100 years of the Royal Air Force: Incredible pictures depict the history of the UK's might in the skies

Sophie Williams31 March 2018

Founded on April 1 1918, the Royal Air Force is celebrating its 100th anniversary this Easter weekend.

King George V gave the go-ahead for the creation of the RAF amid the growing role of air power in warfare one century ago.

Over the past 100 years, the air force has been tested by many conflicts, from the Second World War to the invasion of Iraq, and has proved itself a world leader in the technical prowess of its aircraft.

These incredible images show historic moments in the 100 year history of the RAF.

100 years of the RAF

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In 1936, the Spitfire, the best-known of all the RAF fighter planes, made its maiden flight. During the Second World War, it proved itself to be one of the most successful fighter aircraft ever built, fighting off wave after wave of German fighters during the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940.

The iconic Spitfire
Alamy Stock Photo

Another iconic aircraft, the Avro Vulcan, was used to carry conventional and nuclear bombs during the Cold War and was also used during the conflict in the Falkland Islands in 1982.

A Tornado GR1 ground attack aircraft like the type used in the war in Kosovo
PA

The Kosovo War in 1999 saw the RAF fight over Europe for the first time since World War II and in 2003, during the invasion of Iraq, the RAF was deployed to the Gulf.

A VC10 of Ten Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton refueling a Tornado F3 on exercise
AFP/Getty Images

Outside of conflicts, there have been great leaps made by the Royal Air Force. In 1952, Pilot Officer Jean Lennox Bird became the first woman to be awarded RAF pilot’s wings.And in 1964, the Red Arrows were formed and still appear at air shows across the globe today.

A Harrier jump jet is prepared for an operation during the Falklands war (Crown copyright. IWM via Getty I)
Crown copyright. IWM via Getty Images

More recently, the RAF has also been delivering aid to areas hit by conflict and extreme weather. In September last year, it played a major role in delivering aid to the Caribbean after Hurricane Irma.

It is currently engaged in 13 missions on 4 continents and in 22 countries.