On 9th October 1924, an Act of Council made provision for the creation of the world’s first reservist air force. Known then as the Auxiliary Air Force and now as the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Force commemorated its centenary on 6th October 2024 at a Service held at the Royal Air Force Church of St Clement Danes in London. Organised by the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation, the Service was lead by the Resident Chaplain, Padre Mark Perry, and supported by The Chaplain-in-Chief of the Royal Air Force, The Venerable Dr Giles Legood, who also preached the Sermon. Music was provided by the Church organist and Choir and an Ensemble of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Band.
Attendees included the Patron of the Foundation, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, serving, retired and associated members of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, relatives of Force personnel killed in action and families and friends.
During the Service:
The Sovereign’s Colour was paraded and received by the Resident Chaplain.
The Old Testament Reading was read by Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro (Commandant General of the RAuxAF).
The New Testament Reading was read by Mr Geoff Dunsmore whose son, Senior Aircraftman Christopher Dunsmore of 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron. was killed in action in Iraq in 2007).
The Sermon was given by the Chaplain-in- Chief.
The RAuxAF Roll of Honour was carried forward by Group Captain Gary Bunkell (Vice-Chairman RAuxAF Foundation) who handed it to Ms Helen Davis whose grandfather, Flight Lieutenant Raymond Davis DFC of 601 (County of London) Squadron, was killed in action during the Battle of Britain and Mrs Jacqui Thompson whose husband, Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson of 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008.
Ms Helen Davis and Mrs Jacqui Thompson placed The Roll of Honour on a table where it was blessed by the Chaplain-in- Chief.
The Last Post and Reveille was sounded and the traditional Act of Remembrance exhortations were made by Group Captain Richard Mighall (Chairman pf the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation).
The Service concluded with an Act of Commitment, the National Anthem and a blessing.
The Royal Air Force Media Report of the event can be seen here.