A Hundred Years of the RAF Air Display 1920-2020

For 100 years, the world's oldest independent air force, the RAF, forged a distinguished record in military air operations from the First World War through to recent operations over Iraq and Syria. There is, however, a field of endeavour in which the RAF has excelled: selling its public image. Of the three armed services, the air force is the one perfectly placed to advertise its wares 'at home' with scintillating flying displays with ever more impressive aircraft and large airfields with readily available facilities. Originally centred on the RAF station at Hendon in North London, the RAF held its first public 'Air Pageant' in 1920. A grand affair, it continued as an annual event until 1937 when it was succeeded by the widespread 'Empire Air Day' held at several RAF stations until war intervened in 1939. The RAF came to true military prominence during WWII, particularly the 'Battle of Britain'; this then became the focus of the celebration and commemoration.