Proposing the toast of the Royal Alr Force, Major W. B. Holland stated: "As it is the 2ist. anniversary the formation of the RAF, I feel sure you would like to hear'a few particulars and fyures concerning aviation from its commencement, and particularly as far ay it pertains to the services."
Continuing, Major Ifotland, desert" bed the Mest balloon flight in 1783 and recalled that in 1013 a balloon had risen with passengers to a height of 3,000 fact without any particular discomfort to its passen-bers, The first mention of a heavier than air craft, he continued, came in 108, model of ten fect span and with a Toinch propeller having flown sueceaifully. without human occupants. In 189 two German officers perfected the kite Balloon and from history everyone knew that these machines were used during the Boor War and were highly commended.
As far as modern aviation was cor cerned, however, 1008 was the most portant year, the Wright brothers making their first successful fights. This event occurred on December 17, hho added, when they remained in the air for the unheard of time of half hour.
Command in the field, Major Holland stated, was taken over by Brigadier General Sir David Hender~ ren, the personnel and equipment weiig 105 ofoers, 63 aeroplanes and 95 motor trucks. At this time the Royal Naval Ale Service consisted 190 oticers, 700 petty ofoers and other ranks, 39 planes, 52. seaplanes shalt of which were ready for service) end also seven lighter than air craft.
1018, he. continued, the Royal Air Force was formed Lord Rothemere ax Secretary of State for Here he added the history of MAS, the RFC. and the RAF. uring "the" Great War was well known and he did not intend to enlarge upon it. At the Armistice the consisted of 273%3 oticers of more than half were pilots and 18 other ranks. Aeroplanes and seaplanes totalled 22,67 and. there were 103 airships.
These squadrons were located aw follows: Western Front, 99 squadrons plus seven flights, Middle Bast_and India, 14 squadrons plus one fight, Mediterranean, 16 squadrons plus seven fights, leaving a total of 133 squadrons and 15 flights. For Home died, "there were 55 inti-raid stations, 56 train~ station and 19. training squadrons.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.