CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY GUILDHALL, APRIL 2018
CAD00 COVER.indd 1
16/04/2018 11:44
Above and beyond for 100 years Since the Royal Air Force’s formation 100 years ago, we have been working in partnership and alongside the RAF to deliver technical and operational advantage. In the RAF’s centenary year, we are proud to support RAF100 and proud to continue to deliver an essential edge to our partner.
www.baesystems.com Copyright @ 2018 BAE Systems
BAE-placed.indd 2
16/04/2018 11:00
Contents 4
6
7
8
11 12
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION The Masters of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Worshipful Company of Engineers THE RT HON THE LORD MAYOR ALDERMAN CHARLES BOWMAN Lord Mayor, City of London Corporation
15
RELIEF OPERATIONS AND AIRDROPS A look at the crucial role of the Royal Air Force in numerous humanitarian aid missions all over the world
18
MEDICINE, WAR AND THE RAF Highlighting the Royal Air Force’s vital medical and rescue services, which haved saved countless lives at home and abroad
20
ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT ON DISPLAY Facts and figures about the aircraft on display at the Guildhall: Eurofighter Typhoon, Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI, Hawker Hurricane Mk I, Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a and Sopwith F1 Camel
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR STEPHEN HILLIER KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF, Chief of the Air Staff THE FORMATION OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE How the world’s first independent air force was established in 1918
26
100 YEARS OF ICONIC AIRCRAFT A selection of classic aircraft that have served with the RAF over the past century
A ROYAL MESSAGE OF THANKS King George V’s letter to the RAF at the conclusion of the First World War
29
INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE, Commandant, Royal Air Force Cadets
30
ENCOURAGING EXCELLENCE The origins and work of the three Livery Companies that have come together to mark the RAF’s centenary
MODERN AIRCRAFT AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE The RAF has been at the forefront of aircraft development throughout its illustrious history
Produced by Harfield Media (www.harfieldmedia.com) Edited by Barry Davies Designed by J-P Stanway Images: Crown copyright; Ministry of Defence; RAF Museum; Alamy; Shutterstock; Mike Freer Back cover: The Royal Air Force Ensign is lowered in Italy at the conclusion of Operation Ellamy, December 2011 (Photo: Wg Cdr John Bleeker RAF)
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 3
01 Contents.indd 3
16/04/2018 14:26
Welcome and introduction Mr Tony Edwards BSc MBA CEng FRAeS, Master, The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers; Captain Colin A Cox FRAeS, Master, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots; Eur Ing Richard Groome BSc FIChemE FRSPH, Master, The Worshipful Company of Engineers
W
ithin each Livery Company there is fellowship; and between each Livery Company there is wider fellowship balanced by close and friendly rivalry. To celebrate the Centenary of the world’s first independent air force, the Royal Air Force, the Coachmakers Company has brought together the Company of Air Pilots and the Company of Engineers. We three Liveries stand together as designers, engineers, builders and aviators because we represent the City’s and industry’s support network for the RAF. We bring skilled people and magnificent machines together and help them fly. The Worshipful Company of Engineers has a long-standing and strong connection with the RAF and has two Air Vice Marshals as Past Masters. The Company maintains strong links to help promote RAF engineering skills through a dedicated annual award, and a lively and active affiliation with the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering and its headquarters at RAF Cosford.
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots exclusively represents those in the aviation industry and community who fly and navigate aircraft. It enjoys a close affiliation with the RAF and has a large number of former and serving RAF personnel within its ranks, as well as pilots and navigators from the other services, and civilian pilots. The role of the Air Pilots is to promote and strengthen the Aviation Sector, and to contribute to its future growth and direction. It is, by its nature, not only the ‘go-to’ place for the pilot’s eye-view on aviation policy, but also for young people who are curious about flying. The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers represents and supports the aerospace industry, whose role it is to build and manufacture the heavier-than-air machines flown by the gallant pilots and crews of the RAF, all of whom, past and present, we honour. We three Liveries are proud and honoured to pay tribute to the RAF’s service, dedication and commitment over the past 100 years and look forward to continuing that support for the next 100 years and beyond.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 4
02 Welcome and intro folio edited.indd 4
16/04/2018 14:28
‘Movers’ handle munitions during Operation Ellamy in 2011 – teamwork is key to the Royal Air Force’s mission
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 5
02 Welcome and intro folio edited.indd 5
16/04/2018 14:28
The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor
Alderman Charles Bowman Lord Mayor, City of London Corporation
T
he City of London’s Livery Companies are a power for good for the City, for business and for the country. For three of those Livery Companies to come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Royal Air Force is a momentous undertaking. The Masters, Wardens and Liverymen of those three companies are to be warmly applauded by the City and its wider community for this splendid initiative, which culminates here in Guildhall. The Coachmakers, who initiated the project, alongside the Engineers and Air Pilots, have organised an exhibition that is inspirational and moving in equal measure. As the Livery Companies have emphasised, the project also offers many learning opportunities. Visiting students will, I trust, be enthused by what they see and take from the exhibits. They
will learn just how important our manufacturing industry is. They will see that Britain – in partnership with other countries in Europe, with the US and elsewhere – builds great aircraft. The Coachmakers, Engineers and Air Pilots are raising funds from this event for the RAF Air Cadets. The RAF Air Cadets is a valuable pathway for the airmen and airwomen of tomorrow, as well as the engineers, designers and manufacturers who make up this extraordinary sector. On behalf of the City of London, we thank you all for your support for this magnificent initiative. It will, I am certain, inspire many young people today, tomorrow and beyond. On this anniversary of the Royal Air Force, I would also like to thank the men and women who have served so well over the past 100 years. Let us salute them all – past, present and future.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 6
03 Lord Mayor FW AMENDED.indd 6
16/04/2018 11:36
Air Chief Marshal
Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF, Chief of the Air Staff
I
n this anniversary year of the formation of the world’s first independent air force, I am delighted to attend the Coachmakers, Air Pilots and Engineers Livery event, a tribute to the Royal Air Force’s 100 years of service, success and sacrifice. Today’s Royal Air Force upholds a tradition of professionalism, skill and technological advantage that is as old as the Service itself. These qualities, combined with the excellence of our people and our rich heritage, ensure we remain one of the world’s leading and most respected air arms. Our 100th anniversary provides a unique opportunity to Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire. We will commemorate 100 years of extraordinary success, courage and sacrifice. We will celebrate the achievements of today’s RAF, adding daily to our rich heritage and strong ethos. And we will reach out to future generations, to inspire them through our example towards realising their ambitions and potential.
