ABOUT THE ARCHIVE

Our Focus

The Path Finder Force was a highly specialised elite group which, from 1942 until 1945, led the bombing operations against Nazi Germany. Our Archive covers the Pathfinders and the world they knew, both during the war and its aftermath.

Although the Pathfinders are at the heart of everything we do, we cover a wide range of subjects which set the Pathfinders’ war into context. These include Bomber Command, the RAF, the Home Front, the Dominions’ contribution, and the Bombing War in all its aspects, including the involvement of the peoples of the Occupied Countries and Germany.

Resources

The Archive’s resources are mainly digital items and paper-based items such as photographs, private correspondence, official documents, and wartime publications. The most valuable artefacts, such as medals, are on long-term loan to OUR MAIN PARTNER, the Pathfinder Collection at RAF Wyton, who have an excellent museum at what used to be the main Pathfinder airfield.

We are most grateful for the donation or loan of any relevant material. Please see this page for what we are looking for: COLLECTING MATERIAL FOR THE ARCHIVE. Our aim is to present the material in interesting, accessible and informative ways, whilst also ensuring its long-term future.

Becoming a Charity

On 3 January 2018 we were officially registered as a charity after 16 years of this website being run privately. The name we chose was the RAF Pathfinders Archive, or RPA. The seeking of charitable status was to ensure the future of the material which we have amassed, which so many kind people have donated freely.

For our Charitable Objects, which define the work we do, see: CHARITY & CONTACT DETAILS.

Support Us

The Archive is an educational resource run by highly committed volunteers.  By supporting us, you will help fund the Archive for future generations. Please SUPPORT US in our work.

Image: RNZAF cadets on way to Canada (courtesy of Kevin Menzies).