Skip to main content
Home

RAF History

The Royal Air Force is the oldest independent air force and has been defending the British skies for more than 100 years. In this hub, you'll find details about the history of the RAF, including the founding of the air force, key Second World War operations, and RAF squadrons and sections.

Rose Davies

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.

4 June 2021
RAF at Twickenham

"What I learnt as an air cadet set me on path that I'm proud of"

As we continue to celebrate the achievements of former air cadets, we spoke with SAC Jack Hawkins about how the organisation helped him to create life-long memories as…

11 May 2021
Nobby Hill

"We were glad we wouldn't hear the sirens anymore"

As the nation prepares to mark 76 years since VE Day tomorrow, RAF veteran Nobby Hill tells us what it was like as a teenager.

7 May 2021
VE Day Buckingham Palace

"We lifted the piano out and lit it on the parade square"

Seventy-six years ago today the Allies celebrated as peace was declared in Europe. Such was the delight of Sonny Davies and his comrades, they dragged a piano into the…

6 May 2021
Mike Goody

Inspiring the next generation of air cadets

To mark the 80th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets, Fund Ambassador Mike Goody tells us what it's like to inspire the next generation.

Mike Ling

"They prepared me for so much of what I have achieved"

Mike Ling recalls how his grandad's encouragement saw him join the RAF Air Cadets, setting him on a path to success and creating lifelong memories.

8 April 2021

The founding of the Royal Air Force

The RAF was founded on 1st April 1918, when the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) were merged in response to the events of the First World War. The newly created RAF was the most powerful air force in the world, with over 20,000 aircraft and 300,000 personnel. At the end of the First World War, the RAF was reduced in size and took on the task of policing the British Empire using air power. However, it then underwent rapid expansion prior to, and during, the Second World War.

Key Second World War operations

During the Second World War, the RAF was responsible for the aerial defence of Britain, as well as the strategic bombing of Germany. RAF squadrons also provided tactical support to the British Army around the world. The Battle of Britain was a defining operation for the RAF, who held off the Luftwaffe in one of the most complex ongoing air campaigns in history, during the summer of 1940.

Royal Air Force Squadrons and Sections

The RAF is made up of squadrons that can fly aircraft or be ground based, covering a diverse range of roles, such as combat, training, reconnaissance, and equipment testing. Sections include the RAF regiments, a specialist corps founded by Royal Warrant in 1942 with the aim to respond to a wide range of threats, whenever and wherever necessary.