We want to leave a legacy that endures beyond 2018 and into the RAF’s second century. I want that legacy to be about education and development of young people, providing opportunity to every part of our society. These ideas have been at the heart of the RAF’s ethos and tradition since our inception, and through RAF100 we are taking them even further. I know that those attending this event share our goals and I look forward to working together with you. This event honours all those who have served and who are still serving. On behalf of the whole Royal Air Force, I offer my sincere thanks to the City of London, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Worshipful Company of Engineers of the City of London for their invaluable support and their affiliations to so many RAF Squadrons and Stations throughout our history.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 7
04 CAS FW AMENDED.indd 7
16/04/2018 11:37
The formation of the Royal Air Force There was no ceremony on 1 April 1918 to mark the formation of the RAF. The country had been at war for over three years when a government investigation into the state of Great Britain’s air defences led to the establishment of a single air force
G
erman airship and airplane raids on Great Britain during the First World War had caused public outrage and deep concern among politicians. By 1917, the responsibility for the aerial defence of the United Kingdom remained divided between the War Office and Admiralty. Additionally, no national organization existed to conduct a
strategic air offensive against Germany. This led the Cabinet to establish a committee to assess the country’s air defences and air organization in general. The committee was formed in July, nominally under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. In practice, however, it was two Lieutenant Generals who undertook the task: South African Jan Christiaan
The new Royal Air Force inherited many obsolete aircraft, such as this Sopwith Triplane, now preserved at the RAF Museum
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 8
05 Formation of the RAF cadet folio.indd 8
16/04/2018 11:34
Lt-Gen Jan Smuts recommended the creation of a single British air force
Two airmen aboard a Bristol Fighter of the W/T Establishment at Biggin Hill in 1918
Non-Commissioned Officers in Royal Flying Corps uniform relax outside their hut in 1918
Smuts led the work, supported by the first head of the Royal Flying Corps, Sir David Henderson. While the committee’s first report, which recommended unifying the air defence of London under a single organization, was important, it was their second report that had lasting significance. This latter report recommended the creation of an Air Ministry and a national air force – the first example of such in military history.
In January 1918, as the RAF approached its official formation date, Hugh Trenchard was appointed the first Chief of the Air Staff. Formerly an officer in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, becoming second in command at the Central Flying School in 1913. When war broke out, Trenchard became a wing commander, before rising to command the entire Royal Flying Corps in the Field in 1915.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 9
05 Formation of the RAF cadet folio.indd 9
16/04/2018 11:34
A Sopwith Camel takes off from HMS Pegasus. RAF aircraft operated from a variety of Royal Navy ships
Major General Sir Hugh Trenchard, the first Chief of the Air Staff
Officers of RAF Cattewater on 1 April 1918. Most are pictured still wearing Royal Naval Air Service dress, but two are already in RAF uniform
Trenchard’s primary objective as Chief of the Air Staff was to ensure the smooth transition from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service to the RAF. Operational ability was more important than ceremony. Although a new badge and uniform were designed, wartime production limits meant there would not be enough to equip everyone in the new service. As the RAF was being formed, allied forces in France were trying to stop the major German
Michael Offensive. It was important to continue air operations against German forces on land, in the air and at sea. The new RAF supported the British Army on the Western Front and in the Middle East, fought hard for the control of the air, conducted reconnaissance patrols for the Royal Navy, and began a major bombing campaign against Germany. The Royal Air Force played a vital role in the closing months of the war; the first century of RAF history had begun.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 10
05 Formation of the RAF cadet folio.indd 10
16/04/2018 11:34
A royal message of thanks At the conclusion of the First World War, His Majesty King George V sent congratulations to the men and women of the recently formed Royal Air Force and expressed his gratitude for their sacrifice
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 11
06 King's Letter cadet folio.indd 11
16/04/2018 11:38
Modern aircraft and the Royal Air Force Throughout its illustrious history, the RAF has been at the forefront of aircraft development
T
he Industrial Revolution introduced huge technological and scientific changes to many people, especially those living in Europe and the Americas. The development of engines and the use of manmade power, such as steam, made a significant difference to industrial output and to travel. One of the earliest types of engine invented was the early piston engine. The development of the steam engine enabled massive distances to be covered by rail and sea.
