History of RAF Flashcards
What is considered the first air force?
The Royal Balloon School
When did the army’s largest deployment of air balloons occur?
1899-1902
The Boer war, South Africa
What was the air force before WW1?
The royal flying corps (RFC)
How did the RFC support the British army?
Artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance
When was the Royal navy air service (RNAS) founded?
1 July 1914
When was the RAF founded?
1 April 1918
Who was Lord Trenchard?
The first Chief of air staff; the “Father of the RAF”
What does the RAF motto ‘Per ardva ad astra’ mean?
‘Through adversity to the stars’
When was the Women’s auxiliary air force (WAAF) founded?
28 June 1939
When were reserve members called out for service
1 September 1939; at 4:45 Germany invaded Poland
When did allies declare war on Germany?
3 September 1939
What happened on the 4 September 1939?
The RAF attacked the German navy
What happened on 10 July 1940?
The Battle of Britain started
What was the first major military campaign fought entirely by the air forces?
The battle of Britain, defending the UK from the Luftwaffe
Operation Chastise was what?
An attack on German dams
When was operation chastise and who performed the mission?
16-17 May 1943 by RAF 617 squadron
What weapon was used during operation chastise and who invented it?
The bouncing bomb, developed by Barnes Wallis
What were four things the Raf did in WW2?
1) Defeated the Luftwaffe in the BoB
2) Massive bombing campaign with grand slam bombs
3) Developed radar
4) Developed chaff to confuse radar
What did the RAF introduce after WW2?
Jet fighters and jet bombers
How did the RAF provide the UK’s nuclear capability?
The V bomber fleet
During the cold war, the UK…..
Provided defence of Western Europe from the Soviet Union
When did the Falklands war begin?
2 April 1982
Who invaded the Falkland islands, causing the war?
Argentina
Where was the British task force (for the falklands war) located, and how far away was that?
Ascension island, 6000km away
What did the RAF send to the Falklands?
A Vulcan bomber
What did the RAF do in 2011?
Intervention in Libya
What did the RAF do in 2003?
Invasion and war in Iraq
What did the RAF do in 2001?
War in Afghanistan
What did the RAF do in 1999?
Kosovo war
What did the RAF do in 1991?
Gulf war
What do the RAF do at home?
Respond to threats and intercept aircraft in our airspace
What do the RAF do overseas?
Provide humanitarian and disaster relief (e.g. evacuation) and prevent conflict
