by WSC (28 May) on the fall of Belgium. Published: Complete Speeches VI pp 6223-4.Speech notes for WSC's speech (4 June) entitled "Wars are not won by evacuations" on the fall of Belgium, the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk [France] and the successes of the RAF. Speech includes the phrase "We shall fight on the beaches . . . We shall never surrender". Source material...
Dates:
23 May 1940 - 19 Jun 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 25 Jun 1940 - 21 Nov 1941
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/173A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (25 June) entitled "The fall of France" on the capitulation of France, the surrender of the French fleet to Germany and his visit to see [Paul] Reynaud [Prime Minister of France]. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6239-41.Statement by WSC (4 July) on the British destruction of the French fleet at Oran [Algeria]. Source material includes notes on the co-ordination of intelligence, the role of the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces [General Sir Alan Brooke,...
Dates:
25 Jun 1940 - 21 Nov 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 05 Sep 1940 - 08 Oct 1940
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/174A-C
Scope and Contents
Statement by WSC (5 September) on the war situation and an agreement with the United States over destroyers and defence bases, events in Romania, the achievements of the RAF, damage through bombing and the insurance scheme, evacuation, air raid warnings and other Home Front issues. Source material includes: notes and correspondence from Air Marshal Sir Richard Peirse [Vice-Chief of Air Staff], Norman Brook [later 1st Lord Normanbrook] (2), Arthur Cary [Assistant Principal, Air Ministry] (4),...
Dates:
05 Sep 1940 - 08 Oct 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 05 Nov 1940 - 19 Dec 1940
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/175
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (5 November) on the war situation including the air battles, the bombing of London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, the threat posed by U Boats, the possibility of invasion by Germany, civil defence and the Home Guard, affairs in Egypt and the Middle East, and the Italian invasion of Greece. Source material includes correspondence from 1st Lord Beaverbrook [earlier Max Aitken, Minister for Aircraft Production], Henry Strutt [Assistant Under-Secretary of...
Dates:
05 Nov 1940 - 19 Dec 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 30 Sep 1941 - 11 Dec 1941
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/180A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for statement by WSC (30 September) on the war situation including: the threat posed by Hitler, WSC's intention not to publish shipping losses to U-Boats, food and rations, the strength of the United States and the Soviet Union, Germany's attack on the Soviet Union, the army and Bomber Command, and events and operations in Persia [Iran]. Also includes correspondence from 1st Lord Woolton [earlier Frederick Marquis] Minister of Food, Frank Wood, and Major-General Bernard Paget,...
Dates:
30 Sep 1941 - 11 Dec 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 23 Apr 1942 - 02 Jun 1942
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/184A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (23 April) in secret session on the war situation including: Japan's entry into the war; setbacks including battleship losses; defence of the Admiralty over the escape of the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau; events and operations in the Far East, the Middle East and the Soviet Union; air battles including the bombing of Germany; and aircraft and ship production. Also includes correspondence from: Maurice Dean [Assistant Under Secretary of State,...
Dates:
23 Apr 1942 - 02 Jun 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 08 Nov 1942 - 10 Dec 1942
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/187A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (11 November) on the war situation including: successes in Egypt and the second battle of El Alamein; armaments supplied by the United States; agreements with Stalin; operations in the Mediterranean and changes in command in the Middle East; instructions to General Sir Harold Alexander [Commander in Chief Middle East] and General Sir Bernard Montgomery [General Officer Commanding the 8th Army]; tank tactics and the successes of the RAF. Also includes...
Dates:
08 Nov 1942 - 10 Dec 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 27 Jul 1943 - 13 Oct 1943
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/192A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (27 July) on the fall of Mussolini including an assessment of his regime and the principles to be used in negotiations with Italy; and also on events and operations in the Soviet Union and the bombing of Germany. Also includes correspondence from 1st Lord Halifax [earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin, British Ambassador to the United States]; Francis Keenlyside [Assistant Secretary in charge of Shipping Policy]; Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the Cabinet]; and...
Dates:
27 Jul 1943 - 13 Oct 1943
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 18 Feb 1944 - 22 Mar 1944
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/197A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (22 February) on the progress of the war and the international situation including: the strength of the forces of Germany; successes in the Soviet Union and through bombing attacks on Germany; the importance of the role played by the Royal Navy and the RAF; a prediction of increased attack in 1944; events and operations in Italy, Yugoslavia [later Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia] and Greece; the...
Dates:
18 Feb 1944 - 22 Mar 1944
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 19 Jul 1944 - 08 Aug 1944
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/200A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's statement (2 August) on the war situation including: successes against Germany and Japan world-wide including the Far East; decisions made at the Quebec [Canada] conference; the Normandy landings; RAF losses; the tanks supplied by the United States and praise for the Sherman and Churchill tanks; the progress of General Sir Harold Alexander [Commander in Chief of the Allied Armies in Italy]; his hopes of victory; flying bombs and the evacuation of London; improved...
