1919: Establishment

Lord Trenchard, Marshal of the Royal Air Force, sets up the RAF Benevolent Fund to help “the finest men and women” who pride themselves on self reliance but desperately need assistance. The First World War leaves a legacy of 2,600 widows and children, and 7,500 seriously disabled airmen and officers.

1938: Half Day’s Pay

In 1938 the RAF establishes the Half Day’s Pay scheme, where serving RAF personnel contribute directly to the RAFBF. This raises £11,111 in its first year. Today the serving RAF contributes £1.8 million a year in the same way.

1943: Working through the night

As RAF casualties mount, our staff work through the night, behind blackout curtains, to get grants to families. 67,500 grants are awarded between 1943-45.

1951: Churchill’s radio appeal

Winston Churchill appeals on BBC Radio on behalf of the RAFBF, raising £26,460 in the process. Help goes to the many RAF families left struggling in the aftermath of World War Two.

1960: National Servicemen welcomed

National servicemen and their dependants become eligible for our assistance. Today all ex-national servicemen and their families are still eligible for this support.

1976: Duke of Kent School established

Although an independent charity since 1997, today the school continues to reserve absolute priority for admission to our “Foundationers” - the children of parents who die or suffer severe disablement whilst serving in the Royal Air Force.

1985: Crescendo of need

By the 1980s, the World War Two generation is retiring, causing a surge in the level of support required. We spend £7.13m in 1985 alone.

1991: The Gulf War

We respond to the needs of RAF families being repatriated due to the outbreak of war: Many £5000 interest-free loans are issued.

2009: 90th anniversary

We celebrate our 90th anniversary, one year after the RAF’s. This year we will spend £19.8m on welfare assistance to the RAF family.