The Royal Air Force in Texas: Training British Pilots in Terrell During World War II (War and the Southwest Series) - Hardcover

Killebrew, Tom

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1574411691 ISBN 13: 9781574411690

Publisher: University of North Texas Press,U.S., 2003

Synopsis

With the outbreak of World War II, British Royal Air Force (RAF) officials sought to train aircrews outside of England, safe from enemy attack and poor weather. In the United States six civilian flight schools dedicated themselves to instructing RAF pilots; the first British Flying Training School (BFTS) was located in Terrell, Texas, east of Dallas. Tom Killebrew explores the history of the Terrell Aviation School and its programme with RAF pilots. Most of the early British students had never been in an aeroplane or even driven a car before arriving in Texas to learn to fly. The cadets trained in the air on aerobatics, instrument flight and night flying, while on the ground they studied navigation, meteorology, engines and armaments - even spending time in early flight simulators. By the end of the war, more than 2000 RAF cadets had trained at Terrell, cementing relations between Great Britain and the United States and forming lasting bonds with the citizens of Terrell.

About this title

Review

"Killebrew's book adds substantially to an understanding of the history of RAF flight training on U.S. soil in World War II." "Killebrew's book adds substantially to an understanding of the history of RAF flight training on U.S. soil in World War II." --Tod Roberts, editor of RAF Wings over Florida--Tod Roberts, editor of RAF Wings over Florida "This is a nicely written and informative account of a forgotten segment of American involvement in World War II."--Journal of America's Military Past "This is a nicely written and informative account of a forgotten segment of American involvement in World War II."--"Journal of America's Military Past"

About the Author

TOM KILLEBREW, a native of Dallas, Texas, received a master's degree in history from the University of Texas at Arlington. A licensed private pilot, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and as an air intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He currently teaches American history at Navarro College and lives with his wife, Ann, in DeSoto, Texas.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of North Texas Press,U.S.
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1574411691
• ISBN 13: 9781574411690
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208