Dates: 1912 - 1918

The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with German pilots and later in the war included the strafing of enemy infantry and emplacements, the bombing of German military airfields and later the strategic bombing of German industrial and transportation facilities.

At the start of World War I the RFC, commanded by David Henderson, consisted of five squadrons – one observation balloon squadron (RFC No 1 Squadron) and four aeroplane squadrons (RFC No 2 and No 3 Squadrons were the first fixed-wing flying squadrons in the world). These were first used for aerial spotting on 13 September 1914, but only became efficient when they perfected the use of wireless communication at Aubers Ridge on 9 May 1915. Aerial photography was attempted during 1914, but again only became effective the next year. By 1918, photographic images could be taken from 15,000 feet, and interpreted by over 3,000 personnel. Parachutes were not available to pilots of the RFC's heavier-than-air craft – nor were they used by the RAF during the First World War – although the Calthrop Guardian Angel parachute (1916 model) was officially adopted just as the war ended. By this time parachutes had been used by balloonists for three years.

On 17 August 1917, South African General Jan Smuts presented a report to the War Council on the future of air power. Because of its potential for the 'devastation of enemy lands and the destruction of industrial and populous centres on a vast scale', he recommended a new air service be formed that would be on a level with the Army and Royal Navy. The formation of the new service would, however, make the under-utilised men and machines of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) available for action across the Western Front, as well as ending the inter-service rivalries that at times had adversely affected aircraft procurement. On 1 April 1918, the RFC and the RNAS were amalgamated to form a new service, the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF was under the control of the new Air Ministry. After starting in 1914 with some 2,073 personnel, by the start of 1919 the RAF had 4,000 combat aircraft and 114,000 personnel.

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Royal Flying Corps

" I would like to add my congratulations to Syd for 50 years married. I am trying to catch up, honest! (20 years coming up and still on honeymoon. Like to say Syd, with my family history - Grandfather in the Royal Flying Corps & RAF; Father, (he fought like hell, but they still made him join up) ..."

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" With the recent changes to the Ministry of Defence record-keeping arrangements as well as the reorganisation of the Public Records Office into the National Archives, the details which appear elsewhere on our site - and the fees payable - are out of date.  Pending their update, the following ..."

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" I am seeking information on  murals painted at the beginning of WW2 in huts at Elsham camp by artist Albert Wainwright aged 42 in 1940, formerly of Royal Flying Corps but possibly employed in a civilian capacity. Colin White "

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" Terry The Wartime air/sea rescue was accredited with between 13,000, and 14,000 lives, at least 8,000 of them being aircrew. The reason the discrepancy in the figures is that at the outbreak of the war accurate records were not kept. You’ve had the overview now a little more detail. The ..."

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" Quoting: frances cooper would some kind person tell me what the fleet air arms concists of and was there some in egypt in the second war sorry for the ignorence frances Hi Frances, Have a read of this below.... Fleet Air Arm History Fairey Swordfish Of all the aircraft operated by the ..."

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