Page 10 - RAF Magazine

1918-1939

THE FORMATION OF THE

RAF AND POST-WAR

PROGRESSION

The RAF was founded on 1 April 1918, just Progress was gradual, but it was definitely
as the First World War came to a close, by being made. In June 1944, an air ministry
the merging of the Royal Flying Corps and confidential order to commanding officers
the Royal Naval Air Service. During the inter- was issued, stating: “Any instance of
war years its role was to “police” the British discrimination on grounds of colour should
Empire. be immediately and severely checked”, was
Personnel from the African and Caribbean issued.
colonies showed their allegiance to the Encouragingly, the personal experiences
mother country during World War I. of many black men and women, who have
However, once the war ended, the colour continued to serve over the years, highlights
bar – which banned all non-Europeans from
serving in the armed forces – was quietly a camaraderie which embraces people of all
reimposed. backgrounds, and stretches beyond colour
lines.
This was challenged by Labour MP
Stafford Cripps, who threatened to make it a Air Commodore David Case was awarded
public issue. Interestingly the argument for the Sword of Honour at RAF Cranwell, as the
a ban on non-Europeans was explained by most outstanding officer cadet of 1977.
Secretary of State for Air, Sir Kingsley Wood, Born in Guyana, he is the highest-ranking
in terms of a natural reluctance of blacks black officer in the history of the RAF and
and whites to mix. one of the most senior black serving
On October 19, 1939, it was announced that officers in the entire British military
the colour bar would be lifted and it hasn’t establishment. He has said of his time
reared its head since. in the service, which began in 1972: “I have
As the war continued and the mounting reflected on whether I have encountered
casualties began to hit hard, the Air discrimination and can honestly say I
Ministry Overseas Recruitment Scheme cannot identify any occasion when I thought
was launched, and in June 1940, the RAF this might have been a case in point. I try
welcomed ‘coloured personnel’ for the to educate people by simply being who
training of airmen. I am.”

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