Air Historical Branch
Air Historical Branch (RAF)
The Air Historical Branch was established in 1919 with the task of writing the Official History of British air operations in the First World War. Today, its aim is to maintain and preserve the historical memory of the RAF, and to develop and encourage an informed understanding of RAF and air power history by providing accurate and timely advice to Ministers, the RAF, other government departments and the general public. Additionally, Head of AHB is one of the three directors of the Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies. AHB is located at RAF Northolt, Ruislip, Middlesex.
AHB's key outputs and objectives are:
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Provision of RAF historical information and advice to Ministers, CAS, ACAS, Central, RAF and procurement staffs, DSTL, other government departments, other governments and international organisations, and the wider community.
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Research and writing of narratives on recent operations, chiefly in the Gulf, the Former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, for internal RAF use.
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Maintenance and custody of the RAF's historical memory and archiving of historical material.
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Collection and archiving of RAF operational records relating to recent operations.
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Contribution of RAF historical input to Service training and educational programmes to encourage greater awareness of the Service's history and the value of its contribution amongst serving personnel and the wider community.
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Custody and archiving of all RAF Forms 540 (Operations Record Books) less than thirty years old; policy branch for the Form 540.
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Responding to RAF casualty enquiries concerning casualties sustained more than fifteen years ago.
Additionally, within AHB, the Publications Clearance Branch (Air) provides advice on, and arranges clearance for, open publication or presentation of material emanating from AFD and RAF personnel, both civil and military, whether serving or retired.
Contact Information:
Air Historical Branch (RAF) and Publications Clearance Branch (Air), Building 824, RAF Northolt, West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG.
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Telephone: |
020 8833 8155 |
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Fax: |
020 8833 8170 |
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E-Mail: |
