Combat Codes - Full listing of RAF & USAAF unit codes

Combat Codes
British, Commonwealth and USAAF Air Force Unit Codes since 1938

Aviation Book Reviews

From the inception of the RAF in 1918 the new service developed traditions fast. In particular, its squadrons assumed a combination of heraldic devices and colourful markings with which to identify machines and inspire men.
With the potential onset of war in 1938, these very public and well-known unit markings were replaced by two-letter codes, designed to confuse the enemy. Through the uneasy period leading to the formal declaration of war, these codes became well-known locally and there was a second set ready for application with the onset of war.

As the war progressed the unit codes system was expanded to USAAF, Commonwealth and other Allied Air Force units.
To preserve secrecy the codes were only ever listed in a series of top-secret documents and the previous set destroyed.
The authors have painstaking researched the codes and building on from earlier works have produced the definitive work on the subject.

Many thanks to Pen & Sword Aviation Books for the review copy; www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

Covers all the RAF, RN, RAAF, RCAF, RSAAF, Commonwealth and USAAF two letter codes from 1938 onwards. Great photos, loads of information regarding the Squadrons and codes. Lots of unusual markings and aircraft - including a floatplane Anson!

I can't recommended this book too highly!

Combat Codes
A full explanation & listing of British, Commonwealth & Allied Air Force unit codes since 1938
- Pen & Sword books -

Book format and details:

Combat Codes:
A full explanation & listing of British, Commonwealth & Allied Air Force unit codes since 1938

Vic Flintham, Andrew Thomas

215 x 135mm, 216 pages

300+ photographs

Combat Codes
A full explanation & listing of British, Commonwealth & Allied Air Force unit codes since 1938
- Pen & Sword books -

Aviation Book Reviews at www.controltowers.co.uk © robert truman November 2009
- - Combat Codes book by Vic Flintham and Andrew THomas - -

Book format and details:
Title:	Combat Codes: A full explanation & listing of British, Commonwealth & Allied Air Force unit codes since 1938
Author:	Vic Flintham, Andrew Thomas
ISBN:	9781844156917
Format:	215 x 135mm, 216 pages
©:	All images © copyright Pen & Sword books, do not use without permission
Illustrations:	300+ photographs
Publ. date:	2008
Combat Codes A full explanation & listing of British, Commonwealth & Allied Air Force unit codes since 1938 - Pen & Sword books -

Aviation Book Reviews
	From the inception of the RAF in 1918 the new service developed traditions fast. In particular, its squadrons assumed a combination of heraldic devices and colourful markings with which to identify machines and inspire men. With the potential onset of war in 1938, these very public and well-known unit markings were replaced by two-letter codes, designed to confuse the enemy. Through the uneasy period leading to the formal declaration of war, these codes became well-known locally and there was a second set ready for application with the onset of war. As the war progressed the unit codes system was expanded to USAAF, Commonwealth and other Allied Air Force units. To preserve secrecy the codes were only ever listed in a series of top-secret documents and the previous set destroyed. The authors have painstaking researched the codes and building on from earlier works have produced the definitive work on the subject.
Link:	Many thanks to Pen & Sword Aviation Books for the review copy; www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Rating:	Covers all the RAF, RN, RAAF, RCAF, RSAAF, Commonwealth and USAAF two letter codes from 1938 onwards. Great photos, loads of information regarding the Squadrons and codes. Lots of unusual markings and aircraft - including a floatplane Anson! I can't recommended this book too highly!
Combat Codes A full explanation & listing of British, Commonwealth & Allied Air Force unit codes since 1938 - Pen & Sword books -