Originally Posted by
charliegolf
I was an aircrew cadet looking over the shoulder of a Herc skipper en route to Nellis in 1980. Ascot Radio call: this is ASCOT blah blah, good morning, I'd like to... etc
US ATC: What service are you sir?
Ascot: Royal Air Force.
ATC: Which Royal Air Force Sir?
Ascot: THE Royal Air Force, Ascot blah blah.
ATC: Roger that (though I'm sure he wasn't sure!)
Priceless exchange!
CG
I had a similar discussion with a lady from another country who wanted some information from me. I had confessed that I had been trained in the use of firearms, so she wanted to know who by.
I responded "The Royal Air Force"
She asked "Which Royal Air Force"
My reply was "There is only one Royal Air Force"
"No" she stated, "every country that has a royal family has a Royal Air Force.."
I conceded that but pointed out "But the title gives an indication of the country of origin, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Malaysian, Royal Norwegian, Royal Australian...."
She wasn't having it, so I had to give details of who's Royal Air Force and the who it belonged to. I was very tempted to list "Mrs Betty Windsor" but decided I needed her cooperation....