Collection of images marks development of RAF through 100 years

PA
Updated

A collection of images capturing the development of the RAF across the decades has been released to mark the centenary of the world's first independent air force.

A Spitfire in Normandy invasion markings flying over Tower Bridge in London (David Jones/PA)
A Spitfire in Normandy invasion markings flying over Tower Bridge in London (David Jones/PA)

It was 100 years ago on April 1 1918 that the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the Royal Air Force.

Two Lightning fighters, supersonic jets which were formerly used by the RAF (PA)
Two Lightning fighters, supersonic jets which were formerly used by the RAF (PA)

To celebrate the event, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has collated and released 100 images - including early shots, aerial views of Mosul in the 1920s, through to the Second World War and Cold War.

The aerodrome at Biggin Hill, the front line airfield in the Battle of Britain, during a repeat performance of a 'scramble' by some of the fighter aces of 1940 (PA)
The aerodrome at Biggin Hill, the front line airfield in the Battle of Britain, during a repeat performance of a 'scramble' by some of the fighter aces of 1940 (PA)

The pictorial history also includes images from the RAF's most recent operations and equipment such as the F-35 stealth fighter jet, as well as never-before-seen photos.

Harrier jump jets could take off and land vertically (Rui Vieira/PA)
Harrier jump jets could take off and land vertically (Rui Vieira/PA)

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