RAF in Camera: 100 Years on Display

By Keith Wilson

In July 2018, the nation looked skyward over Buckingham Palace in awe as the Royal Air Force celebrated its first 100 years with a spectacular parade and flypast over London. This event demonstrated a very different perspective of the RAF; well away from its operational commitments. The expertise and precision of those RAF pilots flying in some of the most famous aircraft in the world has been displayed since the very first days of military aviation. The Inter-War period was dominated by the Hendon Air Pageants; where many aircraft made their public appearance. Post-war, it was the turn of the jet display teams, with the Black Arrows and Firebirds’ laying the foundations for the aerial mastery that is today’s Red Arrows. The various anniversaries have seen a growth in special artwork being applied to aircraft flown by squadrons celebrating key anniversaries. This is covered in considerable detail within this volume. On the ground, the RAF is represented at major celebrations and key public events by the Queen’s Colour Squadron, which demonstrates its world-famous continuity drill routine while providing a guard of honor for visiting Heads of States. They are frequently accompanied with the Service’s own bands; which have grown from those created by its squadrons over a century ago. From the Berlin Airlift in 1948; to flood relief in Kenya; and the international relief effort in the Caribbean following Hurricane Irma in 2017; the RAF has been deployed overseas in response to numerous international crises. But aid operations have also been mounted at home. Under the banner of ‘Military Aid to the Civil Powers’, helicopters and aircraft have airlifted food and supplies to areas cut off by severe weather; Sea King helicopters have rescued villagers stranded by flash flooding in Boscastle; while Chinook helicopters have assisted with the rebuilding of flood defenses breached by severe floods across the country. The golden age of record-breaking also features in this book. From long-range flights to South Africa and Australia; the Schneider Trophy triumph; speed records in the jet age; along with altitude records with pilots in special pressure suits; the RAF has demonstrated its reputation as a truly pioneering Air Arm. Keith Wilson takes us on a journey through the Royal Air Force’s public persona during their 100 year history. All landmark events are referenced in this thorough, well-researched and image-packed publication. As with the three previous releases, this new addition to the In Camera series is sure to be regarded as something of a collector’s edition and a real enthusiast’s favorite.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Sep 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781526752192

Keith Wilson

Dr. Keith Wilson is a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he earned several academic honors, and was chosen outstanding senior student in medicine and graduated cum laude. He was elected to AOA Medical Honorary Society both Junior and Senior years. He completed his residency in Denver, Colorado, where he was also chief resident.He was the director the MRI Section at Toledo Hospital and was the medical director of the PET-CT / MRI outpatient office. For the last fifteen years of his medical career he worked exlusively at the Promedica Breast Care Center, specializing in diagnosis of breast cancer.In addition to four published books, Keith has also written several short stories and has won awards, among them the Hemingway Short Story Contest and The National Writer's Club Contest.Since retiring, he and his wife Cathy now divide their time between Ohio, Cape Cod, and Florida.

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Introduction

The Royal Air Force was founded on 1 April 1918, being an amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Previously, and particularly during the First World War, there had been an almost complete lack of co-ordination between the two services; along with little formulation of policy, especially when ordering and allocating aircraft engines and other support equipment. The continual divergence of opinion between the Admiralty and the War Office, along with the bickering between the two, created almost total confusion. In fact, no policy-making organisation existed with authority for air affairs.

As a result of the impasse, the government of Lloyd George appointed a special committee to examine the position; and to create recommendations to remedy the situation. A leading and clear voice on this committee was General Smuts and on 17 August 1917, just five weeks after its appointment, the Smuts Committee reported its findings. It recommended the establishment of an Air Ministry (previously, there had only been an Air Board) ‘to control and administer all matters in connection with air warfare of every kind and to work out arrangements for the amalgamation of the RFC and RNAS; and for the legal constitution and discipline of the new Service.’

