CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET GUILDHALL, 20 APRIL 2018
00 Cover.indd 1
16/04/2018 11:29
Above and beyond for 100 years Since the Royal Air Force’s formation 100 years ago, we have been working in partnership and alongside the RAF to deliver technical and operational advantage. In the RAF’s centenary year, we are proud to support RAF100 and proud to continue to deliver an essential edge to our partner.
www.baesystems.com Copyright @ 2018 BAE Systems
BAE-placed.indd 2
16/04/2018 11:00
Contents 4
6
7
8
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION The Masters of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Worshipful Company of Engineers
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SERVICE AND SACRIFICE How the RAF Museum is transforming its London site with new galleries and facilities to mark the Service’s centenary
22
BROOKLANDS MUSEUM Preserving the famous Surrey site’s history of aircraft manufacturing and its connections with the Royal Air Force
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR STEPHEN HILLIER KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF, Chief of the Air Staff
24
SUPPORTING OUR ARMED FORCES Mr Tony Edwards BSc MBA CEng FRAeS, Master, The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers
THE FORMATION OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE How the world’s first independent air force was established in 1918
26
EXCELLENCE IN THE AIR Captain Colin A Cox FRAeS, Master, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots
28
PROMOTING ENGINEERING Eur Ing Richard Groome BSc FIChemE FRSPH, Master, The Worshipful Company of Engineers
30
REPRESENTING THE CITY The role and responsibilities of the Lord Mayor of the City of London
31
INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE, Commandant, Royal Air Force Cadets
A ROYAL MESSAGE OF THANKS King George V’s letter to the RAF at the conclusion of the First World War
12
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE A look back at the RAF’s illustrious century of service
14
THE RT HON THE LORD MAYOR ALDERMAN CHARLES BOWMAN Lord Mayor, City of London Corporation
11
20
100 YEARS OF ICONIC AIRCRAFT Classic aircraft that have served the RAF
Produced by Harfield Media (www.harfieldmedia.com) Edited by Barry Davies Designed by J-P Stanway Images: Crown copyright; Ministry of Defence; RAF Museum; Alamy; Shutterstock; Mike Freer
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 3
01 Contents.indd 3
16/04/2018 09:52
Welcome and introduction Mr Tony Edwards BSc MBA CEng FRAeS, Master, The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers; Captain Colin A Cox FRAeS, Master, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots; Eur Ing Richard Groome BSc FIChemE FRSPH, Master, The Worshipful Company of Engineers
W
ithin each Livery Company there is fellowship; and between each Livery Company there is wider fellowship balanced by close and friendly rivalry. To celebrate the Centenary of the world’s first independent air force, the Royal Air Force, the Coachmakers Company has brought together the Company of Air Pilots and the Company of Engineers. We three Liveries stand together as designers, engineers, builders and aviators because we represent the City’s and industry’s support network for the RAF. We bring skilled people and magnificent machines together and help them fly. The Worshipful Company of Engineers has a long-standing and strong connection with the RAF and has two Air Vice Marshals as Past Masters. The Company maintains strong links to help promote RAF engineering skills through a dedicated annual award, and a lively and active affiliation with the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering and its headquarters at RAF Cosford.
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots exclusively represents those in the aviation industry and community who fly and navigate aircraft. It enjoys a close affiliation with the RAF and has a large number of former and serving RAF personnel within its ranks, as well as pilots and navigators from the other services, and civilian pilots. The role of the Air Pilots is to promote and strengthen the Aviation Sector, and to contribute to its future growth and direction. It is, by its nature, not only the ‘go-to’ place for the pilot’s eye-view on aviation policy, but also for young people who are curious about flying. The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers represents and supports the aerospace industry, whose role it is to build and manufacture the heavier-than-air machines flown by the gallant pilots and crews of the RAF, all of whom, past and present, we honour. We three Liveries are proud and honoured to pay tribute to the RAF’s service, dedication and commitment over the past 100 years and look forward to continuing that support for the next 100 years and beyond.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 4
02 Welcome and intro.indd 4
16/04/2018 09:54
RAF recruits marching in their graduation parade at RAF Halton
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 5
02 Welcome and intro.indd 5
16/04/2018 09:54
The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor
Alderman Charles Bowman Lord Mayor, City of London Corporation
T
he City of London’s Livery Companies are a power for good for the City, for business and for the country. For three of those Livery Companies to come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Royal Air Force is a momentous undertaking. The Masters, Wardens and Liverymen of those three companies are to be warmly applauded by the City and its wider community for this splendid initiative, which culminates here in Guildhall tonight. The Coachmakers, who initiated the project, alongside the Engineers and Air Pilots, have organised an exhibition that is inspirational and moving in equal measure. As the Livery Companies have emphasised, the project also offers many learning opportunities. Visiting students will, I trust, be enthused by what they see and take from the exhibits. They
will learn just how important our manufacturing industry is. They will see that Britain – in partnership with other countries in Europe, with the US and elsewhere – builds great aircraft. The Coachmakers, Engineers and Air Pilots are raising funds from this event for the RAF Air Cadets. The RAF Air Cadets is a valuable pathway for the airmen and airwomen of tomorrow, as well as the engineers, designers and manufacturers who make up this extraordinary sector. On behalf of the City of London, we thank you all for your support for this magnificent initiative. It will, I am certain, inspire many young people today, tomorrow and beyond. On this anniversary of the Royal Air Force, I would also like to thank the men and women who have served so well over the past 100 years. Let us salute them all – past, present and future.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 6
03 Lord Mayor FW.indd 6
16/04/2018 09:58
Air Chief Marshal
Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF, Chief of the Air Staff
I
n this anniversary year of the formation of the world’s first independent air force, I am delighted to attend the Coachmakers, Air Pilots and Engineers Livery Banquet, a tribute to the Royal Air Force’s 100 years of service, success and sacrifice. Today’s Royal Air Force upholds a tradition of professionalism, skill and technological advantage that is as old as the Service itself. These qualities, combined with the excellence of our people and our rich heritage, ensure we remain one of the world’s leading and most respected air arms. Our 100th anniversary provides a unique opportunity to Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire. We will commemorate 100 years of extraordinary success, courage and sacrifice. We will celebrate the achievements of today’s RAF, adding daily to our rich heritage and strong ethos. And we will reach out to future generations, to inspire them through our example towards realising their ambitions and potential.
