On 8th February, a group of OBs and friends of the School enjoyed meeting up for a tour at the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon. With 2018 marking the One Hundred Year Anniversary of the RAF, a significant amount of funding has recently been used to enhance displays and develop the site. The tour was followed by an enjoyable lunch in the newly opened restaurant. Thank you to the team at the Museum for looking after us so well and making the day such a success.
For many, it was the first time that they had visited this magnificent collection of aircraft. Seeing so many aircraft in one place highlighted the rapid development that had taken place over the last one hundred years with regards to military flying. There were also many moving stories of bravery by both pilots and ground crew who regularly put their lives at risk.
A collection of early aircraft is housed in the Grahame-White Factory Hangar. Claude Grahame-White was one of the pioneers of aviation, learning to fly in 1910, and then in 1911 setting up an Aviation Company and Flying School at Hendon Aerodrome. Some further research also indicated that he attended Bedford Grammar School from 1892 to 1896.
As we look back over the last one hundred years since the formation of the RAF, it is pleasing to know that a number of OBs have played a significant part in the development of aviation from inventors and engineers to pilots and aircrew – long may this tradition continue!