Just seven days later, the government appointed the Air Organisation Committee to put the recommendations of the Smuts Committee into effect. On 29 November, King George V gave his assent to the Air Force Bill, now known as the Air Force (Constitution) Act. On 2 January 1918, the Air Ministry was created, and an Order in Council defined the duties of the Air Council. The following day, Lord Rothermere became the first Secretary of State for the Air Force, as well as president of the Air Council. Major-General Sir Hugh Trenchard was appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), while the Air Council absorbed the operations of the Air Board.

The stage was set for the formation of the UK’s third fighting force and the RAF was constituted on 1 April 1918 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Early military flying machines photographed at Farnborough in 1913. (Air Historical Branch H-1952)

Per Ardua Ad Astra

Many readers will be aware of the RAF motto, Per Ardua Ad Astra; although significantly fewer readers may be aware of the motto’s origination. In fact, not even the most eminent scholars of Latin have been able to provide a literal translation; nor has any authority been able to state its origin with any certainty.

What is known, however, it that it was used for many hundreds of years as the motto of the Irish family of Mulvany. It was also used by Sir Henry Rider Haggard in his famous novel The People of the Mist. In the second paragraph of his first chapter of the book, Sir Henry wrote: ‘To his right were two stately gates of iron fantastically wrought, supported by stone pillars on whose summits stood griffins of black marble embracing coats of arms, and banners inscribed with the devise Per ardua ad astra...’

A copy of the Royal Declaration issued by HM King George V on 7 March 1918, stating that the new service would officially be known as the ‘Royal Air Force’. (Air Historical Branch AIR–30–248)

The passage came to the mind of Colonel J.S. Yule, OBE, as he strode across Laffan’s Plain (later, to become the site of the Royal Aircraft Establishment), one evening in May 1912. Accompanying him was Wing Commander J.N. Fletcher, AFC. At the time, both were then subalterns in the Royal Engineers, seconded for duty with the RFC. They were discussing a proposal with their commanding officer, Major Frederick Sykes, that the RFC should have a motto. Both agreed that Per Ardua Ad Astra seemed appropriate.

On 15 March 1913, King George V approved Per Ardua Ad Astra as the official motto for the RFC and it was promulgated in Army Order No. 3 in the following April – although it was something of a motto without a meaning!

Various scholars have suggested translations of the motto. Rider Haggard’s own translation was ‘Through Struggle to the Stars’ while the Mulvany family understood it to mean ‘Through Difficulties to the Skies’.

A copy of the message from HM King George V to Lord Rothermere, the Minister for Air, to mark the formation of the RAF on 1 April 1918. (Air Historical Branch AIR-2–100-A12528)

In a final effort to establish a translation, following a reader of The Times newspaper having written requesting a literal meaning, the Air Ministry contacted the College of Arms. However, they could only confirm that ‘No authoritative translation is possible.’ This was followed by a statement from the then Air Council Member for Personnel, who wrote a postscript: ‘Let everyone translate it as they think fit.’

Borrowed traditions

When the RAF was formed in 1918, it had no traditions. Consequently, it was forced to borrow some from its sister services. However, having adopted many accepted practices from both the Royal Navy and Army, it rapidly built up a tradition of its own, much of which is maintained today.

Tradition, provided it does not prejudice progress, is important to any organisation, and especially to a fighting service. It provides a common bond of understanding and an element of chivalry, which together provide a solidarity and pride of service, often enabling individuals to rise above themselves in times of emergency or stress.

While the operational role of the RAF has changed greatly since the foundations of the service were conceived by Field-Marshal Jan Smuts and built by the beloved Marshal of the Royal Air Force Viscount Trenchard, its foundations and traditions have remained as solid as a rock.

RAF badge

The badge of the RAF was first used in 1918 and up until 1949 it was subjected to many variations in design. On 15 September of that year, it was given an official description which was published in Air Ministry Order A.666/49 as: ‘In front of a circle inscribed with the motto Per Ardua Ad Astra and ensigned with the Imperial Crown, an eagle volant and affronté, the head lowered and to the sinister.’

At the time, the crown in use was the Tudor Crown but with the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, the crown was replaced by St Edward’s Crown.

