While Britannia once ruled the waves, today it is in the air that Britain reigns supreme, as the Royal Air force celebrates its centenary. Battle tested and admired around the world, it was 100 years ago, on April 1 1918, that the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the RAF. From Spitfire dog fights above London's famous landmarks to daring Dambuster raids and F-35 stealth fighter jets, the RAF was born amid the bloodiest war and swung the pendulum of victory in the favour of the Allied forces. One of the fastest operational aircraft in the world. Mosquito bombers flew high-speed, medium or low-altitude missions against factories, railways and other pinpoint targets in Germany and German-occupied EuropeThe Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team - the Red Arrows - approaching the Mall, towards Buckingham Palace, part of the celebrations for the Queens Birthday in 2016.

Source: Daily Mail April 01, 2018 09:59 UTC