Members' Business: RAF100, the Centenary of the RAF - 19 April 2018
Channel: The Scottish Parliament
Date: 2018-04-19

Alexander Stewart: RAF100, the Centenary of the RAF—That the Parliament
acknowledges the centenary of the founding of the Royal Air Force (RAF) on 1 April 1918; notes
its role in many conflicts, including the Second World War; acknowledges that, by denying the
Luftwaffe air supremacy during the Battle of Britain, it helped prevent the German invasion of the
UK; notes that the two Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons, 602 (City of Glasgow) and 603 (City of
Edinburgh), which were established in 1925 and remain active, played a significant role in that
conflict, including bringing down the first enemy aircraft in the UK over the River Forth in 1940;
understands that many air bases have been established in Scotland because of its strategic
importance, with those at Lossiemouth and Leuchars still in use; notes the founding of the RAF 
Regiment in 1941, to protect airfields from airborne troops, and the support that was provided by
the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and Princess Mary's Nursing Service; acknowledges the
establishment of the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) in 1949; notes that the first female officer
trainees enrolled in 1970 and that the WRAF merged with the RAF in 1994, with the ban on
women serving in close combat units being lifted in July 2016; considers the RAF to be an agile,
adaptable and capable service that makes a vital contribution as a force for good in the world by
delivering flexible air power wherever it is needed; notes what it sees as its multi-faceted roles in
the UK and across the world; acknowledges that its past and present bases and operations
around include the Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus and many others; welcomes its role in
keeping UK airspace safe and its commitment to providing opportunities, apprenticeships and
careers for men and women in many diverse trades and specialities, including technical and
engineering, aircrew, air operations and support, logistics, medical, personnel support, intelligence
and force protection; understands that the centenary is to be marked as "RAF100" in a programme
of events that will salute the service; notes that these will include community, regional and national
events and activities that will run from April to September; acknowledges that there will be a
centenary parade and flypast over London on 10 July 2018; wishes all involved with the
celebrations the very best in their endeavours; looks forward to the many planned events;
congratulates the RAF on its 100 years of years of service, and praises its personnel, past and
present.

Published by the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body.

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