Dates: 1936 -

The RAFVR was formed in July 1936 to provide individuals to supplement the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) which had been formed in 1925 by the local Territorial Associations. The AAF was organised on a Squadron basis, with local recruitment similar to the Territorial Army Regiments. Initially the RAFVR was composed of civilians recruited from the neighbourhoods of Reserve Flying Schools, which were run by civilian contractors who largely employed as instructors members of the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO), who had previously completed a four year short service commission as pilots in the RAF. Navigation instructors were mainly former master mariners without any air experience. Recruits were confined to men of between 18 and 25 years of age who had been accepted for part time training as Pilots, Observers and Wireless Operators. The object was to provide a reserve of aircrew for use in the event of war. By September 1939, the RAFVR comprised 6,646 Pilots, 1,625 Observers and 1,946 Wireless Operators

When war broke out in 1939 the Air Ministry employed the RAFVR as the principal means for aircrew entry to serve with the RAF. A civilian volunteer on being accepted for aircrew training took an oath of allegiance ('attestation') and was then inducted in to the RAFVR. Normally he returned to his civilian job for several months until he was called up for aircrew training. During this waiting period he could wear a silver RAFVR lapel badge to indicate his status.

By the end of 1941 more than half of Bomber Command aircrew were members of the RAFVR. Most of the pre-war pilot and observer NCO aircrew had been commissioned and the surviving regular officers and members of the RAFO filled the posts of flight and squadron commanders. Eventually of the "RAF" aircrew in the Command probably more than 95% were serving members of the RAFVR.

During 1943, the decision was taken by the Air Ministry to raise an order for members of the RAFVR to remove the brass and cloth 'VR's worn on the collars and shoulders of officers and other ranks (respectively), as these were viewed as being divisive. No similar order was raised for members of the Auxiliary Air Force, who retained their 'A's on uniforms at that time.

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

"Royal Airforce is there anyone out there that can give me any information on 104 SQDN., ROYAL AIR FORCE VOLUNTEER RESERVE North Africa 1942,,or No 13 RACSB 1940, or anyone who knew SGT JESSIE JACK BOWLES you can contact me on07757386886 Many Thanks "

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" I am really hoping someone can help a dear friend of mine. I am trying to trace photos of a crew that flew the lancaster bomber on 7/8 july 1944 I have their names as Cyril Baker, EVERETT EDWIN WILLIAM, HEWITT HERBERT HENRY HIGGINS WILFRED MOSS JOHN MORRIS NINEHAM RONALD ERIC STIBBARD JOHN ..."

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" Hi! I`m making a documentary about this tragic crash two days on "overtime" during the Operation Doomsday on may the 10th 1945, at Gardermoen airport, Norway. A short film that I made this autumn at the crashsite - go to Vimeo.com and type "Short Stirling Story". Next year, on may the 10th ..."

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" HOPKIN, HAYDN HOUNAM Rank: Flying Officer Service No: 154236 Date of Death: 12/02/1945 Age: 25 Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 256 Sqdn. Memorial MALTA MEMORIAL Panel Reference Panel 18, Column 1. Additional Information: Son of Albert Haydn Hopkin and Agnes Hopkin; husband ..."

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