The Royal Auxiliary Air Force: Commemorating 100 Years of Service

Frances Louise Wilkinson · Tony Freeman

Sep 2023 · Air World

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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, particularly in times of national emergency and conflict. This has seen the AAF play important roles in the Battle of Britain, its squadrons claiming 30 per cent of enemy ‘kills’. Other notable achievements by AAF pilots include the first German aircraft destroyed over the British mainland and its territorial waters, the first U-boat to be destroyed with the aid of airborne radar, the first destruction of a V-1 flying bomb, and an AAF squadron claimed the highest score of any British night fighter squadron. It was an AAF squadron which was the first to be equipped with jet-powered aircraft. Receiving ‘Royal’ status in 1947 in recognition of its contribution to victory in the Second World War, the RAuxAF also came to the fore during the Cold War providing home defense as the regular squadrons were shipped to hotspots around the world. In more recent times, squadrons and personnel of the RAuxAF have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan This book presents, for the first time, 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 of course the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. These devoted warriors continue to serve alongside the regular forces in defense of the United Kingdom, ready to be called into action whenever their country is in time of need.

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LOUISE WILKINSON was born in Malta in 1961 where her father was serving during his National Service. She joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps as a Data Telegraphist in 1979, remaining until 1982. Having then worked in local government, Louise gained a degree in Humanities in 1992, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. She took a post as history teacher at Grangefield School in Stockton on Tees, eventually becoming head of history. After retirement in 2011, she was awarded her PhD in 2017, this book being the culmination of her research and writing. TONY FREEMAN joined a RAuxAF Fighter Control Unit in 1958 and served as an Air Defence Operator until that unit disbanded in 1961. After a break to pursue business and family interests, here-joined the auxiliaries in 1983. Having attained the rank of squadron leader, Tony retired from the Service in 2000. Tony has published many articles on reservist matters in Service publications such as Air Clues and the RAF Yearbook. Since his retirement, Tony has been the instigator for a seminar by the RAF Historical Society on the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces at the RAF Museum, Hendon in 2002 and he was involved with the design, funding, building and dedication of the RAuxAF National Memorial at Alrewas in 2004. Tony lives in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, with his wife Jackie.