We want to leave a legacy that endures beyond 2018 and into the RAF’s second century. I want that legacy to be about education and development of young people, providing opportunity to every part of our society. These ideas have been at the heart of the RAF’s ethos and tradition since our inception, and through RAF100 we are taking them even further. I know that those attending this evening’s Banquet share our goals and I look forward to working together with you. This Banquet honours all those who have served and who are still serving. On behalf of the whole Royal Air Force, I offer my sincere thanks to the City of London, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Worshipful Company of Engineers of the City of London for their invaluable support and their affiliations to so many RAF Squadrons and Stations throughout our history.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 7
04 CAS FW.indd 7
16/04/2018 10:12
The formation of the Royal Air Force There was no ceremony on 1 April 1918 to mark the formation of the RAF. The country had been at war for over three years when a government investigation into the state of Great Britain’s air defences led to the establishment of a single air force
G
erman airship and airplane raids on Great Britain during the First World War had caused public outrage and deep concern among politicians. By 1917, the responsibility for the aerial defence of the United Kingdom remained divided between the War Office and Admiralty. Additionally, no national organization existed to conduct a
strategic air offensive against Germany. This led the Cabinet to establish a committee to assess the country’s air defences and air organization in general. The committee was formed in July, nominally under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. In practice, however, it was two Lieutenant Generals who undertook the task: South African Jan Christiaan
The new Royal Air Force inherited many obsolete aircraft, such as this Sopwith Triplane, now preserved at the RAF Museum
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 8
05 Formation of the RAF.indd 8
16/04/2018 09:50
Lt-Gen Jan Smuts recommended the creation of a single British air force
Two airmen aboard a Bristol Fighter of the W/T Establishment at Biggin Hill in 1918
Non-Commissioned Officers in Royal Flying Corps uniform relax outside their hut in 1918
Smuts led the work, supported by the first head of the Royal Flying Corps, Sir David Henderson. While the committee’s first report, which recommended unifying the air defence of London under a single organization, was important, it was their second report that had lasting significance. This latter report recommended the creation of an Air Ministry and a national air force – the first example of such in military history.
In January 1918, as the RAF approached its official formation date, Hugh Trenchard was appointed the first Chief of the Air Staff. Formerly an officer in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, becoming second in command at the Central Flying School in 1913. When war broke out, Trenchard became a wing commander, before rising to command the entire Royal Flying Corps in the Field in 1915.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 9
05 Formation of the RAF.indd 9
16/04/2018 09:50
A Sopwith Camel takes off from HMS Pegasus. RAF aircraft operated from a variety of Royal Navy ships
Major General Sir Hugh Trenchard, the first Chief of the Air Staff
Officers of RAF Cattewater on 1 April 1918. Most are pictured still wearing Royal Naval Air Service dress, but two are already in RAF uniform
Trenchard’s primary objective as Chief of the Air Staff was to ensure the smooth transition from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service to the RAF. Operational ability was more important than ceremony. Although a new badge and uniform were designed, wartime production limits meant there would not be enough to equip everyone in the new service. As the RAF was being formed, allied forces in France were trying to stop the major German
Michael Offensive. It was important to continue air operations against German forces on land, in the air and at sea. The new RAF supported the British Army on the Western Front and in the Middle East, fought hard for the control of the air, conducted reconnaissance patrols for the Royal Navy, and began a major bombing campaign against Germany. The Royal Air Force played a vital role in the closing months of the war; the first century of RAF history had begun.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 10
05 Formation of the RAF.indd 10
16/04/2018 09:50
A royal message of thanks At the conclusion of the First World War, His Majesty King George V sent congratulations to the men and women of the recently formed Royal Air Force and expressed his gratitude for their sacrifice
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 11
06 King's Letter.indd 11
16/04/2018 10:13
A brief history of the Royal Air Force A century of service has seen the RAF playing a vital role in peace and war, projecting Air Power in Europe and across the world
T
he Royal Air Force was founded in the crucible of the First World War. Continuing the work of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Services, the RAF provided tactical air support to the British Army and aerial reconnaissance for the Royal Navy. Additionally, British air defences were improved and a strategic bombing force to attack Germany was built up. At the armistice, the RAF was the largest air force in the world, although it was soon to be dramatically reduced in size. Surviving several attempts at disestablishment in the 1920s, the RAF was used to fight a number of colonial “small wars” and, more significantly, took responsibility
for peace enforcement in Iraq, in an early demonstration of the effectiveness and efficiencies that the projection of Air Power could bring. By the mid 1930s, the deteriorating political situation in Europe led to the RAF’s expansion and modernisation. Following the German invasion of Poland in 1939, Great Britain declared war on Germany, and the RAF unsuccessfully attempted to help prevent the invasion of France. It was decided to retain a minimum number of fighters in Britain, which proved vital when the Luftwaffe attempted to destroy the RAF in the Battle of Britain. After the RAF’s famous triumph, the British focus shifted to the strategic bombing of Germany and the tactical
Cooper bombs are loaded under a Sopwith Camel for ground attack operations
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 12
08 Brief history.indd 12
16/04/2018 10:17
A Royal Air Force F-35B with the intakes open for the lift fan, enabling short take-off and vertical landing
support to land forces, especially the defeat of German forces on the continent. The Second World War had seen military aviation come of age and the RAF had been employed across the full range of Air Power roles, including the introduction of the first operational allied jet fighter – the Gloster Meteor. After the Second World War, the RAF continued to play a key role, this time in the Cold War. Although the RAF, the USAF and other allied air forces broke the Soviet blockade of Berlin, the threat of a central European invasion remained. Therefore, RAF squadrons were based in West Germany throughout the Cold War, and the RAF carried Britain’s nuclear deterrent for many years. Beyond Europe, there were several interventions, but the general trend was a scaling back of deployed forces. The RAF was heavily committed during the Malayan Emergency and, in 1956, saw action during the Suez Emergency. British troops were evacuated by air from Yemen in 1967, while the 1970s saw the RAF make substantial withdrawals from the Far East and the Middle East.
