FROM BIRD CAGE TO BATTLE PLANE: The History of the R. A. F.

A man who served in the R.A.F. in the last war and this writes its history in terms of development and major actions, and with a good amount of individual incident. It is not intended as a definitive book, nor does it add much new material, but it is a clear picture of the men and activities of a great service. Neglected, save in wartime, both wars saw the R.A.F. beginning almost from scratch by way of planes and equipment; the Fighter Command, and its performance to date in France and Britain, with a record of 4700 German planes to their 700. The Bomber Command, expanded greatly in 1940, and today's huge flights against German and Italian targets; the Coastal Command, and finally the Eagle Squadrons. Straightforward, useful data, adequately assembled, but it somehow lacks the fire the subject should command.