It wasn’t long before RAF pilots were demonstrating the aerobatic capabilities of their aircraft for the benefit of the camera. ’ Fairey Flycatcher N9619 was captured while flying inverted in October 1930. (Air Historical Branch H-1891)

A unique portrait of three British kings in RAF uniform ahead of their attendance of King George V’s Silver Jubilee Review of the RAF, held at Mildenhall in 1935. On the left is the future Edward VIII, King George V is in the centre (note the lack of vertical creases in his trousers – a throwback to his days in the Royal Navy), with the future King George VI standing to the right of the picture. This unique image of the ‘Three Kings’ is understood to be the only image of all three together in RAF uniform and was taken in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in July 1935 under the personal arrangement of Queen Mary. (Air Historical Branch H-483)

Not only did the order issued in September 1949 make clear the description of the badge, but it also disposed of a lengthy controversy about the bird used. There were some who claimed it was an albatross, while others suggested it was an eagle. The theory of the albatross originated with the RNAS’s use of the bird in place of the traditional anchor. However, official archives reveal that Admiralty Order No. 2, which was issued in June 1914, prescribed that ‘The badge of an eagle will be worn by members of the RNAS...’.

The first Standard of the RAF

With a policy of national economy prevailing for several years after the end of the Second World War, it was not until 24 April 1953 that the first RAF squadron received its Standard and appropriately it was presented to 1 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Tangmere by Air Vice-Marshal Sir Charles Longcroft.

In the following month, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) was honoured with the presentation of its Standard to 600 (City of London) Squadron, which was presented by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was the squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore.

The first bomber squadron to receive a Standard was 7 Squadron, which received it at their RAF Upwood base on 9 October 1953.

Pomp and ceremony

Nobody in the world does pomp and ceremony like the British and we are renowned for it right across the globe. The British Army are especially good at it, the Royal Navy is good at it; however, and particularly as viewed by the older services, the RAF has always been seen as something of the ‘junior partner’, somewhat lacking in the ceremonial tradition.

That was until the 100th anniversary celebrations were organised across the country and featured the spectacular parades and Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade and Buckingham Palace, as well as the amazing flypast over Buckingham Palace; all part of the RAF100 celebrations. Everyone now sat up and took notice of the Royal Air Force!

RAF100

The RAF celebrated its 100th anniversary on 1 April 2018 by organising the RAF100 series of events. To begin with, from May through to September, it organised an Aircraft Tour which visited Cardiff, London, Newcastle (County Down), Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester; a variety of aircraft was displayed prominently at each location – some of which were particularly relevant or historically significant to a particular location. On Tuesday 10 July 2018, alongside the Aircraft Tour in Horse Guards Parade, the magnificent RAF Centenary Parade also took place in London and was, by any measure, among the RAF’s most successful public displays of service cohesion. Finally, these were supported by what was one of the most iconic parts of the RAF100 celebrations – the massed flypast over Central London for Her Majesty the Queen. Flying directly down the Mall and overhead the RAF parading in front of Buckingham Palace, the flypast marked the culmination of the centenary celebrations. At precisely 9 minutes and 15 seconds in duration, the flypast demonstrated all aspects of the RAF’s capability, with a full spread of aircraft from the venerable Spitfire and Hurricane to the latest, technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter, the F-35B Lightning. If there had ever been any doubt before, there could be none now; the RAF had clearly come of age!

100 years of conflict

For over 100 years the RAF has defended the skies of Britain and projected Britain’s power and influence around the world. Throughout its first century, the RAF has been at conflict in at least one theatre somewhere in the world for each of those hundred years. Even as this introduction is written, the RAF is currently engaged in fifteen missions, on four continents and in twenty-two countries.

The RAF’s mission is to support the objectives of the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), which are to ‘provide the capabilities needed to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government’s foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security.’

The RAF describes its mission statement as ‘... [to provide] an agile adaptable and capable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none, and that makes a decisive air power contribution in support of the UK Defence Mission.’ The RAF’s mission statement is supported by the RAF’s definition of air power which guides its strategy. Air power is defined as ‘the ability to project power from the air and space to influence the behaviour of people or the course of events.’

