HUNDRED YEARS OF THE RAF AIR DISPLAY 1920-2020

The RAF for 100 years has forged a distinguished military record from the First World War through to recent operations over Iraq and Syria. With facilities to accommodate large audiences, it has produced scintillating flying displays with ever more impressive aircraft. Originally centred on the RAF station at Hendon in North London, its first public Air Pageant in 1920 was the result of Sir Hugh Trenchard trying to fend off disparaging attacks by the other services. A grand affair that showcases numerous military aircraft, it continued as an annual event until 1937 when it was succeeded by the widespread Empire Air Day, held at several RAF stations until war intervened in 1939. The once annual Mildenhall Air Fête was a must for aviation enthusiasts and it ran from 1976 to 2001. Other public air extravaganzas include RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) with the opportunity to demonstrate, in sight and sound and at close quarters to everyone from across the social spectrum, the increasing development of aviation. One of the Bibliophile Family (Captain Mark Grigg) organised the Queen's Coronation fly-past over Buckingham Palace including the Red Arrows and Concorde. A proud day. 352 heavyweight pages packed with images.