RAF 100: The Official Story of the Royal Air Force 1918-2018

There’s an utterly stunning shot of Hurricane pilots scrambling to their planes in 1940 that makes this book worth buying for alone. Of course, there’s a lot about the Second World War, but also a really interesting section on the RAF in the Cold War. Many other nice touches like an excerpt from a Spitfire manual, a picture of a Fighter Command map and newspaper front page about the first 1,000 bomber raid. In fact, the breath-taking photos and illustrations really give life to telling the story of the RAF and for these images, by themselves, it’s worth giving the book five stars.

A superb chronicle of the RAF from its inception to present day

I am familiar with the authors work and have always been impressed by his erudition. However, there were a few errors and omissions which spoiled and otherwise excellent read. The phot of AVM Park was, in fact, Watson Watt, the WAAFs were ATA, and I was a Vulcan AEO not a pilot. Sadly there was only a brief reference to the Avro Shackleton which served for around forty years and performed every role except that of Fighter, a remarkable achievement.

Looks good but was bought as a gift

Great book for RAF inthusiasts however the font was quite small so somewhat hard to read.

Very good knowledge and depth of information.

Good format and photographs spoilt by apparent lack or hurried text proof reading, with poor punctuation, index errors and even text underlining retained. Quite disappointing for such a important book. The content makes very little mention of the various RAF ground trade groups, the airmen and airwomen, and the important apprenticeship schemes or other means of entry introduced used by the RAF; concentrating on the more glamorous aircraft and aircrew.

A great read of the history of the R A F

Having worked in the aerospace industry for many years, this book brought back memories of missed opportunities for the UK to continue to lead the world in aircraft development. Duncan Sandys has a lot to answer for... Two points with reference to the DH100 accident on Pages 162 and 163. The caption says "breaks up as it smashes into the ground" This is incorrect, the aircraft literally came apart in mid flight. At the time, a photograph of that instant made the front pages of the newspapers. A pity it isn't shown here. The description of the event refers to the crowd hearing the triple bang of the sonic boom. It's a while since I did any work on compressible flow but I'm certain that there are only two 'bangs'. These are due to a shock wave at front and rear of any supersonic vehicle. A rather weird error - perhaps the third bang was the sound of the catastrophic structural failure? However, overall, this is a book well worth having.

another great book from Holland

A good history of the RAF with plenty of photos and detailed information. solid binding and a quality product.

Nothing to dislike here very truthful excellent photos.