History Of RAF Flashcards
When was the RAF formed?
1st April 1918. World’s first independent air force when the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service merged.
When did the airforce undergo rapid expansion?
Underwent rapid expansion in 1939 after outbreak of war with Nazi Germany. Over 20,000 Spitfires fighters were produced and 7000 Lancaster bombers.
What was the most historical battle of the RAF?
The Battle of Britain is the RAF’s greatest victory and the was the first major defeat to Nazi Germany. The BoB was ongoing from 10th July - 31st October 1940 and saw the destruction of nearly 2000 Luftwaffe aircraft. Takes its name from speech given by Winston Churchil.
What quote was responsible for the Battle of Britain naming?
Winston Churchill: “What General Weygand called the ‘Battle of France’ is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin”
Why did the RAF change after WW2?
The technological advances as a result of WW2 led to the development of jet fighters and bombers such as the Gloster Meteor and De Havilland Vampire. A new threat now emerged with the rise of the Soviet Union with the dictator Joseph Stalin and the nuclear arms race the Cold War. Use of Nuclear weapons by USA caused Russia to develop their own RAF had to have nuclear capability.
Cold War?
Cold war begin 1947 after WW2, as the USSR and USA emerged as global superpowers. It was a period of geopolitical tension No fighting was actually done. The development of nuclear weapons heightened tensions causing an arms race. The RAF operated the UK’s first nuclear deterrent with its 3 V Bombers: The Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor and Avro Vulcan. Eventually replaced by the Navy’s submarines and tactical usage by the Jaguar and Tornado.
Who is the Air Chief Marshal?
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton took over on 2nd June 2023.
