Watson, Ian Smith A Hundred Years of the RAF Air Display 1920-2020

For 100 years, the worlds oldest independent air force, the RAF, forged a distinguished record in military air operations from the First World War through to recent operations over Iraq and Syria. There is, however, a field of endeavour in which the Royal Air Force has excelled: selling its public image. Of the three armed services, the air force is the one perfectly placed to advertise its wares "at home" with the facilities to accommodate large audiences, through scintillating flying displays with ever more impressive aircraft and large airfields with readily available facilities. Originally centred on the RAF station at Hendon in North London, the RAF held its first public "Air Pageant" in 1920. A grand affair, it continued as an annual event until 1937 when it was succeeded by the widespread "Empire Air Day" held at several RAF stations until war intervened in 1939. The RAF came to true military prominence during the Second World War, particularly the "Battle of Britain"; this then became the focus of the celebration and commemoration. However, the Battle of Britain Displays constantly contracted, eventually to zero, but for much of their existence were the most impressive air shows around the globe.

RAF Hendon Station in North London was the original centre of the event and the first public Air Pageant was held in 1920. This grand event was held annually until 1937, when it was replaced by the widely publicised Empire Air Day, which was held at several RAF bases until the entry into the war in 1939. The RAF came into its true military prominence during the Second World War, particularly during the Battle of Britain, which then became the focus of celebrations and commemorations. However, the Battle of Britain displays steadily dwindled until they eventually died out altogether, but for most of their existence they were the most impressive air shows in the world.