Salute the flying aces who defend Britain
MY GRANDFATHER, Hugh Trenchard, the first Viscount Trenchard, called the founder of the RAF, became its first Chief of the Air Staff on its formation on April 1, 1918. The new service was revolutionary: it sought its officers and men from all backgrounds. My grandfather wanted the finest people for the fledgling force, and it was not their background that was important, but their ability. The centenary of the RAF is a chance for the nation to reconnect with the airmen and airwomen who defended this country, to honour their dedication, commitment and bravery, and to reflect on how these qualities endure in the RAF today — particularly in light of the loss of Cpl Jonathan Bayliss of the Red Arrows last week. My grandfather believed there is a responsibility to care for members of the RAF family who are in need, and so in 1919 he set up a small fund to provide welfare assistance — the RAF Benevolent Fund. In an appeal on behalf of the fund in 1951, Winston Churchill told the nation of ‘the debt we owe’ to those who served in the RAF during World War II. On this 100th anniversary of the RAF, it is wonderful to see the nation acknowledge the debt we owe today. The fund has become the leading welfare charity for the RAF, assisting 55,000 family members last year. The RAF has always had a strong feeling of pride and loyalty, and with that might come a reluctance to ask for help. If you are, or know of, a serving or veteran member of the RAF family going through a difficult time, I encourage you to get in touch with the RAF Benevolent Fund. This also applies to partners and dependent children. Email welfareservices@rafbf.
org.uk or phone 0800 169 2942. You can find more information at www.rafbf.org.
HUGH TRENCHARD, 3rd Viscount Trenchard, RAF Benevolent Fund, London W1.