However, steam engines were often heavy and not as suited for small vehicles; those developing the early use of cars and aircraft continued to use piston engines, as they could provide a lot of power but were also small and light in comparison to the steam versions. The Wright brothers made the first successful flight in 1903, with Alberto Santos-Dumont successfully completing the first powered flight (using an engine) in 1906. After that, aircraft and flying became an area of technological focus and development
(From top) The Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire were three of the best-known British aircraft of the Second World War
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 12
CAD01 STEM.indd 12
16/04/2018 11:47
Jet-engine pioneer Frank Whittle adjusts a slide rule while working at the Ministry of Aircraft Production
Introduced in July 1944, the Gloster Meteor was the first Allied jet-powered fighter of the Second World War
By the Second World War, the piston engines had been refined, developed and given an increased sophistication that went way beyond the early engines. These advanced piston engines were able to provide a lot more power to the aircraft, enabling them to carry far heavier loads and cover much greater distances. Developments in design and metals meant that many aircraft now had a metal skeleton, although much of the outer covering was not metal. Aeroplanes began to have two fixed wings, and the old biplane design was slowly abandoned. However, the engine capabilities still resulted in limitations to how high or fast the aircraft could fly.
These aeroplanes seemed a million miles from their counterparts of the First World War; nonetheless, all sides still wanted aircraft that were stronger, faster and able to carry more.
ICONIC AIRCRAFT During the Second World War, the aircraft – as well as the pilots – of the Royal Air Force became well known to many on the ground. The Battle of Britain meant that many people could spot a Spitfire or a Hawker Hurricane as they flew overhead. Furthermore, the power and size of the Lancaster bombers, as well as their deadly cargo, became a symbol of force for the Allies and horror for the Germans. Both the Spitfire and the Hurricane were powerful aircraft with good manoeuvrability – ideal for the dogfights that they were now required to perform to stop the Nazi Luftwaffe (air force) from dominating Britain’s skies.
THE JET ENGINE Frank Whittle was the son of a mechanic and had a fascination with engines and aircraft. Born in 1907, he watched the rapid development of aircraft as he grew up. On his third attempt to join the RAF (after two rejections due to his not meeting the height requirement), he became an apprentice and qualified as a Pilot Officer in 1928. Very early on, he recognised that if aircraft were to fly at high altitudes, a new type of engine would be required to replace piston engines. He began work on his own designs and, in 1929, he patented a design for an encased gas turbine engine, although none were ever made. The RAF approved the formation of Whittle’s own company – Power Jets Ltd – in 1935. With additional financial backing, Whittle and the RAF began to construct and test the new jet engine design. The first design was unsuccessful, but Whittle pushed on. In 1939, the Second World War had started and the Air Ministry was distracted by other priorities; nonetheless, further finance was agreed. In 1941, the new engine was tested, and the first successful flight with Whittle’s jet engine was made in May the same year.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 13
CAD01 STEM.indd 13
16/04/2018 15:47
The final flight of the English Electric Canberra T-4 on 1st September 2005, after 55 years’ service for the RAF
The Allies and the Axis powers had all developed jet-engine fighter aircraft by the conclusion of the Second World War. By the end of the 1940s, the US forces had developed a jetengine bomber, and the rest of the world began to follow. The light bomber English Electric Canberra was put into service by the RAF in 1951. In the 1950s, the UK developed the V bombers – the Vickers Valiant, the Avro Vulcan and the Handley Page Victor. They were large
jet engine bombers that demonstrated the UK’s independent capability, as well as its role as a key player in NATO. By the 1980s, the V bombers were being wound down, when in fact they were about to face one of their greatest challenges – the Falklands War of 1982 The next generation of jet aircraft introduced more advanced instruments, as well as engines. Increasingly, aircraft became computerised. The modern Tornado jet took over from the Vulcan in the 1980s. It was developed for high-speed roles, as well as reconnaissance and ground attack, and was used in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. New versions of aircraft are being explored and developed all the time, but only certain versions will ever go into production; however, even the development stages will cost millions of pounds. Each new jet aircraft – such as the currently used Typhoon – costs £70 million to produce. Aircraft are now designed for multiple roles – reconnaissance, attack, defence, speed, manoeuvrability, the ability to carry modern weapons and more. As the RAF phases out the Tornado, the main aircraft in service are the Typhoon and the F-35B Lightning.