However, this volume examines all things in which the RAF has been involved during the first century of its existence not including conflicts.

100 years on display

Instead, this book examines the public view of the RAF, along with some of the behind-the-scenes activities that make the public face such an organised and proficient military organisation.

The public persona of the RAF is one that is professional, engaging and inspirational. Over the years they have been particularly inspirational with their recruitment policy, having inspired many hundreds of thousands of people to join the Service. Sadly, the days of RAF-organised open days are a thing of the past, due mainly to a lack of both manpower and funding. However, the Red Arrows are continuing with their recruitment inspiration through their ongoing public activities. In addition to this, they have become an inspirational tool in helping Great Britain pic, often representing all aspects of the best of British industry with tours across the world, but in particular to the Far East and North America. The Reds’ gruelling 2019 tour of North America was considered a particularly spectacular success.

Pageants and Parades features the early RAF Air Pageants, including those at the historic Hendon airfield, where members of the public arrived in their thousands to examine the early Royal Air Force and its equipment, along with an opportunity to view potential air force flying machines of the future. If you thought that night-time formation aerobatics with illuminations was something relatively new, please read the section on son et lumière (translated as ‘sound and light’), when three 216 Squadron Victoria III aircraft performed at the Cairo Tattoo in 1927. Each night for a week, the aircraft flew in formation across the city during darkness, suitably adorned with a distinct lighting pattern.

Faster, Higher, Further examines the RAF’s record-breaking contributions to speed, height and distance records. Some of the RAF records were held for short periods of time, while others remain in place to this day. Why did the RAF feel the need to compete on such a stage? Well, he who has the capability of flying higher than anyone else controls all the space below them – gaining a significant military advantage. This need became especially important during the Cold War, although nowadays missiles and satellites have, to some extent, rendered this need of less importance. Nowadays, and aside from their protection of the UK, the RAF provides quick reaction capabilities to far-flung places and its ability to travel vast distances has become of critical importance.

Royal Connections examines and illustrates the RAF’s connection with the royal family. This relationship has always been a close one, with many members of the royal family having achieved a pilot’s licence – right back to Prince Albert, who earned his wings on 31 July 1919. However, a relatively recent development has seen one member of the royal family in active service. Prince William completed basic flying training in the Grob Tutor T.1 with 1 Elementary Flying School at RAF Cranwell in early 2008 and then he remained on active RAF duty flying helicopters until September 2013. However, it was not the end of his helicopter flying, as in 2014 it was announced that William would be taking a full-time role with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), based at Cambridge Airport.

Flying the Flag illustrates the many post-war goodwill and exchange visits and international partnerships, including the activities of NATO. Many of these, having originally started as a one-off squadron exchange visit, soon become regular features on the calendar. In addition, the RAF’s commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) with Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaya has seen major co-operation and aerial exercises with the air forces of the members; this does not just provide an excellent training environment for each of the participants but demonstrates to any would-be aggressor the speed and strength of the members’ resolve to help and protect each other. Operation Magic Carpet has seen RAF Typhoon aircraft deploy to the Middle East to work with the UK’s allies in the region, while operating from bases in Oman and elsewhere. In 2019 RAF Typhoon FGR.4 aircraft of 3 Squadron, RAF Coningsby, operated with US Air Force (USAF) F-15 aircraft from RAF Lakenheath as well as with visiting USAF B-52H aircraft from the 96th Bomb Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), which deployed to RAF Fairford. More recently, Exercise Cobra Warrior saw Israeli AF F-15 aircraft visit RAF Waddington, with a reciprocal visit planned for the future.

