History of the Royal Imperial Wardie land Air Force

Organised military aviation in Wardie land began in 1911, following the formation of the Royal Imperial Wardie land Army Aerial Branch (RIWAAB). The RIWAAB was formed after the Imperial Parliament decided to form a specialised branch of the army whose speciality was aviation (before this aviation was the responsibility of each corps, some corps embraced aviation, whilst others didn't). The Imperial Parliament's decision was born about because of early leaps in aviation. When the RIWAAB was founded it had only three companies - No. 1 Company and No. 2 Company were equipped with airships, whilst No. 3 Company was equipped with the new aeroplanes.

Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.1, entered service in 1912, left service in 1920

Avro 500, also entered service in 1912

Avro 500 floatplane, one of the first planes used by the RIWNAS

Short Type 184 torpedo bomber, entered service with the RIWNAS in 1915, used by RIWAF Naval Aviation until 1928

Short Bomber, land-based variant of the Short Type 184, entered service with the RIWNAS and RIWAFC in 1916, used by the RIWAF until 1932

A Felixstowe F.2, entered service with the RIWNAS in 1917, used by RIWAF Naval Aviation until 1923

A Felixstowe F.5, entered service with the RIWNAS in 1918, used until 1926

An AD flying boat, entered service with the RIWNAS in 1917, in 1920 some were converted into civilian transports named the "Channel 2FBC" (following Supermarine's name for the civil transport version), the Channel served with the Imperial Transport Company and Wardie land Imperial Airways, as well as with the Sunset Island Airline

The RIWAF Is Born - 1919

In April 1919 the Royal Imperial Wardie land Naval Air Service (RIWNAS) and the Royal Imperial Wardie land Army Flying Corps (RIWAFC) merged to form the Royal Imperial Wardie land Air Force (RIWAF). During the early years the RIWAF mainly used aircraft that had been entered service with its predecessors. Though the RIWAF did have a few new aircraft enter service following its foundation, such as the Vimy in 1919. A new ministry was set up to deal solely with air force matters, the Imperial Air Ministry.

The Early Years - 1920-1929

The then-new RIWAF entered the 1920s still using WWI-era aircraft of its predecessors, the RIWAFC and the RIWNAS, like the Wardie National Aircraft Co. Monster 2HB (copy of the Handley Page V/1500) and the Giant 2HB (copy of the Handley Page O/400). The RIWAF also used more recent bombers like the Vimy 2HB, local version of the Vickers Vimy, which entered service in 1919.

At the end of the 1920s the Caproni Ca.101 entered service, the local-built version was called the Yexdon 1LB(C), the Yexdon was a light bomber/transport (hence the Light Bomber(Transport) designation), they could carry 3,300 lbs of cargo or 1,100 lbs of bombs internally.

This is a Yexdon 1LB(C).I of the Colonial Air Corps No. 41 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Eberiyana, 1929

As always the RIWAF used some British-designed aircraft, one such aircraft was the Hawker Horsley light bomber/torpedo bomber, which entered service in mid 1927
This is a Horsley 2LB(T).I of No. 33 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Eastport, ca. mid 1927

The Bristol Bulldog was one of the last fighters to enter service in the 20s, entering service in 1929.
This is a Bulldog 2F.I of No. 10 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, RIWAF New Rawcliffe, ca. 1929

In 1922 the Fairey IIID entered service as the Porpoise 2LB.III, the Porpoise 2LB had a range of about 1,000 nautical miles, with the Porpoise 2LB.IVD having a range of 1,313 nautical miles, very good for a patrol plane which usually patrolled the territorial Pacific waters around Wardie land and the colonies.

A Porpoise 2LB.III of No. 14 (Coastal) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWNAS Manta Island, ca. 1923

In 1928 the next Porpoise model entered service, the Porpoise 2LB.IV, the Mk IV mostly served in the colonies in the colonial policing role, where long-distance flights were common, the Mk IV was well suited to the task and served well into the 1940s as a front-line colonial bomber, it wasn't until the late 1940s the Mk IV was relegated from a front-line colonial bomber to a colonial recon plane and second-line bomber.

A Porpoise 2LB.IVD of No. 89 (Patrol) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWNAS Ocean Island, ca. 1929

One of the flying boats which entered service in the late 1920s was the French CAMS 55 flying boat, the CAMS 55 was equipped with 2x 0.303 Lewis (or Vickers, later .5 Vickers) machines in the bow and dorsal turrets as well as 2x 165 lb bombs under the lower wing. The CAMS 55 served until 1943, and served in the Qaran Rebellion, Third Snow War, Saqan Mercenary War as well as the first year and a half of the Pacific War, by which point it was obsolete.

The Years of Growth - 1930-1939

The RIWAF entered the 1930s with a mix of modern and obsolete aircraft, the RIWAF had began a modernisation programme at the end of the 1920s, and was only just starting the programme by the start of the 1930s.

The 1930s represented one of the biggest technological leaps for the RIWAF, at the start of the 1930s most RIWAF aircraft were biplanes, yet by the end of the 1930s most were monoplanes, at the end of the 1930s radar-guided intercepts were taking place, and radar was established as a standard detection method.


Hart 2F.I of 1930 and a Spitfire 1F.I of 1938, demonstrating the technological leap of the 1930s.

Under the 1934 Air Force Reforms Act commands for each specific squadron type were created - RIWAF Fighter Command, RIWAF Bomber Command, RIWAF Coastal Command, RIWAF Transport Command and RIWAF Training Command, additionally "air forces" replaced the two Air Corps - Imperial Home Air Force (replaced the Home Air Corps) and the colonial air forces which replaced the CAC - the Imperial Desert Air Force (Western Colonies command), Imperial Northern Air Force (Northern Colonies command), Imperial Oriental Air Force (Eastern Colonies command) and the Imperial Southern Air Force (Southern Colonies command).

In early 1935 the RIWAF lost control of naval aviation, the Administration Branch (A Branch) of the Imperial General Staff created the "Royal Imperial Wardie land Fleet Air Arm", this meant that the navy was now in complete control of all naval aviation, including land-based naval aviation (though the RIWAF did still have some maritime aviation, with RIWAF Coastal Command). However, the RIWFAA maintained the RIWAF ranking system.

In 1937 a new roundel design came about, this one had a yellow outer ring, this was adapted as the standard roundel for fuselage sides and upper wing surfaces, the original roundel was kept for underwing surfaces, in 1939 a new night roundel design was created, this was the 1937 roundel with the white ring removed, so it was a yellow, dark blue and red roundel, this was used interchangeably with the original dark blue and red night roundel.

In 1939-1940 the Imperial Northern Air Force, the air force which was based in the Northern colonies, fought in the Snow War against the Bolshevik Republic of Snow Land.

In 1939-1940 numerous Tupolev TB-3s were captured from Snowland and entered RIWAF service as the Whale 1HB, the Whale served in Home Islands squadrons until 1943, and served in front-line colonial bomber squadrons until the late 1950s. In early 1942 Whales were converted to piloted target drones, the Whale 1D(P).I, the drones had their guns removed and turrets covered, the nose was also "solid", and were usually flown by a single pilot, who was typically a volunteer and on higher wages due to the dangers of flying drones that were often used as targets for experimental weapons. Most Whale bombers were passed to the new Snowlandian Imperial Air Force in 1941, due to their obsolensence, the SLIAF operated the Whale into the 1950s, SLIAF Whale bombers took very heavy damage from A6M Zeroes of the light carriers Hihō (Flying Phoenix) and Senhō (War Phoenix) during the Winterland campaign, in August 1942 the surviving Whale bombers were pulled back to serve as night bombers and trainers.

