Royal Air Force
Organization
Found in 60 Collections and/or Records:
File
Public and Political: General: Minister for Co-ordination of Defence: Correspondence with., 21 Dec 1936 - 20 Apr 1937
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 2/306
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between WSC and Sir Thomas Inskip [Minister for Co-ordination of Defence, later 1st Lord Caldecote] on subjects including: the case of British Timken Limited supplying armaments to Germany instead of Britain; general priority for Government armament orders in industry; the state of first-line air strength; changes in the RAF's expansion targets.Also includes: letter from Michael Dewar [Chairman, British Timken Limited] on supplying armaments to Germany, control of armaments...
Dates:
21 Dec 1936 - 20 Apr 1937
Conditions Governing Access:
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File
Public and Political: General: Political: Correspondence A-C., Jun 1950 - Oct 1951
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 2/113A-B
Scope and Contents
Correspondents include: Sir Richard Acland on the "Churchill Arch" in the House of Commons; Commander Peter Agnew withdrawing his candidacy at Ormskirk [Lancashire]; Patrick Kinna (Foreign Office); representatives of the Conservative Research Department including [Richard] Michael Fraser [later Lord Fraser of Kilmorack] (4); Garry Allighan on his expulsion from the House of Commons; Cuthbert Alport; Leo Amery on Persian [Iranian] oil; 1st Lord Woolton [earlier Frederick Marquis, Chairman,...
Dates:
Jun 1950 - Oct 1951
Conditions Governing Access:
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Public and Political: General: Political: Defence: miscellaneous correspondence and papers., Feb 1947 - Sep 1951
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 2/36
Scope and Contents
Correspondents include: A V Alexander [later Lord Alexander of Hillsborough], Minister of Defence [until February 1950] (3); George Ward; Antony Head (3); Arthur Henderson [later Lord Rowley, Secretary of State for Air]; 1st Lord Cherwell [earlier F A Lindemann] (2); Anthony Eden [later 1st Lord Avon]; David Hunt [Private Secretary to Prime Minister Clement Attlee] (2); Captain Alan Hillgarth [earlier Alan Evans] on Soviet forces in Europe and Soviet affairs (7); James Thomas [later 1st Lord...
Dates:
Feb 1947 - Sep 1951
Conditions Governing Access:
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Public and Political: General: Private and Personal: Correspondence T - Z., 29 Jan 1945 - 20 Dec 1948
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 2/157A-B
Scope and Contents
Correspondents include: Sir Robert Tasker; General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, apologizing for missing WSC's visit to Metz [France]; Charles Taylor [MP for Eastbourne]; Myron Taylor; James Thomas [later 1st Lord Cilcennin, MP for Hereford and Vice-Chairman, Conservative and Unionist Party] (3); "Tommy", Charles Thompson [former Personal Assistant to WSC] on subjects including applying for a post at the Jockey Club, and books and photographs for WSC (9); 6th Lord Rosebery [earlier Lord...
Dates:
29 Jan 1945 - 20 Dec 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
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File
Public and Political: General: Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm., 11 Feb 1936 - 21 Dec 1936
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 2/272
Scope and Contents
Correspondents include: 1st Lord Lloyd [of Dolobran, President of the Navy League] on WSC speaking to the League (2); Sir John Thornycroft [President and Director, J I Thornycroft and Company Limited] on his firm's designs for an aircraft carrier and anti-submarine craft and cuts in the shipbuilding industry (with a description of the anti-submarine craft); Maitland Boucher [former member of the Naval Air Division] on meeting WSC about the Fleet Air Arm (3); Vice-Admiral Sir Reginald...
Dates:
11 Feb 1936 - 21 Dec 1936
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons and Non-House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 06 Nov 1951 - 22 Dec 1951
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 5/45A-C
Scope and Contents
Speech notes and extract from Hansard for WSC's speech (6 November, House of Commons) for the debate on the address, on subjects including: the political divisions in the country; the charge of war-mongering laid against the Conservatives, and the need for steady government; the restoration of university representation in Parliament; the repeal of the Iron and Steel Nationalization Act; future parliamentary business, including the defence debate; keeping the Minister of Education out of the...
Dates:
06 Nov 1951 - 22 Dec 1951
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons and Non-House of Commons: Speech notes and source material., 01 Jul 1952 - 20 Sep 1952
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 5/48A-B
Scope and Contents
Speech notes for WSC's speech (1 July, House of Commons) entitled "The Korean War" on subjects including the early demoralization of Communist forces in Korea, then the success of their negotiations and rebuilt forces; the heavy costs suffered by Britain and the United States during the armistice; harm caused by anti-American feeling in Parliament; the treatment and exchange of prisoners of war, including forcing anti-Communist soldiers to return to China or North Korea; Labour's motion of...
