RAF in Camera: 1950s

by Keith Wilson

This photographic record of the RAF during the 1950s looks set to appear widely. Featuring varied and dynamic visual representation throughout, the events of this important decade are enlivened to great effect. The 1950s was a pivotal decade in aviation for many reasons. The RAF were employed in a great number of post-WWII roles, and the beginning of the Cold War saw many advances in the field of developmental aviation. The early years of the decade saw the Coronation of HRH Queen Elizabeth II take place, and a variety of photographs taken at the Queen's Review flypast at RAF Oldham on the 15 July 1953 are arrayed here. Meteors, Sabres, Chipmunks, Canberras, Vulcans... the list goes on. A wide selection of action shots illustrate the impressive aesthetics of some of these aircraft in formation. Shots of aircraft utilised during the course of the Cold War also feature, as do highly intriguing photographs of the Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles, stored on Bomber Command bases towards the end of the decade. Each chapter focusses on a specific year, relaying all the most fascinating highlights. This is a colourful, insightful and image-packed history, told with narrative flair and a clear passion for the subject matter at hand.

585 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2015

Reviews

[Robert Hepple]

Published in 2015, 'RAF in Camera 1950s' is one in a series of photo albums providing year by year coverage of of RAF aircraft types and operations. This volume looks at the 1950s, a period of transition from WW2 types and their immediate successors to more advanced types powered by turbojet or turboprop engines. Superb photos of types that look equally outmoded in subsequent volumes.