A Whale 1HB.I of No. 13 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF (The Unlucky Squadron), based at RIWAF New Carlisle ca. 1940

An Whale 1HB.I* of No. 1 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Valechurch, ca. 1941

Entering service in 1939 was the Mule 2LB.I (Mule being the name of the Polikarpov U-2), a light bomber version of the Mule general-purpose biplane which had entered service in 1930. Mules were captured in the dozens from Snow Land during the Third Snow War.
However. since the Mule 2LB.I was already a fairly obsolete bomber before she had even entered service, the Mule bomber was only allowed to be used at night, unless it was unavoidable, since the Mule was easy prey for AA and fighters. The Mule family was nicknamed the "Aerial Tractor" by RIWA soldiers and RIWAF pilots, owing to the unusual engine sound.

Mule bombers saw service in day and night bombing attacks during the Snow War of 1939-1940, since the Socialist Republic of Snow Land was a small and pretty poor nation, it couldn't afford much fighters, meaning the Mule could usually attack Snow Landian tanks without much trouble.

In early 1943 several Mule 2LB.Is were modified into the single-seat Mule 2D(P).I piloted drone, three of these drones were part of the drone force used in the test of Stuka 1BD.P-0/1 on the 20th May 1943, two were shot down by F/L Sword, the other one landed at RIWAF Winkle Island, a target drone base. In 1947 some Mule 2D(P)s were converted into Mule 2D(U).I radio-controlled drones, a few of the surviving Mule 2D(P).Is had been sold on the civilian market by this time, the Mule 2D(P) was popular with casual fliers due to it being relatively cheap in the late 1940s.

A Mule 2LB.I of No. 49 (Recon Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Misapur, ca. 1940

A Mule 2LB.I of No. 364 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Whitmoor, ca. 1939

The Mule 2D(P).I that F/L Sword allowed to return to base following the test of the Stuka 1BD.P-0/1, May 1943

The Nakajima B5N2 Kate was bought in 1939 and was named the Kate 1B(T) (following the Allied name), Kates were used by both the RIWFAA and the RIWAF

A Japanese B5N2 showing a particularly common RIWAF paint scheme, unlike naval Kates, which followed the IJN's largely-unpainted scheme, land-based Kates were largely painted green, though some received a green and brown camo scheme, a desert scheme and a winter scheme, depending on where they were based

Numerous 1930s British planes were used, like the Gloster Gladiator, which entered service in 1937 as the Gladiator 2F, loved by pilots
This is a Gladiator 2F.I of No. 10 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF New Rawcliffe, ca. 1937

This is a Gladiator 2F.I of No. 6 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, in flight over a Capital Island mountain range, ca. 1938. Gladiators of "A" Flight of No. 6 (F) Squadron would later intercept the Japanese bomber that sank the HMIWS New London on 25th May 1942

A Gladiator 2F.I of an unidentified Imperial Desert Air Force, ca. about 1938

A Gladiator 2F.I of No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF "Red-Backed Hawks", ca. 1937

This is a Beaufort 1LB(T).I torpedo bomber of No. 80 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Ocean Island, ca. 1939

The Blenheim MK I bomber entered RIWAF service in 1937 as the Blenheim 1MB.I, the Blenheim 1B.I servived in the Qaran Rebellion of 1937-1939, the Snow War of 1939-1940 and the Saqan Mercenary War of 1941. This is a Blenheim 1MB.I of Bomber Command Southern Colonies No. 179 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Sayata, ca. 1937

This is a Blenheim 1MB(F).I (Blenheim Mk IF) heavy fighter, the version of the Mk I didn't have a glazed nose for a bomb-aimer, and had a gun pack of 4 0.303 guns under the fuselage, this is a Blenheim 1B(F).I of Fighter Command Eastern Colonies No. 194 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Ramayat, ca. 1938

This is a Blenheim 1MB.II (Blenheim Mk IV), which entered service in 1939, of Bomber Command Northern Colonies No. 109 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Jurst, ca. 1939

This is a Blenheim 1MB.II* (Blenheim Mk IVL), the * indicated a minor change to the design, in this case adding a lower turret under the nose, this Blenheim Mk II* is of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 38 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF Felton ca. 1940

This is a Blenheim 1MB(F).II heavy night fighter, this one is of No. 16 (Night Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Hamchurch, ca. 1940

This is a Heyford 2MB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 15 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Clearing, ca. 1937

The Heyford continued to be used as a Home Islands-based bomber until 1942, with Coastal Command using the torpedo bomber variant until 1943, after being replaced in Home Islands squadrons they were sent to the colonies to keep an eye on the natives and bomb them if necessary, they were also used as trainers, one still flies with No. 198 (Training) Flight RIWAF, based at RIWAF Dune in the Western Colonies

Handley Page Harrow, the Harrow, known locally as the Harrow 1MB, started to enter service in 1937 and was one of three bombers to start replacing the Heyford in Home Islands squadrons, the others being the Whitley and the Wellesley. Harrows served in front-line Home Islands bomber squadrons until 1951, when some were transferred to bomber training squadrons whilst the others were transferred to the colonies to serve as colonial bombers, trainers and transport planes, like the similar Bombay, which looked very similar to the Harrow, some Harrows are still in service in the colonies, such as with Transport Command Southern Colonies No. 1028 Flight RIWAF, based at RIWAF Ramali.
This is a Harrow 1MB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 214 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF - J Section, based at RIWAF Overton, ca. late 1937

The Whitley 1MB began to enter service in 1937, and as with the Harrow and Wellesley, was a replacement for the Heyford in Home Islands squadrons, and was in Home Islands front-line bomber service until 1955, when they were relegated to training and second-line bomber squadrons, and to the colonies for bomber, training and transport service there. A few transport and bombers are in service, such as with Bomber Command Western Colonies No. 391 (Bomber) Flight RIWAF at RIWAF Michaeltown.
This is a Whitley 1MB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 72 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Horsley, ca. 1937

The Hendon 1HB, the Hendon was only used in small numbers, and started to enter service in 1937, the first Hendon entered service with No. 8 Operation Training Unit RIWAF, based at RIWAF Wenford, in March 1937, the Hendon then entered service with 4 bomber squadrons, only a few months later the Whitley entered service, the Whitley had superior performance, and were preferred over the Hendon, the Hendon saw front-line Home Islands bomber service until 1941, when they were handed over to training squadrons and colonial bomber squadrons. One Hendon survives at the Imperial RIWAF Museum, based at New Kensington Airfield, a former RIWAF base located on the outskirts of New London. Hendons were also supplied to the Qaran Air Force during the Qaran Revolution of 1937-1939, Qara used the Hendon into the 1960s.
This is a Hendon 1HB.I of No. 8 Operational Training Unit RIWAF, based at RIWAF Wenford, ca. 1937

The Hinaidi 2HB, a 1920s bomber which was used until around 1937, this is one of the Hinaidis of No. 27 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, which was based at RIWAF Kedagad in the early 1930s, and saw service during the 1933 Saqan Uprising, most notably during the Defence of Kedagad, where they took part in airstrikes against Saqan rebels to break the rebel chain round the city. Hinaidi bombers were supplied to Qara, where they were used to bomb rebels with a large degree of success, usually with effectively no resistance. Hindaidis are believed to have been used by Qara as frontline bombers in the late 1940s, then relegated to trainers during the 1950s. A Hinaidi survives at the Imperial RIWAF Museum, and occasionally performs flying displays.

In 1936 the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber entered service with the RIWAF and RIWFAA as the Swordfish 2B(T), during the 1940s the Swordfish design was developed to fill other roles, these being a dive bomber, ASW bomber, a ground attack bomber armed with cannons or rockets and a fighter-bomber with extra forward-firing guns and cannons.
This is a Swordfish 2B(T).I of No. 804 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Watby Head, ca. 1936

In 1939 the Fairey Battle entered service with the RIWAF as the Battle 1LB.I, the Battle saw action in the later period of the Qaran Rebellion of 1937-1939, in which they were very successful, being able to bomb the Qaran rebels (who possessed next to no planes of AA guns) with impunity, Battles were supplied to the Qaran Air Force, the Battle served in the Third Snow War, in which it was largely successful. However, despite these early successes the Battle took heavier damage during the Saqan Mercenary War of 1941, in stood very little chance against the A6M Zero a year later if unescorted by fighters, due to their obsolescence Battles were kept away from the main landing force, and were used to bomb solitary ships, RIWAF and SLIAF Battles also took heavy damage during the simultaneous Winterland Campaign of 1942-1943. Most Battles were finally relegated to the colonies during 1943-1944, though a few remained in the Home Islands as trainers and target tugs, Battles were also passed to native aviation brigades of Wardie land's colonies.

