Royal Air Force: The Official Story is the most up-to-date official history of the Royal Air Force – the oldest airforce in the world. From its genesis in the horrors of the First World War when pilots were open to the elements in craft made of little more than wood and fabric, to the iconic air battles of the Second World War, through to the lifesaving missions carried out in today's trouble zones, this book looks at the men, women and aircraft that are at the heart of this great service.

With unique access to the RAF's historic archives, bestselling historian James Holland uses photographs and documents to bring the story of the people, planes and missions to life as never before.