Created on this date, Comrades of the Royal Air Forces Association, now known as The Royal Air Forces Association or RAFA, is dedicated to the welfare of serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their dependants. King George V gave his patronage in 1936, and the Association has been honoured with Royal patronage ever since. RAFA continues to operate a wide network of more than 400 branches worldwide, has a membership of over 65,500 members and in excess of 3,000 volunteers help to deliver its welfare services.