Summary: A celebration of the RAF's 42nd anniversary in the form of a brief survey of its history.
Description: The film recalls the foundation of the RAF and its successes at the end of the First World War; in the inter-war years, "men of foresight" made sure the Force was not eclipsed (Hendon displays etc), improved training (Cranwell, Halton; Trenchard kept public and government "air-minded"), built new aircraft replacing war-time quantity with quality (Siskins, DH 9As etc) planned for strategic bombing while still developing the capability, and continued design experiments (airship launching 'parasite' fighter, Schneider trophy seaplanes). World War II vindicated their actions (Battle of Britain; WAAFs manning balloon barrage; Bomber and Coastal Commands; defeat of V-1s; airborne operations). The 'Cold War' after WW2 offers little chance to relax (Berlin airlift); the Coronation Review suggests the equipment of this era (comparisons made with Queen Elizabeth I's Navy), while film of new missiles and Black Arrow aerobatics hints at the future: "The RAF can see no horizon."
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Trenchard, Hugh Montague (person)
Royal Air Force, Bomber Command (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, Coastal Command (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, Sqdn 111 (Black Arrows) (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, Women's Auxiliary Air Force (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - balloon: barrage balloon (object name)
aircraft, British - combat: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin (object name)
aircraft, British - combat: De Havilland DH 9A (object name)
operations, British air - routine (object name)
society, British air - history: Royal Air Force (object name)
GB, England (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: None
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 922 ft; Running time: 10 mins