Dates:
01 Jul 1952 - 20 Sep 1952
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Speeches: House of Commons: speech notes and other material., 09 Jul 1941 - 01 Oct 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/148A-B
Scope and Contents
Hansard copies of WSC's statements (9 July) on the occupation of Iceland by United States troops, the appeal for arms from Eire (Southern Ireland [Ireland]) to the United States, and British losses in Syria. Published: Complete Speeches VI, pp 6446-7.Notes for WSC's statement (15 July) on the production debate, the Anglo-Soviet Agreement against Germany, its effect on Poland, and the end of the Syrian campaign. Also includes relevant extract from Hansard. Part published: Complete Speeches...
Dates:
09 Jul 1941 - 01 Oct 1941
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
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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., 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., 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 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 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:
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Item
(Untitled), 21 Oct 1941
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/44/37
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to Minister of State, Middle East [Oliver Lyttelton, later 1st Lord Chandos] complaining about delays in unloading tanks and proceeding with operations; Air Chief Marshal Sir Wilfrid Freeman has corrected the alarmist view of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder [Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Middle East] on enemy air superiority.
Dates:
21 Oct 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 01 May 1941 - 31 May 1941
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/36/5
Scope and Contents
Prime Minister's printed personal minutes, May 1941.Includes texts of minutes from WSC (annotated with additional printed information) to: Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the War Cabinet]; Sir Horace Wilson [Permanent Secretary of HM Treasury and official Head of HM Civil Service]; Eric Seal [WSC's Principal Private Secretary]; General Sir Hastings Ismay [Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence]; the Chiefs of Staff; members of the Cabinet and other government ministers; Sir Alexander...
Dates:
01 May 1941 - 31 May 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 01 Jun 1941 - 30 Jun 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/36/6
Scope and Contents
Prime Minister's printed personal minutes, June 1941.Includes texts of minutes from WSC (annotated with additional printed information) to: Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the War Cabinet]; General Sir Hastings Ismay [Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defence]; Desmond Morton and F A Lindemann [later 1st Lord Cherwell, Prime Minister's Personal Assistants]; members of the Cabinet and other government ministers; the Chiefs of Staff.Subjects covered by the minutes include: the defence of...
Dates:
01 Jun 1941 - 30 Jun 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 01 Sep 1941 - 30 Sep 1941
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/36/9
Scope and Contents
Prime Minister's printed personal minutes, September 1941.Includes texts of minutes from WSC (annotated with additional printed information and in one case later manuscript annotations by WSC) to: Desmond Morton and 1st Lord Cherwell [earlier F A Lindemann, Prime Minister's Personal Assistants]; members of the Cabinet and other government ministers; the Chiefs of Staff; senior civil servants including Sir Alexander Cadogan [Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs] and Sir...
Dates:
01 Sep 1941 - 30 Sep 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open.
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(Untitled), 06 Jul 1942 - 02 Sep 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/56A/23-44
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between WSC, James Stuart [Government Chief Whip], John Martin, Francis Brown, Leslie Rowan [Private Secretaries to WSC] and A L Armstrong and Eric Jackson, [Private Secretary to Minister of Aircraft Production], John Llewellin [Minister of Aircraft Production] and Sir William Brass [later 1st Lord Chattisham], former Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of Aircraft Production, on Brass's allegations about inadequate supply of aircraft spares and ministerial...
Dates:
06 Jul 1942 - 02 Sep 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 02 Jul 1942 - 21 Sep 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/56B/121-184
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons], WSC and Sir Edward Bridges [Secretary to the Cabinet] on memoranda by Cripps on subjects including: dissatisfaction in Parliament, the vote of censure against the Government and public opinion over progress of war in the Middle East, including leadership, weaponry, research and invention and the RAF; lack of public morale, the direction of the war and need for improved co-operation between the...
Dates:
02 Jul 1942 - 21 Sep 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 29 Mar 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/72/126-129
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to the President of the United States [Franklin Roosevelt] regarding bombing: states that bombing attacks are being made on U-boat nests and reports a successful raid on Lubeck [Germany]; comments on the policy of menacing U-boats in the Bay of Biscay and his keenness to add six bomber squadrons to this new Biscay patrol; comments on the need to bomb Germany and on a structural defect to the wing tip of Lancasters which requires the laying up of four squadrons; appeals that...
Dates:
29 Mar 1942
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From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 31 Dec 1941
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/68A/6
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in- Chief, Middle East, to WSC on subjects including a tank encounter to the south of Agedabia [Ajdabiyah, Libya], the accuracy of RAF bombing and the movement of enemy ships from Ras el Aali.
Dates:
31 Dec 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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