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How the Battle of Dunkirk unfolded
The Battle of Dunkirk took place between 26 May and 4 June 1940 in Dunkirk, a small town on the northern coast of France. The Allies had been losing the Battle of France on the Western Front and the now-renowned Battle of Dunkirk saw Allied forces defend and seek evacuation from Dunkirk as the German forces closed in. As part of a dangerous and daring rescue operation, around 338,000 British Expeditionary Forces (BEF) and other Allied troops were evacuated.
The RAF's hard battle to support the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk
During the Second World War, a myth began to circulate that the RAF did not do enough to protect the troops that were trapped on the beaches and the fleet of vessels trying to evacuate them.
The RAF's vital role in the Dunkirk evacuation
On 26 May 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the start of Operation Dynamo – the evacuation of more than 330,000 Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk during WWII. RAF Fighter Command began to operate patrols from Boulogne to Dunkirk and the operations were to continue for the next nine days during the evacuation.
How my RAF Regiment training has helped me during the COVID-19 pandemic
SAC Sam Lake explains how his experiences with the RAF Regiment have taught him to cope with the uncertainty that the coronavirus pandemic has brought.
14-year-old Jessica hosts virtual VE Day concert
A 14-year-old who lives in West Yorkshire hosted a virtual VE Day concert on Friday 8 May to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
RAF Rugby Union champion the Fund's support for sport
We are acutely aware that sport can have an incredibly positive impact on the morale and wellbeing of individuals. Here, Group Captain Jamie Thompson of RAF Rugby Union explains how the Fund's support makes a massive difference to the team's wellbeing.
New Director of Fundraising and Communications joins RAF Benevolent Fund
We have appointed a new Director of Fundraising and Communications, with Mike Straney joining our senior leadership team in May. Mike has worked in fundraising for 14 years, with previous roles in corporate partnerships at Marie Curie and Breast Cancer Campaign.
Press Release
Former Red Arrows pilot Kirsty Murphy on mental health
As the first female RAF Red Arrows pilot, Kirsty Murphy enjoyed applause and respect whenever she displayed. Behind the scenes however, Kirsty was struggling. She found herself suffering from anxiety attacks and sleep disorders.
Our response to COVID-19
For the past 100 years, the Fund has stood side by side with the RAF Family during its toughest times and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. The welfare of our beneficiaries and staff have been and will continue to be at the forefront of all we do.
Press Release
RAF Benevolent Fund ambassador completes 17-mile wheelchair push
An RAF veteran from Horsham, completed a 17-mile wheelchair push last month. Dan Pelling was due to take part in the Brighton Marathon on 19 April to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity. Unfortunately, the event was rescheduled as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
