The Book
Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy KCB CBE DSO ADC BSc(Eng) FRAeS FCGI RAF Chief of the Air Staff
In comparison with our sister services, the Royal Air Force is still very young – a mere 90 years old. Despite that, the impact that the Service has had on the conduct of modern warfare has been vast. Building on the initial successes of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, the Royal Air Force was formed on 1 April 1918 as the world’s first independent Air Force. By the end of the First World War, it had convincingly demonstrated the critical importance of air power. No major conflict would ever again be conducted solely in two dimensions.
Flexibility, speed, reach and the exploitation of technology became the key features of Royal Air Force operations during the next twenty years, with the Service involved in long-term aerial policing and peacekeeping in several overseas territories. The Second World War brought the ‘Junior Service’ its greatest and most significant challenge – the Battle of Britain. Without the untiring efforts and bravery of 'The Few' – and all who supported their endeavours – the freedom of the Western world could easily have been lost. The members of Bomber Command, who valiantly spearheaded offensive operations deep into enemy territory, also displayed these same characteristics in abundance. Eventually, the tide was turned and peace restored. But, even as one threat was defeated, others emerged. Throughout the Cold War, the Royal Air Force played a vital role in both defending the United Kingdom’s airspace and providing a robust and capable deterrent capability alongside other NATO allies. Since then, hardly a year has passed in which British Forces have not been involved in some conflict – and the Royal Air Force has played a key role in each and every operation.
Achievement and success in battle has shaped the rich heritage of the Royal Air Force, and I am delighted that Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork has taken the time to chronicle so painstakingly the history of the Service that I am extremely proud to lead. Whether you use The Royal Air Force Day by Day as a serious reference book or simply as a reminder of the many exploits of the Service, I am sure you will unearth fascinating gems of information as well as reminders of truly great events. I commend this book to everyone with an interest in the history of aviation and, in particular, in the world’s oldest Air Force.