Observers and Navigators: And Other Non-Pilot Aircrew in the RFC, RNAS and RAF

Jefford, C.G.

ISBN 10: 1909808024 / ISBN 13: 9781909808027

Published by Grub Street Publishing, 2014

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 9781909808027-4-2

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Observers and Navigators: And Other Non-Pilot Aircrew in the RFC, RNAS and RAF
• Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
• Publication Date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1909808024
• ISBN 13: 9781909808027
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very good

About this title

Synopsis

First published in 2001 to universal acclaim Observers and Navigators is an absolute essential reference guide for all those interested in military aviation. Now in 2014, C.G. Jefford has brought years of continued research into a new updated and expanded edition. This book begins with a detailed examination of the previously little understood observers, aerial gunners/gunlayers and kite balloon observers who flew with the RFC, RNAS and latterly the RAF between 1914 and 1919. It goes on to examine the proliferation of non-pilot aircrew categories until 1942 when the observer was supplanted by the air bomber and a variety of specialised types of navigator. Having provided an overview of wartime aircrew training, the story continues with a consideration of the ill-conceived 1946 Aircrew Scheme which had to be abandoned in 1950 in favour of an all-officer policy for pilots and navigators. The author examines the way in which this egalitarian policy has actually been implemented while continuing to trace the rises and falls in the fortunes of all non-pilot aircrew categories and the evolution of post-war aircrew training until the last navigators graduated in 2011. He concludes by posing several questions to which he suggests some answers

About the Author

'Jeff' Jefford joined the RAF in 1959. His flying experience included tours on Canberras with No 45 Squadron in Singapore, on Vulcans with Nos 83 and 50 Squadrons and as an air navigation instructor with No 6 FTS. His ground tours included administrative posts at Manby and Gatow (Berlin) and air staff duties at HQs Strike and Support Commands. He left the RAF to read history at London University (Royal Holloway), graduating with First Class Honours in 1994. Since then he has been a member of the Executive Committee of the RAF Historical Society and has been its editor since 2000. He has had a number of articles published under the Society's own imprint and in the prestigious Cross & Cockade Journal; he has three books to his credit.