The creation of an independent Royal Air Force did not meet with universal praise in 1918 — and The Aeroplane’s criticism was no exception
Ben Dunnell explores The Aeroplane’s outstanding archives to cast new light on past stories
George the Fifth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, To all whom these Presents shall come, Greeting!
“Whereas by the Air Force (Constitution) Act, 1917, it is enacted that it shall be lawful for Us to raise and maintain a Force, to be called the Air Force, consisting of such numbers of officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers and men, as may from time to time be provided by Parliament:
“Now know ye that it is Our Will and Pleasure that the Air Force to be established pursuant to the said Act shall be styled the ‘Royal Air Force’. “Given at the Court of Saint James’, the 7th day of March, 1918, in the Eighth Year of Our Reign.
RAF 100 1918 - 2018
Key events from 100 years of Royal Air Force history Compiled by Ben Dunnell and Denis J. Calvert
1918
1 April 1918 Establishment of the Royal Air Force, formed by combining the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Ai…
