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At 12.30PM on 25 June, Gary Haines will explore the cost and controversy of the RAF’s ‘Rhubarb’ sorties. This free lecture will be hosted in our London lecture theatre with a live audience.The lecture will also be live-streamed online via Crowdcast at: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/raf-rhubarb/register
TALK OUTLINE
On 12 January 1941, Willie McKnight a 21 year old Canadian Ace with 17 confirmed victories was shot down while strafing troops on the ground in trenches near the beaches of Gravelines in Northern France. This followed a successful attack on an E boat as part of a Rhubarb operation.
Unlike the defensive fighter operations of the Battle of Britain, ‘Rhubarbs’ were offensive operations, designed to harass the enemy, target key areas and disrupt Germany’s infrastructure in occupied territories. The plan to fly in bad weather with poor visibility was conceived with the thought that it would reduce the chance of enemy fighter interception. However, there was the ever-present danger of anti-aircraft fire and the cost paid in terms of aircraft and experienced pilots was high.
The first Rhubarb patrol took place on the 20 December 1940. Between this date and 13 June 1941, MRAF Sir Sholto Douglas recalled that 149 Rhubarb patrols were launched which involved some 336 sorties. Douglas argued that these patrols gave ‘valuable experience alike for pilots, operational commanders, and the staffs of the formations-concerned’. He also admitted, however, that in these sorties seven enemy aircraft were destroyed for the loss of eight RAF pilots.
This talk will look at the organisation and planning of this controversial strategy and the personal cost via an examination of the RAF Museum’s archives and memoirs of those who took part.
LOCATION
The lecture will take place in our London lecture theatre on Friday 25 June 2021. This lecture will begin at 12.30PM.
TICKETS
This lecture is free of charge however we do ask that you register now as tickets are limited. Booking is quick and easy, please go to: https://royalairforcemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/category/32533?_ga=2.8872125.920874886.1622745249-339319962.1620385051
Book Now for this free lecture
Please note: That this lecture will also be available to watch remotely via the Museum’s Crowdcast Channel.
To access the lecture you may need to check your internet browser is compatible. It is currently reported that Google Chrome provides the best experience for using Crowdcast.
ABOUT GARY HAINES
Gary is the archivist for RAF Museum London and part of the Archive & Library team. Gary has a lifelong interest in military history, research and writing and is published in the fields of social, cultural and military history. He enjoys telling stories that have been forgotten which can be discovered in the archives.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Royal Air Force Museum, London, United Kingdom