A survey of the equipment and brief but already glorious history of the RAF, including the contributions of the Air Forces of the Empire.

WW1 and inter-war film shows glimpses of Sopwith Camels, SE5s, Bristols, the Hendon pageants and the Schneider trophy, followed by an inventory of RAF bombers: Wellingtons, Whitleys, Blenheims, Beaufighters, Stirlings, Halifaxes, all designed to "smash the heart of Germany" - grateful mention of US Hudsons and Flying Fortresses. A brief sequence on crew training is followed by a long sequence on the Battle of Britain, incorporating all the usual camera-gun stock shots: it is mostly Hurricanes that are seen on the RAF side. The contribution of Empire airmen is stressed. Film closes with camera-gun shots as RAF fighters strafe German shipping.

Notes

Remarks: third of 4 newsreel compilations - see remarks to THE EMPIRE'S NEW ARMIES (CBE 201).