RAF Hendon: The Birthplace of Aerial Power
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Author: Andrew Renwick
Publisher: Flight Recorder Publications
ISBN: 978-0-9554268-6-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 112
RAF Hendon has a very long history, and indeed predates traditional aviation. In 1862, a balloon flight began at what is now the Hendon location, beginning the location's history with aviation. It was not until 1910 that aviation returned through the auspices of Claude Grahame-White. The new airfield quickly made a name for itself, with nine Air Displays held before the beginning of the First World War. During that war, Hendon was the site of training and air defense, as well as manufacturing, with Morane Saulnier monoplanes and BE.2cs built at the site.
In the interwar years, Hendon continued its role in manufacture and training until turning into an RAF Station, and during the Second World War Hurricanes flew from Hendon during the Battle of Britain. Buried in London, though, the field was gradually pinched in by urban sprawl, and in 1968 the last RAF aircraft used the field. Hendon is now the site of the RAF Museum, and many of the original buildings remain as part of that museum.
This new book from Flight Recorder Publications serves to document the history of RAF Hendon, both in text and in photographs. The text is well written and does an excellent job of telling the story of this little parcel of land in London. Where the book really shines, though, is with the photographic record, as it is packed with some great images. Understandably, the majority of the photos are black and white, but the clarity is simply superb. Additionally, there are period posters and flyers reproduced in full color, giving a good feel of the theme of aviation in those early days.
Overall, this is an excellent little book that tells a fascinating story of RAF Hendon. My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy.