Operational records

Operational records for the RFC, RNAS, and RAF for the First World War can be found in the AIR 1 series. Many types of record can be found in this series including squadron record books, combat reports, details of hours flown, particulars of officers and photographs. The online catalogue can be searched using squadron numbers and specifying the series AIR 1.

Operational records for the inter war period and the Second World War can provide some information on service if you know the squadron in which a man served. Squadron record books are in AIR 27; station record books in AIR 28, and miscellaneous units in AIR 29. They do not all have information for the inter war years.

Casualties

Deaths of RNAS personnel can be found in ADM 242 and of RFC and RAF personnel in Chris Hobson, Airmen Died in the Great War, available on CD ROM and the Commonwealth War Graves database. http://www.cwgc.org.

The Commonwealth War Graves database should also be consulted for Second World War casualties. Once a unit is identified consult the relevant operational record books.

The RAF Museum holds some casualty cards relating to the Second World War.

Crashes

Ministry of Aviation Accident Investigation Branch files in AVIA 5 contain detailed reports on crashes involving military aircraft from 1919 to 1976. These reports do not include aircraft lost in operations in wartime or those lost due to enemy action.