Event Type: Local / Community

Takes Place: 21st May 2026

Time: 12.30

Venue: Bristol Central Library

Description: Forged in Bristol: Aircraft That Helped Crush Fascism This witty, well-informed talk explores the pivotal role of Bristol Aircraft in the fight against fascism during the Second World War. From the factory floors of Bristol to the skies over Europe, Bristol’s engineers, designers, and pilots collaborated to create aircraft that would turn the tide of the conflict. We will trace the development of iconic planes such as the Bristol Blenheim and the Bristol Beaufighter, examining how innovation, industrial effort, and human courage combined to support Allied victories. Through stories of daring missions, technical breakthroughs, and the sheer scale of wartime production, the talk highlights how a single city and its industrial ingenuity contributed to defeating tyranny. Attendees will gain insight into the engineering challenges, strategic importance, and human stories behind Bristol Aircraft, seeing how these machines were not just tools of war, but instruments of freedom. About the Author Author Joe Coles has been writing about aviation history for over two decades. He is the author of The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes, thousands of historical articles, and the creator of the widely acclaimed Hush-Kit site. His engaging, often humorous, talks have proved popular on podcasts and at history festivals (where he has repeatedly appeared on stage in conversation with Al Murray and James Holland). He lives in Bristol.

How to book: N/A

Email: refandinfo@bristol.gov.uk

Website: https://bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=316298

Organiser: Bristol Libraries

Lecturer: Joe Coles

Region: South-West England