HELICOPTERS As a concept, helicopters have been around for centuries, but they started being experimented with in a realistic way in the 1930s. The aircraft first displayed their worth during the Korean War (1950-53), when fighting in the mountains made it difficult to get supplies to troops and, in particular, to get injured servicemen out. Helicopters were soon adopted by other countries, in particular by the UK with the RAF. Today, helicopters play a fundamental part in troop movements and supplies, and have an essential role in medical evacuation. The Chinook (pictured), with its two blades, is incredibly technically advanced and is able to fly into areas that would be impossible to reach by road, while carrying heavy loads.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 14
CAD01 STEM.indd 14
16/04/2018 11:51
Relief operations and airdrops For much of its history, the RAF has played a crucial part in humanitarian aid missions – both during war and in peace
I
t was during the First World War that aircraft started carrying things to drop on targets – more often than not, these were propaganda leaflets rather than bombs. The aircraft of the First World War were not able to carry very much, and although there were bombing raids by air, they were limited by the size and power of the aircraft. By the Second World War, Britain, along with other countries, had developed more sophisticated aircraft. These aircraft were capable of carrying much heavier loads, such as passengers, airborne troops, bombs, food and supplies. Over the course
of the war, the RAF and other Allied air forces would deliver all of those loads, and deliver them all with the care required. THE BURMA AIRDROPS Prior to the Second World War, Britain held many territories in South Asia – these included India (and modern-day Pakistan and Bangladesh) and Burma. When Japan launched its attack on the United States at Pearl Harbour, it also set in motion fighting in the Pacific and Asia. The fighting in Southeast Asia – Burma – was
An RAF A400M Atlas aircraft in Barbados prepares to deliver aid to Caribbean islands stricken by Hurricane Irma in 2017
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 15
CAD01 STEM.indd 15
16/04/2018 11:47
particularly brutal and difficult. Britain had put together a huge British and Commonwealth force in the region, with British, Indian (including those from what are now Pakistan and Bangladesh) and African soldiers. One of the main problems for troops fighting there was the difficulty in receiving supplies of food and equipment. Everything had to be parachuted in – food, water and equipment. The RAF flew low over the jungle to drop the supplies. Flying low was dangerous, as this risked being fired at from the ground. Also, because of the trees, there could be accidents. The risks were further compounded by carrying out many of the drops at night, with limited vision, in order to avoid being seen by the enemy. Nonetheless, the RAF carried out the drops throughout 1943 to 1945. OPERATION MANNA Later in the Second World War, airdrops were used again. The Germans had invaded and occupied the Low Countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) in 1940. Food, produce and goods from those countries were frequently taken by the Nazis for their own use. After the Allied invasion in Normandy, France, in June 1944, the Nazis began to take even more local supplies. They also removed some of the water defences in the Netherlands, which led to large-scale flooding. This was intended to make it difficult for the Allies to advance through those areas, but it also ruined local harvests.
Royal Air Force personnel prepare sandbags for distribution to households affected by floods in southern England in 2014
The winter of 1944-45 was harsh, and by spring 1945 it looked likely that the people of western Holland might all starve. The Royal Air Force, Canadian, Australian and United States Air Forces began Operation Manna. Food and other essential goods were parachuted into the Netherlands, saving its people from being some of the last victims of the Nazis. THE BERLIN AIRLIFT By the end of 1945, the Allies of the Second World War had started to disagree. The division was geographical, as well as ideological, and Europe was split into two. Germany was divided into four regions of control, but the capital, Berlin, was situated in the Soviet sphere and the city itself was split into four zones (controlled by Britain, France, the United States and the Soviet Union). By 1946, The Western Allies of Britain, France and the United States, in charge of three of the zones, were working to make plans to support the German economy and rebuild the country. This co-operation upset the Soviets, who wanted a different economic system. In an attempt to take over the whole city and separate it from the Western Allies, the Soviets started to restrict movement into the city by train and by road; they even introduced restrictions from the Western zones to the Soviet zones by the river and canals. When the Western Allies introduced a new version of the German currency in 1948, the Soviets responded by introducing a compete blockade on the city. On 24 June, all land and water access to West Berlin via Soviet territory was halted completely. At that point, the people of West Berlin had 36 days’ supply of food and 45 days’ worth of coal. The Western Allies were determined not to abandon the people of Berlin. Although there was little the Allies could do about accessing Berlin by land, all the sides had agreed in November 1945 to there being three 20-mile-wide air corridors; these would provide free access to Berlin. The Allies decided to use the air corridors to get the supplies into the city. There were approximately two million people living in Berlin at the time, with a daily food
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 16
CAD01 STEM.indd 16
16/04/2018 11:47
Aid UK Land Rovers are off-loaded from a Royal Air Force C17 in the Philippines, following the devastating typhoon in 2013
requirement was 900 tons of potatoes, 641 tons of flour, 106 tons of meat and fish, and 105 tons of cereals. Approximately 45 per cent of the food and supplies taken into Berlin were flown in British aircraft. At the height of the operation, an Allied aircraft landed in Berlin every minute. In addition to all the goods and supplies going into Berlin, the British brought German goods out, so that the German economy could begin to rebuild. After the Allies managed to keep Berlin going, even through the winter, the Soviets began to see that their blockade was not working and it was lifted on 12 May 1949. OPERATION BUSHEL – ETHIOPIA In the decades following the Berlin Airlift, getting supplies to difficult places remained important. Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the African region. Its history in the 20th century is marked by civil war and drought. By the early 1980s, these two factors had led to widespread famine; across the country, millions of people (from a population of over 32 million) were starving. A BBC journalist reported from the region, showing images of dying people that spread around the world. Famously, Irish musician Bob Geldof responded by organising a charity single and
concert – Band Aid and Live Aid. Crucially, however, even if funds were raised to help people, food and support still needed to reach remote areas, often mountainous with limited access. In advance of the pop-star treatment, the British government became involved through the Royal Air Force. Recognising its international responsibilities and capabilities, the government authorised the RAF to be one of the key mechanisms for delivering aid and support. The RAF’s history of getting goods and supplies into difficult areas was crucial to this operation, which was codenamed Operation Bushel. Six Hercules aircraft arrived in Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa, in November 1984. The Hercules aircraft were capable of carrying huge loads and landing on short landing strips, or not even landing at all – simply pushing goods out of the back of the aircraft. The British crews flew four to five aid missions each day. As well as delivering food and medical supplies, the RAF also delivered temporary accommodation and sometimes transported aid workers. Supplies would be flown into Addis Ababa and then taken out by the Hercules across hundreds of miles to where they were needed. By the end of 1987, the RAF had carried out 2,152 missions to deliver aid to the Ethiopian people.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 17
CAD01 STEM.indd 17
16/04/2018 11:47
Medicine, war and the RAF Medical and rescue services provided by the Royal Air Force are vital in ensuring the best chance of survival for injured personnel and civilians
D
uring the past 200 years, an increasingly scientific approach has been taken to medicine and healthcare. This was the result of a better understanding of the human body and concepts about public health, germ theory and sanitation. This approach was applied to medical practices on and near battlefields. A major advance in the 20th century was the creation of battlefield hospitals or mobile military hospitals.
