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Ray Sturtivant

    Ray Sturtivant's fascination with aviation began in his youth, fueled by visits to wartime airfields near his home. His National Service furthered this interest through his time with the RAF in India. Early in his civil service career, he honed a remarkable talent for meticulous research and factual assembly. This skill became the bedrock of his work, enabling him to delve deeply into the history of aircraft and units of the RAF and Fleet Air Arm, creating definitive records for aviation enthusiasts.

    The D.H.4/D.H.9 File
    British Prototype Aircraft
    Spitfire International
    British Research and Development Aircraft
    Royal Air Force Flying Training
    • Royal Air Force Flying Training

      • 368 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      The first complete listing of the many thousands of flying training and support units of the RAF and its predecessor the Royal Flying Corps from 1912 to the present day. Many years of research have gone into this coverage of such units as Flying Training Schools, Operational Training Units, Conversion Units, Operational Conversion Units, World War I Training Squadrons and numbered flights. Lesser known units include Maintenance Units, Repair & Servicing Units, Air Stores Parks, Staging Posts and numbered landing grounds in the UK, 2nd TAF and the Middle East. Cross-references are given to relevant administrative units such as Commands, Groups, Wings, Bases and Brigades, which are also listed. Aircraft types and examples are given, and in many cases the periodic strength or establishment. Comprehensive index of bases. 368 pages. 200 photographs.

      Royal Air Force Flying Training
      5.0
    • Spitfire International

      • 480 pages
      • 17 hours of reading

      During and after the Second World War, large numbers of Spitfires were flown by air forces around the world other than the RAF. Of the production total of nearly 23,000 Spitfires and Seafires, well over 6,000 went to overseas air forces and concise detailed histories are given of all those that have been identified. Background information is also given of the numerous overseas and Commonwealth air forces concerned, including the uses to which the aircraft were put and the units which operated them. When the war ended there were many thousands in storage and these then became available for sale second-hand at acceptable prices. They were particularly popular with countries seeking to rebuild or re-equip their air forces in the immediate post-war period. As the number available in this way gradually dwindled, the Spitfire became sought by collectors around the world and rebuilt examples began to appear increasingly at air shows, to become one of the star turns. As stock diminished, values rose, and a serviceable example can now command a six or seven-figure price.This 480-page book includes outline details of all Spitfires known to have been flown outside the UK with civil registrations. It is profusely illustrated with around 460 black & white and colour illustrations including side views, insignia and maps.

      Spitfire International