The role of the Armourer has been crucial to the Royal Air Force (RAF) since its inception in 1912. Lord Trenchard, founder of the RAF, famously said, "The Armourer ? without him there is no need for an air force." This profession, dating back to ancient times, has evolved alongside the RAF, adapting to new military technologies and aircraft. Written by Tony Lamsdale, a former RAF Armourer, this book unveils the often-overlooked history and contributions of the trade. It explores the Armourer's role through the experiences of veterans, offering personal anecdotes from World War II, the Cold War, and modern conflicts in places like the Falklands, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Armourer's responsibilities, from handling bomb dumps to managing small arms, and their unique language and camaraderie, are detailed through the stories of those who served. Despite the potential dangers, the trade remains vital to military operations, requiring specialized skills and knowledge. This book provides an in-depth look at an essential yet hidden role, shedding light on the Armourer's indispensable contributions to the RAF's success. Through firsthand accounts, it offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into a profession that has shaped military aviation history. AUTHORS: Tony Lamsdale joined the RAF in 1987 and served as an Armourer for twelve years. He served mainly in the UK but went to the first Gulf War in 1990 and spent several years supporting peace keeping operations in the Balkans. Tony is a member of the Royal Air Forces Association 1366 (Armourers) Branch and is still very much at the heart of the Armourers community. Phil Appleby, a former UK National Scrabble Champion, worked as a technical writer and editor for almost 30 years. His journalistic experience includes working as a theatre correspondent for a regional newspaper, and he has experience of editing newsletters and specialist magazines. Phil's father served in the RAF during the Second World War. 100 b/w illustrations
