Air Commodore Charles Alexander Holcombe Longcroft was selected by Air Marshal Trenchard, Chief of the Air Staff for the crucial task of building up from scratch the new RAF College.
He was appointed Commandant of the RAF Cadet College on 3 Nov 1919. Whilst the unit was not fully manned at this time it's eventual strength was to be:
56 Officers 516 Airmen
200 Cadets
1 Headmaster and 8 Schoolmasters
The first course at RAF College Cranwell began on 5th February 1920. The aim of the College was - 'to help strengthen the officer cadre and so increase the calibre, quality and spirit of the new service'. It was the first military air academy in the world.
How much do you think cadets were paid in 1920?
