The Few – the Royal Air Force turns 100

Celebrations are underway across the United Kingdom to commemorate the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force, the world’s first independent air force.
The RAF was formed on April 1 1918 with the merger of the British Army’s Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.

In our 100th year, we will commemorate those who have gone before, thank our service men and women and inspire the next generation so that together, we can continue to help shape our world for the next 100 years and beyond #RAF100 pic.twitter.com/sQ8puifGye

This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.

Login

Become a Member

To continue reading the rest of this article, please login.

Username or Email

Password Forgot password?

Keep me signed in on this device.

If you check this box before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.

If you check the box above before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.

---

or

---

Login with a Passkey

To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today!
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.

PRINT

$49.95 for 1 year Become a Member

See benefits

• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website

MOST POPULAR

PRINT + DIGITAL

$99.95 for 1 year Become a Member

$179.95 for 2 years Become a Member

See benefits

• Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
• Access to the Australian Aviation app
• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
• Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
• Daily news updates via our email bulletin

DIGITAL

$5.99 Monthly Become a Member

$59.95 Annual Become a Member

See benefits

• Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
• Access to the Australian Aviation app
• Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
• Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
• Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
• Daily news updates via our email bulletin

View more offers and details

— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) April 1, 2018

The anniversary was marked by a gala concert at Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday night, and on Sunday a church service, cake, and the launch of a baton relay, which will visit 100 sites with a connection to the RAF over 100 days.

A birthday wouldn't be complete without cake! Thank you to the team who made today such a memorable day. @RAF100_Appeal #RAF100 #RAFBatonRelay @RAFMusic @RafRegtRecruit @RAFMediaReserve @RoyalAirForce pic.twitter.com/UCoAJgA1e9

— ACM Harv Smyth (@ChiefofAirStaff) April 1, 2018

But the “pinnacle” of RAF100 celebrations is set to be a flypast of up to 100 aircraft over the Mall and Buckingham Palace in London on July 10.
To mark the centenary  the BBC has produced this excellent documentary featuring Ewan McGregor and his RAF pilot brother Colin, combining history and wonderful flying sequences to explore 100 years of pioneering and special missions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT6C_VeIlZ4

The celebrations could also represent something of a preview for the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force in 2021.

‘Per ardua ad astra' and congratulations from down under on your centenary @RoyalAirForce!

Looking outstanding for one hundred… 😉#HappyBirthday #RAF100 pic.twitter.com/2VNcDmaUH5

VIEW ALL

>

— Royal Australian Air Force (@AusAirForce) March 31, 2018