Dates:
19 Jul 1944 - 08 Aug 1944
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes and typescript., 11 Mar 1920 - 15 Dec 1920
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/60
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's statement (11 March) on the union of the Air and War Ministries, and building up the RAF. Published: Complete Speeches III pp 2965 - 2974.Speech notes and typescript for WSC's statement (23 June) on the need for forces in the Middle East, the situation in the Caucasus, the Crimea [Soviet Union] and Constantinople [later Istanbul, Turkey], and the need for more Territorial and regular army recruitment.Speech notes and typescript for WSC's statement (23 June) on army...
Dates:
11 Mar 1920 - 15 Dec 1920
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: Lists of speeches and speech notes., 1945 - 1954
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 5/1A-D
Scope and Contents
Includes lists of the speeches made by WSC between 1945 and 1954 with details of the place of delivery, subjects covered and numbers of words. Speech notes for WSC's speech (20 October 1945, Woodford [Essex]) on receiving the freedom of the Borough of Wanstead and Woodford on subjects including: his long association with Essex and his disappointment at not being re-elected. Allso includes an invitation card for the event [see also GBR/0014/CSCT 3/54]. Hansard report and speech notes for...
Dates:
1945 - 1954
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: Non House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 09 Jan 1941 - 27 Apr 1941
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/181A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (9 January, Pilgrim's Society Luncheon, Savoy Hotel, London) entitled "United States co-operation" proposing a toast to Lord Halifax [earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin] on his appointment as British Ambassador to the United States and on the death of [11th] Lord Lothian [earlier Philip Kerr]. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6327-9.BBC broadcast by WSC (9 February) entitled "Give us the tools" on the war situation including: the repulsion of the threat of...
Dates:
09 Jan 1941 - 27 Apr 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes and other material., 09 Jan 1941 - 27 Apr 1941
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/150A-B
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (9 January, Pilgrim's Society Luncheon, Savoy Hotel, London) entitled "United States co-operation" proposing a toast to Lord Halifax [earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin] on his appointment as British Ambassador to the United States and on the death of [11th] Lord Lothian [earlier Philip Kerr]. Also includes cutting from the Times reporting WSC's speech. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6327-9. Various cuttings reporting WSC's speech (17 January, Glasgow [Scotland])...
Dates:
09 Jan 1941 - 27 Apr 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes and source material., 19 Mar 1934 - 24 Jul 1934
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/110
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (19 March, Mansion House, London) on ex-services welfare. Source material includes letter from George Tryon [Minister of Pensions], cutting from the Manchester Guardian, statistics on the scale of losses for various nations in World War I, and suggested headings for WSC's speech. Part published: Complete Speeches V p 5349.Rough notes for WSC's speech (20 April, Mansion House, London, Honourable Company of Merchant Mariners Dinner) on the courage of the merchant service...
Dates:
19 Mar 1934 - 24 Jul 1934
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes and source material., 01 Nov 1934 - 04 Dec 1934
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/111
Scope and Contents
Notes and draft press statement for WSC's speech (1 November, Woodford Bridge [Essex], Constituency meeting) on subjects including the need for Conservatives to be ready for the next general election, the National government, India and air defence against Germany. Part published: Complete Speeches V pp 5389-90.Notes and drafts for WSC's speech (16 November, BBC broadcast) entitled "The Causes of War" on German domestic policy, and the German threat to Europe and Britain. Also includes galley...
Dates:
01 Nov 1934 - 04 Dec 1934
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: speech notes (some by WSC as First Lord of the Admiralty) and other material., 30 Mar 1940 - 01 Oct 1940
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/144
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (30 March, BBC) entitled "A hideous state of alarm and menace" on the fate of the neutral nations, German atrocities, particularly in Poland, and wishing to avoid conflict with the Soviet Union. Also includes various cuttings reporting the speech. Part published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6199-201.Notes for WSC's broadcast (19 May, BBC) entitled "Arm yourselves and be ye men of valour" on the war situation in France and the formation of the coalition government,...
Dates:
30 Mar 1940 - 01 Oct 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Unknown
"Their Finest Hour", 18 Jun 1940
Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/140A/32-55
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's speech (18 June) entitled "Their Finest Hour" on subjects including: fighting in France; the importance of unity and respect for government Ministers; preparations, defence and forces for fighting invasion by Germany, the strength of the Royal Navy; the campaign in Norway; forecasting the Battle of Britain and the determination of the RAF; support from the Dominions. He ends "Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and...
Dates:
18 Jun 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 24 Mar 1926
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 1/188/16
Scope and Contents
Letter from Air Marshal Sir John Salmond to WSC sending card for his brother-in-law, Matthew Smith's exhibition of paintings, also commenting on the "infantile paralysis" affecting his Home Defence Force.
Dates:
24 Mar 1926
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 06 Jun 1936
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 2/255/12-13
Scope and Contents
Letter from Robin Grosvenor, Sun Rising House, Banbury, to WSC, stating that he had been offered command of the Nottinghamshire Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, but that it would be difficult to accept because of "finance and distance". Asking if he would be willing to approach "Bend'or", Hugh, 2nd Duke of Westminster for help.
Dates:
06 Jun 1936
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 20 Jan 1936
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 2/262/21-22
Scope and Contents
Cutting from The Morning Post - Britain's Need of Air Bombers - Far Behind Germany in First Line Strength - Rapid Expansion Abroad.
Dates:
20 Jan 1936
Conditions Governing Access:
Open