RAF Centenary

When WWI broke out in 1914, powered flight was still a relatively new form of transport. The French aviator, Louis Blériot had flown an aircraft across the Channel only five years earlier, and now these machines were to be sent to war. The usefulness of aircraft had been realised early in their development, but no-one could have foreseen just how powerful and important they would be.

The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) created in April 1912 and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) formed in July 1914 had just over 150 aircraft between them on the outbreak of war. Between 1914 and 1918 the RFC and RNAS provided aircraft for reconnaissance, aerial photography and fighters along with bombers. Then, on 1 April 1918 the two services were amalgamated to become the Royal Air Force (RAF), to become the first independent air force in the world, with a strength of almost 3000 aircraft and over 55,000 men including pilots.

In 1919, the RAF had some 4000 aircraft and a manpower level approaching 114,000 including mechanics, pilots, armourers and fitters. During WWI, 13 pilots of the RFC and two from the RNAS won the Victoria Cross for their deeds, which included destroying Zeppelins, which had bombed London. During WW II, the RAF would prove Britain’s first line of defence as it fought the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. The RAF would win further VCs, such as Guy Gibson who led 617 Squadron ‘Dam Busters’ and Flight Lieutenant James Nicolson of 249 Squadron, who would win the only VC during the Battle of Britain.

100 years

Looking at the dates above, readers will notice that this year marks exactly one hundred years since the formation of the RAF, during which time it has achieved much and participated in many wars, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, some of that history is recreated by re-enactors, who turn out with displays across the country. Indeed, re-enactors enjoy the opportunity to commemorate such milestones that don’t come along that often, but when they do, it is worth celebrating in style.

Britain has a true passion for aircraft and at re-enactment events displays by groups depicting the RAF always attracts a crowd. Some of the larger events, such as Military Odyssey and War & Peace Revival add to these displays with replica aircraft including Spitfires and Hurricanes. Just looking at pilots sitting in the shadow of such iconic aircraft the image they portray is evocative of the Battle of Britain. This is recreating history, which everybody enjoys seeing.

I have visited many re-enactment events over the years, during which time I have seen many displays which have recreated all aspects showing the history of the RAF. I have seen plotting rooms with intricate maps and banks of telephones, reminiscent of the Battle of Britain, dispersal huts from which pilots have sprinted to their aircraft and even a recreated mobile flying control ‘wagon’. On individual depictions, I have seen pilots, ground crew, and re-enactors depicting pilots shot down, complete with parachutes.

The female touch

Depicting the history of the RAF would not be complete without female re-enactors. From its very beginning, the RAF has enjoyed women in its ranks, with some 9000 from the Women’s Royal Naval Service and Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps serving with the RNAS and RFC transferred on its creation on 1 April 1918. During WWII, the strength of the WAAF would increase from almost 1800 in 1939 to over 166,000 in 1945. There were female pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary, which although a civilian organisation, was essential to the RAF by ferrying aircraft to the squadrons.

All these aspects are brought out at re-enactment displays and such information really fascinates visitors. Depicting the RAF, from its earliest days, must be done by both male and female re-enactors if it is to be presented as historically accurate. Although only one hundred years of history has been amassed by the RAF, it has gained rich legacy in such a relatively short time. Even between the wars, during the 1920s and 1930s, the RAF was serving around the world including, the Middle East.

It is because of the diversity of its roles, that re-enactors can depict so many aspects and still be interesting. The colourful characters such as Douglas Bader, ‘Johnnie’ Johnson, who shot down at least 34 German aircraft and later went on the serve in the Korean War, South African ‘Sailor’ Malan, followed in the footsteps of their predecessors from WWI such as Mick Mannock, Alfred Ball and William Leefe- Robinson. These are known to re-enactors, who can recount their histories to enthral visitors to their displays.

War birds

If a group is fortunate enough to have a replica aircraft on its display, the impact they have is instant and more depictions can be interpreted by using these aircraft. Some re-enactment groups depicting WWI have created a special RFC/RAF display to extend their repertoire and there are a couple which have built replica aircraft of the period. These are not exact copies, but more representations to show what the aircraft looked like in scale and appearance. They also allow scenarios to be demonstrated to show how pilots and aircrew were trained for their various roles, including gunnery and photography.

The early uniforms worn by pilots were usually long leather coats, leather flying helmets and thick trousers against the cold. Re-enactors show the development of uniforms to the form we see from wartime film footage and some of the equipment used in various roles. This equipment has either been collected by members of the group or they use very high-quality reproduction uniforms from suppliers such as Epic Militaria or Soldier of Fortune. The original items, such as goggles, gloves, ‘Mae West’ life preservers, boots and flying helmets have been obtained from militaria fairs and are real fragments of history.

The opportunity for the RAF to participate in battle re-enactment displays does not present itself, but groups do demonstrate presentations to show how a squadron would ‘scramble’ during the Battle of Britain. The pilots are usually sat waiting and passing the time playing chess or reading. Suddenly, the dispersal bell is rung and then they sprint for their aircraft. Such displays are every bit as exciting as the arena full of vehicles. At some events, re-enactors wear either a pilot’s uniform or dress uniform in a rank of their choosing to walk around as ‘strollers’ looking very smart and attracting much attention. Some vehicle owners paint their trucks in RAF colours to attend events and add something extra to the display.

Special events

To mark the occasion of the RAF’s centenary, museums around the country are presenting special exhibitions, such as RAF Cosford and the RAF Museum London (www.rafmuseum. org.uk) both of which have free entry. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford has a unique collection of aircraft and exhibits at its site in Cambridge and a series of special events throughout the year. Details can be found on the Website at: www.iwm. org.uk and following the page to Duxford. This may be the year for re-enactors to try something different. Whatever you decide, the history of the RAF is worth depicting at events. Also, keep an eye on the diary dates section for details of events.