PM praises Royal Air Force on anniversary

1 April 2008

The Prime Minister has congratulated the Royal Air Force (RAF) on reaching its 90th anniversary and praised the "tremendous dedication" of RAF personnel past and present.

The RAF was formed when the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged on 1 April, 1918.

Read the Prime Minister's full statement:

"On this the 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force, the world's first independent air force, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Service for its sterling contribution to the defence of this country and her interests.

We are all familiar with their proudest moment in the Battle of Britain, but in fact their commitment and bravery over the whole 90 years are a credit to all those who have served and continue to serve in the RAF.

Today, as has been the case throughout the Service's history, airmen and women serve on operational duties in Iraq and Afghanistan, in the UK and around the world. I am very grateful to all our personnel for their tremendous dedication and wish them the very best on this special day."