RAF PAST AND PRESENT [Main Title]

The film comprises mainly of archive footage overlain with commentary and occasional musical soundtrack and provides a historical record of the Royal Air Force. It is dedicated "to all who served in or who worked alongside The Royal Air Force".

The film is divided up into three parts: Part 1 - 1912-1939, covering the establishment of the Royal Flying Corps; the RFC's role in First World War; the formation of the RAF in 1918 and the RAF's role in the inter-war years (26 mins). Begins with a visual juxtaposition of a biplane on the ground and a jet aircraft flying overhead, making the point that such development in technology has been witnessed in less than a single lifetime. Aircraft on display at the RAF Museum are shown, followed by extensive archive of early aircraft both in flight and on the ground. The creation of the RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service) is referenced. The role of aircraft in the First World War, the emergence of air warfare and the development of aircraft technology are all covered in detail using archive footage. 'Fighter aces' are shown and referenced, both Allied and German. Film of a young Hermann Góring is seen. The creation of the Royal Air Force and Women's Royal Air Force is outlined, and their beginnings traced. The end of the First World War is featured. The post-war work of the RAF in "keeping the peace" is explained. Footage from the RAF's yearly air displays and post-war activities are shown. Philanthropist Lady Houston is briefly seen. The development of aircraft and technology is detailed. The state of the Air Force as the Second World War approached is introduced as the closing thought. Part 2 - 1939-1946, covering the role of the RAF in the Second World War (33 mins). Begins with the message from King George VI that the RAF will have a greater role to play than in the last war, to safeguard the British Isles. Flying schools - started in the Commonwealth and America - sprang into action. An explanation of the Luftwaffe's Blitzkrieg tactics is given, and the evacuation of Dunkirk is described, leading into a detailed summary of the Battle of Britain. The sacrifices of the RAF and the contribution of the Commonwealth is referenced; "the few had saved more than Britain, but they were at the limit of endurance". The Blitz is briefly referenced. Developments in technology, including the first airborne radar, are mentioned. Footage of Winston Churchill is briefly seen and the evolution of aerial tactics outlined. The Dambusters are referenced. Protection of trans-Atlantic convoys is shown. The importance of ground crew and supporting staff during this period of service is stressed, and the contribution of the WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) is very briefly touched upon. The stresses, strains and challenges, including environmental (for example, desert conditions), are mentioned in reference to the global reach of the war, in relation to the impact on crew and aircraft. The "endless ground work" and air reconnaissance, in support of the Air Force, is praised. The challenges of V1 and V2 weapons are described. German surrender, and the close of the Pacific War are featured, referencing the Chindits and the Burma Campaign. The film concludes with Hiroshima and Nagasaki ("one moment of agony"), having highlighted the importance of the RAF in securing Allied success during the war. With peace, the RAF turned "to missions of mercy"; flying home prisoners and repatriating displaced families. Thoughts end on those who flew - and the ground crew who supported them - who never made it home, sacrificing their lives in war. Part 3 - 1946-1980, covering the post-war role of the RAF in the Cold War, particularly nuclear deterrence, other conflicts including Malaya, Korea, Kenya and the Middle East and the development of jet aircraft and helicopters (21 mins). Begins with the sentiment that, once again, the Air Force had to be reborn after war. Touches on the first generation of jet aircraft, already ageing by this point. Covers a new generation of men, and a new generation of aircraft, required in this period. Supersonic aircraft are referenced. The role of the RAF in the Berlin Airlift is described; "we even had Sunderlands coming in with salt and coal, then they flew out with loads of kids." Light aircraft and the first RAF helicopters were used in the Malayan Emergency (1948-60). The creation of NATO is referenced, and its defence by Britain's Armed Forces would define this period. Queen Elizabeth II is briefly seen reviewing her Air Force. New aircraft are celebrated; the Hunter, Provost, Javelin, Canberra, Valiant, Vulcan and Victor. The nuclear deterrence role of the V-bombers is described; and reference made to the British hydrogen bomb, dropped by a Valiant over Christmas Island in 1957. Nuclear warfare, deterrence and weapons are all discussed. The British guided weapon Blue Steel, the American Skybolt, Polaris, and Bloodhound surface-to-air-missiles are all mentioned. Vertical take-off, pioneered in Britain, was realised through the Harrier. Discussion of the closure of RAF bases during the "winds of change" post-war, and Britain's involvement in war-like outbreaks follows, resulting in the development of RAF transport aircraft. The role of the RAF in Kenya, Cyprus, Suez, Kuwait, Aden and Malaysia is briefly referenced, particularly helicopter support for ground troops. Air transport became the leading role in the RAF by the 1960s. As overseas bases were increasingly evacuated, change came again, and the RAF played an important role. A defensive role for NATO also emerged for the RAF as the Cold War progressed, centring on Europe, the Channel and the Atlantic; the nature of this is detailed, focusing upon the involvement of specific aircraft. The impact of air to air refuelling is mentioned. As the cost of aircraft escalated, so the need for training increased; a range of the skilled roles needed "for the defence of Britain" is given. Queen Elizabeth II, reviewing her Air Force in her Silver Jubilee year, is shown. The film concludes with a summary of the "purposeful part" the RAF played in the Cold War. History has taught us air power is vital to our survival, the film asserts, and - in the words of Churchill - we must be masters of our own air.

16mm