9 October 1940 - The Western Desert Air Force was formed under the command of Air Vice-Marshal Arthur Coningham to conduct air operations in North Africa. Strength of the force amounted to three squadrons of Vickers Wellington bombers each powered by two 1,000 hp (750 kW) Bristol Pegasus XVIII radial piston engines, five squadrons of Bristol Blenheims, three of Hurricanes and one Gloster Gladiator (powered by one Mercury IX or VIIIAS engine) squadron. In addition, three squadrons of Westland Lysanders (powered by a Bristol Mercury XII, Perseus XII or Mercury XX or 30 engine) were assigned to Army co-operation duties.Credit: BAE Systems via Brooklands Museum
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