A Fairey Battle of No. 33 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF Eston, ca. 1940

In 1935 the Supermarine Walrus entered service with the RIWAF and RIWFAA as the Walrus 2FPB, the 2FPB.I variant was a metal-hulled variant, whilst the 2FPB.II was a wooden-hulled variant. The standard variants could be equipped with 100 lb bombs or 2,250 lb bombs, or 2,250 lb depth charges, but a torpedo bomber variant existed, this was the Walrus 2FPB.III, the Mk III variant could carry two 18-inch torpedoes, one under each lower wing.

RIWAF Walruses (and some RIWFAA ones) have wheels, and can land on carriers, they have wheels as they are usually operated from airfields, RIWFAA and Coastal Command Walruses don't usually have wheels, as they are usually catapult-launched from cruisers or operated from harbours, wheeled models are operated from royal naval air stations. However, with a fully-retractable undercarriage wheeled Walruses can operate from both land and sea.

The Walrus is renowned for being very rugged and reliable, and as such they are commonly operated in the colonies.
This is a Walrus 2FPB.I of No. 79 (Coastal Patrol) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lamakkyatak in the southern colonies, ca. 2013

In late 1931 the Fairey Gordon entered service with the RIWAF as the Porpoise 2LB.V, the Mk V was a lighter and faster version of the Mk IV of 1928, but with a range of only 521 nautical miles, had less than half the range the Mk IV had, the Mk IVD having a range of 1,313 nautical miles, and thus the Mk V never completely replaced the Mk IV, especially in the colonial patrol and policing role. The Seal 2LB.I was the navalised variant of the Porpoise 2LB.V
A Porpoise 2LB.V of No. 710 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Tenggyan, ca. 1932

In 1932 the Hawker Fury entered service with the RIWAF as the Fury 2F, the Fury was liked by pilots, and saw front-line Home Islands service until the early 1940s, when the Home Islands-based Furies were sent to the colonies, where some are still in service.

The Fury 2F.II differed from the Mk I by having a cantilever undercarriage.
A Fury 2F.I of No. 44 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Little Vensea, ca. 1933

A Fury 2F.I of No. 129 (Fighter) Wing RIWAF, based at RIWAF Bolakikapan, ca. 1934

A Fury 2F.II of No. 4 Squadron of No. 1 Wing RIWAF, based at RIWAF Rengyaka, ca. 1937

A Fury 2F.II of No. 2 Flight of No. 4 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Rengyaka, ca. 1942

In 1937 the Hawker Hurricane entered service as the Hurricane 1LF, they were used until the early 1950s, with a few still seeing service today, in the colonies.

A Hurricane 1LF.I, ca. 1937

Newly camouflaged Hurricane 1LF.Is with pilots and maintenance crews during an inspection, ca. 1938

In 1939 the Hurricane was modified, a three-bladed metal propeller replaced the original two-bladed wooden one, this was the Hurricane 1F.I* (the * indicated a minor change)
Cocktail and Class, the personal Hurricane 1F.I* S/L Michael Ward of No. 77 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF in flight over Sjakav Vale, ca. 1940

A Hurricane 1F.I* "P is for Pink" of Elizabeth Carpenter of No. 44 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, ca. March 1942

A Hurricane 1F.I* of No. 30 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Greater Litlow, ca. 1940

In 1936 the Martin B-10 and the Douglas B-18 Bolo entered service with the RIWAF as the Daxton 1MB.I and the Bolo 1MB.I, respectively, they were modern bombers when they entered service, but quickly became fairly obsolete by the 1940s, despite this they were used in quite large numbers until the 1970s, when many were withdraw from military service or converted to transports.

This is a Daxton 1MB.I of Bomber Command Western Colonies No. 57 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF Malatayana, ca. 1936 (note early Daxtons and Bolos were unpainted, camouflage wasn't applied to them until the later part of 1937)

This is a Daxton 1MB.II of Bomber Command Southern Colonies No. 131 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Karanau, ca. 1938

This is a Bolo 1MB.I of Coastal Command Home Islands No. 88 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Shiptown Harbour, ca. 1936

Several French designs entered service with the RIWAF in the 1930s, these were the Bleriot-SPAD S.510 (Shelduck 2F), Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 (Bull 1F), Bloch MB.150 (Sakerfalcon 1F), Potez 630 (Yexsham 1HFB/Yexsham 1LB), Breguet 690 (Hornet 1HF), Breguet 460 (Vulture 1MB), Potez 540 (Churchtown 1LB), Amiot 143 (Manscliffe 1MB), Amiot 354 (Tuxton 1MB), Farman NC.223 (Eston 1HB) and the Lioré et Olivier LeO 45 (Uxworth 1MB).

This is a Shelduck 2F, which entered service in 1936, this is a Shelduck 2F.I of No. 4 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Dalekirk, ca. 1936

This is a Bull 1F.I of Fighter Command Home Islands No. 5 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, part of the Imperial Home Air Force, based at RIWAF Hecton-under-Hill, ca. 1939

This is a Sakerfalcon 1F.II of Fighter Command Home Islands No. 26 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Ugglethwaite-on-Ouse, ca. 1939

This is a Yexsham 1LB.I of Bomber Command Western Colonies No. 7 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Laiho, ca. 1938

This is a Yexsham 1HFB.I of Fighter Command Home Islands No. 319 (Fighter) Squadrorn RIWAF, based at RIWAF Vushivov, ca. late 1939

This is a Hornet 1HF.I of Fighter Command Home Islands No. 181 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Northmere, ca. 1939

This is a Vulture 1MB.I of Bomber Command Northern Colonies No. 151 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Jylsdorf, ca. 1937

This is a Churchtown 1LB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 19 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Snetton Bridge, ca. 1934

The Manscliffe 1MB (Amiot 143) entered service in 1935, initially serving as a day or night bomber, as well as a transport and long-range recon plane, the Manscliffe was removed from day bombing service in 1937 as more modern aircraft took over the role, the Manscliffe was already obsolete as a bomber by the Qaran Rebellion of 1937, in which they served in the day bomber role with little resistance, most of the Manscliffes had been sent off to the colonies by this point, as they were obsolete, serving in colonial squadrons, native air forces and sold to Wardie land's allies.

The heavily obsolete Manscliffe bombers also served in the Third Snow War, where they were limited to night bombing, they mostly served on the Eastern Front, where they were safe from Snow Land's more modern fighters, which were stationed on the Western Front, whilst on the Eastern Front they met some of Snow Land's more obsolete types, such as the Polikarpov I-1, I-3 and I-5. 143s also briefly served in the Saqan Mercenary War in the bomber role, but were universally removed from bomber service early on the war, the Amiot 143s continued to serve as transports into the 1950s.

