Royal Air Force
Organization
Found in 310 Collections and/or Records:
Unknown
"Aerial Operation Committee: First Meeting: Draft Minutes", 26 Sep 1917
Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 27/5/2-4
Scope and Contents
Minutes of the AOC on subjects including: the committee's terms of reference to investigate the output of aircraft; discussion of existing air programmes; shipping output; Ministry of Munitions and increased demand.Typescript.
Dates:
26 Sep 1917
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Articles, 1933 - 1940
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/SPRS 7/7
Scope and Contents
Typescript texts and drafts of articles and some broadcasts on subjects including: General Maxime Weygand; the Local Defence Volunteers; co-operation between the Army and Royal Air Force, particularly relating to operations in France; the need for strong leadership and a small War Cabinet in the direction of the war effort; whether the Royal Air Force should retain its own authority; General Alphonse Georges; France as Britain’s ally; the war of nerves with Germany; Adolf Hitler’s tactics;...
Dates:
1933 - 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.
Item
"Broadcast appeal on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund by the Rt Hon Winston S Churchill", 1951-09-16
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/WCHL 12/24/21
Scope and Contents
Broadcast on the BBC Home Service in "The Week's Good Cause" slot.
Dates:
1951-09-16
Conditions Governing Access:
Access copy available.
File
Coastal Command War Record, 1939-45
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHWL/PE 22 (box 1)
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
Printed items sent to WSC as gifts, tributes, press cuttings on his career etc.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.
Unknown
"Every man to his post", 11 Sep 1940
Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/144/61-68
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (BBC) on subjects including: the night bombing of London; the Battle of Britain and the successes of British fighter squadrons; the possibility of invasion and German deployment of barges, ships and troops in readiness; a call for every man and woman to do his duty; and the strength of British fleets and flotillas, air power, fortification and the million and a half men of the Home Guard. Includes the phrase "This wicked man [Adolf Hitler]...this monstrous product...
Dates:
11 Sep 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Unknown
"Every man to his post", 11 Sep 1940
Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/176A/37-41
Scope and Contents
Draft speaking notes for WSC's broadcast (BBC) on subjects including: the night bombing of London; the Battle of Britain and the successes of British fighter squadrons; the possibility of invasion and German deployment of barges, ships and troops in readiness; a call for every man and woman to do his duty; and the strength of British fleets and flotillas, air power, fortification and the million and a half men of the Home Guard. Includes the phrase "This wicked man [Adolf Hitler]...this...
Dates:
11 Sep 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Unknown
"Give us the tools", 9 Feb 1941
Unknown
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 9/150A/52-75
Scope and Contents
Notes for WSC's broadcast (BBC) on the war situation including: the repulsion of the threat of German invasion, the Blitz and the bombing of Britain; the strength of British spirit; the Italian attack on Greece; successes in Libya and Egypt, including victory at Sidi Barrani under General Sir Archibald Wavell [Commander in Chief Middle East] and General [Henry] Wilson; successes of the British Mediterranean Fleet against the Italian navy under Admiral [Sir Andrew] Cunningham...
Dates:
9 Feb 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Letters of [Clarence] Terry Dawson relating to his time as an RAF Cadet at Downing College, 1941-09 - 1943-05
File
Reference Code: GBR/0269/DCPP/DAW
Scope and Contents
Copies of original letters from Terry to his "very, very dearest" Cynthia, which are often incredibly romantic but contain much information and details about life as an RAF cadet in Cambridge and (social) life more generally at Downing College during the Second World War. His first letters from Downing in November 1942 describe a dance with girls from Homerton College, rowing with the Downing College Boat Club, military training and exams (on a Sunday as the 'Varsity sports' were on the...
