FOREWORD

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach GBE, KCB, ADC, DL, Chief of Defence Staff

As the Royal Air Force prepares to celebrate 100 years of independence, this book offers an important record of the significant contribution of the Royal Air Force over the last century. From the strategic to the tactical, the structure and reputation of the Service has grown through the application of technology by incredible people.

The author, himself a former Royal Air Force Tornado pilot, describes the journey in a chronological format. This works well to describe the transformation of the aeroplane from an object of wonder in 1914 to a formidable part of the national defences in 1918. Following the Great War, little wars went on. In the expanded mandate of the British Empire, air elements were despatched to Iraq and Afghanistan. One hundred years later the British Government still despatches the Royal Air Force to support sovereign governments, to counter terrorism and to support our vital national interests. That much has not changed.

What has changed is the range and breadth of capabilities of the Royal Air Force. The types of mission remain constant: deterrence, presence, precision strike, reconnaissance, mobility, refuelling, and force protection. The way we conduct those missions has evolved to include space and cyber warfare. The chronology demonstrates through world wars, small wars and the Cold War that the people remain committed, determined and brave.

As the Royal Air Force turns one hundred, this book adds to our knowledge. In the spirit of per ardua ad astra, I commend it.