The history of tactical air power development in Britain during the Second World War has largely neglected the work done by Army Co-operation Command. The Command was influential in developing the theoretical air support system that would be used to such effect in the Western Desert, North Africa, and Europe. The Command was responsible for the codification into doctrine of experiments conducted in the wake of the Battle of France, 1940. They also worked closely with the army’s School of Artillery to develop the Air Observation Post Squadron, which would be used to great effect in several different theatres of the Second World War.

This history of Army Co-operation Command also demonstrates the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) attitude to the development of tactical air power in Britain. The RAF had neglected the development of tactical air power during the inter-war period and this impacted on their ability to provide this support. The army’s experiences in the Battle of France and the subsequent investigations, which placed the blame firmly on the shoulders of the RAF, forced the hand of the RAF regarding taking tactical air power development more seriously. To demonstrate this, they created Army Co-operation Command. It was created to be as toothless as possible while appearing to be what the army wanted.

Tactical air power development moved at a fast pace in 1942 when a new formation was discussed: the Army Air Support Group (AASG) and the rise of Fighter Command in this area. There was a large argument between the Air and General Staffs over the correct command the AASG should be placed into Fighter or Army Co-operation Command. This argument ran for the whole of the spring and summer of 1942 and was only resolved by Winston Churchill. Army Co-operation Command was disbanded in 1943, the new formation created to replace it was, however, an upgraded Army Co-operation Command with the responsibilities it had been denied during its existence.

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Matthew Powell is an independent scholar who has taught at the University of Birmingham, UK. He has published on Army Co-operation Command in Canadian Military History, Air Power Review and the British Journal for Military History. His first book, The Development of British Tactical Air Power, 1940-1943: A History of Army Co-operation Command, will be published in 2016.

This lecture is free of charge however the organisers do ask that you pre-book a free ticket as seats are limited.

Bookings via the Royal Air Force Museum Hendon Information Desk (020 8205 2266 | london@rafmuseum.org)

Venue:  University of Wolverhampton (main lecture theatre), Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK

Time:  18.30pm

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Contact:

Dr Ross Mahoney

Aviation Historian

RAF Museum

ross.mahoney@rafmuseum.org