Dates:
1941-09 - 1943-05
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: Evening Standard articles by WSC., Jan 1938 - Sep 1938
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 8/610
Scope and Contents
Includes annotated proofs and cuttings from the Standard (and regional newspapers carrying the article) for: "Britain Rearms" on British naval, army and air strength; "What Japan Thinks of Us" on the Japanese racial attitude to the British and Americans, Japan's naval strength and US policy concerning the Sino-Japanese War; "The League [of Nations] is not Dead Yet" on the power of the dictatorships in Europe, a defence of the League, and asserting the need for Britain and France to show...
Dates:
Jan 1938 - Sep 1938
Conditions Governing Access:
Open.
File
Literary: lists of recordings by WSC and cuttings from "Into Battle" and "The Unrelenting Struggle"., [1941] - 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/3
Scope and Contents
Includes lists of recordings from the above books, "The Gathering Storm" [volume 1 of "The Second World War"], and "The World Crisis"; pages cut from: "Into Battle" featuring WSC's speeches (13 May, 28 May, 4 June, 18 June, and 20 August 1940) on becoming Prime Minister, the fall of Belgium, the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk [France], and the role of the RAF in the Battle of Britain; and "The Unrelenting Struggle" featuring WSC's joint messages with President...
Dates:
[1941] - 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: News of the World articles by WSC 1., Apr 1938 - May 1938
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 8/614
Scope and Contents
Includes annotated proofs, galley proofs and cuttings from the News of the World for: "How Wars of the Future will be Waged" on the importance of the horse in the Boer War, of machine-guns and tanks in World War I, the need for foresight and initiative amongst generals, and the importance of air power in a future conflict; "Future Safeguards of National Defence" on the importance of the Navy to national defence, the German submarine campaign in World War I, the threat of air attacks on ships...
Dates:
Apr 1938 - May 1938
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: News of the World articles by WSC: 2., May 1939 - Jun 1939
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 8/643
Scope and Contents
Includes annotated proofs, galley proofs, and cuttings from the News of the World for: "Our Rule Britannia Office of State" on the history and structure of the Admiralty, his experience of it during World War I, the replacement of coal-driven ships with oil-powered, the Admiralty yacht, the Enchantress, and praise for the Navy; "The Cinderella of Our Fighting Services" on the War Office, his experiences over demobilisation and mutinies at the end of World War I, and conscription; "Will There...
Dates:
May 1939 - Jun 1939
Conditions Governing Access:
Open.
File
Literary: Sunday Chronicle articles by WSC: 3 ("The World Crisis" series)., 28 Apr 1940 - 08 Jun 1940
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 8/676
Scope and Contents
Includes cuttings from the Chronicle for: "My Fight for Sea Power" on the strengthening of the Royal Navy in the years immediately preceding the First World War, the development of the 15 inch gun, and working with Admiral of the Fleet 1st Lord Fisher, 1st Sea Lord; "Into the Jaws of Death" on British submarine action in the Dardanelles [Turkey]; "Invasion" on the [first] Battle of the Marne [France]; "Battle of the Tanks" on the development of the tank, and its use at Paschendaele [Belgium]...
Dates:
28 Apr 1940 - 08 Jun 1940
Conditions Governing Access:
Open.
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 1 "The Gathering Storm": Various material., 23 Nov 1934 - 07 Jul 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/143A-B
Scope and Contents
Includes notes and correspondence on research and corrections for Volume 1 of "The Second World War", from individuals including: General Alphonse Georges on the French Air Force, 1930 - 1940; Alan Gomme-Duncan [earlier Alan Duncan]; Michael Joy, Foreign Office; Sir Orme Sargent [Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs] on records of Soviet support for the Allies in 1938; Richard Law [later 1st Lord Coleraine] on meetings with WSC concerning Soviet support in 1938; 1st Lord...
Dates:
23 Nov 1934 - 07 Jul 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Appendices., Oct 1940 - 27 Dec 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/179A-I
Scope and Contents
Includes typescript and galley proofs of the appendices to Volume 2 including: Appendix A "Minutes and Telegrams, May - December 1940"; Appendix B "Loss by Enemy Action of British, Allied and Neutral Merchant Tonnage"; Appendix D "Correspondence Relating to Dakar [Senegal] between Mr Churchill and Mr [Robert] Menzies" [Prime Minister of Australia]; Appendix E "List of Operational Code Names"; Appendix F "List of Abbreviations". The proofs are annotated with suggested amendments and...
