Constant Vigilance: The RAF Regiment in the Burma Campaign

by Nigel W.M. Warwick

The RAF Regiment was created in the early years of World War II for the active dedicated defense of RAF airfields and installations. This book concerns the Regiments operational history in South-east Asia Command and draws on the diaries and recollections of the men who served in that theatre. It is strongly supported by maps and diagrams from official records. The Regiment played a vital and significant role in the two major battles for Burma, Imphal and Meiktila. The struggle at Imphal ranks alongside Stalingrad and Alamein in its significance for the defeat of the Axis. From humble beginnings, the Regiment in Burma had by 1945 become a highly-trained specialist ground force capable of defensive and offensive action. The successes of the 14th Army were founded on the support of the transport, fighter and bomber squadrons. The RAF could not have done this as effectively without the confidence that its airfields and vital installations were safe under the constant vigilance of the RAF Regiment.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 2007

Reviews

[Rick Brindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so maybe I'm being biased, having served in the RAF Regiment myself, but then I guess I've earned the right to be. That said, this really is an excellent book, detailing how the RAF Regiment started from scratch in the far east. Lots of individual stories that make this history very real, not all of it heroic, I especially liked the one about the assault course that was built by instructors who weren't expecting to have to use it themselves, you can guess where that went. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know more about this little known but thoroughly essential and oft- copied unit.