Ellis, Ken Wrecks & Relics. On Guard. Britain's Military "Gate Guardians" and Air Cadet Airframes since 1940

This book deals with a subject that will be close to the hearts of many aviation enthusiasts, as it commemorates the gatekeepers that adorned the entrance to many RAF, Fleet Air Arm and Army Air Corps bases for decades. Who knows how many people were inspired by these powerful symbols of British military aviation to take an interest in military aviation, join the air cadets or even pursue a career in aviation? In the 1970s and 1980s, there was hardly a military airfield in the UK that wasn't adorned with a Gatekeeper, and these aircraft have always held a great fascination for enthusiasts. These decommissioned aircraft, prominently displayed and usually kept in good condition, allowed passers-by to get up close to examples of historic and significant aircraft types such as the Hurricanes and Spitfires that had won the Battle of Britain. Over time, other decommissioned aircraft took their place on these pedestals, including early military jets and helicopters. The book follows the trail of the Gatekeepers at each site. It includes full histories of significant examples and describes all the aircraft that were displayed at military establishments across the UK and its Crown Territories. As well as the fascinating aircraft, the book also provides background information on many long-forgotten military bases. Another special feature of the book is the compilation of Spitfires and Hurricanes as 'extras' in the epic 'Battle of Britain' film; the programme in which original aircraft used as gatekeepers were replaced with scale replicas, allowing valuable original aircraft to return to the skies. In addition, the history and fate of hundreds of aircraft used by the cadet squadrons for training and display since the early days of the Second World War are described for the first time. "On Guard" is a wonderful nostalgic journey into the past, lavishly illustrated with colour images spanning six decades.