The birth of the RAF, 1918 - R. J. 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