Royal Flying Corps

:For the computer game, see Flying Corps

Origin and Early History

Formed by Royal Warrant on May 13, 1912, the RFC superseded the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers. By the end of that year, it had 12 manned balloon and 36 biplane fighter aircraft. The RFC was intended to have had separate military and naval branches. The Royal Navy however was not keen on having naval aviation under the control of an Army corps and formed its own Royal Naval Air Service.

Related Topics:
May 13 - 1912 - Air Battalion - Royal Engineers - Balloon - Biplane - Fighter aircraft - Royal Navy - Army - Royal Naval Air Service

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The RFC's motto was Per Ardua ad Astra.

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The RFC's first fatal crash was on July 5, 1912 near Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Killed were Captain Eustace B. Loraine and his observer Staff-Sergeant R.H.V. Wilson. An order was issued after the crash stating "Flying will continue this evening as usual", thus beginning a tradition.

Related Topics:
July 5 - Stonehenge - Salisbury Plain

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