6 October
On This Day, 1940: On 6 October 1940, the Battle of Britain entered its final phase as Luftwaffe attacks shifted from daylight…
Read the entry →People
Profiles of the men and women who shaped the Royal Air Force — from its founding officers to the aircrew, engineers and commanders of today.
Barnes Wallis
CBE FRS
26 September 1887 30 October 1979 aged 92
British engineer Barnes Wallis is best known in RAF history for developing the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise. His work on specialised weapons made him one of the most recognisable non-service figures linked to the wartime RAF.
View profile → Nationality British
Era Second World War
VC
Victoria Cross Recipients
Members of the Royal Air Force and its predecessor services awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest decoration for valour in the face of the enemy.
View all 5 recipients →A–Z Index
21 profilesC
Arthur Coningham Air Marshal · Senior Commander · 19 January 1895–30 January 1948
Charles “Jock” Calder Wing Commander · Aircrew · 1997
John Alexander Cruickshank VC Flight Lieutenant · Aircrew · 20 May 1920–9 August 2025
Leonard Cheshire Distinguished Service Order (DSO and Two Bars) · Aircrew · Awarded for gallantry and distinguished service in bomber operations; awarded early in his operational career, with later Bars recognising further sustained leadership on operations.–Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Winston Churchill Lieutenant · 30 November 1874–24 January 1965
H
Arthur Harris Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 13 April 1892–5 April 1984
Bert Hinkler Petty Officer, later honorary Squadron Leader (RAAF Reserve) · Aircrew · 8 December 1892–7 January 1933
George Walton Holden Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar (DFC) · Aircrew · By February 1943 he held the Distinguished Flying Cross and was awarded a Bar while serving with 102 Squadron; the published citation referred to a sortie in January 1943 in which, despite severe icing, engine failure and difficulty in controlling the aircraft, he pressed on to bomb his target successfully.
M
P
Arthur Tedder: RAF Commander and Architect of Allied Air Power Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 11 July 1890–3 June 1967
Charles Portal Marshal of the Royal Air Force · Senior Commander · 21 May 1893–22 April 1971
Keith Park Air Chief Marshal · Senior Commander · 15 June 1892–6 February 1975
T