ABOUT THE EVENING

What to expect

The advent of large-scale airborne forces in the 1940s spurred the development of air resupply on a scale never previously imagined. Sustaining a force of some 15,000 airborne soldiers many miles behind the front lines, so they are able to carry on fighting effectively, requires a huge amount of equipment, planning, and logistics.

With limited previous experience the British combined the best efforts of the boffins, the Royal Air Force, and the Army to quickly develop the equipment, the techniques, and the training to be able to sustain large airborne units in varied operational battlefields.

What I will cover

The logical starting point is to explore the four phases of air resupply, from preparing the supplies and loading them in the aircraft, to landing successfully, ready for use, on the battlefield. I will explore the limitations imposed by the aircraft available at the time, and how changes in aircraft technology have dramatically improved the air resupply capability.

Not all air resupply situations are related to fighting, and I will explore how the resources and training can be adapted for different scenarios, ranging from the Soviet attempts to strangle Berlin in 1948, to relieving the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Tony is a regular member of the Army Flying Museum’s team of presenters, having delivered previous talks on the Glider Pilot Regiment, and the development of UK armed services. He has also given talks to many local history groups who have an aviation or military history connection.

As an ex-soldier, light aircraft, and glider pilot, Tony has practical experience of both the military and aviation. He brings his talks alive with animated presentations and artwork, which enable the audience to understand what took place, enhanced by having visited many battlefield sites.