These were temporary hospitals that could usually be packed up and moved around, created close to the battlefronts to try to get expert help to those injured as soon as possible. MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION During the Second World War, aircraft started to be used regularly to move the severely wounded from the battlefront to hospitals. Aircraft began to be adapted for carrying human cargos that
An Army ambulance is unloaded from an RAF C17 in Sierra Leone, as part of the UK’s response to combating the Ebola virus
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 18
CAD01 STEM.indd 18
16/04/2018 11:48
needed medical treatment. As the war neared its conclusion, RAF transport aircraft became involved with large-scale medical transportation, saving the lives of thousands of servicemen and women and civilians. In the years following the Second World War, the RAF developed a number of strands to its medical support capabilities. The RAF had its own Medical Services, which have existed since 1918, but it also developed medical evacuations, in-air treatment and search and rescue capabilities. The Search and Rescue services and Mountain Rescue services utilised the role of helicopters for getting into difficult areas. The activities of these two units have saved the lives of thousands of people, particularly civilians. All military aeromedical evacuation is part of the RAF Tactical Medical Wing (TMW), based at RAF Brize Norton. There are two key types of medical evacuation: those taking groups out from a secure site to a hospital in the UK, and those that fly into a combat zone and may be targeted for attack as they try to evacuate injured people. CRITICAL CARE The first type of evacuation uses large RAF C-17 aircraft to transport injured or ill people, while at the same time delivering critical care to the patient. This means that injured servicemen and women who may have just been operated on as a result of extreme injuries (amputations or heart surgery, for example) can be moved in less than a couple of hours to hospitals back in the UK. This critical care can also be applied to civilians who have been caught up in warzones or affected by terrorist actions. The second type of aeromedical evacuation is carried out by the Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERT) – these teams are transported in specially adapted Chinook aircraft, which are armed and have protection so that they can fly into hostile areas. These are able to land on small patches of ground in conflict areas, often while a battle is still going on around them. On board the Chinook there are high-tech medical facilities that turn it into a flying accident and emergency unit, with facilities to deal with all
Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, the Westland Sea King was adapted for RAF search and rescue duties
types of battlefield injuries, including severe loss of blood and loss of limbs. British Forces were part of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, based for much of that time in Helmand Province, with the base camp at Bastion. They were engaged with fighting the Taliban, who used IEDs as a popular form of attack. An IED is an improvised explosive device – a home-made bomb, which the Taliban buried just under the ground so that it would detonate if someone stepped on it or drove over it. These devices caused huge numbers of injuries to the lower body for servicemen and women and Afghan civilians. Lower body injuries usually result in a high loss of blood, limb damage or loss, and spinal injuries; to save lives or limbs, immediate emergency care was required. By the end of the conflict in Afghanistan, US and British military doctors and medical staff expected to save 90 per cent of all those who were injured. The preceding articles – Modern Aircraft and the Royal Air Force, Relief Operations and Airdrops and Medicine, War and the RAF – were adapted from text first published by the Institute of Physics (IOP). Students can explore IOP RAF100 activities at www.raf100schools.org.uk/activities
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 19
CAD01 STEM.indd 19
16/04/2018 11:48
ROYAL AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT ON DISPLAY
Eurofighter Typhoon The most advanced, combat-proven multirole aircraft, the Typhoon FGR4 provides the UK’s Royal Air Force with a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air
operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict. The Typhoon will be the backbone of British, European and NATO air defence for decades to come.
PERFORMANCE
FACTS
TOP SPEED:
2.0 Mach (1,521mph)
ALTITUDE: >55,000ft (16,764 m) G LIMITS: +9g / -3g MAX REHEAT THRUST: 40,000 lbs
Typhoon can fly from London to Paris in under nine minutes The aircraft can pull up to 9G turns which is the equivalent of 30 elephants pushing down on the wings
THRUST TO WEIGHT RATIO: 1.2:1
Its surface is made of 70% carbon fibre, making it light and strong
DIMENSIONS
Typhoon can circa seven tonnes of fuel, which would allow a small car to travel round the Earth 4.6 times
WINGSPAN: 10.95m ( 35 ft 11 in) LENGTH: 15.96m (52 ft 4 in) HEIGHT: 5.28m (17 ft 4 in) WING AREA: 51.2m2 (551.1 ft2)
Brakes-off to take-off in less than eight seconds, supersonic in less than 30 seconds Brakes-off to 10,973m (36,000ft) Mach 1.6 in under 21/2 minutes
POWERPLANT ENGINE: 2 x Eurojet 200
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 20
CAD02 Typhoon.indd 20
16/04/2018 16:02
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 21
CAD02 Typhoon.indd 21
16/04/2018 11:53
Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI The Spitfire, originally designed by RJ Mitchell, went on to be probably the most recognisable aircraft of the Second World War. It was developed as a single-seat day and night fighter and used by the RAF and other allies. It went through many redesigns, with this Spitfire XVI being the last variant with a Merlin engine. The Spitfire XVI was built as a Low-Altitude Fighter, with a specially optimised engine and
clipped wings. Later production aircraft, like the example on display, featured a cut-down rear fuselage and bubble canopy. The RAF Museum’s ‘Gate Guardian’ replica Spitfire on display at the Guildhall has the markings of No 601 Squadron Spitfire XVI TB288 HT-H. No 601 Squadron were based at RAF Hendon, now the site of the RAF Museum, from 1927-1939 and 1946-1949.