This is a Tuxton 1MB.I of Bomber Command Western Colonies No. 75 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Yagumbo, ca. December 1939

This is an Uxworth 1MB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 4 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Colonytown, ca. August 1938

This is an Eston 1HB.I of No. 4 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Mallamere, ca. late 1937

This is an Eston 1HB.II of No. 24 (Night Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Tunneton, ca. 1940

In 1939 the Latécoère 298 entered service as the Razorfish 1PHy(TF), the Dogfish was used by both the RIWAF and the RIWFAA. The Dogfish was meant to be a torpedo bomber, but also served as a dive bomber, the (Razorfish 1PHy(DB), recon plane, and even as a torpedo fighter.
A Razorfish 1PHy(TF).I of No. 19 (Patrol) Squadron, based at RIWAF Mallard Lake, ca. 1939

Also in 1939, the very pretty Loire-Nieuport LN.401 entered service with the RIWAF and RIWFAA as the Auk 1DB, the Auk served as both a dive bomber and a fighter.
An Auk 1DB.I of No. 9 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Jackby, ca. 1939

There were a couple of Polish designs in service as well, like the unlicenced copy of the PZL.37, the Elk 1MB, as well as the PZL P.7 (Gull 1F.I), the PZL P.11 (Gull 1F.IV), the PZL P.24 (Gull 1F.VI), the Lublin R-XIII (NLAC Lublin 13), the Lublin R-XVI (Lublin XVI) and the PZL.23 Karaś (Carp 1LB).

This is an Elk 1MB.II of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 10 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Relham, ca. 1939

This is the Gull 1F.I, the Gull 1F.I entered service in 1933 and was pretty advanced in the early 1930s, the Gull 1F.II and 1F.III was a re-engined variant and a variant with 4 machine guns respectively. The first generation of the Gull was eclipsed by the second generation, the Gull 1F.IV, in 1935, and was replaced in home fighter squadrons, first generation Gulls served in the colonies as patrol fighters, and a couple still do.
Thia is a Gull 1F.I of Fighter Command Home Islands No. 31 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Westby, ca. 1933

This is the Gull 1F.IV, the successor to the first generation Gull - like the 1st gen Gull there is a variant with a different engine and more guns, this is the Gull 1F.V, this variant uses a local Wardie National Aircraft Co. E-VII Viper, as well as 6 machine guns (one in each wing, two in upper engine cowling and two in lower engine cowling). Afer the 1F.IV and V caused their direct 1st gen ancestor to be relegated to being a colonial fighter they became one of the most advanced fighters in the RIWAF, their high position lasted for around two years, when the third generation Gull 1F.VI was introduced in 1937, although the Gull Mk IV was relegated to being a colonial fighter soon after the Mk VI appeared the Mk V continued to serve on home island fighter squadrons until around 1944, until the final Mk Vs were relegated to the colonies.
This is a Gull 1F.IV of Fighter Command Home Islands No. 29 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF New Fulford, ca. 1937

This is the Gull 1F.VI, the Mk VI appeared in 1937, and started to replace the 2nd generation Gulls (the Mk IV and V) in home islands fighter squadrons soon after entering service, but it wasnt until 1944 that the Mk VI had totally replaced the 2nd generation Gulls in the home islands and relegated them to the colonies. There were only two variants, the Mk VI, and the Mk VII, which used a more powerful locally built engine, they spawned the Gull 1F.VIII, the final generation of the Gull lineage, but this fighter looked majorly different to the other Gulls, the Mk VIII shared little in common with its ancestors.
This is a Gull 1F.VI of the Fighter Command Eastern Colonies No. 92 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Bolakikapan, ca. 1939

This is the Carp 1LB, the PZL.43 was a Polish light bomber and recon plane that was built as an export variant of the PZL.23 Karaś (Crucian Carp), since the PZL.23 used Bristol engines licenced only for use in Poland, meaning PZL produce a variant equipped with a Gnome-Rhóne engine for export, in Wardie land the PZL.43 was built as the Carp 1LB, production started in 1937 with the Carp 1LB.I (PZL.43), this was later updated as the Carp 1LB.II (PZL.43A), which had a more powerful Gnome-Rhóne 14N-01 engine. the Carp 1LB was equipped with 2x 0.303 Vickers K machine guns in the nose, with a single Vickers K in the rear upper section and one in the underbelly section, and could carry up to 1,540 lbs of bombs. The Sea Carp 1LB.I was a projected navalised variant which never came to fruition. Carp 1LBs served in the Qaran Rebellion, Third Snow War and the Saqan Mercenary War, despite it being obsolete by 1939.

This is the NLAC Lublin 13, the Plage i Laśkiewicz (Lublin) R-XIII was an army cooperation plane which had a parasol wing and was powered by a Wright Whirlwind J-5, their main duties was observation and recon, but a few were later modified into light bombers. The Lublin 13 began production by New London Aeronautical Company as the NLAC Lublin 13 Mk I (R-XIIIB) in 1932, then in 1933 the most numerous variant was produced, the NLAC Lublin 13 Mk II (R-XIIID), which introduced a Townend ring on a radial engine, and a new engine cowling. The NLAC Lublin 13 Mk III was a modification which had small bomb racks installed under the wings, for a couple of 25 lb bombs under each wing, or a single 100 lb bomb under each wing. The Lublin 13s entered RIWAF service in 1932, and served in the Qaran Rebellion, Third Snow War, as well as the Saqan Mercenary War. By the time of the Third Snow War they were horribly obsolete, they were slow, with a maximum speed of just 116 mph, and the aircraft's rearward-firing 1x (or 2x) 0.303 Lewis (or Vickers K) machine gun(s) were off little defence against the more modern Snowlandian fighters, and even bombers.

This is the Lublin XVI, the Plage i Laśkiewicz (Lublin) R-XVI was a small series of one-engine passenger, light transport and air ambulance aircraft, only 7 were built by Poland, with more substantial (200 airframes) production undertaken by Wardie land Aircraft Corporation as the Lublin XVI 1C.I, with locally-built 240hp 9-cylinder Wright Whirland J-5s, between 1935 and 1937, the Lublin XVI Mk 1C.II had the Wright Whirlwind J-5 replaced with locally-built 550hp 9-cylinder Bristol Jupiter engine. Lublin 16s served the RIWAF, the Qaran Air Force, the Snowlandian Pro-Empire Front Air Corps and the Snowlandian Imperial Air Force as light transports.

They also served as air ambulances, both military and civilian, Lublin XVIs also served Wardie land Imperial Airways as light passenger aircraft. Lublin 16s served in the Qaran Rebellion, Third Snow War and in the Saqan Mercenary War, by the time of the Third Snow War in 1939 they were already obsolete, and were easily intercepted by Snowlandian fighters, meaning they were largely relegated to service in the rear, since they had to be constantly escorted by fighters during transport missions on the front. During the Third Snow War the Lublin XVI Mk 1C.III, this version had a dorsal machine gun position, as well as 2x 0.303 Vickers K machine guns firing out a window on each side of the cabin, an experimental light bomber variant, the Lublin XVI 1LB.I, was trialled, but didn't enter large-scale production, the few Mk 1LB.Is that were built did see some service however, mainly on night harassment raids, they weren't hard to shoot down with AA, however. A few Lublin XVIs are still in service with small, private transport firms, as well as with isolated hospitals deep in the colonies.

A Lublin XVI 1C.I of the Imperial Northern Air Force, served in the Third Snow War ca. 1939-1940

Some Italian planes were also bought and used by the RIWAF, like the Caproni Ca.310, Breda Ba.65 and the Fiat CR.32

The Breda Ba.65 entered service with the RIWAF in 1938 as the Godwit 1LB.I single-seat light bomber, in 1939 the design was modified to include a turret for more protection, this was the Godwit 1LB.II, the Godwit served all over Wardie land, but mostly served in the western colonies, a couple are still in colonial service.

