The Royal Air Force: Battle for the Skies - The Definitive History Season 1 Episode 1 Useless for the Purposes of War

The Royal Air Force: Battle for the Skies - The Definitive History is a historical documentary series that explores the critical role played by the British Royal Air Force in fighting for control of the skies during World War II. In the first episode of season 1, titled "Useless for the Purposes of War," viewers are taken back to the early days of aviation, when airplanes were seen more as curiosities than as serious tools of war.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the early pioneers of flight, like the Wright brothers and Louis Blériot, who made great strides in the development of aircraft technology in the early 20th century. However, it was not until World War I that airplanes truly became a battlefield asset. The episode highlights the challenges and dangers of aerial combat during this period, as pilots flew rickety planes that were often held together with nothing but glue and wire. Despite these limitations, the bravery and skill of these early pilots paved the way for the development of modern air power.

The focus then shifts to the period between the world wars, when military planners in Britain struggled to figure out how to best use the rapidly-evolving technology of planes. The episode reveals that, in the early days, some military leaders believed that airplanes were "useless for the purposes of war," and that traditional ground-based forces would always be the primary means of waging conflict. However, a few forward-thinking individuals, like Winston Churchill, recognized the potential for air power and worked to create a separate Royal Air Force branch. With the establishment of the RAF, the British had finally begun to invest in a dedicated force of highly-trained pilots and cutting-edge planes.

As the episode progresses, viewers see how Britain was caught off-guard by the German military buildup in the 1930s. While the British aviation industry lagged behind, the German Luftwaffe was rapidly developing advanced planes, like the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka." These planes were faster, more maneuverable, and had greater range than any planes that the British had at the time. This created a sense of urgency among British leaders, who knew that they needed to develop new planes and tactics if they hoped to remain competitive.

Overall, "Useless for the Purposes of War" sets the stage for the rest of the series by providing a comprehensive overview of the early days of air power, and the significant role played by the British Royal Air Force during World War II. Through archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic re-enactments, viewers gain a greater understanding of how air power was developed, and the challenges and triumphs that were faced along the way. The episode also sets up some of the key themes that will be explored throughout the rest of the series, including the evolution of airplane technology, the development of new tactics, and the role played by individual pilots and leaders in shaping the course of the war.