The Royal Auxiliary Air Force- Commemorating 100 Years of Service

Owing its origins to Lord Trenchard’s desire to establish an elite corps of civilians who would serve their country in flying squadrons during their spare time, the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) was first formed in October 1924. Today, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) is the primary reinforcement capability for the regular RAF. It consists of paid volunteers who, at weekends, evenings and holidays, train to support the RAF. Receiving ‘Royal’ status in 1947 in recognition of its contribution to victory in WWII, the RAuxAF also came to the fore during the Cold War providing home defence. In more recent times, squadrons and personnel of the RAuxAF have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan. This book presents the history and development of all the squadrons and units that made up the Auxiliary and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, including the Balloon Squadrons, the Maritime Headquarters Units, Fighter Control and Radar Reporting Units, Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiments and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.