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The RAF Regiment at War 1942-46 (Hardcover) by Kingsley M. Oliver (Author)
Born out of necessity in the dark days of the War, the RAF Regiment found itself in the thick of the action supporting the vital operations in all theatres. This comprehensive record of their operations gives the clearest indication of the contribution that the Regiment made and includes many first hand accounts of the fighting, including the first shooting-down of a jet aircraft, the Me 262A-2a Sturmvogel in November 1944. As a result of their outstanding contributions to the success of RAF operations in WW2, the Regiment became a permanent part of the RAF.
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Through Adversity: History of the Royal Air Force Regiment (Hardcover) by Kingsley M. Oliver (Author)
This book deals with a little-known aspect of the Royal Air Force's operational capability which ensures the security of air bases against ground and air attack by the enemy. Although the RAF had its own small force of armoured cars and locally-enlisted infantry in the Middle East from 1922 onwards, it was not until 1942 that the momentous step was taken to form a proper airfield defence corps numbering upwards of 80,000 officers and men. This was the RAF Regiment, which fought with distinction in every theatre of war and since 1946 has become an elite force of infantry, parachute and anti-aircraft missile squadrons charged with defending the airfields and installations from which the aircraft of the RAF operate. The Regiment's other tasks include representing the RAF on ceremonial occasions, training all ranks of other RAF branches and trades in the use of their weapons and in methods of mitigating the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical attack. The success of this concept, proven in war, is such that other air forces send their personnel to the UK for professional training and model their own ground combat units on the Regiment. The book is a well researched record of past and present achievements in this specialised field and provides guidelines to the future. Recommended reading for military historians and those with an interest in the practical aspects of exercising air power in war.
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Constant Vigilance: The RAF Regiment in the Burma Campaign: The RAF Regiment in South-East Asia Command (Hardcover) by Nigel W. M. Warwick (Author)
Concerns the RAF Regiments operational history in South-east Asia Command and draws on the diaries and recollections of the men who served in that theatre. This regiment played a vital and significant role in the two major battles for Burma, Imphal and Meiktila.
The Book has been published with a cover price of £25. However, the RAF Regt Fund can supply a copy for £20 P&P. The book has been critically reviewed and is undoubtedly a 'good read' and a 'must' for every Corpsman's bookshelf. The RAF Regt Shop has copies for sale NOW. It is also available on-line at Amazon.com at a competitive price (but more than the Shop with P&P) and the Fund will benefit from all sales, irrespective of where bought.
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On the Road to Mandalay - Author Randle Manwaring (Hardback )
The fascinating book features the life story of Dr Randle Manwaring,focusing particularly on his Regiment's fight to capture Burma towards the end of WW2. As one of the founding Officers of the RAF Regiment, the author helped train and set up the Regiment from its inception in 1942. He saw active service with the Regiment in Burma, where the Regiment particularly distinguished itself but suffered heavy losses. Randle was present at the Japanese surrender in Rangoon and took the Swords from the Japanese Generals as they surrendered. The end of the War saw a return to a very different life requiring different skills. Guided by his strong Christian beliefs, Randle established a successful career in the City in Insurance Broking.
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IN ADVERSITY - Exploits of Gallantry and Awards made to The RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces 1921-1995 - Squadron Leader N. G. Tucker with a Foreword by Air Vice-Marshal D. A. Pocock, C.B.E., RAF (Ret’d) Published by Jade Publishing Limited ISBN 1-900734-08-7
This superbly researched book contains a veritable wealth of data and material not normally available to the average researcher. Only after scrupulously consulting a minimum of four sources for each individual and then engaging in cross-referencing with other sources including the lengthy trawling through surviving official records has Nick Tucker produced his definitive account of each person’s exploit. Previously unpublished citations are included. It has required continuous contact with, and assistance from, official departments, and correspondence with survivors of the accounts, their comrades or members of their families.
Each story tells of individual human endeavour, leadership, courage and selfless devotion to duty. Many of the deeds were performed, not by full-time or regular members of the Services but by men called up for the duration of the Second World War, or on other short-term engagements. In this context they only serve to highlight the professionalism and performance of duty.
There is a register of awards accompanying each main chapter. This book is not intended to be merely a record of exploits of gallantry but, hopefully, will provide a more general overview of operations and tasks conducted by the RAF Regiment and its Associated Forces.
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"Khaki and Blue" the early ground defence of the RAF in WW2 by Colonel Ronald Sherbrooke-Walker TD DL. Published in 1952 by The Saint Catherine Press Ltd. Now out of print. No ISBN number.
“A Short History of the RAF Regiment” from 1942 to 1970 with a brief account of the approach to the problems of airfield defence in the RAF from 1918 to 1942 by Kingsley M Oliver. Printed by Thanet Printing Works in 1969. No ISBN Number.
“The Battle of the Airfields 1st January 1945” by Norman L Franks. About “Operation Bodenplatte” when the Germans attempted to destroy the advanced Allied Airfields. It goes into great detail about the involvement of the RAF Regiment and lists all the squadrons together with their “kills”, and the airfields the squadrons were on. First published in 1982. ISBN 1 898697 15 9. Republished by Grub Street in 1994 in an updated version.
“The Blue and Khaki Hunters” Privately published in a Limited Edition of 500 copies in 1993 by D F Sampson through Newton Publishers. ISBN 1-872308-34-1. Can be obtained directly from Mr D F Sampson, 17 Shelley Close, Highcliffe on Sea, Chrsitchurch, Dorset, BH23 4HW. Telephone number 01425 279206.
"Below the Bottom Rung" the RAF Regiment in Palestine by Edward Grocott. Published in 1996 by J and K H Publishing. ISBN 1 900511 57 6..
"The RAF Regiment" History, Colours, uniforms and Equipment of the RAF Regiment Edited by Stuart Asquith. Published in 2000 by Nexus Special Interests Ltd. Book Number 001772.