Black RAF Aircrew in WW2

[LouiseB]

Hi. I am doing research for an author on the history of black volunteer aircrew in the RAF during WW2. Can anyone tell me anything about this or point me somewhere? I can’t find a lot online but we know that over 400 of these men existed! Thanks

[Synthfg]

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/contact-us/

http://www.rafa.org.uk/members/contact

Official records relating to the Royal Air Force
Official records can found found at either the National Archives or the Air Historical Branch(RAF).

The National Archives

The National Archives,
Ruskin Avenue,
Kew,
Richmond,
Surrey TW9 4DU.

Fax: +44 (0)20 8878 8905.

Opening times (free admission)

Monday Closed
Tuesday 09.00 - 19.00
Wednesday 09.00 - 17.00
Thursday 09.00 - 19.00
Friday 09.00 - 17.00
Saturday 09.00 - 17.00
Sunday Closed
Readers' Tickets - these cannot to obtained by post. Readers need to bring specific ID with them and apply on-site at Kew.
Information sheets (known as Research Guides) - much of this information is available online at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
The National Archives office may be able to provide a list of private research agents who are willing to undertake research at the Public Record Office for a negotiated fee. Intending visitors are advised to check:

The opening times prior to a visit as sections are occasionally closed for stocktaking.
That documents are available for consultation as they are sometimes withdrawn for official use.
Air Historical Branch(RAF)

Air Historical Branch (RAF) and Publications Clearance Branch (Air),
Building 824,
RAF Northolt,
West End Road,
Ruislip,
Middlesex,
HA4 6NG.

Fax: +44 (0)20 8833 8170.

The Air Historical Branch was established in 1919 with the task of writing the Official History of British air operations in the First World War. Today, its aim is to maintain and preserve the historical memory of the RAF, and to develop and encourage an informed understanding of RAF and air power history by providing accurate and timely advice to Ministers, the RAF, other government departments and the general public.

Air Historical Branch(RAF) also maintain historical records relating to individual aircraft.

Futher details can be found on the Air Historical Branch(RAF) website - http://www.raf.mod.uk/ahb/



http://www.iwm.org.uk/connect




Start by getting in contact with some / all of them

[Sailor Steve]

Thank you Synthfg. While there may be some sources available online, when researching a book for a subject the only acceptable sources are the primary ones. Your list is a great start.

And Welcome Aboard, LouiseB!

[Jimbuna]

Welcome and good luck with the research. I think you'll find the vast majority came from the Commonwealth.

[Herr-Berbunch]

I'd recommend contacting Al McLean, curator, or Peter Dye, DG, at the RAF Museum Cosford. They've a specific display on later this year but you may get some relevant info prior to that, and more besides.

And welcome aboard.