Tide, hills and 106 miles were overcome by a team of six RAF triathletes to deliver the RAF100 baton to the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Princess Marina House on Sunday.
The stop was the latest in the 100-day relay which sees the commemorative baton travel around the country, visiting RAF stations and memorials on a mission to celebrate, commemorate and inspire the next generation.
Read moreMy grandfather, Hugh Trenchard, the first Viscount Trenchard, often called the Founder of the RAF, became its first Chief of the Air Staff on its formation on April 1 1918.
The new service was revolutionary: it sought its officers and men from all backgrounds, with my grandfather wanting the very finest people for the fledgling force, whether they were the sons of dukes or dustmen. It was not their background that was important, it was their ability.
Read moreSo you think you know the RAF? All 100 years of history? Think again!
For example, did you know the Spitfire was first named something rather less intimidating? Or do you know what the code word angels refers to?
The RAF Benevolent Fund has launched a RAF100 quiz, featuring questions to test even the most knowledgeable aviation experts with multiple choice and true or false questions. Those who pass the test and answer all the questions correctly are given the opportunity to download one of a series of special edition commemorative posters.
Read moreToday, marathon man Corporal Jon Ward has completed his 100th official marathon in Gravesend, Kent, to mark the Royal Air Force centenary and support the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Since his challenge began, Jon, who is based at RAF Lossiemouth, has gone through seven pairs of trainers, racked up more than 374 hours of race running in 18 different countries and shaved more than two hours off his finish time.
Read moreA Vic-formation of two Spitfires and a Hurricane returned to the skies over London on 1 April to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force. Among the pilots taking off from Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, was Second World War Spitfire pilot Allan Scott, watched by another former RAF Second World War Spitfire pilot, Mary Ellis.
Known as a flying ace, 96-year-old Squadron Leader Allan Scott DFM returned to Biggin Hill, where he was posted in 1941 aged just 19 with 124 Squadron.
Read moreCarers who are part of the RAF Family now have a dedicated support package – thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The RAF’s leading welfare charity has launched the new service to reach out to unpaid carers who are looking after loved ones and may not realise that help is out there.
The package aims to provide respite, financial and practical support and includes the introduction of new welfare initiatives.
Read moreA major fundraising appeal has been launched by the Royal Air Force and its four main charities as part of the Royal Air Force’s centenary.
2018 marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, and to celebrate there are a number of events taking place across the country, and abroad. Events include a touring display of aircraft from the past century in cities nationwide to a mass flypast in London, 100-day baton relay and the unveiling of new galleries at the RAF Museum.
Read moreLike so many of her generation, Rose doesn’t think her story is worth telling but the 101-year-old WAAF veteran is modestly underplaying her vital role in the D-Day landings and the two honours she received as a result. Here she tells her story…
I joined the RAF when I was 25, in 1941. My fiancé Wilf had been posted to the Middle East so I thought I’d better contribute to the war effort and hopefully get him home sooner!
During the Second World War there were only three trades open to women: MT drivers, cooks and barrage balloon operators.
Read moreRAF Chaplain, Padre Michael Chatfield has certainly gone the extra mile to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Not only has he decided to run the race in a penguin outfit, he had to extend his time on the Falkland Islands to do it!
Padre Michael is usually found working at RAF Odiham, having been posted there in June 2016, but was deployed for a four-month tour in November. He has chosen to take some of his post-deployment leave on the Falklands so he can compete in the Stanley Marathon and fundraise for the RAF’s leading welfare charity.
Read moreFor Sgt Steve Lawrence joining the RAF had been a long held ambition – he’d been dreaming of a career as an Air Force engineer since the age of 14!
Now, aged 42, as he approaches his 23rd year in service, his dedication to his duty has been repaid by the RAF Benevolent Fund, repaying the debt we all owe to those who serve their country.
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