British Military Airfield Architecture

Book excerpt: This is the first full-length book on British military airfield buildings and complements the titles in PSL's best-selling Action Stations series. Covering the period from the pioneering airship days, prior to the First World War, through to the immediate post Second World War jet age, it is profusely illustrated with photographs and line drawings. Information has been obtained both from official and manufacturers' records and on-site surveys of surviving structures. Details of construction methods and materials are included for all the main types of building that have featured on Britain's military airfields. These include aircraft hangars, control towers, armouries, guardhouses, parachute stores, training establishments and domestic buildings such as barracks and messes. The locations of many surviving examples of building types are given, including those that have been listed for their historic and/or architectural importance. The birth of military air traffic control is also described as this had a significant influence on the design of certain types of building. The rapid development, progress and growth of British aviation, from its inception through to the introduction of jet aircraft, can be seen clearly in this detailed study of its infrastructure. This book will therefore be an invaluable source of reference for all who are interested in military aviation and the history of the Royal Air Force in particular.