Air


The Allied Air Forces played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of the Axis Powers. But early on in the war, air supremacy was ultimately responsible for Britain’s survival - most famously in the Battle of Britain.


Apart from British nationals, the Royal Air Force was made up from a vast number of nations. Airmen from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other parts of the British Empire, played a massive role in the RAF’s success.


Before the US entered WWII, many US nationals swelled the ranks by crossing into Canada and joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. In addition, around 14,000 members of the Polish Air Force collaborated with the Allied airborne war effort.


Flying air raids over Germany was one of the riskiest occupations of WWII. In total, more than 50,000 airmen from Bomber Command lost their lives – the highest loss rate of all Allied military units.


The chances of survival dropped to desperate levels in the first year, when less than 5 out of ten bombers returned home safely after their sorties. In fact, aircrew shortages finally forced the RAF to accept black colonial servicemen.


Approximately 300 men from the West Indies served as aircrew – 90 of them receiving decoration for their service. The most famous of these was Squadron Leader Ulric Cross, who was awarded both the DSO and the DFC.