Dates:
Oct 1940 - 27 Dec 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Book 2 and appendices: 'Final' proofs., 16 Aug 1948 - 21 Feb 1949
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/183A-B
Scope and Contents
Includes typescript and galley proofs of: contents tables for Book 2; Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"; Chapter 17 "The Blitz"; Chapter 18 "'London Can Take It'"; Chapter 19 "The Wizard War"; Chapter 20 "United States Destroyers and West Indian Bases"; Chapter 21 "Egypt and the Middle East"; Chapter 22 "The Mediterranean Passage"; Chapter 23 "September Tensions"; Chapter 24 "Dakar" [Senegal]; Chapter 13 "At Bay" (provisionally entitled "Alone"); Appendix A "Minutes and Telegrams, May -...
Dates:
16 Aug 1948 - 21 Feb 1949
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Book 2 and Appendices: Master copy proofs., 06 Dec 1948 - 21 Dec 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/181A-B
Scope and Contents
Includes galley proofs of: contents tables for Book 2; Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"; Chapter 17 "The Blitz"; Chapter 18 "'London Can Take It'"; Chapter 19 "The Wizard War"; Chapter 20 "United States Destroyers and West Indian Bases"; Chapter 21 "Egypt and the Middle East"; Chapter 22 "The Mediterranean Passage"; Chapter 23 "September Tensions"; Chapter 24 "Dakar" [Senegal]; Chapter 25 "Mr Eden's Mission" [Anthony Eden, later 1st Lord Avon, Secretary of State for War]; Chapter 26...
Dates:
06 Dec 1948 - 21 Dec 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Book 2 and appendices: Proofs for Sir Edward Marsh., 25 Feb 1948 - 25 Aug 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/188A-C
Scope and Contents
Includes galley proofs of: contents tables for Book 2; Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"; Chapter 17 "The Blitz" (provisionally entitled "The Blitz Continues"); Chapter 18 "'London Can Take It'"; Chapter 19 "The Wizard War"; Chapter 20 "United States Destroyers and West Indian Bases"; Chapter 21 "Egypt and the Middle East"; Chapter 23 "September Tensions"; Chapter 24 "Dakar" [Senegal]; Chapter 25 "Mr Eden's Mission" [Anthony Eden, later 1st Lord Avon, Secretary of State for War]; Chapter 26...
Dates:
25 Feb 1948 - 25 Aug 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Book 2 and appendices: Proofs for William Deakin., 21 Aug 1948 - 30 Nov 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/192A-C
Scope and Contents
Includes galley proofs of: contents tables for Book 2; Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"; Chapter 17 "The Blitz"; Chapter 18 "'London Can Take It'"; Chapter 19 "The Wizard War"; Chapter 20 "United States Destroyers and West Indian Bases"; Chapter 21 "Egypt and the Middle East"; Chapter 22 "The Mediterranean Passage"; Chapter 23 "September Tensions"; Chapter 24 "Dakar" [Senegal]; Chapter 25 "Mr Eden's Mission" [Anthony Eden, later 1st Lord Avon, Secretary of State for War]; Chapter 26...
Dates:
21 Aug 1948 - 30 Nov 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Book 2 and appendices: 'Starred final' proofs., 22 Oct 1948 - 16 Feb 1949
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/185A-B
Scope and Contents
Includes galley proofs of: contents tables for Book 2; Chapter 7 "Back to France"; Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"; Chapter 17 "The Blitz"; Chapter 18 "'London Can Take It'"; Chapter 19 "The Wizard War"; Chapter 20 "United States Destroyers and West Indian Bases"; Chapter 21 "Egypt and the Middle East"; Chapter 22 "The Mediterranean Passage"; Chapter 23 "September Tensions"; Chapter 24 "Dakar" [Senegal]; Chapter 25 "Mr Eden's Mission" [Anthony Eden, later 1st Lord Avon, Secretary of State...
