Microsoft Word maps-in-time doc

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/maps-
interactive/resource-downloads/cab24-235-cp32-406.jpg 

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48 
Civil aviation 1933-1944 
Government subsidies for commercial air transport were maintained 
throughout the interwar period. Air routes and their role in imperial 
communications were considered to be strategically crucial for Britain and her 
colonies and possessions. In the first paper, the Secretary of State for Air asks 
the Cabinet to consider existing subsidy levels and the possible contribution 
from colonies (such as Australia) in subsidies. The second paper discusses the 
creation of a major air transport airport at Heathrow as part of the war effort, 
although it is acknowledged that after the war it would become London’s main 
civil airport.
Images 
Map showing routes of Imperial Airways in 1933. The UK government 
subsidised aviation technology and supported the growth of commercial flight 
routes linking Britain both with distant colonies and areas of increasing political 
significance, such as the Middle East. 
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/maps-
interactive/resource-downloads/cab24-243-cp33-249.jpg 
Plans for developing Heathrow as the main London air terminal were drawn up 
in 1944 when a private aerodrome came under the control of the Air Ministry 
for development as an air force transfer base. Although Heathrow was never 
used as a military base, the runway configuration followed the standard RAF 
‘A’-shaped layout, which can still be seen today. 
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/cabinetpapers/themes/maps-
interactive/resource-downloads/cab66-48-wp44-189.jpg 
Britain at war 1939-1945 
The Second World War transformed Britain. Having faced defeat when the 
Germans over-ran much of Europe in 1940, Britain then acquired allies in 
Russia and America. After successfully defending itself against sea and air 
attacks, the whole country was effectively mobilised to manufacture 
armaments and launch forces into theatres of war worldwide. 
Images 
Full conscription was reintroduced for men between the ages of 18 and 41 in 
1939. The maximum age rose to 51 in 1942, with conscription for women 
introduced from 1941. Workers in certain key occupations were exempted.