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Royal Airforce Collection (#2)

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has a rich history filled with remarkable moments and iconic aircraft

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Trawler being attacked by Beaufighters of the R. A. F. equipped with rocket projectiles

Trawler being attacked by Beaufighters of the R. A. F. equipped with rocket projectiles
Trawler being attacked by Beaufighters of the R.A.F. equipped with rocket projectiles. Picture taken off the coast of Holland

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Paratroop Training in Manchester. England. World War Two

Paratroop Training in Manchester. England. World War Two. The regiment on parade. The company are from RAF Ringway. RAF Ringway was a Royal Air Force station in Ringway, Cheshire, England

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: A Stirling bomber in front of St Pauls Cathedral in the City of London

A Stirling bomber in front of St Pauls Cathedral in the City of London, during Wings for Victory week, in an area cleared of bombed buildings. Picture taken 1st March 1943

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Picture shows young royal air force recruits getting their hair cut within an air craft

Picture shows young royal air force recruits getting their hair cut within an air craft hanger. Picture taken 4th December 1940

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: A Douglas Boston 111 in flight. (background) (serial letter F

A Douglas Boston 111 in flight. (background) (serial letter F) Pictured passed by Censors. (Picture number 192469 or 192409)

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Air Office Commander JT Babington presenting The Air Force Medal (AFM

Air Office Commander JT Babington presenting The Air Force Medal (AFM) to Pilot Officer Hrncir, a Czech polis at a South Wales station. Internet background on Officer Hrncir suggests the below

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Picture shows a Wellington aeroplane, number 5 on the side of the aircraft)

Picture shows a Wellington aeroplane, number 5 on the side of the aircraft). Below is a RAF Spitfire breaking off after attacking the Wellington. Picture taken in England. RAF Gunnery School

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Sir Arthur Harris in uniform at memorial service - May 1982 03 / 05 / 1982

Sir Arthur Harris in uniform at memorial service - May 1982 03 / 05 / 1982
Sir Arthur Harris in uniform at memorial service - May 1982 03/05/1982

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Training for Air Crews. World War Two. Hundred of air crews are now being

Training for Air Crews. World War Two. Hundred of air crews are now being trained in order to obtain for Great Britain Air Supremacy

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: The nine (9) strong Womens Pilot Section - The Air Transport Auxilliary

The nine (9) strong Womens Pilot Section - The Air Transport Auxilliary, who will fly new aircraft from the factories to the aerodromes pictured beside a RAF de Havilland Tiger moth The Air Transport

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Picture shows a group of soldiers and cadets, old and young, in the Hull

Picture shows a group of soldiers and cadets, old and young, in the Hull, East Riding and Yorkshire area of England. **please note

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Picture shows a group of Air Cadets in the Hull, East Riding

Picture shows a group of Air Cadets in the Hull, East Riding and Yorkshire area of England. There was Royal Air Force Station Driffield or RAF Driffield

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Group Captain DA Guillaume is reunited with his daughter

Group Captain DA Guillaume is reunited with his daughter. Her name reads as possibly Monrealle ?. Picture taken in Brussels

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Picture shows an RAF (Royal Airforce) party for children of Belgium, in Brussels

Picture shows an RAF (Royal Airforce) party for children of Belgium, in Brussels. One of the airmen is dressed up as Father Christmas

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Gilly, the Australian mascot of an RAF Training School, saw the first enemy plane brought

Gilly, the Australian mascot of an RAF Training School, saw the first enemy plane brought down over this country in the early months of the war

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Picture shows cadets of the Wakefield 127 Squadron ATC giving landing instructions

Picture shows cadets of the Wakefield 127 Squadron ATC giving landing instructions to Corporal Don Nicholson in the cockpit of their home made aeroplane. Picture taken 16th February 1944

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: A fragment cut from an enemy aircraft which the RAF squadron shot down is used for

A fragment cut from an enemy aircraft which the RAF squadron shot down is used for recording the number of enemy aircraft destroyed. October 1941

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: The Battle of Arnhem. British Troops fill a C46 transport plane to land with the first

The Battle of Arnhem. British Troops fill a C46 transport plane to land with the first allied airborne army on enemy held Holland

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: HRH Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales arrives at Aberdeen with her son Prince William

HRH Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales arrives at Aberdeen with her son Prince William. A blizzard, gail force winds and hail met the Royal mother

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Famous Battle of Britain pilots visited the RAF station at Duxford, near Cambridge

Famous Battle of Britain pilots visited the RAF station at Duxford, near Cambridge, today where the Battle of Britain film is being made

