WWI Aviation

[Gus1914]

What is the best book to read to find out how the RFC operated in WWI please?  I'm interested in Flanders 1917 so how would I find out which units would be operating there in 1917 please...?

Edited 30 September , 2020 by Gus1914
Spelling

[pierssc]

I found this very good; note that it doesn't really deal with the period after the RAF was formed in April 1918

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brief-History-Royal-Flying-Histories/dp/1841194700/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=history+of+the+royal+flying+corps&qid=1601484832&sr=8-2

 

For Bloody April 1917, Peter Hart is excellent

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloody-April-Slaughter-Skies-Cassell/dp/0304367192/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=bloody+april&qid=1601484990&sr=8-2

 

Other retailers are available etc - link to Amazon because it gives all the details.

[Gus1914]

Thank you pierssc

 

[Buffnut453]

You're asking a couple of different questions.  "Birth of the Royal Air Force" by Ian Philpott provides a decent, encyclopedia-like overview of the RFC through to the creation of the RAF.  The "Airfields and Airmen" series may provide more information about specific airfields, although the coverage in them is a bit patchy (some airfields get lots of attention, others aren't even mentioned).  

[pierssc]

Yes, sorry my suggestions are generalist and narrative, with many first-hand accounts quoted.  It all depends what you want.