The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Queen praises the RAF on its centenary.
Monarch pays tribute to the ‘tenacity, skill and sacrifice’ of those who have served over the last 100 years
The Royal Air Force has “defended our freedom gallantly”, the Queen said as she sent her congratulations” to the service as it celebrated its centenary.
It was 100 years ago, on April 1 1918, that the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the RAF – the world’s first independent air service.
During a breakfast reception at a building on the Strand, London – formerly Hotel Cecil which was the first headquarters of the RAF – a printed message from the Queen was read out by Aircraftsman Adam Wood.
The 16-year-old from Aylesbury, who is one of the youngest members of the RAF, told the room packed full of dignitaries including the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, that the Queen sent her “heartfelt congratulations” as he read her message.
“The anniversary of the world’s first independent air force is of great significance, and it is fitting to pay tribute to the tenacity, skill and sacrifice of the men and women who have served within its ranks over the last century, and who have defended our freedom gallantly,” the Queen said.
“Through its enduring focus on professionalism, excellence and innovation, the Royal Air Force stands as a shining example of inspiration around the world today and for the next generation. May the glory and honour that all ranks have bestowed on the Royal Air Force light its pathway to the future guarding our skies and reaching for the stars.”
The Queen finished the message with the Latin motto of the RAF, Per Ardua ad Astra, which translates to English as “through adversity to the stars”.
ACM Hillier told the Press Association that as the RAF enters its second century, the anniversary is a “chance to reflect back on a first century of achievement, success, courage and sacrifice”.
Pressed on what the message from the Queen means to the RAF, he said it is “tremendously important”, highlighting how King George V also sent them a message when the service was first formed.
“And now to have Her Majesty the Queen sending a message to her Royal Air Force and recognising what we have achieved in the past and also looking forward to the future, it is a tremendously significant moment for us,” he said.
When asked whether when he first joined the RAF he ever imagined he would have been Chief of the Air Staff during the centenary of the service, ACM Hillier said “No”.
“I joined the Royal Air Force quite a few years ago now, but I joined the Royal Air Force because I had a love of flying, I wanted to be a pilot... but also because I wanted to give myself as many opportunities as possible, to challenge myself and get greater responsibility.”