A RFC Type A aircraft camera, 1915. Aerial photography played a key role in gathering military intelligence and was used for artillery target spotting and infantry battle planning.
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RFC wind indicator
Dated 1918, this 'Wind Gauge Bearing Plate' course and drift indicator was the first to be used by the Royal Flying Corps. A navigation instrument designed to determine, and allow for, the velocity and direction of the wind. ...
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Riggers workshop
This is a view of a riggers' workshop. Riggers were responsible for installing cables and fittings which controlled the flight surfaces and engine of an aircraft.
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Rigging training
In this photograph, Royal Flying Corps personnel are given a lesson in rigging, 1917. Aeroplane riggers were mechanics who specialised in assembling, maintaining and repairing aeroplane structures. The trade Rigger (Aeroplane) was one of the most ...
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RNAS 'ditty' bag
The Ditty was a small cotton bag with a drawstring closure. It would have contained a sewing kit, tools and personal items of the owner. This one belonged to 11520 George Lloyd Carter, RNAS.
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Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2b
The B.E.2b was an aircraft used by the Royal Flying Corps early in the war for reconnaissance. It proved vulnerable to attack by enemy fighters and was withdrawn from front-line duty in 1915 to become a training aircraft.
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Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b
The F.E.2b was a pusher biplane which began its career as a fighter aircraft. Outclassed by the German Albatroses by the Autumn of 1916, the F.E.2b was evolved into a bomber and equipped the first night bomber squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps in February 1917.
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Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a
The S.E.5a was one of the first aircraft to use the Constantinesco interrupter gear. It was a robust fighter and a steady gun platform, allowing its pilots to engage an enemy at longer ranges with minimal loss of accuracy. ...
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Skilled Tradesmen Wanted' poster
Poster entitled 'Royal Flying Corps: The following skilled tradesmen wanted at once'. This poster was used before conscription was introduced in 1916. The Royal Air Force and its predecessor employed a wide range of highly skilled tradesmen and technicians during the war.
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Smuts report - recommending the formation of the RAF
This report was written by General Jan Smuts in 1917 as a response to enemy air raids on Britain. It was instrumental in leading to the formation of the Royal Air Force, the world's first independent air force, on 1 April 1918.
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Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin
The Dolphin entered service in early 1918 and is notable for its streamlined appearance - very much resembling aircraft of the inter-war period. It was faster than the Sopwith Camel and more manoeuvrable than the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a.
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Sopwith F.1 Camel
The Camel shot down more enemy aircraft than any other Allied fighter. Its twin Vickers guns were placed in front of the cockpit, and had a metal fairing over the breeches which created a 'hump' shape, giving it its name.
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Sopwith Pup
Resembling the scaled down offspring of the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, the 'Pup' was introduced in 1916. It proved ideal for Royal Naval Air Service aircraft carrier deck landing and take-off experiments, the first landing taking place on HMS Furious, 2 August 1917.
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Sopwith Triplane
The Sopwith Triplane went into service with the Royal Naval Air Service in 1917 and served mainly on the Western Front. It proved difficult to repair and eventually became established as an advanced trainer. ...
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Teddy bear of Lieutenant W. MacLanachan, 40 Squadron
This teddy bear, named 'Scotch Jock', belonged to Lieutenant W. MacLanachan of 40 Squadron. Teddy bear manufacturers were called in to help make the furry material used on flying clothing.
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US Army Signal Corps Officer's jacket
This jacket was worn by an officer in the Aviation Section of the United States Army Signal Corps, America's air force during the First World War. The United States entered the war in April 1917 after the Germans declared unrestricted submarine warfare, ...
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Vickers F.B.5 Gunbus
The Vickers Gunbus, a two-seat pusher biplane. 11 Squadron were the first to be fully equipped with them, becoming the first ever specialised fighter squadron in the Royal Flying Corps. Facing the likes of the Fokker Eindecker monoplane fighters, it developed a reputation for being rather slow, taking half an hour to reach its operational ceiling of 9,000ft.
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Victoria Cross of Lt F.H. McNamara, RFC
Lieutenant Frank H. McNamara of 67 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps. McNamara was awarded the Victoria Cross for rescuing a pilot from the ground, despite being on return from a bombing raid where he had just been wounded. The whole British Empire was called to arms when Britain declared war. ...
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Wireless transmitter
This wireless transmitter was used by the Royal Flying Corps to relay messages from the air, to wireless operators on the ground. It was attached to the side of an aircraft on a tray and required maintenance after every flight.
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Women's Army Auxiliary Corps dress
Before the formation of the Women's Royal Air Force in 1918, women were employed in units attached to the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service. This is a Pattern 1917 Women's Auxiliary Army Corps dress.
