RAF College Cranwell

RAF College Cranwell
Unit name	Royal Air Force College Cranwell
Caption	The crest of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell
Dates	1916–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	UK
Type	Officer and aircrew training
Role	Initial Officer Training, Specialist Flying Training
Garrison	RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, England
Garrison label	Located at
Motto	Superna Petimus, (We seek things that are above)
March	Royal Air Force March Past
Commander1	Air Vice-Marshal
Commander1 label	Commandant
Notable commanders	Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Salmond, Air Chief Marshal Sir David Lee

RAF College Cranwell. It is the Royal Air Force's equivalent of the Britannia Royal Naval College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, serving as the primary institution for initial officer training. Founded during the First World War, the college has been the commissioning source for the majority of the RAF's officers and is famed for its rigorous training programs. Located at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, it is a cornerstone of Royal Air Force heritage and professional military education.

History

The origins of the college lie in the First World War, when the site was selected in 1915 for the Royal Naval Air Service's training establishment. Following the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, it was formally inaugurated as the Royal Air Force College on 5 February 1920 by King George V. The first commandant was Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Salmond. During the Second World War, the college's training was accelerated and expanded, with its facilities also hosting elements of the Royal Canadian Air Force and other Allied air forces. Post-war, it continued to evolve, integrating advanced jet training and becoming the home of the Central Flying School for a period. Key historical moments include the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1968 and its central role during operations such as the Falklands War and the Gulf War.

Facilities and training

The college is based at the extensive RAF Cranwell station, which features historic buildings like the College Hall officers' mess. Its primary training is delivered through the Initial Officer Training course, which includes leadership, military skills, and academic instruction. Specialist flying training is conducted by No. 3 Flying Training School, operating from the airfield at RAF Cranwell. The campus also houses the Royal Air Force School of Aviation Medicine and the Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies. Advanced simulators for aircraft such as the Grob Tutor and the Beechcraft Texan are integral to the curriculum. The Greenland's Field parade ground is a focal point for ceremonial events, including the annual Sovereign's Parade.

Notable alumni

Graduates of the college, known as Cranwellians, have achieved the highest ranks and honours across the Commonwealth. Renowned alumni include Marshal of the Royal Air Force Arthur Harris, who led RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War, and Marshal of the Royal Air Force Dermot Boyle, a former Chief of the Air Staff. Pioneering aviator and author Nevil Shute Norway trained there, as did Air Chief Marshal Michael Graydon. International figures include King Hussein of Jordan and the first Indian Air Force chief, Subroto Mukerjee. Battle of Britain pilot Douglas Bader, though not a graduate, was posted there early in his career.

Commandants and senior staff

The Commandant holds the rank of Air Vice-Marshal and is responsible for all training output. The first commandant was Sir John Salmond. Other distinguished commandants have included Air Chief Marshal Sir David Lee, who later served as Commander-in-Chief, RAF Germany, and Air Vice-Marshal John Severne. The role of Air Officer Commanding No. 22 Group often has a close supervisory relationship with the college. The Station Commander of RAF Cranwell supports the college's operations, and the Captain of the University Air Squadrons is also a key senior appointment.

Aircraft operated

Throughout its history, the college and its associated flying training schools have operated a vast array of aircraft. Early types included the Avro 504 and the de Havilland Tiger Moth. Post-war, the North American Harvard and the de Havilland Vampire were used for advanced training. The Jet Provost became the iconic basic jet trainer for decades. Current primary training is conducted on the Grob Tutor T1, while multi-engine pilot instruction uses the Beechcraft King Air. Advanced fast-jet streaming training is performed on the Beechcraft Texan T1. The Diamond DA42 is used for multi-engine pilot training, and the Airbus A400M Atlas occasionally visits for support operations.

Cultural references

The college has been featured in numerous films, television series, and literary works, cementing its place in British popular culture. It was a filming location for the James Bond film The Living Daylights and featured in the BBC drama series *Bomber*. The institution is referenced in the novels of Nevil Shute, who drew on his experiences there. It is also mentioned in the autobiography of Douglas Bader, Reach for the Sky. The college's rigorous training regime and distinctive ethos have been documented in various Royal Air Force historical works and documentaries produced by the Imperial War Museum.

Category:Royal Air Force training establishments Category:Military academies of the United Kingdom Category:Buildings and structures in Lincolnshire