5 June
On This Day, 1999: On 5 June 1999 RAF Tornados flew their first combat missions from Solenzara in Corsica during Operation Allied…
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Profiles of the men and women who shaped the Royal Air Force — from its founding officers to the aircrew, engineers and commanders of today.
Marshal of the Royal Air Force
Hugh Trenchard
GCB OM GCVO DSO
3 February 1873 10 February 1956 aged 83
Learn how Hugh Trenchard helped secure the RAF as an independent service and shaped British air power through war and the inter-war years.
View profile → Nationality British
Service British Army; Royal Air Force
Years served 1893-1930
Era Formation & Interwar
VC
Victoria Cross Recipients
Members of the Royal Air Force and its predecessor services awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy.
View all 4 recipients →
A–Z Index
13 profilesC
John Alexander Cruickshank VC Flight Lieutenant · Aircrew · 20 May 1920–9 August 2025
Leonard Cheshire Distinguished Service Order (DSO and Two Bars) · Aircrew · Awarded for gallantry and distinguished service in bomber operations; awarded early in his operational career, with later Bars recognising further sustained leadership on operations.–Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
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Arthur Harris Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 13 April 1892–5 April 1984
George Walton Holden Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (DFC) · Aircrew · By February 1943 he held the Distinguished Flying Cross and was awarded a Bar while serving with 102 Squadron; the published citation referred to a sortie in January 1943 in which, despite severe icing, engine failure and difficulty in controlling the aircraft, he pressed on to bomb his target successfully.
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