DATES: 1944-1957
POWERPLANT
USE: Single-seat day fighter/fighter-bomber
ENGINE: 1,720hp Packard Merlin 266
WHERE USED: UK, Northern Europe, Germany
DIMENSIONS WING SPAN: 32ft 7in (9.75m) (clipped wing) LENGTH: 31ft 4in (9.6m)
PERFORMANCE TOP SPEED:
405mph at 22,000ft (650km/h) at 6,700m
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: Service ceiling 42,500ft (12,954m)
ARMAMENT Two 20mm cannon and four 0.303in Machine guns, mounted in wings. Could carry 500lb (227kg) of bombs underwing or underbelly
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 22
CAD03.indd 22
16/04/2018 11:56
Hawker Hurricane Mk I The Hurricane entered service in 1937 as the RAF’s first eight-gun monoplane, ending the era of the two-gun biplane fighter. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, Hurricane pilots shot down more enemy aircraft than all other British defences, air or ground, combined – and more enemy aircraft than any other Allied fighter in the Second World War. Until Spitfires became available in quantity, the Hurricane was the
aircraft most used in British fighter operations during the first three years of the war. The full-sized model Hurricane on display at the Guildhall will become the ‘Gate Guardian’ at the RAF Museum, London in May 2018. It has the markings of No 504 Squadron Hurricane 1 P2725, flown from RAF Hendon, now the RAF Museum, by Sergeant Ray Holmes during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
DATES: 1937-1945
POWERPLANT
USE: Single-seat fighter and advanced/gunnery
ENGINE: One 1,030hp Rolls Royce Merlin II or III
trainer. It was also used for meteorological data collection and air-sea rescue duties WHERE USED: UK; Northern and Southern Europe,
including Battle of France and Norwegian campaign; Malta; North Africa; Middle East; overseas use in East and West Africa and Far East DIMENSIONS
PERFORMANCE TOP SPEED: 316mph (508km/h) MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 33,200ft (10,119m)
ARMAMENT Eight .303in (7.7mm) Browning machine guns
WING SPAN: 40ft (12.19m) LENGTH: 31ft 4in (9.55m)
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 23
CAD03.indd 23
16/04/2018 11:56
Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS
TOP SPEED: 138mph (222km/h)
WINGSPAN: 26 ft 7 in (8.11m)
STALL SPEED: 43mph (69km/h)
LENGTH: 20 ft 11 in (6.38m)
ALTITUDE: 17,000 ft (5,185m)
HEIGHT: 9 ft 6 in (2.89m)
RATE OF CLIMB: 1050 ft/min (5.3m/s)
WING AREA: 244 ft² (22.67m²)
POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO: 0.10 hp/lb (170W/kg)
POWERPLANT
ARMAMENT
ENGINE: Wolseley Viper 200hp V8
1 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine gun 1 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis gun on upper wing
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 24
CAD03.indd 24
16/04/2018 11:56
Sopwith F1 Camel PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS
TOP SPEED: 113mph (182 km/h)
WINGSPAN: 28 ft 0in (8.53m)
STALL SPEED: 48mph (77 km/h)
LENGTH: 18 ft 9 in (5.72m)
ALTITUDE: 19,000ft (5,791m)
HEIGHT: 8 ft 6 in (2.59m)
RATE OF CLIMB : 1,085 ft/min (5.5m/s)
WING AREA: 231ft 2 (21.46 m 2)
POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO: 0.09hp/lb (150W/kg)
POWERPLANT
ARMAMENT
ENGINE: Clerget 9B 9-cylinder 130hp rotary
2 × 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 25
CAD03.indd 25
16/04/2018 15:42
100 years of iconic aircraft Selecting just a few of the iconic aircraft that have served with the Royal Air Force during the past 100 years is not an easy task. This small collection covers some that have been the mainstay of operations, as well as others that proved innovative and world-leading. All have shaped their era, helping to win wars and keep the peace
F.B.27A VIMY A British heavy bomber designed during the latter stages of the First World War by Vickers. After being part of Great Britain’s strategic Independent Air Force, the Vimy became the core of the RAF’s heavy bomber force throughout the 1920s. In 1919, the aircraft achieved two international firsts: crossing the Atlantic non-stop in June and staging from the UK to Australia in November/December. Years
1918 - 1933
Purpose
Heavy bomber and transport
Top speed
100mph/161km/h
Max altitude
7,000ft/2,134m
Armament
Up to two machine guns; up to 2,476lb/1,123kg of bombs
Deployed
UK, France, Egypt, Middle East, Northern Ireland
AVRO LANCASTER The most famous and successful heavy bomber flown by the RAF in the Second World War, immortalised in the classic 1950s’ film The Dambusters. Developed from the Manchester and with a crew of seven or eight, the Lancaster was a stalwart of Britain’s bomber offensive against Germany, sharing the task with the Handley Page Halifax and Short Stirling, ranging far and wide across Europe. Years
1941 - 1956
Purpose
Heavy bomber
Top speed
287mph/462km/h
Max altitude
24,500ft/7,350m
Armament
Nose, mid and tail guns; up to 22,000lb/9980kg of bombs
Deployed
Europe, Russia, N Africa, Middle East, Far East
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 26
CAD05 Iconic Aircraft.indd 26
16/04/2018 12:00
DE HAVILLAND MOSQUITO FB MK VI (‘THE WOODEN WONDER’) So called due to its wooden construction, the Mosquito proved fast and manoeuvrable. The Mk VI first flew in 1942 and served in anti-shipping, light bomber and tactical support roles. This variant shot down several hundred V-1 flying bombs and, in February 1944, famously bombed Amiens jail in France, enabling more than 250 members of the French Resistance to escape. Years
1942 - 1947
Purpose
Two-seat fighter-bomber
Top speed
378mph/608 km/h at 13,000ft
Max altitude
33,000ft/10,058m