A Godwit 1LB.I of 7 Flight - No. 167 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Wasalam, ca. 1938

A Godwit 1LB.II of 2 Flight - No. 102 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Teresaam, ca. 1939

Also in 1938 the Caproni Ca.310 entered service as the Curlew 1LB, the 1LB.I had a longer nose than the following Curlew 1LB.II and smaller dorsal turret than the one found on the Mk II variant. In 1941 the Curlew 1FPB.I entered service, this was a floatplane development of the Curlew 1LB.I

A Curlew 1LB.I of 8 Flight - No. 18 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lasango, ca. 1938

A Curlew 1LB.II of No. 607 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Whitmere, ca. 1943

A Curlew 1FPB.I of No. 23 (Coastal) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Sunfish Atoll, ca. 1942

In 1936 the Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 entered service with the RIWAF as the Sparrow 1MB, and a torpedo bomber version, the Sparrow 1MB(T), was used by the RIWFAA and RIWAF Coastal Command. The SM.79 was primarily used in the western colonies.
A Sparrow 1MB.I of No. 444 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, part of the Imperial Independent Night Bomber Force, based at RIWAF Little Dodsworth, ca. 1941

A Sparrow 1MB(T).I of No. 591 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF Coastal Command, seen here conducting a torpedo attack against a Japanese cargo ship, ca. 1942

In 1938 the design of the Sparrow was updated, closely following that of the Romanian IAR.79 upgrade, this bomber was the Sparrow 1MB.II found more widespread use than the original Sparrow.
A Sparrow 1MB.II of No. 136 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Kraav, ca. 1938

A year after the Sparrow entered service, in 1937 the Savoia-Marchetti SM.81, a development of the SM.79, entered service with the RIWAF as the Bat 1MB
A Bat 1MB.I of 3rd Flight - No. 202 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Andon, ca. 1939

The Fiat CR.32 entered service in 1935 as the Martin 2F.
A Martin 2F.I of 3rd Flight of No. 51 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Sogakya, ca. 1935

In late 1939 the descendant of the CR.32 entered service with the RIWAF, the Fiat CR.42 Falco, as the Falcon 2F, in 1940 the next variant entered service, a fighter-bomber version, the Falcon 2FB.I, which could carry two 100 lb or 200 lb bombs (one under each wing), or a single 250 lb bomb under the fuselage, the Falco 2NF.I was a night-fighter variant. Falcon 2F and 2FBs served during the Third Snow War, and made a good name for themselves.

A Falcon 2NF.I of No. 3 (Night Fighter) Squadron, ca. 1940-1941

A Falcon 2F.I of No. 128 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF El Mirrya in north-western Saqa, ca. 1941

A Falcon 2F.I of No. 33 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF New Chelsea, ca. 1943, No. 33 (F) Squadron operated the Falcon 2F from 1941 until 1946.

A couple of German planes were bought in the 30s, such as the Henschel Hs 123, 30 Hs 123 Fighter-Bombers were bought in 1937 and were given the local designation Diver 2LB, the Mk I had two 0.303 inch guns in the upper engine cowling, and could carry up to 992 lbs of bombs under the wings, the under-wing bomb racks could be replaced with one 0.79 inch cannon under each wing. The Diver 2LB.II was a Mk I with wheel spats, the Diver 2LB.III had an extra two 0.303 guns in the lower engine cowling, whilst the 2LB.IV was a 2LB.III with an enclosed cockpit and heater for service in the northern colonies.

A Diver 2LB.I of No. 55 (Fighter-Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Chelham, ca. 1937

A Diver 2LB.II of No. 11 (Fighter-Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Malayakto in the southern colonies, ca. 1939

In 1938 the Ju-87 entered service as the Stuka 1DB, the first variant to see service with the RIWAF was the Ju-87B-1, which was called Stuka 1DB.I by Wardie National Aircraft Co.

A Stuka 1DB.I of No. 3 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Tree Valley, ca. 1938

The Arado Ar 196 entered service in 1939 with the RIWAF and RIWFAA as the Backswimmer 1FPB

A Backswimmer 1FPB.I of No. 287 (Patrol) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Frost Lake, ca. 1939

A Backswimmer 1FPB.I of No. 99 (Patrol) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWNAS Yakkanak Island, ca. 1941

In 1937 the Arado Ar 68 entered service with a few RIWAF fighter squadrons as the Hawkbat 1F. The Hawkbat entered service at the same time as the Hurricane and the Gladiator, and was quite outmatched with an armament consisting of only 2 machine guns, compared to the Gladiator's 4 and the Hurricane'e 8. The Hawkbat was used in front-line fighter service in the Home Islands until 1942, but saw service in the colonies until 1945. The Hawkbat also saw service as a night fighter up to 1941, after being completed supplanted by more modern night fighters.

A Hawkbat 1F.I (Arado Ar-68E) of No. 92 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF Knetton Common, ca. 1937

A Hawkbat 1F.I of No. 2 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF Becklands, ca. 1939

A Hawkbat 1F.I of No. 199 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF New Haworth, ca. 1941

A Hawkbat 1F.I of No. 449 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Damakh Serginu, ca. 1944

In 1938 Wardie land purchased 50 Heinkel He-112B-0s from the Heinkel company, the He-112 was one of the most advanced and modern fighters in RIWAF service at the time, He-112s served in the Third Snow War of 1939-1940, where they often dominated the usually inferior Snow Land aircraft. He-112s also saw action through-out the Pacific War. He-112s were used as frontline fighters into either the late 1940s, or possibly the early 1950s. Surviving He-112s are shared amongst aviation museums and private fliers, the Imperial RIWAF Museum owns two, one which is a static display, and another which flies during displays. The He-112B-0 was designated Buzzard 1F.I

American 1930s fighters were also in service, like the Curtiss-Wright CW-21 "Demon" which entered service in 1939 as the Succubus 1F. As a local-built CW-21, the Succubus was an interceptor and not built as a dogfighter. The Succubus, was meant to be a bomber interceptor, to use her incredible rate of climb to get above bombers and dive on them, and then use the notable rate of climb to escape from enemy fighters.

A Succubus 1F.I of No. 383 Flight RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lamanah Sekayat, in the eastern colonies, ca. 1940

Also the Seversky P-35 was used, and was designated Dragonette 1F, after the first group to receive the P-35, E Flight of No. 8 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF "Dragonette Flight", in 1937.

A Dragonette 1F.I of E Flight - No. 8 (Fighter) Squadron RIwAF "Dragonette Flight", based at RIWAF Marefeld, ca. August 1940

The F2A Buffalo entered service in 1941 asthe Buffalo 1F, the Buffalo originally saw service with the RIWFAA as well as the RIWAF, but the Buffalo proved too heavy for carrier operations, so the RIWFAA withdrew them from their escort carrier fighter squadrons, the ex-carrier fighter Buffalos were either given to land-based naval fighter squadrons, or to the RIWAF.

Quickly deemed obsolete for Home Islands service, the RIWAF typically used the Buffalo in the colonies.
A Buffalo 1F.I in flight over Capital Island, ca. 1941



A Buffalo 1F.I wearing a type of northern colonies camo, ca. 1943

The Buffalo was hated by pilots and ground crew, the Buffalo had a tendency to overheat in hot weather, but this wasn't so much of an issue in the Northern Colonies, the Buffalo had several nicknames like the "Flying Coffin", "Fatty" and the "Winged Barrel".

The RIWAF during WW2 and the start of the Cold War - 1940-1949

At the start of the 1940s the RIWAF had modernised and had largely moved onto monoplanes. The Spitfire, Hurricane and similar planes were entering more wide-spread service, the start of the 40s saw the Imperial Northern Air Force fighting the second half of the Snow War, which ended at the end of January 1940.

In late 1942 a new roundel style was adopted the "Wardie land Aerial National Marking Style Type 1942", this was Wardie land's new national roundel style, it featured the same 1937-type upper wing and fuselage yellow-banded roundel, and under wing roundel except with the red circle being replaced with a red Eagle, a stylised version of the Imperial Eagle. However this roundel type wasn't standard until 1946, so it was possible to find both roundel types in service, with the older style roundels being most common until about 1945.

There was peace for a year and a half until mid 1941, when trouble flared up in Saqa again, a mercenary air force, on the pay roll of several former leaders of the 1933 Saqan Uprising, launced an attack against IDAF (Imperial Desert Air Force) bases in Saqa, the mercenaries were beaten, the traitorous rebel leaders were then killed when the RIWAF found their base and bombed it.

On the 25th May 1942 Japan, one of Wardie land's closer allies, attempted to launch an invasion, the RIWAF launched heavy bombers, medium bombers, dive bombers and torpedo bombers against the invasion fleet, some bombers were shot down by AA fire.

