Royal Air Force - Happy Birthday, 100 years old today

[Paul K]

A hugely significant anniversary for Britain - on 1st April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps separated from the Army and became an independent air arm. Being an RAF brat myself, with both parents serving members during their long lives, and as a former member of the ATC, I feel a strong association with the RAF, and share the great pride this nation has for the RAF and its history.

Happy Birthday, Royal Air Force.





(EDITED - picture of aeroplane hastily replaced to keep things on topic. It is only once every hundred years, after all. )

[monica6211]

So THIS is the next A2A release......AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[Paul K]

No, it's about the centenary of the RAF.

[Nick - A2A]

Happy Birthday (and thank you) RAF. Not so "junior" any more.

Nick

[Alfredson007]

Happy birthday RAF. Almost as old as the oldest independent air forces in the world, the finnish air forces that was formed on 6th march 1918.

[tbaac]

Happy Birthday RAF

Alfred, what is an 'independent' air force? Independent from what? Just wondered.

Thanks.

[stiz]

independent as in a totally separate branch of the military, so not controlled by the army/navy

[AKar]

Alfred, what is an 'independent' air force? Independent from what? Just wondered.

I understand this as being identified as an independent branch of service.

Depending on the definition, I'd guess the oldest ones date before Wrights.

My first time seeing Red Arrows was in last June in Helsinki, incidentally in an airshow celebrating the 100th year of Finnish independence. Magnificent stuff, absolutely brilliant flying! Wish them a good celebration!

-Esa

[monica6211]

No, it's about the centenary of the RAF.

I know it's not, though it would be nice

[Paul K]

Happy birthday RAF. Almost as old as the oldest independent air forces in the world, the finnish air forces that was formed on 6th march 1918.

I have edited my opening post in deference to our friends in Finland, and to avoid possible controversy in other quarters.

[Alfredson007]

Happy birthday RAF. Almost as old as the oldest independent air forces in the world, the finnish air forces that was formed on 6th march 1918.

I have edited my opening post in deference to our friends in Finland, and to avoid possible controversy in other quarters.

"The Royal Air Force is the world’s oldest air force of any significant size to become independent of army or navy control."

Finland had only plane on March 6th 1918. So.. Finnish air "Forces"

[Nick - A2A]

Finland had only plane on March 6th 1918. So.. Finnish air "Forces"

Or perhaps "Finnish Airplane Force"? (As a Brit, I shudder a bit when typing "airplane"! )

Nick

[Buffy Foster]

Happy birthday, RAF! \o/

[AKar]

Finland had only plane on March 6th 1918. So.. Finnish air "Forces"

They had two, actually. The first one that was the later one in service was under repair as its engine seized before it was put in service. Later, they promptly crashed the official first plane, the one donated by von Rosen. That much of an air force... Yet, I'd guess it was an official branch of service.

The name von Rosen is nowadays carried by HN457, the last Hornet that was assembled in Finland, and indeed I understand the last C-model ever built.

-Esa