Here for the first time in one volume is the story of the RAF's achievement in World War II, from its birth as a modern air force in the 1930s to its triumphant finish with over 9,000 aircraft and over a million officers and men. The RAF role in World War II was vital from beginning to end - from 1940 to 1944 it supplied the only means by which Britain could strike at Germany, her main enemy. This narrative looks beyond the great occasions that we know so well, such as the Battle of Britain and the Bomber Offensive. It takes in the humble beginnings, the struggle for survival at sea, the Desert Air Force and the evolution of Tactical Air Forces, the defeat of the u-boats and the mighty climax of Operation Overlord. It is the thrilling saga of one of the great, heroic victories of our time. JOhn Terrain is an acknowledged expert on World Wars I and II. His works have earned him the Chesney Gold Medal - the highest award of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies - along with great acclaim. In this book, using material not hitherto available, and with access to sources previously restricted, he reassesses the role of the royal Air Force: its aircraft and equipment, its famous and fascinating personalities and their enemies. But above all, this is an exciting, new view of the Royal Air Force itself against the huge canvas of world war. - Dust jacket.