On 1 April 1918, Lord Trenchard announced the formation of the Royal Air Force - the world’s first independent air force, created from the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.
While comparatively short, our noble history is stacked with incredible achievements that have shaped world events, delivered by exceptional people.
From the pioneering aviators flying Sopwith Snipes in 1918, to the World War II Spitfire and Hurricane pilots that won the Battle of Britain, through to today’s 4th and 5th Generation Typhoons and F35s defending UK people, assets and our allies overseas, the RAF’S story is one of restless innovation.
But it’s never just about the pilots and the iconic aircraft. Those aircraft wouldn’t fly without the ground crew – military and civilian - that prepare them and the controllers that clear them to fly and fight. The RAF is a Whole Force and we all play our part, supporting our frontline.
The world is changing at an incredible pace, as is the technology of modern warfare – demonstrated right now by the outstanding work of our Counter- Uncrewed Aerial Systems personnel, the 'Aces' of today, at the forefront of the UK’s defensive activities in the Middle East conflict.
The Agility, Integration and Readiness to fly and fight that we talk about today isn’t new – it’s been part of the RAF’s DNA from the very start. Our core values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence – RISE – would also resonate just as strongly with those pioneering aviators in 1918 as they do with us today.
While the technology is unrecognisable from 1918 – and the uniforms a bit more comfortable – the RAF’s role in providing global air and space power to protect our nation and help it prosper has arguably never been more critical. History shows that when asked by the nation, we deliver – and will continue to do so for centuries to come.
Per Ardua ad Astra.
