RAF’S ‘forgotten’ Scottish father to be honoured on anniversary
● Show marks 100 years of RAF and highlights city’s link to founder
The University of Glasgow is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force by highlighting the story of Lieutenant General Sir David Henderson, a former student who learned to fly at 49 and played a vital role in the foundation of the service on 1 April 1918. The RAF’S Scott Livingston and Stewart Latta flank aviation artist Professor Dugald Cameron, curator Jesper Ericsson and university chaplin Rev Stuart Macquarrie.
An exhibition highlighting the role of the “forgotten father” of the Royal Air Force is opening in Scotland as part of centenary commemorations for the service.
The University of Glasgow is holding the exhibition to commemorate the foundation of the RAF on 1 April, 1918.
It highlights the story of Lieutenant General Sir David Henderson, a former student at the university, who learned to fly at 49 and played a vital role in establishing the RAF.
The exhibition in the university chapel traces the history of the RAF through the stories of those who served, and looks at Glasgow’s connections with the service.
Reverend stuart dmac quarrie, chaplain to the university, said: “The university lost 761 members of its community in the First World War.
“During the four years of the centenary commemorations, we have helped to remember and tell the stories of those from our ranks who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The university chapel has the names of all of those who died inscribed on its walls. And over the centenary it has been at the heart of the many university First World War events.
“We are honoured to host this centenary exhibition and remember those alumni who played such a vital role in the development and history of the RAF.”
Lt Gen Henderson was appointed director-general of military aeronautics in 1913 and assumed command of the Royal Flying Corps in the field at the outset of the First World War in 1914.
In 1917 he was seconded to work with General Jan Smuts, who had been authorised to conduct a review of the British air services.
Sir David largely wrote the Smuts Report, and his view that there should be a sin- gle aviation service was said to be key to the foundation of the RAF. It was established on 1 April, 1918 with the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service. The Women’s Royal Air Force came into being on the same day.
The exhibition also features paintings by Professor Dugald Cameron OBE, one of the UK’S leading aviation artists.
Jesper Ericsson of the Hunterian Museum, who curated the exhibition, said: “Visitors will be able to explore fascinating stories of individuals from the University of Glasgow who served with the RAF, from its beginnings through to the present day. Former students and alumni played key roles in the history of military aviation in this country, and helped make the raft he most famous air force in the world.
“This very special connection is something Glasgow should be justifiably proud of .”
The exhibition – Wings to War: Glasgow and the Centenary of the Royal Air Force – opens to the public today.
Other events are being staged across the country to celebrate 100 years of the service.
First World War re-enactors will be at the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune airfield in East Lothian on Easter Sunday and Monday .
Visitors can also get a close look at military flying clothing from both the First and Second World Wars. Youngsters can also make their own model Spitfire aeroplane to take home and fly.
On Easter Monday there will be a chance to try flying an aeroplane in the virtual world with the help of VR headsets.
The centenary is also being marked at the new Military Museum Scotland, in Wilkieston, West Lothian.
The RAF will take the lead at this year’s Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle in August.