Editors Foreword
Message from the Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Director Reserves
ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE I 100 th ANNIVERSARY
Royal Auxiliary Air Force 100 Years
Editors Foreword
In its 100 th Anniversary year , the Royal Auxiliary Air Force has reached an important milestone in its history , which it is appropriate to mark and celebrate . The Force which began in 1924 , as the Auxiliary Air Force and the Volunteer Reserves , amalgamated in 1997 and since then personnel have continued to serve as the members of Royal Auxiliary Air Force , the Royal Air Force ’ s Operational Reserve .
Throughout the Second World War , through to current operations in the UK and worldwide , Royal Air Force Reservists have served with professionalism and pride supporting their Regular colleagues and contributing to the success of operations .
This booklet , which includes summaries of each of the current Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons is a fitting tribute to the proud history and service of the past and present members of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force .
Message from the Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Director Reserves
When proudly accepting my position as Commandant General of the RAuxAF and Director Reserves I was very aware of four key lessons that endured across the first century of air power : firstly there is an absolute imperative to gain and maintain control of the air ; second control of the air requires the ability to fight in multi-domain environments across Sea , Land and Air ; third air power provides political leaders with smart options to deliver precise and timely effects at reach whilst minimising risk ; and finally seamless air and ground integration is critical to mission success . These lessons continue to resonate in today ’ s uncertain and volatile world .
For the last 100 years a broad spectrum of RAF Reservists have made a significant contribution to the RAF achieving these effects . I have observed and experienced first-hand , loyalty , honesty , integrity , professionalism , and resilience from those currently serving which mirrors the approach and endeavours of their predecessors . From UK and overseas support to operations , an incredibly rapid response to supporting the Government ’ s response to COVID , to high-profile representation at State ceremonial occasions including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth and the Coronation of King Charles our RAF Reservists have continually been at the forefront of UK Defence .
Our Reservists continue to innovate , moving into new capabilities such as space , cyber , digital , and countering the emerging high-technology spectrum of threats . I am proud that after 100 years the RAuxAF continues to allow the RAF to achieve its mission in Deterring Conflict , Defending the United Kingdom , Defeating the Country ’ s Enemies and Assisting in Times of Crisis . Furthermore , this is achieved by RAF Reservists with an infectious optimism , a smile and a positive “ can do ” approach . I look forward to our growth , both in numerical and capability terms , of our Reserve and even greater reliance on our dedicated personnel for the next 100 years .
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