During the Falkland Islands campaign of 1982, the RAF executed Operation Black Buck, the long-range bombing mission to the Falklands, and conducted ground attack missions from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers. Additionally, the RAF carried out maritime reconnaissance of the surrounding seas and provided heavy-lift helicopter support to British land forces. AFTER THE COLD WAR The post-Cold War period saw the RAF become smaller, but more flexible. In 1991, after Saddam Hussein’s forces invaded Kuwait, the RAF played a significant role in the Gulf War air campaign. With Kuwaiti sovereignty restored, the RAF played its part in enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zones. Operations in the Balkans predominated in the mid and late 1990s, while the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan demanded much of the RAF during the early years of the 21st century. The intervention in Libya and the ongoing operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria have been the Service’s last major actions before its 100th anniversary.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 13
08 Brief history.indd 13
16/04/2018 10:17
100 years of iconic aircraft Selecting just a few of the iconic aircraft that have served with the Royal Air Force during the past 100 years is not an easy task. This small collection covers some that have been the mainstay of operations, as well as others that proved innovative and world-leading. All have shaped their era, helping to win wars and keep the peace
SOPWITH CAMEL F1 Tricky to fly and often fatal to the unwary pilot, the Camel was still one of the best British fighters of the First World War. It was developed from the dainty Sopwith Pup and was rapidly nicknamed the Camel because of its hump-backed appearance. Widely produced and delivered from May 1917, some 5,490 Camels were eventually delivered, with many serving as night fighters. Years
1917 - 1920
Purpose
Single-seat fighter
Top speed
115mph/185km/h
Max altitude
19,000ft/5,791m
Armament
Two forward-firing machine guns; up to 92lb/42kg of bombs
Deployed
Europe, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq
F.B.27A VIMY A British heavy bomber designed during the latter stages of the First World War by Vickers. After being part of Great Britain’s strategic Independent Air Force, the Vimy became the core of the RAF’s heavy bomber force throughout the 1920s. In 1919, the aircraft achieved two international firsts: crossing the Atlantic non-stop in June and staging from the UK to Australia in November/December. Years
1918 - 1933
Purpose
Heavy bomber and transport
Top speed
100mph/161km/h
Max altitude
7,000ft/2,134m
Armament
Up to two machine guns; up to 2,476lb/1,123kg of bombs
Deployed
UK, France, Egypt, Middle East, Northern Ireland
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 14
10 Iconic Aircraft.indd 14
16/04/2018 12:04
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE The immortal Spitfire and its navalised Seafire cousin were continually updated. The Mk XVI was the final Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined Spitfire variant before introduction of the more powerful Griffon engine. Later production aircraft featured a cut-down rear fuselage and bubble canopy. Eventually operated by more than 30 Air Forces worldwide, the Spitfire was one of the bestperforming fighters of its time. Years
1938 - 1957
Purpose
Single-seat fighter/fighter-bomber
Top speed
405mph/652 km/h at 22,000 feet
Max altitude
42,500ft/12,954m
Armament
Two cannon, four machine guns; up to 500lb/227kg of bombs
Deployed
Europe, Russia, Middle East, Far East
AVRO LANCASTER The most famous and successful heavy bomber flown by the RAF in the Second World War, immortalised in the classic 1950s’ film The Dambusters. Developed from the Manchester and with a crew of seven or eight, the Lancaster was a stalwart of Britain’s bomber offensive against Germany, sharing the task with the Handley Page Halifax and Short Stirling, ranging far and wide across Europe. Years
1941 - 1956
Purpose
Heavy bomber
Top speed
287mph/462km/h
Max altitude
24,500ft/7,350m
Armament
Nose, mid and tail guns; up to 22,000lb/9980kg of bombs
Deployed
Europe, Russia, N Africa, Middle East, Far East
DE HAVILLAND MOSQUITO FB MK VI (‘THE WOODEN WONDER’) So called due to its wooden construction, the Mosquito proved fast and manoeuvrable. The Mk VI first flew in 1942 and served in anti-shipping, light bomber and tactical support roles. This variant shot down several hundred V-1 flying bombs and, in February 1944, famously bombed Amiens jail in France, enabling more than 250 members of the French Resistance to escape. Years
1942 - 1947
Purpose
Two-seat fighter-bomber
Top speed
378mph/608 km/h at 13,000ft
Max altitude
33,000ft/10,058m
Armament
Four cannon, four machine guns; up to 2000lb/908kg of bombs or eight rockets
Deployed
Europe, Middle East, Far East
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 15
10 Iconic Aircraft.indd 15
16/04/2018 10:31
GLOSTER METEOR The Gloster Meteor was the first allied jet-powered fighter of the Second World War. Introduced in July 1944, the Meteor saw limited service due to the risk of its falling into enemy hands. The Mk 4 was introduced in 1945 and the following year achieved a world speed record of 616mph over the United Kingdom. In all, over 60 RAF squadrons were to equip with Meteor variants. Years
