Celebrating 100 years of the Royal Air Force
On 1 April, the Royal Air Force (RAF) will begin its 100th birthday celebrations, kicking off with a variety of events and activities to reflect a century of incredible achievements and rich history.
The RAF was formed as a separate British military service on 1 April 1918, independent of the British Army and Royal Navy. It was the first time a completely independent air force had been set up anywhere in the world. The RAF has played a crucial role defending the UK, particularly during the Second World War. More recently, the RAF has worked to protect the UK’s airspace and monitor the skies abroad, as well as providing humanitarian aid – such as food, shelter and airlifting people to safety – to those affected by natural disasters and war.
This year, the RAF’s centenary celebrations will begin with a Royal Gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 31 March. This even tw ill feature music, comedy, ceremonial drills and recollections from those who have served in the RAF, and continue to do so.
On 1 April, a specially designed baton, crafted using materials used in aircraft manufacture, will go on tour for 100 days visiting 100 RAF-associated sites. At the end of the tour, on 10 July, there will be a special centenary service held in Westminster Abbey and a parade along the Mall, before a flypast in the sky above Buckingham Palace.
There will be a wide variety of events and activities to enjoy up and down the country until November, including the RAF100 Aircraft Tour, which will give visitors in cities such as Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester the chance to get up close to a selection of aircraft. There will also be a number of spectacular airshows at sites such as RAF Cosford in Shropshire and Portrush in Northern Ireland. To find out more about the RAF’s celebratory events near you, head to raf.mod.uk/raf100/whats-on