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- 10.00am - 5.30pm
- FREE
- Chelsea, London
A Bristol F2 fighter of the Royal Flying Corps, 1917
Origins
The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was formed in 1912. It consisted of a Military and Naval wing, and a Central Flying School that provided training for pilots of both wings. The science of aviation was still new in 1912, so the RFC spent its first two years testing aircraft and their capabilities for artillery spotting, aerial photography and night flying.
Cap badge, Royal Flying Corps, c1912
Captain Albert Ball, one of the RFC's greatest fighter aces, 1917
Roles
During the early part of the war, the RFC's main responsibilities were artillery spotting and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with enemy pilots engaged in similar activities. Fighter squadrons were soon formed to protect the observation aircraft and attack enemy planes.
As the war progressed the RFC strafed enemy trenches and bombed airfields, transportation networks and industrial facilities.
In these various roles the RFC took part in nearly all the major battles of the First World War (1914-18) and served in all the main theatres.
Airmen of 54 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, 1917
Ground attack aircraft like this Bristol fighter played an important role in the Allied advances of 1918
Legacy
On 1 April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service were amalgamated to become a new service: The Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF has played major support, combat and reconnaissance roles in many conflicts since 1918, and continues to do so today.
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