Second World War’s aerial battles revealed in rare colour photographs

New book from the Imperial War Museums showcases colour shots of aircraft and aircrew who played key role in Allied

A collection of rare colour photographs is bringing to life the key role that aerial battles played in the Second World War.

A new book from the Imperial War Museums (IWM) showcases original colour images of aircraft and aircrew who were part of the Allied air power that was significant in defeating enemy forces and protecting home territory.

Sub-Lieutenant Harold Salisbury prepares for a sortie in Supermarine Seafire Mk Ib NX942 ‘AC-E’ of 736 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton, September 1943 (IWM/PA)

Colour photography was extremely rare at the time, and the images – all of which are sourced from the IWM’s collections – have been carefully restored by the museums’ experts.

Celebrations at Waddington to mark Lancaster R5868 (S-Sugar) reaching 100 missions while serving with 467 Squadron in May 1944 (IWM/PA)

The new volume follows The Second World War in Colour, published by the IWM in 2017, which brought to life a range of aspects of the conflict with colour images from the archives.

Martin B-26 Marauders of the 441st Squadron, 320th Bombardment Group, 1945 (IWM/PA)

“The subjects covered in this book are presented in a vivid clarity not typically associated with imagery of the war.

RAF pilots in training with the Embry-Riddle Company at Carlstrom Field near Arcadia in Florida, 1941 (IWM/PA)

Surviving photographs from the very small amount of material taken by official photographers during the Second World War were passed to IWM for preservation in 1949, where they form part of an archive of 11 million images of conflict from the First World War to the present day.