Helpline: 0300 102 1919
Why the men of Bomber Command must never be forgotten
Before any troops even set foot on the beaches on 6 June 1944, Bomber Command had already lost almost 300 aircraft and 2,000 men (1,500 killed) attacking invasion targets. Wing Commander John Bell MBE tells us about the significant contribution made by the RAF and Bomber Command in D-Day and why this must never be forgotten.
How radar operator Rose Davies supported the D-Day landings
As D-Day, 6 June 1944 dawned, those who were to play a pivotal part in its success were landing on the beaches of Normandy. Back in the UK, hundreds of personnel were supporting Operation Overlord including radar operator Rose Davies, who was just starting her shift.
"Abandon aircraft chaps"
Navigator John 'Jack' Lott had just celebrated his 25th birthday weeks before D-Day, sadly this was the last birthday he would ever celebrate.
Spearheading the attack on Fortress Europe
Spearheading the attack on Normandy was just the start of Geoff Packham's extraordinary experience as the end of the war approached.
Volunteer in the spotlight
Kicking off the start of volunteers' week, we wanted to thank each and every one of our invaluable volunteers and supporters, who help make the RAF Benevolent Fund a charity that stands for the entire RAF Family.
Decoys and deception
Decoys and deception were just as much a part of the D-Day campaign as the fighters in the air and the troops on the ground. Operation Taxable was conducted on 6 June 1944 and involved aluminium foil being dropped from 16 Lancasters which acted as a 'window' and blocked German radar. Wing Commander John Bell MBE was a Bomb Aimer with 617 Squadron and he recalls what it was like on that night.
The Fund welcomes new Area Director, Gavin Davey
Following a 26-year RAF flying career, former helicopter pilot Gavin Davey has been appointed as Area Director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, with responsibility for Scotland, Northern Ireland and North-East England.
Press Release
A hurricane of support from Windswept Brewing Co.
Since 2012 Windswept Brewing Co has been capturing and preserving the flavours of great quality ingredients to produce an award-winning range of Scottish craft beers. In their newest brew they have served up a special edition RAF Benevolent Fund IPA.
£250,000 raised from 2019 Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch
The annual Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch, organised by ABF The Soldiers' Charity, raised an extraordinary £250,000 this year.
RAF Wittering personnel take on the world's biggest assault course
A team of serving personnel from RAF Wittering, The Wittering Rat Racers, took on the 2019 Rat Race Dirty Weekend – the World's Biggest Assault Course!
