Catalogue description Air Ministry and Ministry of Defence: Ferry Command and successors: Records

In July 1940 the Atlantic Ferry Organisation (ATFERO) was formed to ferry aircraft across the Atlantic. On 20 July 1941 ATFERO was transferred to the RAF and from it Ferry Command was formed. Ferry Command was renamed Transport Command on 25 March 1943. During the Second World War the main responsibilities of the Command became the transport of aircraft across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom and from the UK to the Middle East and beyond. Passenger and freight services were developed initially between Canada and Britain, but later throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and India. Aircraft from Transport Command also towed gliders and dropped paratroops during the Normandy and Arnhem landings. After the War the Command became increasingly engaged in providing tactical and strategic mobility for the Services. Transport Command was renamed Air Support Command on 1 August 1967, a title which more accurately described its wide-ranging activities. Five years later, however, on 1 September 1972 it was absorbed by Strike Command.