RAF historian honoured for contribution

Jim Shortland has been described as the ‘life-blood of the branch structure’.

Mr Shortland, an 81-year-old RAF historian, was presented with a framed certificate by Scott Phillips, membership services manager at RAeS, the world’s only professional body dedicated to the aerospace community.

His citation read: “Jim has been a member of the Cranwell branch of RAeS for 35 years, and a committee member for all but one of those years.

“He is an enthusiast and an outstanding example of someone who is the life-blood of the branch structure, keeping the organisation going even in difficult or lean times, while often taking a role out of the limelight.”

Criteria for the award included the candidate having given long and excellent service to the branch, sustaining their branch through personal efforts in times of need and supporting the branch in an exceptional manner.

Wing Commander Jake McAllister, branch chairman, said: “This award is a well-deserved honour, and a recognition of a lifetime of voluntary service.”