In the Air takes a look at the vast number of formation display teams, formed mostly at squadron level, many during a time when teams would compete for the honour of representing their Command at the various air shows that were popular across the UK, Europe and even further afield. The advent of the jet aircraft brought tremendous improvements in both speed and capabilities and the jet formation display teams introduced a new level of excitement for the spectators. Who can forget 111 Squadron’s twenty-two-aircraft loop at Farnborough in 1958, led by Squadron Leader Roger Topp? Nowadays, modern fighter aircraft are too complicated and, more importantly, far too expensive to be allowed to operate in jet display teams. The modern trend is for a single team formed on training aircraft, and no-one can doubt the skill and capabilities of the RAF’s premier aerobatic display team – the Red Arrows.

On the Ground examines the RAF’s ground-based activities, especially those that form part of the heritage and tradition of the RAF. It also looks at tournaments and tattoos, the RAF church at St Clement Danes, and several of the funerals that the RAF has participated in.

Formations and Flypasts examines formation flying in the RAF – its training and activities. Considered an important skill from as early as the 1920s, it initially featured just two aircraft operating together and practising their skills. This later increased to three aircraft and in this format was regularly demonstrated at the early Hendon shows. Jet aircraft, with their increased capabilities, permitted more complex and complicated formation flying; larger numbers of aircraft were also able to participate. It has often been argued that the teaching of formation flying leads to a higher level of flying competency and it certainly honed the skills of the young RAF pilots. Another benefit of close formation flying used to good effect during the Second World War was the large formations of bombers sent to inflict significant damage on strategic targets in Germany and elsewhere. The ability to keep a large group of aircraft in a tight formation had both defensive and offensive benefits. Defensively, by grouping aircraft together, the gunners could defend a group of aircraft, not just their own – making it particularly difficult for Luftwaffe fighters to attack the aircraft in the centre of the formation. Offensively, once the target had been reached and identified, a large group of bombers dropping ordnance would lead to concentrated damage to the target below – effectively ‘carpet bombing’.

This high level of formation flying within the RAF has influenced the style of the air-to-air refuelling (AAR) practised by them: the tanker aircraft trailing a basket into which the receiver aircraft places its refuelling probe while staying in very close formation while fuel is transferred. Having personally witnessed on several occasions, and at first hand, the advanced capability of RAF AAR, I can emphasise the amazing skill levels and teamwork demonstrated during this important aspect of RAF flying. However, it makes an interesting comparison with the USAF methodology, which some may consider is de-skilling the task, in which the receiver aircraft positions itself close to the rear end of the tanker aircraft, waiting for the boom operator to position the boom close to the receiver, before firing it into the receptacle located on the receiver aircraft. While this method does permit an increased fuel flow, it has led to a view held by some people that formation training in the RAF is at a significantly higher level than that taught and practised in the USAF.

Anniversary and Presentation Aircraft features the wide variety of special anniversary aircraft, of which there has been a significant number and variety, especially during the last thirty years. While presentation aircraft were painted during both the First and Second World Wars, the painting of special anniversary colour schemes is a relatively new feature within the RAF, all conducted within very tight military rules and regulations governing the colours that any particular aircraft can actually be painted. Special anniversary colour schemes began to be sanctioned by the military authorities in the late 1980s, around the seventy-fifth anniversary celebrations of squadrons formed when the RAF came into being on 1 April 1918. Since then, the practice has increased, particularly with the eightieth, ninetieth and ninety-fifth anniversaries of squadrons, and especially with the advent of decals; not surprisingly, this reached a peak when many squadrons celebrated their centenaries.

In addition to making a flypast over central London at 11:00am on 8 May 2020 to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of VE Day, the Red Arrows also conducted a fly past over the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede. (Air Historical Branch NHT–20200508–058–0018/SAC Beth Roberts)

RAF Anniversaries features the celebrations of the Battle of Britain along with various major anniversaries of the RAF, which include the low-key Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1943, followed by the fortieth, fiftieth, sixtieth, seventy-fifth, eightieth and ninetieth anniversaries. Many of these were celebrated with events that provided the public with a first-hand view of what their hard-earned taxes were being spent on.

Finally, RAF100 and the Flypast of the Century features the spectacular 100th anniversary of the RAF, the planning and sheer size of which deserves a chapter of its own. The three aspects of the event, the Aircraft Tour, the RAF Centenary Parade and the London flypast, are all described by the officers who headed the organisation of them, including a behind-the-scenes view of some of the problems that had to be overcome in making each aspect the spectacular and memorable success that it was.

