The Texas Town That Trained Britain’s WWII Pilots
Aug 31, 2026 · 57 min · 14 segments
During World War II, thousands of young British airmen crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly in the United States. The first and largest of their American training schools was in an unlikely place…
During World War II, thousands of young British airmen crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly in the United States. The first and largest of their American training schools was in an unlikely place: Terrell, Texas. Beginning in 1941, before the United States had even entered the war, Royal Air Force cadets arrived in North Texas to train under wide-open skies, far from the bad weather and dangers of wartime Britain. Between 1941 and 1945, more than 2,200 British and American cadets trained at the No. 1 British Flying Training School, forging a remarkable connection between a Texas community and the young men preparing for war. Today, the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum preserves this little-known chapter of aviation history. And one important piece of that story has come home for good. “Ole 42,” a Boeing Stearman that was based at the school, has been donated to the museum by retired U.S. Navy aviator Phil Webb after years of touring. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Denis Rottler, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, and Carl Best, Board Member and caretaker of Ole 42, take us inside the museum, introduce us to the Stearman, and share the remarkable story of the British airmen who came thousands of miles to Texas to earn their wings. To watch this video, go to https://youtu.be/q4FXttg6G4U. - Aired On: August 26, 2026 - Guests: Denis Rottler, Carl Best - Host: Steve Buss - Producer: Bob Score Jr. - Produced by: Commemorative Air Force Send us Fan Mail Thanks for watching **CAF Warbird Tube** — where history takes flight. You can **join us live for upcoming broadcasts** by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com**.** The **Commemorative Air Force** (CAF) is dedicated to **Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring** through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help **preserve and share the stories of aviation history** — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org. *Thanks for helping us keep history flying.*
During World War II, thousands of young British airmen crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly in the United States. The first and largest of their American training schools was in an unlikely place…
