On 26th June 2024, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation staged a Centenary Service at the National Memorial Arboretum commemorating the founding of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1924. There were over 120 attendees including serving and retired members of the Royal Auxiliary Force and civilians who have links with the Force. The Sovereign’s Colour was on parade.
The Service was held at the site of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Memorial, and the Revd Dr Squadron Leader John Harrison was the officiating Chaplain. The Service Programme can be seen here.
The Remembrance Ceremony was followed by the laying of Memorial Stones for 6 former members of the Force including a female musician (AS Anastasia Arnold) who was killed in a motor-cycle accident, an Honorary Air Commodore (Lord Selkirk) who was a distinguished politician and author and 4 Battle of Britain pilots, (Group Captain George Denholm, Wing Commander Alastair Grant, Flight Lieutenant Carl Davis and Squadron Leader Archie McKellar). Carl Davis was killed during the Battle and Archie McKellar very shortly after. The briefs read out for each each one can be viewed here.
The Service concluded with the dedication of a Plinth which was provided by the Foundation as a lasting tribute to all who had served in the Auxiliary Air Force and the Royal Auxiliary throughout its distinguished 100-year history. The provenance for the Plinth can be seen here.
Following the Service, a buffet lunch was provided at the Arboretum for all attendees
Photos: 7644 Squadron and Sergeant Chris Richards 605 Squadron