Armament
Four cannon, four machine guns; up to 2000lb/908kg of bombs or eight rockets
Deployed
Europe, Middle East, Far East
GLOSTER METEOR The Gloster Meteor was the first allied jet-powered fighter of the Second World War. Introduced in July 1944, the Meteor saw limited service due to the risk of its falling into enemy hands. The Mk 4 was introduced in 1945 and the following year achieved a world speed record of 616mph over the United Kingdom. In all, over 60 RAF squadrons were to equip with Meteor variants, to include night fighter versions and with early models of the Martin Baker ejection seat. Years
1944 - 1958
Purpose
Single-seat interceptor/fighter
Top speed
585mph/941km/h at sea level
Max altitude
42,500ft/12,954m
Armament
Four 20mm cannon
Deployed
UK and Europe; bought by 17 other Air Forces
AVRO VULCAN B MK 2 The Vulcan was a distinctive sight that, for many, defined the Cold War. Affectionately known as the ‘tin triangle’, the Vulcan was initially tasked with the nuclear-armed, low-level penetration role. With the introduction of Great Britain’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent, the aircraft adopted a conventional bombing role, still showing its capabilities with long-range bombing raids during the Falklands campaign. Also used in the air-to-air refuelling role. Years
1960 - 1984
Purpose
Long range heavy bomber and air-to-air refuelling
Top speed
645mph/1,038km/h
Max altitude
60,000ft/18,000m
Armament
Up to 21,000lb conventional bombs, anti-radiation missiles, nuclear strike weapons
Deployed
UK, Cyprus, Ascension Island
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 27
CAD05 Iconic Aircraft.indd 27
16/04/2018 12:00
WESTLAND SEA KING HAR3 Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, the Westland Sea King was adapted for RAF search and rescue duties as the Sea King HAR3. Deliveries began in 1978, replacing the Whirlwind HAR10 and Wessex HAR2 in providing search and rescue cover for both military and civilian personnel across the UK. Sea Kings were fitted with highly advanced search and navigation equipment and operated in all weathers, both day and night. Years
1978 - 2015
Purpose
Non-combat search and rescue
Top speed
131mph/210km/h
Max altitude
14,000ft/4,267m
Armament
None
Deployed
UK, Falkland Islands
ENGLISH ELECTRIC LIGHTNING The English Electric Lightning was a supersonic fighter aircraft of the Cold War era. The Lightning was the only all-British Mach 2 fighter aircraft. Although it was the RAF’s primary interceptor for more than two decades, it was never required to attack another aircraft. Loved by its pilots, the design of two engines vertically placed in the fuselage was a distinctive feature never copied by other aircraft designers. Years
1959 - 1988
Purpose
Single-seat interceptor fighter
Top speed
Mach 2.0 (1,300mph/2,100km/h at 36,000ft)
Max altitude
54,000ft/16,000m
Armament
Two 30mm cannon, two infra-red air-to-air missiles
Deployed
UK, Germany, Cyprus, Middle East, Singapore
Photo: Mike Freer
PANAVIA TORNADO Designed as a multi-role aircraft, two types of the Tornado have served with the RAF: the F3 Air Defence variant and the GR-1/GR-4 ground attack and reconnaissance variant. The F3 served in Air Defence duties for some 25 years, to include operational deployments in the Middle East, the Balkans and the South Atlantic. The latest GR-4 variant is still serving after almost 40 years. Years
1978 - present
Purpose
Interceptor/fighter; ground attack/reconnaissance
Top speed
1,320mph/2,125km/h
Max altitude
60,000ft/18,500m
Armament
One 27mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, precision and stand-off air-to-ground munitions
Deployed
UK, Europe, South Atlantic and Middle East
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 28
CAD05 Iconic Aircraft.indd 28
16/04/2018 12:00
Investing in young people Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE, Commandant, Royal Air Force Cadets
C
ommanding the RAF Air Cadets during the RAF’s Centenary year is a unique and special privilege. I am incredibly proud that many thousands of cadets and staff will stand shoulder to shoulder with members of the Royal Air Force as we collectively celebrate, commemorate and inspire the previous, current and next generations. We are deeply grateful to the Livery Companies that have organised this RAF Centenary Banquet and for allowing cadets, volunteers and staff to attend and support the evening, as well as selecting our organisation as the main beneficiary of the funds raised. I can assure you that every penny will be spent wisely to help sustain our vibrant organisation in 930 Air Training Corps Squadrons and 220 Combined Cadet Force (RAF) Sections across the UK and overseas. Our organisation comprises 39,000 air cadets aged 12-19 and they are, without doubt, the “Best of British”, acting as outstanding ambassadors for
their communities, the Service and the Nation – demonstrating that good citizenship, teamwork and leadership are embedded in their DNA and further developed by our varied and challenging syllabus of personal development. Air cadets can access a wide range of activities, from flying and gliding to shooting, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, drill, sport, cyber, camps and expeditions, including international exchange opportunities to around 20 different countries every year. The cadet experience is supported by a small permanent staff and a much larger, 15,000-strong adult volunteer cadre. Without the latter it would simply be impossible to deliver our programme and we are eternally grateful to them. Many of our volunteers are former cadets themselves, leading, training and inspiring the next generation and devoting countless hours every week to the support of our young people. The young cadets themselves are a privilege to lead. They are smart, disciplined, bright and articulate and a credit to the RAF, their communities and their families. Thank you all for supporting our work – we are indebted to you for enabling further investment in young people and the adult volunteers who support them.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 29
