Salute to century of aviation at station

From April 1-3, Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, in Heath Road, North Rauceby, will host the one-off centenary event.

Dubbed 100 Years of Aviation, it will commemorate the opening of Royal Naval Air Service Station Cranwell on April 1, 1916.

At that time, officers were taught to fly aircraft such as BE2cs, Avro 504s, and Sopwith Camels, and later airships and kite balloons.

It would go on to become RAF College Cranwell, the first military air academy in the world, on February 5, 1920.

The exhibition will include Royal Flying Corps uniforms and artifacts dating back to the First World War.

Research is also being carried out at the College Hall library at RAF College Cranwell to devise a timeline that will illustrate the 100 years to the present day, showing visitors the importance that the station has in aviation history.

Organised by North Kesteven District Council, leader Coun Marion Brighton said: “The centenary of the foundations of what ultimately became RAF College Cranwell is a cause of great celebration for North Kesteven.

“It has always been, and remains to this day, at the vanguard of aviation.”