During 1942-1945 the RIWAF took part in the Pacific War, in both the Pacific and in the South-East Asian theatres, the RIWAF received several different models of captured Japanese aircraft during the war, some of which went on to see active military service, such as in Korea, for example. Whilst the more obsolete models served in passive roles, such as training, such as the Mitsubishi Ki-21. Because Japanese uses a completely different writing system to Western languages Japanese language experts had to translate the instrument panels, typically a translation was stuck over the Japanese writing, though on occasion entire instrument panels were taken out and refitted with ones produced with English writing and imperial units, though this was less common.

During the second half of the 1940s the RIWAF was increasingly looking at jet aircraft, though many remained unconvinced, and propeller aircraft remained the most common until the 1960s. The RIWAF received its first jet in 1946, when it received some Gloster Meteors, this was soon followed by some Lockhead P-80A Shooting Stars.

In 1940 both the Jezik 1MB and Morscuvoy 1MB entered service, which were Ilyushin DB-3s and Tupolev SBs, respectively, that had been captured from Snow Land. There were two main variants of Jezik and Morscuvoy bombers, the Jezik 1MB.I, which was the Ilyushin DB-3, the Jezik 1MB.II, which was the Ilyushin DB-3F/Il-4 the Morscuvoy 1MB.I, which was the SB-2M-100A, which had Klimov M-100A radial engines, and the Morscuvoy 1MB.II, which was the SB-2M-103, and had Klimov M-103 inline engines. Both bombers served in the Saqan Mercenary War, and during the Pacific War. They were obsolete by this time, and often took casualties to Japanese fighters.

This is a Jezik 1MB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 11 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Sentry Mount, ca. 1941

This is a Jezik 1MB(T).I of Coastal Command Eastern Colonies No. 5 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Salk Tehn, ca. 1940

This is a Jezik 1MB.II of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 7 (Bomber) Wing RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lenham, ca. 1940

This is a Jezik 1MB(T).II of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 8 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Barracuda Island, ca. 1943

This is a Morscuvoy 1MB.I of an unidentified squadron, ca. 1941-1942

This is a Morscuvoy 1MB.I of an unidentified Operational Training Unit, ca. 1940-1943

This is a Morscuvoy 1MB.I of No. 101 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF El Marrassa in Saqa Colony, ca. 1941

This is a Morscuvoy 1MB.I of No. 119 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF Miryanna in Saqa, ca. 1941

This is a Morscuvoy 1MB.II of No. 22 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF Setton, ca. 1941

A couple of early 1940s French designs entered service with the RIWAF, like the Bloch MB.174 (local variant known as the Yexsham 1LB.II, due to effectively being just a redesigned and re-engine Yexsham 1LB.I which entered service in the late 1930s).

This is a Yexsham 1LB.II of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 3 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Hill City, ca. June 1940

In 1940 the Reggiane Re 2000 entered service with the RIWAF as the Wardie National Aircraft Co. Falcon 1F.I, they served through-out Wardie land, in Home Islands and colonial squadrons. The Falcon 1F.I used two .5 machine guns, usually the 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT which they were shipped with, though occasionally the more common .50 M2 gun. the Falcon 1F.II is a local upgrade of the 1F.I, the 1F.II is basically a Falcon 1F.I with a thicker wing, which means it can take 2 0.303 or .5 machine guns in each wing, as well as a 30 lb bomb under each wing. The Falcon served during the later part of the Third Snow War, in January 1940, as well as during the Saqan Mercenary War of 1941. The Falcon 1NF.I was a night-fighter variant. All Falcons were built with modified controls and instrument panels, the throttle was reversed from the original throttle to the standard forward-to-open throttle systems, and the instrument dials were in English with Imperial measurements.

A Falcon 1NF.I of No. 7 (Night Fighter) Squadron, ca. 1941

The shark-mouthed Falcon 1F.I of Squadron Leader Jonathon Knight, commander of No. 120 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF Derina, ca. 1941

A Falcon 1F.I of No. 39 (Fighter) Squadron, ca. 1941

A Falcon 1F.I of No. 9 (Fighter) Squadron, ca. 1942

A Falcon 1F.I of No. 188 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF Linsk in western Winterland, ca. 1942

In early 1942 a Falcon 1F was involved in the trials of one of the strangest weapons in RIWAF history, that weapon being a system designed to destroy bombers from above by raining bomblets on them, codenamed Fire Hail. Fire Hail consisted of two bomblet dispensers, each containing 44x 4lb bomblets, the pilot was expected to fly over the top of the enemy bomber and drop bomblets on it, blowing it out of the sky.

On 17th March 1942 the trial of Fire Hail took place, in a which the Falcon 1F(BD).P-0/1 of No. 1001 (Experimental Aircraft) Flight dropped its payload on a Whale 1D(P).I piloted drone, blowing one of its wings off. Despite the success of the trial Fire Hail did not see continued development for the Falcon, it was considered too difficult for a Falcon pilot to maintain position over the top of an enemy bomber, which would be evading and shooting back, a modification with a downwards-facing bombsight was trialled, the Falcon 1F(BD).P-1/1, though the RIWAF Imperial Air Command decided to cancel Fire Hail.

The Falcon 1F(BD).P-0/1 of No. 1001 (Experimental Aircraft) Flight RIWAF conducting the test of Fire Hail, 17th March 1942.

30 Saab 18s were bought from Saab in 1944, they entered service as the WNA Co. Silwick 1MB, the 1MB.II is a re-engine variant, whilst the Silwick 1MB(T).I is a torpedo bomber variant, Silwicks can be found in service in the colonies and with some Home Islands squadrons.

This is a Silwick 1MB.I of Bomber Command Home Islands No. 59 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Prestkirk, ca. 1945

In the early 1940s the 1930s passenger plane, the Dragon Rapide entered service with the RIWAF, RIWAAC and RIWFAA as the Dominie, the Dominie in RIWAF and RIWFAA service was called Dominie 2CC(C) (denoting Communications and Transport), however in RIWAAC service the Dominie was known as the Dominie 2AL.

The Dominie was developed into a transport bomber, and a recon plane. Dominie recon planes and transport bombers were frequently used in the colonies, and some are still in use.

This is a Dominie 2CC(C).I of No. 101 (Liaison) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Sengnan, ca. 1941

In 1940 the decision to buy the A6M Zero was reached, the Zero 1F, as the A6M was named in Wardie land service, was both a carrier fighter for the RIWFAA and a land-based fighter for the RIWAF, the RIWFAA also used a seaplane variant. The RIWAF Zeroes were supplemented by another Japanese fighter design, the Ki-43 Oscar, in 1941. Some Zeroes were later captured during the Pacific War, especially during the latter part of it, when Japan was forced to fly them from land bases due to the lack of carriers. A few RIWAF Zeroes saw limited action in the Korean War, primarily in the fighter-bomber role, they also conducted strafing runs against light vehicles and airbases.
A Zero 1F.I of No. 52 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Gosdale, ca. 1940

A Zero 1F.I of No. 612 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Blizzard in the northern colonies, ca. 1944

A Zero 1F.I in flight over a Home Islands coastline, ca. 1941

Also in 1940 Wardie land purchased some Mitsubishi G4M1s, Wardie land liked the range and speed of the G4M, though the RIWAF crews didn't like the lack of armour or self-sealing fuel tanks, RIWAF crews began calling the G4M by its popular Allied nicknames - "Betty" and the "One-Shot Lighter". Despite its cons the G4M remained in service, G4Ms torpedoed the landing ships that attempted to invade Wardie land, and bombed Japanese island bases, one positive of using the G4M was that the Japanese often did not realise that the G4M force was not Japanese until it was too late, on the flip side of the coin Wardie land G4Ms were occasionally attacked by friendly ground forces or fighters.