Dates:
22 Oct 1948 - 16 Feb 1949
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Book 2: Proofs for CSC., 01 Mar 1948 - 29 Nov 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/190A-B
Scope and Contents
Includes galley proofs of: contents tables for Book 2; Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"; Chapter 17 "The Blitz"; Chapter 18 "'London Can Take It'"; Chapter 19 "The Wizard War"; Chapter 20 "United States Destroyers and West Indian Bases"; Chapter 21 "Egypt and the Middle East"; Chapter 23 "September Tensions"; Chapter 24 "Dakar" [Senegal]; Chapter 25 "Mr Eden's Mission" [Anthony Eden, later 1st Lord Avon, Secretary of State for War]; Chapter 26 "Relations with Vichy [France] and Spain"...
Dates:
01 Mar 1948 - 29 Nov 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Chapter 16 "The Battle of Britain"., 03 Jan 1947 - 19 Nov 1951
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/162
Scope and Contents
Includes typescript and galley proofs of Chapter 16 entitled "The Battle of Britain", annotated with suggested amendments and corrections by various individuals including: WSC, William Deakin, Denis Kelly, Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Pownall, Sir Edward Marsh, 1st Lord Cherwell [earlier F A Lindemann], 1st Lord Ismay, Sir Norman Brook [later 1st Lord Normanbrook, Secretary to the Cabinet], CSC and Elizabeth Gilliatt, WSC's secretary.Also includes: note from Jo Sturdee ["N S", later Lady...
Dates:
03 Jan 1947 - 19 Nov 1951
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Chapter 27 "Mussolini Attacks Greece"., Nov 1940 - 04 Dec 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/173
Scope and Contents
Includes typescript and galley proofs of Chapter 27 entitled [Benito] "Mussolini Attacks Greece", annotated with suggested amendments and corrections by various individuals including: WSC, William Deakin, Charles Wood, Denis Kelly, George [Gordon] Allen, CSC, Anthony Eden [later 1st Lord Avon], 1st Lord Ismay and Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Pownall.Some source material is also present in the file including: notes on the Greek campaign in Albania, 1940 - 1941; copy of a report by Air...
Dates:
Nov 1940 - 04 Dec 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Chapter 30 "Ocean Peril"., 02 Mar 1948 - 17 Oct 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/176
Scope and Contents
Includes typescript and galley proofs of Chapter 30 entitled "Ocean Peril" (provisionally entitled "The Air and the U-Boats" and "The End of the Year"), annotated with suggested amendments and corrections by various individuals including: WSC, William Deakin, Denis Kelly, George [Gordon] Allen and CSC.Some source material is also present in the file, including: notes on the operational control of Coastal Command.Also includes: galley proofs from Volume 3, Chapter 3 "Blitz and Anti-Blitz....
Dates:
02 Mar 1948 - 17 Oct 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
File
Literary: "The Second World War", Volume 2 "Their Finest Hour": Comments by Sir Norman Brook., 28 Jan 1948 - 01 Nov 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHUR 4/193
Scope and Contents
Includes notes by Sir Norman Brook [later 1st Lord Normanbrook, Secretary to the Cabinet] on Volume 2, on subjects including: Chapter 1 "The National Coalition"; Chapter 2 "The Battle of France. The First Week. [General Maurice] Gamelin"; Chapter 3 "The Battle of France. The Second Week. [General Maxime] Weygand"; Chapter 5 "The Deliverance of Dunkirk"; Chapter 8 "Home Defence. June"; Chapter 10 "The Bordeaux Armistice"; Chapter 13 "At Bay" (provisionally entitled "Alone"); Chapter 16 "The...
Dates:
28 Jan 1948 - 01 Nov 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
Open