Originally Posted by
ExAscoteer2
Of course, prior to 1914 the RNAS was the Naval Wing of the RFC.
Anorak on....
But, of course, prior to May 1912 the Navy had it's own fledgling aviation (started circa 1909) which was then misappropriated by the Pongoes to join their own growing presence in the air to form the RFC in 1912. Due to the, I suspect, "un-officer like qualities" of the Navy element, the Navy was turfed out of the RFC in 1914 and the RNAS was formally set up before another attempt was made in 1918 to form the RAF from both the RFC and RNAS.
The story goes on (and on and on and on and.......) with the RNAS (those who liked living in ships) escaping again in 1924 (finally confirmed in 1936) and the AAC (those who liked living in tents) returning to canvas in 1942 - including the ACC standing down for a while 1949 - 1957 (presumably due to the excessive number of Polo matches being played during those years!). This left those who liked living in 5* hotels to front up the RAF. Interestingly, the arguments for the 3 aviation Services existing as 3 discrete entities rumbles on...........
Anyway, anorak off!!!!
As I say, "nowt changes"! Cheers,
H 'n' H