The Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) owes its origin to Lord Trenchard, Commander of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I and ‘father’ of the RAF. His vision was for an elite corps of civilians who would serve their country in flying squadrons in their spare time.

The first Reserve Air Force

The result was the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF), instituted in 1924, with the first squadrons formed the following year. By September 1939, there were 20 flying squadrons, equipped with aircraft such as Hurricanes and Spitfires, as well as 47 balloon squadrons. These AAF squadrons scored some notable successes during World War II. In the Battle of Britain, the AAF provided 14 of the 62 squadrons in Fighter Command’s Order of Battle and accounted for approximately 30% of the accredited enemy kills. In 1947, the AAF’s achievements were honoured by the prefix ‘Royal’ conferred by King George VI.

Post-war developments

In the immediate post-war years, the force expanded to a strength of over 7,500 and included 20 jet fighter squadrons. However, changing peacetime requirements meant that the force was almost entirely disbanded in the late 1950s, leaving only three Maritime Headquarters Units to keep the Auxiliary flag flying for the next 20 years.

New squadrons

In 1979, a new defence strategy prompted a renaissance in the RAuxAF, with the formation of several new Regiment Field Squadrons. Others followed, including a Movements Squadron and an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. In 1997, an Air Transportable Surgical Squadron and five Role Support Squadrons were formed. In 1984, the RAuxAF’s Diamond Jubilee was marked by the award of its badge, which records the motto ‘Comitamur Ad Astra’ — ‘We go with them to the stars’.

First Gulf War

During the Gulf War in 1991, 4624 (Movements) and 4626 (Aeromedical) Squadrons were mobilised and performed with great distinction, and many individual Reservists served at UK-based headquarters and air bases. Another milestone was reached when, in 1994, Reservists were allowed to serve as aircrew after a gap of 37 years.

A single Reserve Air Force

In 1997, squadrons of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) were absorbed by the RAuxAF to form a single volunteer reserve force for the RAF.

In recent years, changes in defence policy and improvements in legislation governing the use of Reservists have led to the RAuxAF becoming a more integrated and more important part of the RAF.

Growing role

In 2003, the RAuxAF undertook its first large-scale mobilisation for over 50 years. More than 900 people, over 70% of its trained strength, were called into full-time service and deployed to many locations overseas and in the UK. Parts of the force have been mobilised continuously ever since, providing support to RAF operations across the world. This contribution to operations was recognised by the presentation of a new Sovereign’s Colour for the RAuxAF by Her Majesty the Queen at RAF Marham in July 2010.