During the early years of WW2 it soon became apparent that the system for tracing the remains of RAF aircrew deemed 'Missing Believed Killed' was totally inadequate. The Missing Research Section (MRS) of the Air Ministry was set up in 1941 to deal with this problem. It collected and collated intelligence reports from a wide variety of official, unofficial and covert sources in an attempt to establish the fate of missing aircrew, using forensic or semi-forensic work to identify personal effects passed on through clandestine channels or bodies washed up on Britain's shores. In 1944 the MRS a...

Among the many firsts of World War I, the widespread use of aeroplanes was a momentous tactical turning point and it was that heroic generation of airmen who charted an entirely experimental course on how to use aircraft in warfare. First used for reconnaissance, the role of aircraft changed as pilots became more experienced in handling their aeroplanes and ventured out onto new missions to coordinate and support ground forces and eventually planes went on the offense as bombers or fighters with legendary epic air-to-air combat engagements. This is the story of the airmen, how they were...

An illustrated introduction to the military airfields of Britain and the essential roles they played in the Second World War.