250116 - AIRCREW LOG BOOKS OF WORLD WAR TWO: Decoding and Understanding the Content of RAF, Commonwealth and Allied Log Books

By Ken Delve with Mark Avery

The world of military flying has always involved the use of acronyms, abbreviation and code words – and can be confusing and inconsistent. This guide to understanding RAF, Commonwealth and Allied Aircrew Log Books from World War Two is the result of many years of research and in assisting relatives in finding out more. 

It provides a guide for relatives and researchers on where and how to find out more about the content of the Log Book, and how to understand the content and its context. It includes how to locate and use primary and secondary research material, from official records to reference books and personal recollections. Each section includes examples of typical content and how it can be read.

A selection of sample Log Books takes the reader through the process of decoding and understanding the content, and how to add context to what is often a ‘one liner’ comment in the Line Book. The appendices include lists of acronyms, abbreviations and code words, and how to decode target photographs, and more. 

Author: Ken Delve is an ex RAF Navigator and well-established author of aviation books (over 50 books and countless articles); he was Editor of FlyPast magazine in the 1990s, and is a Trustee of the RAF Heraldry Trust, a Trustee of the Canberra Heritage Trust, and founder of the Aviation History Research Centre (ww.rafht.co.uk).