1944 - 1958
Purpose
Single-seat interceptor/fighter
Top speed
585mph/941km/h at sea level
Max altitude
42,500ft/12,954m
Armament
Four 20mm cannon
Deployed
UK and Europe; bought by 17 other Air Forces
AVRO VULCAN B MK 2 The Vulcan was a distinctive sight that, for many, defined the Cold War. Known as the ‘tin triangle’, the Vulcan was initially tasked with the nuclear-armed, low-level penetration role. With the introduction of Britain’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent, the aircraft adopted a conventional bombing role, still showing its capabilities during the Falklands campaign. Also used in the air-to-air refuelling role. Years
1960 - 1984
Purpose
Long range heavy bomber and air-to-air refuelling
Top speed
645mph/1,038km/h
Max altitude
60,000ft/18,000m
Armament
Up to 21,000lb conventional bombs, anti-radiation missiles, nuclear strike weapons
Deployed
UK, Cyprus, Ascension Island
ENGLISH ELECTRIC LIGHTNING The English Electric Lightning was a supersonic fighter aircraft of the Cold War era. The Lightning was the only all-British Mach 2 fighter aircraft. Although it was the RAF’s primary interceptor for more than two decades, it was never required to attack another aircraft. Loved by its pilots, the design of two engines vertically placed in the fuselage was a distinctive feature never copied by other aircraft designers. Years
1959 - 1988
Purpose
Single-seat interceptor fighter
Top speed
Mach 2.0 (1,300mph/2,100km/h at 36,000ft)
Max altitude
54,000ft/16,000m
Armament
Two 30mm cannon, two infra-red air-to-air missiles
Deployed
UK, Germany, Cyprus, Middle East, Singapore
Photo: Mike Freer
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 16
10 Iconic Aircraft.indd 16
16/04/2018 10:31
WESTLAND SEA KING HAR3 Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, the Westland Sea King was adapted for RAF search and rescue duties as the Sea King HAR3. Deliveries began in 1978, replacing the Whirlwind HAR10 and Wessex HAR2 in providing search and rescue cover for both military and civilian personnel across the UK. Sea Kings were fitted with highly advanced search and navigation equipment and operated in all weathers, both day and night. Years
1978 - 2015
Purpose
Non-combat search and rescue
Top speed
131mph/210km/h
Max altitude
14,000ft/4,267m
Armament
None
Deployed
UK, Falkland Islands
PANAVIA TORNADO Designed as a multi-role aircraft, two types of the Tornado have served with the RAF: the F3 Air Defence variant and the GR-1/GR-4 ground attack and reconnaissance variant. The F3 served in Air Defence duties for some 25 years, to include operational deployments in the Middle East, the Balkans and the South Atlantic. The latest GR-4 variant is still serving after almost 40 years, including on operational duty in the Balkans, Middle East and over Libya. Years
1978 - present
Purpose
Interceptor/fighter; ground attack/reconnaissance
Top speed
1,320mph/2,125km/h
Max altitude
60,000ft/18,500m
Armament
One 27mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, precision and stand-off air-to-ground munitions
Deployed
UK, Europe, South Atlantic and Middle East
EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON FGR4 Designed as an air superiority fighter and introduced into service in 2003, the FGR4 is the multi-role version of this fourth-generation combat aircraft introduced in 2008. Incorporating advanced sensor fusion, avionics and helmet-mounted technology, the aircraft has replaced the Tornado F3 and will similarly replace the Tornado GR-4, complementing the RAF’s future F-35 Lightning II fleet as a potent mix of fourth- and fifth-generation capability. Years
2003 - present
Purpose
Air superiority and ground attack
Top speed
Mach 2.0
Max altitude
60,000ft/18,500m
Armament
Advanced air-to-air missiles, precision and stand-off air-to-ground munitions
Deployed
Europe, Middle East, Libya, South Atlantic
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 17
10 Iconic Aircraft.indd 17
16/04/2018 10:31
A proud & inspired heritage shaping our future 1910
07 History of BAE.indd 18
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
16/04/2018 10:15
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
BAE SYSTEMS
1981
07 History of BAE.indd 19
1985
1999
16/04/2018 10:15
One hundred years of service and sacrifice How the RAF Museum is transforming its London site to mark the Service’s centenary
T
he Royal Air Force Museum tells the story of the RAF though its people and collections, ensuring that the story of the Service endures and enriches future generations. Established in 1968 as the legacy of the Royal Air Force’s 50th anniversary, the RAF Museum is a National Museum attracting over 700,000 visitors a year across two public sites. The Museum’s historic aviation sites and worldclass collections inspire its audiences to discover the stories of the men and women who have played a vital role in establishing the RAF as the world’s leading air force. The Museum’s Cosford site in the West Midlands was an important Battle of Britain aerodrome, delivering Spitfires to the front line. Today, RAF Cosford is still an operational airbase that performs a vital training role and hosts the Cosford Air Show, attended by up to 70,000 visitors each year.
