RAF100

RAF100

RAF100 marked the centenary celebration of the Royal Air Force in 2018, commemorating one hundred years since the formation of the service in 1918. The programme brought together institutions such as the Ministry of Defence, museums including the Imperial War Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum, and public bodies like the City of London Corporation to stage events across the United Kingdom and within the Commonwealth of Nations. It engaged veterans from campaigns including the Battle of Britain and the Falklands War, alongside contemporary units such as No. 617 Squadron RAF and commands like Air Command (United Kingdom).

Background and Origins

The centenary originated from decisions by the Secretary of State for Defence and senior leaders including the Chief of the Air Staff to recognise milestones in the service of figures such as Sir Hugh Trenchard and institutions like the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, whose 1918 merger created the Royal Air Force. Planning involved heritage organisations including the National Archives and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as educational partners such as the Department for Education and universities like King's College London. Commemorative aims referenced pivotal events in the history of the RAF, from the First World War air campaigns through to Cold War operations such as those over the North Atlantic and engagements in Operation Granby and Operation Herrick.

Commemorative Events and Activities

RAF100 featured public flypasts and aerial displays by units including the Red Arrows and historic displays from collections such as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Large-scale events were staged at venues like RAF Coningsby, RAF Cosford, and Royal Albert Hall, with national moments of recognition at Westminster Abbey and state involvement from the Monarchy of the United Kingdom. Community programmes partnered with charities including SSAFA and the Royal British Legion, and educational outreach connected museums such as the Science Museum and the National Museum of Flight with schools across regions like Scotland and Wales. International commemorations occurred in locations such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often coordinated with diplomatic missions including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Exhibitions, Publications, and Media

Museums mounted exhibitions featuring aircraft from collections such as the Imperial War Museum Duxford and the Royal Air Force Museum London, showcasing types like the Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster, and Hawker Hurricane. Scholarly publications were produced by presses including Osprey Publishing and university publishers such as Cambridge University Press, while commemorative volumes referenced biographies of figures such as Albert Ball and studies of campaigns like the Siege of Malta (World War II). Broadcast media covered events on networks like the BBC and the ITV network, with documentaries involving historians from institutions such as Royal United Services Institute and commentators from The Times (London). Digital archives and oral history projects were developed in partnership with organisations including the British Library and academic repositories at University of Oxford.

International and Commonwealth Participation

Commonwealth air forces including the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force participated in commemorations, reflecting shared histories dating to imperial formations and campaigns in regions such as Gallipoli and the Western Front. Joint events with NATO partners like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and allied air arms including the United States Air Force highlighted cooperative operations during crises such as the Berlin Airlift and coalition campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Diplomatic ceremonies involved embassies and high commissioners from countries including India, South Africa, and Jamaica, and remembrances were observed at memorials such as the Menin Gate and national monuments like the Australian War Memorial.

Legacy and Impact on the Royal Air Force

The centenary reinforced institutional memory and prompted investments in heritage preservation at bases such as RAF Leeming and conservation efforts at sites administered by the National Trust. It influenced doctrine and recruitment initiatives led by commands including No. 1 Group RAF and No. 22 Group RAF, with outreach aiming to attract applicants from sectors represented at events such as aerospace firms BAE Systems and universities engaged in aerospace research such as Imperial College London. Commemorative scholarship expanded archives held by organisations like the Air Historical Branch and stimulated curriculum material for defence studies courses at institutions such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The programme also shaped public perceptions through coverage by outlets including The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, leaving a legacy of enhanced museum collections, new oral histories, and strengthened international ties among air services.

Category:Royal Air Force