British Airfields of the Second World War

(Paperback)

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Description

The Second World War airfields peppered around Britain are among the most visible and widespread reminders of this devastating conflict. Some are now almost forgotten or built over; others have become museums, industrial estates or parkland; and some have been adapted and remain in operation today. In this beautifully illustrated history, aviation historian Stuart Hadaway explains the crucial part airfields played between 1939 and 1945, detailing their construction and expansion; their facilities and equipment; the many functions they housed from command and control to maintenance and bomb-loading; how the airfields were used both for defence and offence; and how they changed during the war. He also explores what life was like on the airfields, as well as listing some of the remaining sites and what can be seen today.

Reviews

An entertaining and informative account by an Air Historical Branch senior researcher that will appeal to veterans and ex-National Servicemen as it recreates life much as it must have been for them. -- Simon Mander * RAF News *
A good and interesting primer on a subject too often ignored in print. * Aeroplane Monthly *

Author Bio

Stuart Hadaway is a professional and published aviation historian, with two titles already in the Shire Library. As Senior Researcher at the Air Historical Branch (RAF) and former member of the research staff at the RAF Museum Hendon, he is an expert on airfields, their infrastructure, and operation.