During the war several G4M2s were captured at bases in the Pacific and South-East Asia, the G4M2 had revised armament which meant that the defensive guns were more effective. Both G4M1s and G4M2s served in the Pacific War and, in limited numbers, in Korea. The G4M1 was designated Betty 1MB.I, whilst the G4M2 was designated Betty 1MB.II

A Betty 1MB.I in flight over Korea, ca. 1950

In late 1941 Wardie land purchased 20 Nakajima Ki-43-Ia Oscar fighters, these were designated Oscar 1F.I, this was equipped with 2x 7.7mm (0.303) Type 89 machine guns, a copy of the Vickers Type E machine gun, and used a round almost identical to the 0.303 British round, Wardie land's most common round. Later, some Ki-43s were captured in South-East Asia, these were of three different variants, the Ki-43-Ic (designated Oscar 1F.II), the Ki-43-IIa (designated Oscar 1FB.I) and the Ki-43-IIb (designated Oscar 1FB.II). A few of the captured Oscars later served in Korea as fighter-bombers.

The Ki-43 was popular for its speed and manoeuvrability, as well as its light weight and easiness to fly, however it was criticised for its lack of armour or self-sealing fuel tanks, as was a common complaint about Japanese aircraft.

An Oscar 1F.I of No. 355 (Enemy Aircraft) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Snow Land City, ca. 1941

An Oscar 1F.I of No. 351 (Enemy Aircraft) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF St. Benjamin's, ca. 1942

An Oscar 1FB.I of an unknown pilot and unknown squadron in flight over Korea, believed to be late 1950 or early 1951, note the kill tally.

During the South-East Asia theatre Wardie land succeeded in capturing several Nakajima Ki-44 Shouki fighters, most Ki-44s were shipped back to the Home Islands for examination, though a few remained in South-East Asia for field testing, the Ki-44 was generally well thought of by RIWAF pilots, they didn't like poor visibility when on the ground or high landing speed, though they did like the climbing and diving speeds, they also liked the armament of 4x 12.7mm (.5 inches) machine guns, or 2x .5 inch machine guns and 2x 20mm (0.79 inch) cannons, later in the war the Ki-44 was used by Japanese home defence air units to successfully intercept B-29 Superfortress bombers, this fact further increased the RIWAF's interest in making use of the Ki-44, the Ki-44-I was designated Tojo 1F.I, whilst the Ki-44-IIb was designated Tojo 1F.II. the Tojo saw limited action in Korea, primarily as a bomber interceptor, proving useful against North Korean Il-10 and Tu-2 bombers.

A Tojo of No. 122 (Fighter Squadron) ca. 1950, this aircraft was formerly operated by No. 350 (Enemy Aircraft) Squadron from 1945 to 1947, 122 sqn later joined the Korean Expeditionary Air Force, Wardie land's aviation contingent in Korea, in 1950, 122 sqn Tojos saw action as bomber interceptors, particularly of the Il-10 and Tu-2, a role for which they were well suited.

Another Japanese plane captured in South-East Asia was the Kawasaki Ki-45, this main variant that was captured was the Ki-45-Kai-Ko (designated Nick 1HF.I, this was followed by the Ki-45-Kai-Hei (designated Nick 1HF.II, of which a dozen were captured from a large supply of abandoned Ki-45s in Singapore in September 1945. Both variants of the Ki-45 saw limited action in the Korean War, primarily as a second-line bomber interceptor, though also serve as a frontline interceptor in less hostile regions, where interception by North Korean fighters was unlikely. A few also served as light ground-attack aircraft, used for strafing enemy troop formations and light vehicles.

A Nick 1HF.I flying low over the sea just off the Korean coastline, ca. 1950-1951

The Douglas Boston (A-20 Havoc) entered service in 1940 with the RIWAF, the first variant to enter service with the RIWAF was the Boston Mk III (DB-7B), as the Boston 1LB.I, this was followed by the Boston Mk IIIA (A-20C), which entered service as the Boston 1LB.I*. Following the British designation system, night-fighter variants were referred to as the Havoc. Despite the Havocs being dedicated heavy fighters, there were cases of Bostons acting as fighters as well, such as during the attempted Japanese invasion of the Home Islands in May 1942, some Boston 1LB.I*s used their appreciable speed to hunt down Japanese bombers which were on their way to bomb Capital Bay following the expenditure of their ordnance, the Boston's four 0.303 Browning fixed forward-firing guns were found to be particularly successful against the Aichi D3As and Nakajima B5Ns.
A Boston 1LB.I* of No. 281 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF in western Winterland, ca. 1942.

A Boston 1LB.I* of No. 55 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lamton, ca. 1942

A Boston 1LB(T).I* of No. 290 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron of RIWAF Coastal Command, based at RIWAF Norman Bay, ca. 1941

A Havoc 1HNF.II of No. 719 (Night Fighter) Squadron, based at RIWAF Fordale, ca. 1941

A common German bomber to entered service with the RIWAF was the Heinkel He-111H, which entered RIWAF service in 1940, the RIWAF already had He-111s in service before 1940, the first variant to enter service with the RIWAF being the He-111A in 1937 as the Bertha 1MB.I, followed by the He-111P in 1939 as the Bertha 1MB.II, the He-111H-2 entered service in 1940 as the Bertha 1MB.III, this was followed by the Bertha 1MB.IV (He-111H-4), then in 1941, the Bertha 1MB.V (He-111H-6) , the Bertha 1MB.V spawned the Bertha 1MB(T).I torpedo bomber, which also entered service in 1941, Bertha bombers saw action in the Pacific War, in both the Pacific and South-East Asia theatres, both level bomber and torpedo bomber variants of the Bertha saw action in sinking the Japanese invasion fleet that attempted to invade Wardie land in mid 1942.
A Bertha 1MB.III of No. 36 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Nordale, ca. 1940

A Bertha 1MB(T).I of No. 82 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF equipped with practice torpedoes, based at RIWAF Kunulele Bay, ca. 1941

A Bertha 1MB(T).I of No. 162 (Coastal Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Dunbah Island, ca. 1941

The Stuka 1DB.II (Ju-87B-2) entered service in 1940, like the Mk I the Mk II also served as a fighter as well as a dive bomber.

A Stuka 1DB.II of No. 163 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Kolgatao, ca. 1940

A Stuka 1DB.II of No. 381 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Suikoy, ca. 1941

The Stuka 1DB.III (Ju-87D-3) entered service in early 1942 and as with the Mk I and Mk II also served in a fighter capacity sometimes as well as the usual dive bomber role. In 1943 the DB.III was improved, two 0.79 inch Aircraft Cannon 0.79 inch Type 1941 (G) cannons (MG 151/20 cannon) replaced the wing-mounted machine guns, had the "Jericho Trumpets" removed, the cockpit was also armoured, this variant was the Stuka 1DB.III*, and was more or less an equivalent of the Ju-87D-5.

A Stuka 1DB.III of No. 236 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Mendon Common, ca. early 1942

A Stuka 1DB.III of No. 331 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Zefi Hayyadobi in the colony of South Saqa, ca. 1942

A Stuka 1DB.III* of No 331 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Zefi Hayyadobi, ca. 1943, note the 4000 lb (1800 kg) bomb

The Stuka 1BD.I was a bomber destroyer variant, a modification of the 1DB.III, it had two 1.46 inch cannons, one bolted under each wing, these heavy cannons were intended to shoot down bombers. The cannons were indeed devastating to bombers, being able to blow a wing, or even the tail, off in one well-placed shot. The downside was it was hard to hit a moving bomber, especially when under fire from the bomber's machine guns, only specially-trained or elite pilots flew the Stuka 1BD.

The first prototype (Stuka 1BD.P-0/1) was tested at Seashell Islands on 20th May 1943 against Whale 1D(P) and Mule 1D(P) piloted drones. The prototype was flown by Flight Leftenant James Sword. The Stuka 1BD.P-0/1 was damaged during the test by flying too low over the top of a Whale 1D(P) target drone, the starboard wheel was ripped off.

