The Birth of the RAF, 1918

Jan 16, 2025 5:13 PM

Author:Richard Overy

'Fascinating, full of original material and shrewd insights ... a masterful historian of air power' Leo McKinstry, Literary Review

The RAF was the world's first air force. This is the story of its founding in 1918, as a response to the new terror of aerial warfare, the struggles to keep it alive amid controversy and opposition, its crucial role in the Second World War and its unique place in Britain's history.

'Brilliantly lucid' Noel Malcolm, Daily Telegraph

'Richard Overy is to be congratulated on creating a concise exposition of the formation of the RAF ... this is a book that makes you think' Peter Hart, BBC History Magazine

'A skilful pocket history of the founding of the Royal Air Force in 1918 ... a fine introduction' Kirkus Reviews

Reviews

One of the classic books of World War Two

—— London Review of Books

The Last Enemy rapidly acquired the aura of a book that says something vital, whose importance goes beyond what it literally describes

—— Sebastian Faulks

Rivetingly well told...It will speak to anyone who cares for the romance and tragedy of a lost hero.

—— Godfrey Smith , Sunday Times

Elegantly affecting memoir

—— David Horspool , The Times

This slim volume of Hilary's seems to have a weight which makes it sink into the depths of one's memory

—— Arthur Koestler

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