RAF photographers

This volume would not have been possible without the massive contributions made by RAF Photographers who, over the years, have recorded so much of the RAF’s considerable history. A special ‘thank you’ should go to the individual who had the foresight to introduce photography as a trade within the RAF, with its own school facilities. However, my personal thanks must go to each one of the military and civilian photographers who have contributed in no small way to making this volume possible.

Photographers have been employed in a support role since the days of the RFC. The School of Photography was established at Farnborough in August 1915 and was the first technical training school of its type. On the formation of the RAF in 1918 the trade of Photographer (along with Air Mechanic) was the oldest recognised ground trade. The primary role of the trade in those days was in support of aerial reconnaissance activity, and this was to remain the case until the turn of the century, when traditional ‘wet film’ reconnaissance passed into history.

Perhaps surprisingly, the early traditional ‘ground photography’ tasks were captured pretty much piecemeal by Air Photographers as and when required, with whatever equipment was at their disposal.

More formal commissions – such as official group photographs, graduations and high-profile visits – have tended to be covered by freelance civilian photographers. This continued through the Second World War, although by then the RAF Film Unit had been established with several photographic tradesmen assigned to ground capture roles.

An exact date as to when pure ground photographers were established is hard to pinpoint, but what is certain is that the Ground Photographer (Photo G) course began to be taught at the School of Photography (by this time at RAF Cosford) from the late 1960s. This was a separately defined discipline taught alongside the Air Photographer training pipeline. From the mid-1990s, the two trades were amalgamated into the single trade of RAF Photographer that we have today.

The balance of output has of course now swung in favour of ground tasking, although one last bastion of air photography continues to be supported at the Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre out in Northern Ireland.

As it stands today the RAF has 105 established Photographer positions, with around twenty of these posts working in a Joint Service role, as part of Strategic Command or Land Command.

Bringing things right up to date

Somewhat strangely, this introduction is being concluded while the UK is suffering under the effects of the Coronavirus – Covid-19. Little flying is taking place around the UK but that did not prevent the country celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) on Friday 8 May 2020, taking the opportunity to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of people who sacrificed their lives in order that fascism could be defeated and peace could be restored in Europe.

The day had been declared a national holiday and despite the circumstances, small local street parties were organised while operating under the government’s strict social distancing guidelines. Even my own community organised a small gathering.

Military personnel across the UK and on operations across the world paused for a 2-minute silence during the National Moment of Remembrance, while the Defence Secretary laid a wreath at the Guards Memorial in Central London during a small but poignant ceremony.

Second World War veterans from all three services came together on the White Cliffs of Dover, to receive a salute from a pair of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire aircraft – Mk IIa P7350 flown by Squadron Leader Mark Discombe and Mk Vb AB910 flown by Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece, both aircraft having flown operationally during the Second World War – in a salute to the veterans. Meanwhile, HMS Severn, a Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel, was positioned off the coast during the flypast just in case it was needed. Thankfully, it was not!

Finally, the Red Arrows led the tributes over a hushed London with their customary nine-ship flypast with red, white and blue smoke. As the major event that had originally been planned was not able to take place, the BBC broadcast a special programme which paid tribute to the day, without the participation of the large crowds that would otherwise have gathered.

A respected symbol of Great Britain

There are many air forces in the world using the prefix ‘Royal’ but when the Royal Air Force is mentioned, no one ever enquires as to which country it belongs. Simply stated, the Royal Air Force is a symbol of Great Britain, recognised, acknowledged and respected the world over.

I have thoroughly enjoyed researching this volume, the fourth in the ‘RAF in Camera’ series for Pen & Sword. I sincerely hope this pictorial history of 100 years of the Royal Air Force on display enlightens and, more importantly, entertains the reader.

