Guideline Airlift Force - RAF Transport Command 1948-1967 - Guideline Publications

[Julien]

Airlift Force

RAF Transport Command 1948-1967

ISBN : 978190856310

Guideline Publications

 

 

It would seem that in RAF service, like life the more Glamorous Fighters, and even bombers get the limelight while other aircraft do their jobs without getting notice. However to this reviewer what shouts RAF more than the VC-10 or the Hercules? indeed on a recent visit to RAF Cosford as well as maybe the V Bombers the main hall is dominated by the Belfast, Hastings and York. It is just a pity there is not a Comet there as well. 

 

This new book from Guideline Publications looks at history of the RAF's transport command from 1948 until 1967 when it became RAF Support Command. Following on from the massive effort of the Berlin Airlift, through the post war contraction Transport Command seemed fade from the public's eye. Despite this they would continue to support RAF operations the largest being the Suez crisis of 1956. Aircraft such as the Beverley and Hastings would come on stream and the Command was a supporter of the Comet. Later they would get new aircraft in the form of the Belfast, Andover, and VC-10. Even though emphasis is on the larger aircraft, smaller types such as the Dove, Twin Pioneer; and Helicopters such as the Belvedere is covered. The book looks at RAF Transport Command with the following chapters;

 

 

1. In The Beginning
2. Post War Contraction & the Berlin Airlift
3. Pared to the Bone
4. Turbine Power Arrives
5. Operation Musketeer - Suez 1956
6. Beyond the Comet
7. 1966 - Three New Aircraft
8. Aircraft in Service 1948-67
9. RAF Transport Command Sqns 1948-67
10. The End.... and a New Beginning..

 

The book is A4 softbound and 90 pages long. It is illustrated throughout with black and white, & colour photographs.  

 

 

Conclusion

If you're interested in the transport side of the Royal Air Force, then Transport Command was this at its pinnacle, Highly Recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

 

 

 

[Aeronut]

Its a good read but I'm personally a little disappointed over the scant mention of the airdrop role most of these aircraft had.

There is only one photo of an airdrop from a Argosy. Where were the external loads on the Dakota, Hastings and Valletta? Why no explanation of why the heavydrop during Suez require the RCT's museum to be raided and the Beverley not used for airdrops?

Oh well maybe scope for an issue 2.

[shatters]

I picked this up at telford and found it a really enjoyable read.

 

Phil

[Julien]

26 minutes ago, Aeronut said:

Its a good read but I'm personally a little disappointed over the scant mention of the airdrop role most of these aircraft had.

There is only one photo of an airdrop from a Argosy. Where were the external loads on the Dakota, Hastings and Valletta? Why no explanation of why the heavydrop during Suez require the RCT's museum to be raided and the Beverley not used for airdrops?

Oh well maybe scope for an issue 2.

Maybe airdrop could fill a book on its own? suggest it to them?

25 minutes ago, shatters said:

I picked this up at telford and found it a really enjoyable read.

 

Phil

Yes it is rather good.

 

Julien