Matthew Powell

I joined Portsmouth Business School in July 2017 Between 2012 to 2015 I held a number of teaching roles at the University of Birmingham. I undertook a PhD at the University of Birmingham, supervised by Air Commodore (ret’d) Dr Peter Gray, with my thesis focusing on the development of tactical air power in Britain during the Second World War through the study of the RAF’s Army Co-operation Command. I also hold an MA in Intelligence and Security Studies and a BA (Hons) degree both from the University of Salford. My first book, entitled The Development of British Tactical Air Power, 1940-1943: A History of Army Co-operation Command was published in 2016 by Palgrave Macmillan.

I am currently researching and writing a book that investigates the relationship between the RAF and the aviation industry between 1919 and 1939, looking at not only the decisions made by the Air Ministry and technological developments but the political, economic, diplomatic and foreign policy aspects of the period into account. Other research interests include the use of air power as a strategic and political instrument and the development of tactical air power between 1914 and 1945.

I am happy to receive informal enquiries relating to doctoral degree (Ph.D) supervision on any air power topic but particularly in the areas of Air/Land Integration, Historic Military Procurement and the utilisation of air power as an instrument of strategy

I am available for TV, radio newspaper interviews and historical consultancy. My expertise lie in: