Happy Birthday RAF
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Did the 50th and 75th in uniform (75th was a total wash-out) and would hopefully get an invite for the 100th - that's if there's any room for old codgers 
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Pretty sure there'll be plenty of room for old codgers - and if you want to get some practice in, in the meantime, I believe they're always looking for random people in uniform to make up the numbers at Cranwell Grad Parades!
STH
STH
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My uncle, Billy Bond, had the distinction of serving in the RFC, RNAS and RAF
I remember seeing a photo of him in a uniform consisting of a Naval style peaked hat, double breasted donkey jacket, boots and gaiters up to the knees.
he retired at RAF Halton as a Warrant Officer.
I remember seeing a photo of him in a uniform consisting of a Naval style peaked hat, double breasted donkey jacket, boots and gaiters up to the knees.
he retired at RAF Halton as a Warrant Officer.
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Yes, happy belated birthday to "the mob" from the colonies. I'll pick up a couple of "Spitfire" beers later today and toast them all. I'll also thank them for helping to stare down evil.
..And still the light blue are flying at Upavon (albeit a VGS 
and now called Trenchard lines)...
How many other stations can claim a light blue foot print from the beginning?
and now called Trenchard lines)...How many other stations can claim a light blue foot print from the beginning?
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Netheravon, it was Army from day dot............... (a bit tenuous but hey, got to keep the light burning) - Thanks Major Trenchard.
And is it really light blue? Isn't it a mucky version of the AAC?
And is it really light blue? Isn't it a mucky version of the AAC?
Last edited by Gnd; 30th Jun 2013 at 08:15.
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Never been in that situation but I can only imagine how a friend in the skies above would make the spirit soar. I had the good fortune of flying over Buckingham Palace in a Nimrod as part of the 75th anniversary. Never felt so proud in my life; felt I was part of something of great worth.
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I'm sure Nutty won't mind if I use last years thread to celebrate today the RAF's 96th Birthday ...
God bless the RAF and likewise to all those currently serving and who have served in whatever capacity ... long may the traditions and esprit de corps of the service continue far in to the future.
God bless the RAF and likewise to all those currently serving and who have served in whatever capacity ... long may the traditions and esprit de corps of the service continue far in to the future.
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 1st Apr 2014 at 18:05.
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Recent posts remind me that on this day in 1918 both my grandfather and great-grandfather joined the RAF.
The former on transfer from the RNAS.
The latter from the RFC (formerly Scots Gds).
I think Purple is a very nice colour.
The former on transfer from the RNAS.
The latter from the RFC (formerly Scots Gds).
I think Purple is a very nice colour.
Thread Starter
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Remiss of me not to remember to refresh the thread, thanks Coff, long may it continue.
All in all, the most momentous influence on my life, and that of my father's.
Thinking back of previous anniversaries,
Yeah............................
Happy Birthday- and thanks.
Thinking back of previous anniversaries,
Yeah............................
Happy Birthday- and thanks.
The really bad news is that all my 13 years service was in the first half of the RAF's life 
Great days, loads of aircraft, loads of overseas postings and our only real enemy had the very good sense to refrain from starting anything
The RCAF is also celebrating it's birthday today...90 years young. It too opted for 1 Apr but 6 years later!
...whereas the RAAF celebrated it's 93rd on Monday - opted for 31 March, instead of being April fools !!
But that was not our only anniversary during March. On 1 March, we celebrated the Centenary of Military Aviation at Point Cook. Big airshow for the weekend, really made by the flight of a specially made airworthy replica of the Bristol Boxkite.
The first flight at Point Cook had been made by Capt Eric Harrison in a Boxkite at 0745 on 1 March 1914. This feat was repeated with the replica airborne at 0745 on Saturday 1 March 2014. Repeated again the following day.
In addition to the Boxkite flight, for the first time all three of the original aircraft types of Point Cook CFS in 1914 were displayed together. So to the Boxkite (replica numbered CFS3), were an original Deperdussin (CFS4) and a new beautiful exhibit, a replica of a BE2a.
A great weekend, if only I could work out how to post pics !!
...whereas the RAAF celebrated it's 93rd on Monday - opted for 31 March, instead of being April fools !!
But that was not our only anniversary during March. On 1 March, we celebrated the Centenary of Military Aviation at Point Cook. Big airshow for the weekend, really made by the flight of a specially made airworthy replica of the Bristol Boxkite.
The first flight at Point Cook had been made by Capt Eric Harrison in a Boxkite at 0745 on 1 March 1914. This feat was repeated with the replica airborne at 0745 on Saturday 1 March 2014. Repeated again the following day.
In addition to the Boxkite flight, for the first time all three of the original aircraft types of Point Cook CFS in 1914 were displayed together. So to the Boxkite (replica numbered CFS3), were an original Deperdussin (CFS4) and a new beautiful exhibit, a replica of a BE2a.
A great weekend, if only I could work out how to post pics !!
..And still the light blue are flying at Upavon (albeit a VGS and now called Trenchard lines)...
How many other stations can claim a light blue foot print from the beginning?
How many other stations can claim a light blue foot print from the beginning?
So RAF Halton (RFC Halton Park) comes a very close second...
LJ
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"So, has anybody been pinged for organising the 100th birthday party yet??"
YES
RIAT have....
and it is already known as RAF (as in riff-raff) 100. Something that has been frowned upon for all of my 37 years service.
So it would be fair to say that the RAF Centenary is out to civil contract - just like most of the modern day Royal Air Force.
YES
RIAT have....
and it is already known as RAF (as in riff-raff) 100. Something that has been frowned upon for all of my 37 years service.
So it would be fair to say that the RAF Centenary is out to civil contract - just like most of the modern day Royal Air Force.