Keith Wilson

Ramsey, Cambridgeshire

September 2021

Pageants and Parades

Two Vickers Virginia aircraft of the Parachute Test Unit at RAF Henlow, on display at the station’s Empire Air Day in 1938. (Air Historical Branch image Virginias on Empire Day 1938-06)

The first organised international air meet was the Semaine d’Aviation de la Champagne (The Champagne Region’s Great Aviation Week), held at a racetrack on the Plain outside Reims, France, between 22 and 29 August 1909. Around a quarter of a million people attended and they were entertained by the likes of Louis Blériot, Henri Farman, Alberto Santos-Dumont and Glenn Curtiss. The week’s programme included various trials and races which culminated in the running of the Gordon Bennett Cup, with a prize of £1,500 for the winner. Some great pioneering aircraft were present at the event, including the Farman Biplane, the Wright Flyer and the Antoinette monoplane.

Interestingly, the Reims meeting also witnessed the first public demonstration of aerobatics, by self-taught aviator Eugène Lefebvre in a Wright Flyer. Many considered his ‘stunts’ to be outstandingly daring, while others remained cautious. It was a widely held belief by aviators at the time that to venture from straight and level flight – apart from the gentlest of banks and turns – was to invite disaster. As if to emphasise the point, Lefebvre was killed in a flying accident the following month.

First Aerial Derby at Hendon

In 1906, before any powered flight had taken place in Britain, the Daily Mail newspaper had challenged aviators to fly from London to Manchester or vice versa, offering a prize of £10,000. The journey had to be completed within 24 hours, with no more than two landings. Initially, there were few participants; however, by 1910 aircraft and engine design had improved sufficiently to make a realistic attempt to win the prize.

Both Claude Grahame-White and the French aviator Louis Paulhan prepared for the challenge during April 1910. Grahame-White made two attempts, but it was Paulhan who succeeded. He chose a field on the future site of Hendon aerodrome as his point of departure and on 27 April he flew 117 miles (188 km) from Hendon to Lichfield – easily the longest flight accomplished in the UK at that time. Before dawn on 28 April, he took off and reached Burnage on the outskirts of Manchester after 3 hours 55 minutes in the air; it was all achieved in just over 12 hours.

Aviation was developing at a rapid rate and pioneers saw the opportunities presented. Claude Grahame-White created a new company – the Grahame-White Aviation Company – taking control of more than 200 acres of Colindale and converting it into what could be recognised as a proper modern airfield – Hendon. The first occupants were Horatio Barber’s Aeronautical Syndicate Ltd and the Blériot flying school.

On 12 May 1911, the Hendon Demonstration was held in front of a remarkable gathering of royal visitors, members of the Cabinet and Opposition, as well as high-ranking military officers. All watched a series of flights by Claude Grahame-White, Samuel Cody, Gustav Hamel and others, who gave demonstrations of the practical and military possibilities of the aircraft.

From 9 to 16 September 1911, the first official UK airmail was flown between Hendon and Windsor as part of the celebrations of the coronation of King George V.

In 1912, the first Aerial Derby started and ended at Hendon. An estimated 3 million people turned out across London, forming a human ring around the race circuit to see the aviators fly round the metropolis. An estimated 2 million of these Londoners had never seen an aircraft in flight before. At Hendon Aerodrome at least 45,000 people paid for admission to the enclosures.

These annual events became as important as the Ascot and Epsom races during the London Season. By 1925, 100,000 people came to see the display; it became so popular there was talk of having to spread it over a few days.

However, the first fatality at Hendon, reported in The Times in May 1911, was Bernard Benson, aged just twenty-three, who died on 25 May 1911 when he fell around 100 ft from an Aeronautical Syndicate Ltd (ASL) Valkyrie – a canard pusher configuration aircraft designed in 1910.

A number of flying schools were soon located at Hendon, including Grahame-White’s, while another was established in 1914 by the American aviator George Beatty, who operated in partnership with Handley Page. In November 1916, the War Office commandeered the flying schools, after which time the aerodrome trained 490 pilots. Claude Grahame-White and other members of the RNAS mounted a night defence of London in 1915, which constituted the very first aerial defence of London.