Royal Air Force - Command Activities Of The Early 1960s
by Baron Halpenny, LincsMag Editor.
Date: 09 February 2012
LincsMag Star Rating: 
Classification Rating: Exempt from classification
General Running Time: 2 hours 19 mins
Number of discs: 1
Label: Strike Force Entertainment (SFE)
This is a thrilling accompaniment to the Royal Air Force in the 1960s 4 DVD set, with this DVD giving us an insight into how the various RAF Commands operated in the early '60s from official and rarely seen films that were at the time classed as "Restricted" or "secret".
You naturally have to take into account the age and condition of the film regarding the colour and quality, these were after all not done on big Hollywood budgets, but even so this is hardly noticed as the subject matter itself captivates you.
Royal Air Force - Command Activities Of The Early 1960s Seven Official RAF Documentaries - Royal Air Force:
1. Bomber Command – 1961 21 mins An in-depth look at the role of Bomber Command and its responsibility for nuclear weapons, which the government had claimed to be “the only existing safeguard against aggression”. Featuring a look at the four forces that form Bomber Command (Medium Bomber Force, Missile Force, Saceur Force and Recce Force) and a look at the training and practice missions and missile launches undertaken.
2. Fighter Command –1962 21 mins Ever ready to retaliate to provocation, the air defences and ballistic missile set ups are studied in this film as is the work undertaken to ensure that the RAF is prepared at all times. Featuring the Gloster Javelin, Lightnings, Hunters, and the Valiant
3. Costal Command – 1961 14 mins Opening with a look at the vital role played by Coastal Command in World War II, this film provides a fascinating look at the role played in this new era. Still primarily concerned with the detection, identification and, if required, destruction of submarines, Coastal Command was a vital link in the defence network.
4. Signals Command – 1962 23 mins The conveying of spoken, typed and written messages sent all over the world is the responsibility of Signals Command. This film looks at the message centre (commonly known as the “tape factory”), the complex technology involved and the use of codes and security for sensitive material. We also visit radio stations around the world, such as Aden, and learn how the whole network works together.
5. Maintenance Command – 1961 20 mins From uniforms to checking new aircraft, from screwdrivers to kettles, Maintenance Command was responsible for the smooth running for many aspects of daily life in the RAF. Providence is the byword in this study of a vital, yet unsung, department and its wide range of roles.
6. Command Activities: RAF Germany – 1962 16 mins A film which looks at British interests being controlled by the RAF in the divided Berlin of 1962. Though quiet and peaceful, the air fields are maintained and patrolled at all times by the Second Allied Tactical Airforce. Including Canberras, Javelins, Viscounts, Pembrokes and Valettas.
7. Command Activities: Air Forces Middle East – 1962 24 mins A detailed look at the unique and varied challenges facing the RAF services based in the Middle East.
The absence of road and train links making communications and distribution of supplies to troops of tantamount importance. Shackleton, Twin Pioneer Hunters, Beverleys, Britannias and Canberras.
These are previously unreleased official RAF films from the Imperial War Musuem's Film Archive.
Summing Up
To any genuine RAF and aviation enthusiast, this DVD is well worth the money and is a feast to the eyes for
those that want to slip back in time and bask in pure nostalgia. It makes one proud to be British.
To purchase Royal Air Force -Command Activities Of The Early 1960s [DVD]
