RAF at Stow Maries

The World’s first Independent Airforce: RAF turns 100

RAF Red Arrows
RAF Red Arrows
Royal Airforce 100
Royal Airforce 100
RAF at Stow Maries
RAF at Stow Maries
RAF at Biggin Hill
RAF at Biggin Hill
Mary Ellis, the woman who delivered Spitfires and bombers to the front line during the World War Two
Mary Ellis, the woman who delivered Spitfires and bombers to the front line during the World War Two

The Queen has today sent a message to the @RoyalAirforce to mark its 100th birthday. The RAF is the world’s first independent Air Force and was formed 100 years ago today, and a 100-day baton relay will be started on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice.

On 1st April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the Royal Air Force, when King George V gave the go-ahead for the creation of the RAF in the wake of growing role of air power in warfare exactly one century ago.

A formation of three World War Two aircraft – a Spitfire T9, Spitfire Mk IX and a Hawker Hurricane have flown over Biggin Hill, the wartime airfield.

Battle of Britain veteran Sqn leader Allan Scott was leading the flight with wartime pilot Lt Kieth Quilter and Air Transport Auxiliary pilot Mary Ellis Watched from the ground.

Mary Ellis, the woman who delivered Spitfires and bombers to the front line during the World War Two and one of the last surviving pilot of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), was honoured at a surprise party at Sandown Airport, Isle of Wight.