British Military Aviation in 1939 - Part 1

Part 2

1 January
On this date, the Royal Air Force consists of 135 squadrons: 74 bomber, 27 fighter, 12 army co-operation, 17 reconnaissance, 4 torpedo-bomber and 1 communications squadron.

Additionally, the Auxiliary Air Force has grown to 19 squadrons: 3 bomber, 11 fighter, 2 army co-operation and 3 reconnaissance squadrons.

17 January
The Auxiliary Air Force Reserve is formed to allow ex-members of the Auxiliary Air Force to serve with Auxiliary flying squadrons in an emergency.

1 February
Reserve Command is formed under the command of Air Marshal C.L. Courtney.

7-9 April
Italy invades and occupies Albania.

20 May
Sixty Royal Air Force Stations and eighteen other airfields take part in the last Empire Air Day, which receives approximately one million visitors.

24 May
The Fleet Air Arm reverts to Admiralty control.

26 June
The Secretary of State for Air, Sir Kingsley Wood, announces that the Royal Air Force will impress civil aircraft in the event of war.

28 June
The Women's Auxiliary Air Force is formed, with Miss Jane Trefusis Forbes appointed as the first Senior Controller.

11-25 July
Approximately 240 aircraft of Royal Air Force Bomber Command participate in a series of navigational exercises, including training flights over Central and Southern France. These sorties serve as a 'show of strength' and also provide valuable training in long-range overseas operations. At the same time, it is announced that an agreement has been reached with the French to allow such training flights.

August
The first airborne interception (AI) radar sets are fitted into 30 Royal Air Force Bristol Blenheim aircraft.

8-11 August
The last major British peacetime exercise takes place, with over 1,300 aircraft taking part in south-east of England and at the end of the practice, a civilian 'blackout' is ordered.

16-17 August
A smaller Anglo-French air exercise takes place over England with 200 aircraft taking part.

23 August
Messages are exchanged between Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler. Chamberlain warns that the United Kingdom is willing to use force to aid Poland and Hitler states that he will not renounce Germany's claim to Danzig.

24 August
Readiness State 'C' is declared by the Air Ministry and mobilisation commences. Aircraft are placed on 12-hour standby and personnel on special leave are recalled to duty. Auxiliary Air Force and Volunteer Reserve personnel are ordered to report to their mobilisation centres.

24 August
No.1 Group of Royal Air Force Bomber Command, is redesignated the Advanced Air Striking Force.

24 August
Royal Air Force Coastal Command squadrons begin to fly regular North Sea reconnaissance patrols.

26 August
Readiness State 'D' is put into force, aircraft are dispersed on their airfields and all personnel are recalled. 'E'-Class reservists are also ordered to report to their units.

1 September
At 0445hrs, German forces launch Fall Weiss (Operation White), the invasion of Poland.

1 September
The complete mobilisation of British Navy, Army and Air Force is ordered.

1 September
The Air Transport Auxiliary is formed to deliver new and repaired aircraft to Royal Air Force units.

Part 2