ROYAL AIR FORCE
FLYING TRAINING
(Part I, Flying Instruction)
AIR MINISTRY
H.M.S.O, London, 1920
A rare original R.A.F. flying manual, 'Air Publication 129', published by the Air Ministry in 1920. This manual was produced just after WW1, with later editions being published in 1923 and 1926. The manoeuvres and instructions described and the aircraft, like the Sopwith Snipe, D.H. 9A, Vickers Vimy and Bristol Fighter shown in the illustrations, would have been familiar to any WW1 pilot. This volume covers the theory and practice of flying instruction, from basic airmanship and maintenance of aircraft, to aerobatics and emergency procedures. It includes sections on flying techniques, aircraft construction, engines, and flight instructors duties. There are also details of the various different types of aircraft flown by the RAF just after WW1: including The D.H.9.A., Bristol Fighter, Sopwith Snipe, Sopwith Salamander, Vickers Vimy, Handley Page 0/400, Nieuport Nighthawk and the Short Seaplane. The detailed cockpit diagrams of these aircraft are particularly interesting. This manual is a fascinating insight into the aircraft and flying training of the R.A.F immediately after the end of the First World War. The manual is very well illustrated with more than 120 excellent diagrams, line drawings and photographs.
The book is signed on the front endpapers by 'Edward Lawrence, 60th Bombing Sqdn, Kohat, N.W. Frontier, India'. This may be Edward Gerald Lawrence (Service No.343898) who enlisted in the RAF in 1920 and joined 60 Squadron in India in October 1921. He was still with 60 Squadron in 1923, and was discharged from the RAF in 1932.
RAF North West Frontier: The first RFC squadron sent to India was No 31 Sqdn. 'A' Flight arrived on 26th Dec 1915 equiped with BE2c aircraft, and were based at Nowshera (approx 30 miles East of Peshwar). B&C Flights joined them in July 1916. 'D' Flight followed in Sept 1917, being stationed at Lahore as the nucleus of No 114 Sqdn. This was the situation until the end of WW1. In Dec 1918 a Handley Page HP 0/400 bomber arrived at Lahore, followed by an HP V/1500 in March 1919. In late June 1919, four more RAF Squadrons arrived in India, bringing the total to six. By April 1920
60 Squadron were stationed at Risalpur flying DH10A and DH9A bombers. The squadron had been reformed at Lahore in India from the disbanded No. 97 Squadron RAF on 1 April 1920, beginning an association with the Middle and Far East that was to last for 48 years. 60 Squadron would be involved in many actions against hostile tribes on the North West Frontier during the 1920's, operating out of Kohat airfield, near the Khyber Pass.
Condition:
In good condition. The boards are in good condition, with general signs of wear, marks and creases. The binding and hinges are good and secure. The text and illustrations are in good condition, with some marks and general signs of wear and use. Signed on the front endpapers by 'Edward Lawrence, 60th Bombing Sqdn, Kohat, N.W. Frontier, India'.
Published: 1920
With 122 line drawings, diagrams & photographs.
Grey/Blue boards with black titling
Dimensions: 150mm x 230mm
Pages: 243