09 Air Cadet cadet folio.indd 29
16/04/2018 11:40
Encouraging excellence The origins and work of the three Livery Companies that have come together to mark the RAF’s centenary at the Guildhall
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF COACHMAKERS AND COACH HARNESS MAKERS
In 1677, His Majesty King Charles II granted his Royal Charter to the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, which established the authority to design, build and market carriages of all shapes and sizes. The Charter was re-granted by King James II in 1686, confirming that the Coachmakers’ craft and skill conformed to a declared standard. The fellowship granted by the Charter was to encourage likeminded coach builders to support their trade. Apprentices would be encouraged to join, following in their fathers’ footsteps.
This has been the abiding remit and origins upon which Livery members have evolved their skills in carriage building into automotive and aircraft design and engineering. The skills transfer from coach building into these sectors was wholly logical and rational, when one considers the genesis of early motor cars and early aircraft in the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers has been able to preserve its position not least by embracing new technologies as they emerged and became commercially successful. The Livery has always recognised excellence and awards bursaries, scholarships, apprenticeships and support to students at all levels. We remain true to our axiom: “An active livery investing in young people.” As the Coachmakers Company has evolved, so has its support for our armed forces, including the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, Commando Helicopter Force and the Cadet movement.
The Coachmakers’ association with the RAF began with No 10 Squadron, the in-flight tanker squadron with a fleet of VC10s
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 30
CAD04 Liveries.indd 30
16/04/2018 11:58
THE HONOURABLE COMPANY OF AIR PILOTS
The Air Pilots Company was established as the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators in 1929, to ensure that pilots and navigators of the (then) fledgling aviation industry were accepted and regarded as professionals. From the beginning, the Guild was modelled on the lines of the Livery Companies of the City of London, which were originally established to protect the interests and standards of those involved in their respective trades or professions. In 1956, the Guild was formally recognised as a Livery Company and,
in 2014, it was granted a Royal Charter in the name of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Today, the principal activities of the Company are centred on sponsoring and encouraging actions and activities designed to ensure that aircraft are piloted and navigated safely by individuals who are highly competent, self-reliant, dependable and respected. The Company fosters the sound education and training of air pilots, from the initial training of the young pilot to the specialist training of the more mature. Through charitable activities, education and training, technical committee work, aircrew aptitude testing, scholarships and sponsorship, advice and recognition of the achievements of fellow aviators worldwide, the Company keeps itself at the forefront of the aviation world. Charity is central to the ethos and work of the Company, which has three registered charities: The Air Pilots Benevolent Fund, The Air Safety Trust and The Air Pilots Trust.
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF ENGINEERS
The Founder Master, Alderman Sir Peter Gadsden GBE AC FREng, a former Lord Mayor of London, and several eminent engineers formed The Company of Engineers on 29th June 1983. A petition to the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of the City of London for the granting of Letters Patent for the creation of a Livery Company of the City of London, to be called “The Worshipful Company of Engineers�, was submitted on 5th July 1983. The Grant of Livery
as the 94th Livery Company was approved by the Court of Aldermen on the 13th September 1983 and Letters Patent were presented to the Founder Master on 1st November 1983. In 2003, the Court directed that the Company should seek a Royal Charter. After due consultation and with advice from the Charity Commission, arrangements were agreed for Her Majesty The Queen to approve the grant of a Royal Charter of Incorporation on 11th February 2004, which was presented to by HRH The Duke of Kent on 27th April that year. Through its charitable trust fund, the Engineers Trust (engineerstrust.org.uk), the Company gives awards, prizes and grants to support and encourage excellence among qualified engineers and those training to be Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. Some of these awards are made in conjunction with other organisations.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY DISPLAY 31
CAD04 Liveries.indd 31
16/04/2018 11:58
CAD06 Backcover.indd 2
16/04/2018 12:02