Despite this accident F/L Sword continued on with his test, downing several more drones, the problem came when he landed, he managed to get the Stuka on the ground, but as he slowed down gravity lowered to starboard wing, and the wing hit the runway, the Stuka skidded off the runway to the right, damaging the engine. The prototype was taken away for repairs, but had proven successful, the prototype had proven the two 1.46'' cannons could blow a bomber's wing or tail off in one shot, the 1BD entered production and equipped specialised bomber destroyer squadrons.

These aircraft were had combat trials during mid-late 1943, in which they intercepted Japanese bombers, they were successful against Aichi D3A Vals and Nakajima B5Ns and B6Ns, they also had some degree of success against Mitsubishi G4Ms. The variant entered service at the start of 1944.

Stuka 1BD.P-0/1, first Stuka 1BD prototype, based at RIWAF Seashell Island, ca. May 1943

The Fokker G.IB entered service as the Reaper 1HF in 1940, the G.I was best remembered for having an armament of eight forward-firing machine guns in the nose, 1 in the rear turret, and an optional 880 lbs of bombs. When Holland was invaded by Germany in May 1940 the order was cancelled, as Holland took over the order in order to boost their own fighter defences, thus Wardie land was forced to produce copies of the design.
A Reaper 1HF.I of No. 343 (Night Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Kaley Bridge, ca. 1940

A Reaper 1HF.II of No. 325 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Letton, ca. 1940

The Koolhoven F.K.58 entered service in 1940 as the Gust 1F, this is a Gust 1F.I of No. 11 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Egton, ca. 1942

In 1939 the SBD Dauntless entered service with the RIWAF and RIWFAA as the Dauntless 1DB, aside from the usual dive bomber role, RIWAF Dauntless' sometimes saw service as a second-line fighter, primarily in the torpedo bomber and dive bomber interception roles. Dauntless' used as fighters in the 1939-1940 Snow War proved successful against the obsolete bombers and biplane fighters used by the Bolshevik Republic of Snow Land.

The first model to enter service was the Dauntless 1DB.I (SBD-1) in 1939, which entered service with the RIWAF, the Mk I didn't have self-sealing fuel tanks, and was equipped with a single forward-firing .5 machine gun in the engine cowling, and a single 0.303 gun in the rear. The RIWFAA used a navalised variant of the Mk I, equipped with an arrestor hook.

Just before the Snow War some Dauntless' were modified, they had two .5 machine guns instead of one in the engine cowling, and two 0.303 machine guns in the rear, they were designated Dauntless 1DB.Ia. The 1DB.Ia were used as fighter-bombers in the Snow War, they would bomb Snow Landian ground targets, and attack Snow Landian bombers and biplane fighters, which they proved successful at. An additional, albeit less commonly enounctered, fighter-bomber modification was the Dauntless 1DB.Ib, which had two .5 guns in the engine cowling, and two 0.303 machine guns in each wing root.

RIWAF AND RIWFAA Dauntless' in 1939 were almost totally unpainted, apart from little painted bits like the engine cowling. Dauntless planes in the Northern Continent were painted plain white.

A RIWAF Dauntless 1DB.I in flight, ca. 1939

In early 1941 production began on a purpose-built naval model, this was the Dauntless 1DB.II (SBD-2), the Mk II was designed specifically for the navy, the Mk II had an increased fuel capacity and a different armament, but still didn't have self-sealing fuel tanks. The Mk II also had a naval blue camo applied to her.

A RIWFAA Dauntless 1DB.II of No. 106 Squadron RIWFAA, based aboard RIWN Tigershark, ca. mid 1941

At the same time as the Mk II was entering service the Mk III (SBD-3/A-24) was entering production, the Mk III provided better protection, self-sealing fuel tanks and four machine guns (two .5 machine guns in upper engine cowling and two 0.303 machine guns in rear of cockpit). There were two models, the 1DB.III naval model and the 1DB.IIIa air force model without an arrestor hook.

A RIWFAA Dauntless 1DB.III of No. 3 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWFAA, based aboard RIWN Frigatebird. 1941

A RIWAF Dauntless =1DB.IIIa of an unidentified Air Force dive bomber squadron, ca. sometime in 1941

A RIWAF Dauntless 1DB.IIIa of an unidentified RIWAF dive bomber squadron, ca. about 1942

A RIWAF Dauntless 1DB.IIIa of No. 410 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Frost Valley, ca. 1943

The next model was the Dauntless 1DB.IV (SBD-5) of 1942, the Mk IV had a more powerful 1,200 hp engine and an increased ammunition supply.

A RIWAF Dauntless 1DB.IV of No. 130 (Dive Bomber) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lokkataya, ca. 1943

Note the unusual roundels.

The Hawk 81A-1 Tomahawk entered service in 1941 as the Tomahawk 1F.I, the Tomahawk served in the Imperial Home Air Force and in the Imperial Desert Air Force, a notable fact about the Tomahawk was a Tomahawk 1F.I was the first fighter Emily Kinson served with upon her graduation to Flying Officer, the first female fighter pilot in the RIWAF.

A Tomahawk 1F.I of Pilot Officer Emily Kinson of No. 59 (Fighter) Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Leselaam, ca. June 1941

A Tomahawk 1F.I of No. 191 Squadron RIWAF, based at RIWAF Lithling in colony of West Linsk, ca. 1941

Another plane entering service in 1941 was the Handley Page Halifax, which entered service in May 1941 as the Halifax 1B, the first model to enter service was the Halifax Mk I, which entered service as the Halifax 1B.I, this was followed by the Mk II (Halifax 1B.II) and, in 1943, the Mk III (Halifax 1B.III), which introduced rectangular fins and a more aerodynamic Perspex nose, then came the Halifax Mk V (Halifax 1B.IV) and the Halifax GR.V (Halifax 1B.V) for RIWAF Coastal Command. There were numerous transport and specialised variants.

Some Halifaxes are still in bomber service with a few Home Islands squadrons, and is in more widespread service with colonial bomber squadrons, Transport Command also uses a few Halifax transport planes, as do civilian light cargo transport companies, some Halifaxes have also been converted to passenger planes and are used by smaller airlines in the Home Islands and the colonies.

A Halifax 1B.I in flight, ca. mid 1941, note the shape of the nose and the triangular fins

A Halifax 1B.III of No. 34 (Bomber) Squadron RIWAF based at RIWAF Bitton, ca. 1943

A Halifax 1B.V of No. 58 (Coastal) Squadron RIWAF based at RIWAF Founder's Bay, ca. 1944

Also entering service in 1941 was the Avro Manchester, a twin-engine medium bomber and predecessor to the Lancaster heavy bomber which entered service the following year, the Manchester entered service in early 1941, a few months after entering RAF service, the Manchester 1MB.I was equipped with Rolls-Royce Vulture engines, which were unreliable and underpowered, so the engines were upgraded to Napier Sabre or Bristol Centaurus engines for the Manchester 1MB.II, the Manchester 1MB.III was equipped with 4x Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, and was the first prototype for the Lancaster, the II and III models were far superior to the original variant, and were well-regarded by their crews, Manchesters served in all four corners of Wardie land and the Empire.

A Manchester 1MB.I (note the large centre fin for added stability), of No. 281 (Bomber) Squadron, based at RIWAF Renson, ca. mid 1941

A Manchester 1MB.I* in flight over the western Northern Colonies, ca. May 1941

A Manchester 1MB.III of No. 43 (Bomber) Squadron, ca. 1942

In 1947 the RIWAF negotiated the purchase of two Me-262A-1as from the USAF and the RAF, these two examples were copied and a production run began, this was followed by a run of copied Me-262A-2as, the Me-262A-1a copies were designated Swallow 1F.I and the Me-262A-2a copies were designated Swallow 1FB.I, both variants served in Korea.

A Swallow 1F.I of the Korean Expeditionary Air Force in flight over Korea ca. 1950 (note the unusual tilted roundels)