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: The wings being attached to a Folland Gnat of the Red Arrows in preparation for a Royal

The wings being attached to a Folland Gnat of the Red Arrows in preparation for a Royal Airforce exhibition at Thameside, Berkshire. 14th October 1967

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: CM24 8164 The Red Arrows

CM24 8164 The Red Arrows
The Red Arrows, Festival of Speed - The Silver Jubilee, Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2018, Motorsports, automobiles, cars, entertainment, Festival of Speed, FoS, Goodwood, heritage, hill climb, July

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: CM24 8202 The Red Arrows

CM24 8202 The Red Arrows
The Red Arrows, Festival of Speed - The Silver Jubilee, Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2018, Motorsports, automobiles, cars, entertainment, Festival of Speed, FoS, Goodwood, heritage, hill climb, July

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Squadron Leader Archibald Stuart MacLaren and his daughter standing in the Vickers

Squadron Leader Archibald Stuart MacLaren and his daughter standing in the Vickers Vulture amphibius bi-plane ( G-EBH0 ) at Carshot Spit, an RAF Seaplane Base near Southampton, Hampshire

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Children Watch Planes

Children Watch Planes
29th June 1928: Schoolchildren watch bombers rehearsing for the Royal Airforce display and pageant at Hendon Aerodrome, London. (Photo by Davies/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Ava In Flight

Ava In Flight
1926: The new Ava bomber descending after its public maiden flight at the Royal Airforce display and pageant at Hendon Aerodrome, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Royal Airforce mixed hockey at RAF Uxbridge 2 March 1919

Royal Airforce mixed hockey at RAF Uxbridge 2 March 1919

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Ranelagh Navy versus Air Force Match Admiral Sir Roger Keyes 18 July 1928

Ranelagh Navy versus Air Force Match Admiral Sir Roger Keyes 18 July 1928

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: Ranelagh Polo club - Navy versus Air Force Match Squadron leader Waller, Mrs

Ranelagh Polo club - Navy versus Air Force Match Squadron leader Waller, Mrs and Commander J. Baldwin 19 July 1928

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: A Hawker Hart of No. 23 Squadron RAF flying in formation over the Medway area in Kent

A Hawker Hart of No. 23 Squadron RAF flying in formation over the Medway area in Kent. 1939

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: RAF Empire air day rehearsal, Biggin Hill, Kent. Pilots of 32 and 79 squadron

RAF Empire air day rehearsal, Biggin Hill, Kent. Pilots of 32 and 79 squadron fly there gloster gauntlet fighters in the renowned tight V formation. 1937

Background imageRoyal Airforce Collection: RAF Empire air day, Biggin Hill, gloster gauntlets of 32 and 79 squadron on the

RAF Empire air day, Biggin Hill, gloster gauntlets of 32 and 79 squadron on the tarmac for the public to see. 1937




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The Royal Air Force (RAF) has a rich history filled with remarkable moments and iconic aircraft. From the daring pancake landing of a Typhoon on the rocky shores near Torquay to the thrilling Empire Air Day poster in 1934, their legacy is etched in aviation history. One image captures Queen Alexandra's visit to the Royal Aircraft Factory in Farnborough back in July 1915. Her presence symbolizes the royal support for this burgeoning force that would soon become an integral part of national defense. In another photograph, a Hawker Hart from No. 23 Squadron soars over Kent's Medway area, showcasing RAF's prowess and dominance in the skies. These skilled pilots exemplify bravery and precision as they protect our nation. Bomber Command strategizes meticulously for large-scale operations, as seen in an intriguing snapshot taken around November 17th. The planning room buzzes with anticipation as they prepare to execute missions crucial to victory. Behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal R. A. F armourers diligently working with colossal 12, 000 lb bombs destined for Lancaster Bombers. Their expertise ensures these formidable machines can deliver devastating blows against enemy targets. The Hawker Typhoon takes center stage once again; its sleek silhouette captured mid-flight evokes awe and admiration. Impressive numbers of these fighters are being produced at Gloster factories, testament to British engineering excellence during challenging times. A vintage illustration from Flying Memories by John Hamilton depicts R. A. F forces bombing Turkish positions at Dardanelles during World War I—an act of courage that shaped world events forever. Amongst all these incredible aircraft stands out two legendary names: Blackburn "Ripon" and Supermarine "S. 6. " These black-and-white photographs transport us back to their era when innovation pushed boundaries and set new standards for aerial superiority. The Royal Air Force continues its legacy today as one of the most respected air forces worldwide—a testament to the bravery, skill, and dedication of its personnel.