As the London Aerodrome, the Museum’s London site was the birthplace of aviation in the UK: the first airmail, parachute jump, night flight and aerial defence of a city all took place here. It was a major centre of First World War aircraft production and later became RAF Hendon, playing a key role in the Battle of Britain, before acquiring hard runways and becoming a transport base. In 2018, the award-winning RAF Museum will mark the Royal Air Force’s Centenary through a major transformation of its visitor experience – sharing the RAF story on site and online. This multi-million-pound redevelopment of the RAF Museum’s London home will welcome visitors to discover a new green heart of the community in Colindale, with a landscape reflecting the historic RAF Hendon airfield. The RAF Museum’s RAF Centenary Programme commemorates 100 years of service and sacrifice, courage and honour, while celebrating the spirit and values of the people
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 20
12 RAF Museum.indd 20
16/04/2018 10:35
who have contributed to the RAF story. This will include the many nations who have partnered, supported and been supported by the RAF since its formation. Engineers, pilots, ground crew, explorers, entrepreneurs, medical staff and many others have played their role in building this most respected Service. The Museum’s RAF Centenary Programme celebrates their achievements and will inspire a new generation of pioneers, inventors and leaders. These stories are of ordinary men and women whose extraordinary spirit and values have upheld the RAF motto: Per Ardua Ad Astra (Through Adversity to the Stars) both through the theatre of war and in establishing and maintaining peace. NEW GALLERIES Three new, innovative galleries will explore the first 100 years of the RAF, its roles today and invite visitors to imagine its future contribution and technology: RAF Stories: The First 100 Years will tell the story of the RAF from its creation in 1918 as the world’s first independent air force. During that period, air power – and the RAF – have had a significant impact on the conduct of modern warfare. This exhibition will capture the many roles undertaken by the RAF across its first 100 years, which include the momentous events of the Second World War, the Cold War and more recent contemporary operations. It will cover the significant advances in technology and aircraft design that underpin the RAF’s capability and explain the range of its operational responsibilities, from defence of the UK homeland and its dependent territories to expeditionary operations in partnership with other nations. RAF: First to the Future will invite visitors to explore the work of today’s RAF and how the Service is preparing for the future. The gallery will connect people to the modern and future RAF, and will provide a counterpoint to the first 100 years of its history. A focus on the people and skills behind the technology will help young people to connect the past and present and be inspired to join the next
generation of history-makers. Displays will both use and focus on new inventions and technology, evolving as the world changes and as the RAF responds in its second century. The RAF in an Age of Uncertainty will tell the story of the RAF’s service since the end of the Cold War, including the liberation of the Falkland Islands, Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and the liberation of Kuwait, and operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Libya. This period also covers considerable developments in the invention and application of new technologies that were, or still are, in use by the RAF and its global partners. RAF Stories Online is a new digital sharing project that will promote a conversation with a global audience and help connect people to the Royal Air Force story. A new Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) and Heritage programme will inspire people of all ages to get hands-on with STEM activities to increase engagement with and learning from the Museum’s collections and stories and to encourage young people into vital STEM careers. For more information about the transformation, the 2018 event programme and to plan your visit please go to: www.rafmuseum.org
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 21
12 RAF Museum.indd 21
16/04/2018 10:35
Brooklands Museum Once the heart of British aircraft manufacturing, this unique museum preserves the famous Surrey site’s historic connections with the Royal Air Force
B
rooklands Museum is committed to celebrating the links between the Royal Air Force and the most prolific aircraft manufacturing site in Europe, which stretch right back to the formation of the RAF in April 1918. Not only did the Brooklands aircraft factories deliver over 12,000 aircraft directly into RAF service after that date, but hundreds of earlier Brooklands-built aircraft and three Brooklands-formed squadrons were transferred across from the Royal Flying Corps on formation. Uniquely, from April 1918 until the retirement of the VC10 in September 2013, there was always at least one Brooklands-built aircraft in service with the RAF – that 95-year unbroken record has probably not been matched by any
other manufacturing site with any other air service anywhere in the world. The Brooklands connection with the RAF embraces more than just the aircraft, however, with an equally pre-eminent role in training its pilots. The first flying school was established at Brooklands in 1910, and from then until the start of the First World War, 17 different schools there issued 318 Royal Aero Club Flying Certificates – almost half those issued in that period. Among the future leaders of the RAF who learned to fly at Brooklands in this period were Capt Hugh (Lord) Dowding, Sir Arthur (“Bomber”) Harris and Major Hugh (Lord) Trenchard. Three current RAF squadrons (Nos 8, 9 and 10) were originally formed at Brooklands as RFC units, and
Hawker Harts, Vickers Vildebeest and Victorias for the Royal Air Force, in assembly at Vickers’ Brooklands works c1933
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 22
13 Brooklands.indd 22
16/04/2018 10:37
The longest-serving Brooklands type in RAF history, the Vickers VC10, worked as a tanker and transport aircraft for 48 years
the No10 Aircraft Acceptance Park (whose last Commanding Officer was Harris), set up here in 1917, continued to handle new deliveries from local factories until 1920. Many of the RAF’s Second World War pilots were trained in the civil flying schools at Brooklands in the 1920s and 1930s. The links with Brooklands carried on after 1918, with the Hawker and Vickers factories continuing to deliver new aircraft, notably the Hawker biplane fighters and the Vickers heavy transports – to the extent that, in the early 1930s, some 80 per cent of the entire front-line strength of the RAF was Brooklands-built. Hawker Hurricanes (one-third of them built at Brooklands) scored 58 per cent of all RAF victories in the Battle of Britain. Likewise, the Wellington formed the mainstay of the RAF’s heavy bomber fleet until the arrival of the big fourengined types. In the end, some 3,000 Hurricanes, 2,500 Wellingtons and 845 Warwicks came out of Brooklands. At the same time, Barnes Wallis (who was responsible for the geodetic structures of the Wellesley, Wellington and Warwick) was developing his famous weapons, including the Upkeep and Highball “bouncing bombs” and the Tallboy/Grand Slam conventional bombs. After the war, Vickers at Brooklands continued to supply large parts of the RAF fleet. The Valiant became the first of the V Bombers to enter RAF service (and the only RAF aircraft to have dropped a live nuclear warhead), and the
Valetta and Varsity served in transport and crew-training roles. Later, the VC10 (the largest aircraft to enter series production in the UK) became one of the RAF’s longest-serving types, with a career spanning 48 years. Today, the Museum not only tells the story of the design, development, manufacture and testing of nearly 18,900 aircraft of some 260 types that had their first flights from Brooklands over an 80-year period, but also of the post-war Hawker/ British Aerospace types from Kingston and Dunsfold. Much of this story is told in its unique new Brooklands Aircraft Factory exhibition, based in a Second World War Bellman hangar, originally used for assembling Wellingtons and now dedicated to inspiring youngsters to embrace STEM training and careers within aerospace. Here stands the Wellington Mk1A N2980 ‘R’, for ‘Robert’, one of only two survivors of almost 11,500 built. Having served with 149 and 37 Squadrons (and being one of the few survivors of the infamous Battle of Heligoland Bight in December 1939), it was ditched in Loch Ness in December 1940 after engine failure while serving with 20 OTU Lossiemouth. It was salvaged in 1985 and restored at Brooklands. Elsewhere on the Museum’s 32-acre site are examples of the Hurricane and Varsity and the Barnes Wallis weapons, while the K.3 “ZA150”, the last VC10 built, is maintained in full taxiing condition at the former RAF Dunsfold.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 23
13 Brooklands.indd 23
16/04/2018 10:37
Supporting our armed forces Mr Tony Edwards BSc MBA CEng FRAeS, Master, The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers
I
n 1677, His Majesty King Charles II granted his Royal Charter to the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, which established the authority to design, build and market carriages of all shapes and sizes. The Charter was re-granted by King James II in 1686, confirming that the craft and skill of the Coachmakers would conform to a declared standard. The fellowship granted by the Charter was to encourage like-minded coach builders to support their trade. As part of the charter, apprentices would be encouraged to join, following in their fathers’ footsteps to learn the business of carriage making. This has been the abiding remit and origins upon which Livery members have evolved their skills in carriage building into automotive and aircraft design and engineering. The skills transfer
from coach building into these sectors was wholly logical and rational, when one considers the genesis of early motor cars and early aircraft in the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers has been able to preserve its position not least by embracing new technologies as they emerged and became commercially successful. The Livery has always recognised excellence in each of its major disciplines and awards bursaries, scholarships, apprenticeships and support to students at all levels. One such apprentice has achieved great respect at the Royal Mews for her work refurbishing leather harnesses and rebuilding a park phaeton once driven by Her Majesty The Queen as a young princess. This carriage, now fully restored, is regularly driven by Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of Prince Edward. Charitable and good works are a dominant activity of the modern Coachmakers, taking many different forms according to the funds at the Company’s disposal. Of dominance has been involvement and contribution to education. We remain true to our axiom: “An active livery investing in young people.” By providing bursaries and scholarships to talented and deserving students we seek to help them in their education, to enhance both their research and career prospects. One of the
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 24
14 CoachMakers.indd 24
16/04/2018 10:39
The Coachmakers’ association with the RAF began with No 10 Squadron, the in-flight tanker squadron with a fleet of VC10s
students to receive a flying scholarship from the Coachmakers joined the Royal Air Force and now flies the Typhoon for the RAF. At Cranfield University, we provide a bursary to a winning doctoral candidate in aerospace engineering research, most recently in the area of gravity-fuelled space travel. Masters candidates at the Royal College of Art have also received support for innovative design in automotive manufacture. Previous winners include the Heads of Design for Jaguar and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. As the Coachmakers Company has evolved, so has its support for our armed forces, including the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, Commando Helicopter Force and the Cadet movement. Our affiliation with the Royal Navy has focused on HMS Bulwark, moored in Plymouth, which has been the Royal Navy’s flagship since its launch in 2001 and commissioning in 2005. It has seen a range of active-service assignments and returned to Plymouth at the end of its command in 2016 to hand over to HMS Albion. The Royal Dragoon Guards, our link with the Army, are based at Catterick. This armoured cavalry regiment uses the Scimitar armoured reconnaissance vehicle, which gives the unit
the ability to fight enemy troops, in addition to carrying out its reconnaissance role. Our association with the Royal Air Force began with No 10 Squadron, the in-flight tanker squadron with a fleet of VC10s. Today, our relationship is with RAF Brize Norton, the hub of UK RAF movements and home to a number of active squadrons and their support services. Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) comprises three Naval Air Squadrons and has been operational for over 60 years. Its personnel are known throughout the world as ‘Junglies’ and our association with CHF includes visits by Coachmakers to RNAS Yeovilton and an annual award to an outstanding member of the unit. The UK Cadet movement is a vital source of new entrants to all of our armed forces. While our particular link is with the Hornchurch and Upminster Sea Cadet Unit, which provides guards of honour and guides for most Coachmaker events, in fact we support the Cadet movement as a whole. Funds raised through tonight’s event are dedicated for the Air Cadets. As a Livery Company, the Coachmakers Company is proud to contribute to the Royal Air Force’s centenary celebrations.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 25
14 CoachMakers.indd 25
16/04/2018 10:39
Excellence in the air Captain Colin A Cox FRAeS, Master, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots
T
he Air Pilots Company was established as the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators in 1929 in order to ensure that pilots and navigators of the (then) fledgling aviation industry were accepted and regarded as professionals. From the beginning, the Guild was modelled on the lines of the Livery Companies of the City of London, which were originally established to protect the interests and standards of those involved in their respective trades or professions. In 1956, the Guild was formally recognised as a Livery Company and, in 2014, it was granted a Royal Charter in the name of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. Today, the principal activities of the Company are centred on sponsoring and encouraging actions and activities designed to ensure that aircraft are piloted and navigated safely by individuals who are highly competent, self-reliant, dependable
and respected. The Company fosters the sound education and training of air pilots, from the initial training of the young pilot to the specialist training of the more mature. Through charitable activities, education and training, technical committee work, aircrew aptitude testing, scholarships and sponsorship, advice and recognition of the achievements of fellow aviators worldwide, the Company keeps itself at the forefront of the aviation world. The Company structure has been established in order to represent pilot and navigator interests within all areas of aviation. The current Master, Captain Colin Cox, is a recently retired Training Captain who spent his entire flying career in commercial aviation, principally with Cathay Pacific. The Master-Elect, or Senior Warden, however, is a retired RAF officer; former Commanding Officer of No 4 Sqn, and Trustee at the RAF Museum, two of the Company’s affiliations. The Court consists of current and former serving commercial pilots, RAF, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps aircrew, as well as individuals from many and various industries and careers who are qualified private pilots and representative of the General Aviation sector. Air Pilots members operate aircraft not only in airlines and all branches of Her Majesty’s armed forces, but also in every area of general aviation, sporting aviation and private flying. The aircraft flown range from supersonic military and (in the days of Concorde) civil, through single and
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 26
16 Pilots.indd 26
16/04/2018 10:42
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots has affiliations with military flying units, especially those of the Royal Air Force
multi-engine fixed wing and helicopters, training aircraft, microlights, gliders and balloons to experimental aircraft. Indeed, for many members the particular strength and attraction of the Company is this diverse spread of interests. The Company has many strong and vibrant affiliations with military flying units, especially those of the RAF and including air forces from other nations. The Air Pilots is unique among City Livery Companies in having active Regional Committees in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America, reflecting the global nature of the aviation industry and community. Charity is central to the ethos and work of the Company, which has three registered charities: • The Air Pilots Benevolent Fund which assists many aviators and their dependants; • The Air Safety Trust, which is principally concerned with the advancement of the public interest by the promotion of safety in the air and which funds research work, provides scholarships for Flight Instructors, funds lectures and supports various efforts or programmes intended to increase air safety;
• The Air Pilots Trust concentrates on the
promotion of education and sound training in all branches of aviation by the provision of scholarships and grants to assist flying training, lectures, and funding research into training and instruction.
Aviation is an industry that is constantly changing. Many aspects of commercial aviation, in particular, are almost unrecognisable from the way they were 30 years ago, let alone 90 years ago when the Company was founded to help develop the industry. The Company’s approach and aims are therefore also constantly evolving as the challenges, and the industry itself, evolve. Attracting, encouraging and supporting young people into and within aviation is a major facet of the Company’s ongoing work. The Company’s Young Members group is large and expanding; its mentoring scheme and schoolsliaison programmes are two important aspects of its engagement with young people to try to ensure the sound development and future of aviation as an industry and career.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 27
16 Pilots.indd 27
16/04/2018 10:42
Promoting engineering Eur Ing Richard Groome BSc FIChemE FRSPH, Master, The Worshipful Company of Engineers
T
he Founder Master, Alderman Sir Peter Gadsden GBE AC FREng, a former Lord Mayor of London, and several eminent engineers formed The Company of Engineers on 29th June 1983.A petition to the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of the City of London for the granting of Letters Patent for the creation of a Livery Company of the City of London, to be called “The Worshipful Company of Engineers”, was submitted on 5th July 1983. The Grant of Livery as the 94th Livery Company was approved by the Court of Aldermen on 13th September 1983 and Letters Patent were presented to the Founder Master on 1st November.
On the founding of the Company, it was limited to a maximum of 300 in the Livery. Subsequently, the Court of Aldermen agreed to the maximum number in the Livery being raised to 350. Furthermore, while all Liverymen must be Fellows of a Chartered Engineering Institution or Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, it has also been agreed that Chartered Engineers who are Members of their Institutions may be admitted as Freemen. In 2003, the Court directed that the Company should seek a Royal Charter. After due consultation and with advice from the Charity Commission, arrangements were agreed for Her Majesty The Queen to approve the grant of a Royal Charter of Incorporation on 11th February 2004. The Charter was presented to the Master, Sir David Davies CBE FRS FREng, by HRH The Duke of Kent at Merchant Taylors’ Hall on 27th April 2004. The Company then began its next phase as a separate legal public entity, with a new form of corporate governance sustaining its traditional objects, but with the added potential to increase its influence in the field of the profession of engineering. THE OBJECTS OF THE COMPANY The Royal Charter states that, “The objects and intention of The Worshipful Company of Engineers shall be to promote the development and advancement of the science, art and practice of engineering for the benefit of the public
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 28
15 Engineers.indd 28
16/04/2018 10:41
The Company gives awards, prizes and grants to encourage excellence among qualified engineers and those in training
and to afford means of professional and social intercourse and the exchange of information between Members of the Company, those who practice engineering and those who benefit there from”. To further these objectives, the Company organises an extensive programme of events including lectures, technical visits and social functions, and works closely with, and compliments the activities of, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Council and the professional engineering institutions. AWARDS, PRIZES AND GRANTS Through its charitable trust fund, the Engineers Trust (engineerstrust.org.uk), the Company gives awards, prizes and grants to support and encourage excellence among qualified engineers and those training to be Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. Some of these awards are made in conjunction with other organisations. Civilian awards for excellence include: MacRobert Award and Young Engineer of the
Year with the Royal Academy of Engineering; Sir Peter Gadsden Britain Australia Bicentennial Engineering Award; Cadzow Smith Engineering Award; Stephenson Award; Baroness Platt of Writtle Engineering Award; Mercia Award for Medical Engineering; Water Engineering Award; Hawley Award for Engineering Innovation that benefits the Environment. Support for education includes: Leete Premium PhD Award with Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge; Arkwright Scholarships; Horizon Bursaries with the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The Armed Services’ Awards include: awards for excellence in engineering training, operations and support. The Company is also a Patron of the charity RedR (UK): “We relieve suffering caused by disasters by selecting, training and providing competent and committed personnel to humanitarian programmes worldwide.” Engineering – the Lifeblood of the Nation
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 29
15 Engineers.indd 29
16/04/2018 12:05
Representing the City The role and responsibilities of the Lord Mayor of the City of London
T
he title of Lord Mayor dates back to 1414, although the first Mayor of London was Henry Fitz-Allwyn, recorded in 1189. Since that time there have been 683 men and one woman who have held the position of head of the City of London Corporation. In 1215, King John granted the right of citizens to elect their own Mayor and, in that same year, the Magna Carta specified that the City would retain all its ancient liberties. The Lord Mayor, who serves for one year, from November to November, is elected by all livery men of at least one year’s standing and certain high officers of the City. All Aldermen who have served the office of Sheriff and who have not already been Lord Mayor are eligible. In 2002, the City of London’s voting eligibility was extended to include a wide range of businesses and organisations in the Square Mile, and voting entitlements are based on the number of employees based at these premises. During his tenure, the Lord Mayor has two primary roles: to act as the Ambassador for UK-based financial services and to be the Head of the City of London Corporation. In the former, he speaks for the City of London and UK-based financial services on the whole. The ‘City brand’ includes all UK financial services centres – for example, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bradford, Leeds, Norwich, Liverpool, Manchester and other parts of London beyond the Square Mile. In this role, the Lord Mayor spends around 100 days of his working year abroad, leading business delegations to promote the City worldwide. While in London he hosts visiting heads of State, Ministers and other senior business VIPs, either at the Guildhall or Mansion House; provides a platform for the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Foreign
The current Lord Mayor, The Rt Hon Alderman Charles Bowman, waves to crowds at the annual Lord Mayor’s Show
Secretary, the Governor of the Bank of England, the Chairman of the Financial Services Authority and the Mayor of (Greater) London; and makes major speeches to City business audiences at a number of events during the year. The Lord Mayor’s office is a separate, but complementary role, to the Mayor of London, who, along with the London Assembly, is accountable for the strategic governance of Greater London’s municipal services. The City of London is the world’s oldest continuous municipal democracy, and the Lord Mayor, as the Head of the City of London Corporation, presides over its governing bodies. He is involved with London-wide issues, from the City’s work in the regeneration of neighbouring boroughs to transport and environmental issues that affect the City as well as acting as president or patron of many civic charitable organisations.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 30
11 Lord Mayor's Office.indd 30
16/04/2018 10:33
Investing in young people Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE, Commandant, Royal Air Force Cadets
C
ommanding the RAF Air Cadets during the RAF’s Centenary year is a unique and special privilege. I am incredibly proud that many thousands of cadets and staff will stand shoulder to shoulder with members of the Royal Air Force as we collectively celebrate, commemorate and inspire the previous, current and next generations. We are deeply grateful to the Livery Companies that have organised this RAF Centenary Banquet and for allowing cadets, volunteers and staff to attend and support the evening, as well as selecting our organisation as the main beneficiary of the funds raised. I can assure you that every penny will be spent wisely to help sustain our vibrant organisation in 930 Air Training Corps Squadrons and 220 Combined Cadet Force (RAF) Sections across the UK and overseas. Our organisation comprises 39,000 air cadets aged 12-19 and they are, without doubt, the “Best of British”, acting as outstanding ambassadors for
their communities, the Service and the Nation – demonstrating that good citizenship, teamwork and leadership are embedded in their DNA and further developed by our varied and challenging syllabus of personal development. Air cadets can access a wide range of activities, from flying and gliding to shooting, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, drill, sport, cyber, camps and expeditions, including international exchange opportunities to around 20 different countries every year. The cadet experience is supported by a small permanent staff and a much larger, 15,000-strong adult volunteer cadre. Without the latter it would simply be impossible to deliver our programme and we are eternally grateful to them. Many of our volunteers are former cadets themselves, leading, training and inspiring the next generation and devoting countless hours every week to the support of our young people. The young cadets themselves are a privilege to lead. They are smart, disciplined, bright and articulate and a credit to the RAF, their communities and their families. Thank you all for supporting our work – we are indebted to you for enabling further investment in young people and the adult volunteers who support them.
CITY LIVERY RAF CENTENARY BANQUET 31
09 Air Cadet.indd 31
16/04/2018 10:29
12 Back cover.indd 32
16/04/2018 10:34