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Researching and Recording the History of Music In the Royal Air Force

The history of music of the Royal Air Force covers a period of little more than ninety plus years since the Service was formed from the old Flying Corps. In that time the RAF Music Services has gained an enviable reputation for excellence and high musical standards. Many well-known musicians have served in RAF Bands, particularly during the Second World War. At that time, the RAF Symphony Orchestra included the cream of London’s orchestral players, and the Squadronaires, Britain’s finest dance band, was part of the RAF Music Services.

The origins of the Royal Air Force roundel come from the First World War. The need to be able to identify aircraft soon became apparent and orders were issued at the end of August 1914 for the Union Flag to be painted on the under-surface of the lower wings. This was satisfactory at low level but was confusing when the aircraft was higher as only the cross was visible. This was often mistaken for a German cross so the French system of concentric circles was adopted in October 1914. The main differences between the French and British systems was that the colours were reversed to read blue, white and red and the Union Flag was retained in miniature between the circles and the wing tips. This miniaturised Union Flag was also painted on the rudder.Music In The Air – the book
In 1986, the book, Music In The Air, was published telling the story dating back to 1918. The author, Ian Kendrick, was a serving RAF Director of Music, and the book was launched at a major reunion of serving and ex-RAF musicians. Following this reunion, the RAF Music Services Association (MuSA) was formed.

The origins of the Royal Air Force roundel come from the First World War. The need to be able to identify aircraft soon became apparent and orders were issued at the end of August 1914 for the Union Flag to be painted on the under-surface of the lower wings. This was satisfactory at low level but was confusing when the aircraft was higher as only the cross was visible. This was often mistaken for a German cross so the French system of concentric circles was adopted in October 1914. The main differences between the French and British systems was that the colours were reversed to read blue, white and red and the Union Flag was retained in miniature between the circles and the wing tips. This miniaturised Union Flag was also painted on the rudder.More Music In The Air
An updated version of his book which will extend the story to 2010 is currently being written. This is an official RAF project, and the release of the book will be linked to the relocation of the RAF Central Band and HQ Music Services to RAF Northolt following the closure of RAF Uxbridge.

The origins of the Royal Air Force roundel come from the First World War. The need to be able to identify aircraft soon became apparent and orders were issued at the end of August 1914 for the Union Flag to be painted on the under-surface of the lower wings. This was satisfactory at low level but was confusing when the aircraft was higher as only the cross was visible. This was often mistaken for a German cross so the French system of concentric circles was adopted in October 1914. The main differences between the French and British systems was that the colours were reversed to read blue, white and red and the Union Flag was retained in miniature between the circles and the wing tips. This miniaturised Union Flag was also painted on the rudder.Can You Help ?
Have you served in or worked with RAF Bands? Do you have memories, photos, or anecdotes of those times? New material is always welcome as the next edition of published history is being prepared.
Please contact: Ian.Kendrick@MusicInTheAir.org.uk
These pages are currently being expanded, and a considerable amount of additional text, photographs and links will become available over the next few months. Bookmark this page now and view the new material as it is added.
 
 
....The Band of the Royal Air Force of Oman. The RAFO Band has very close links with the RAF Music Services as it has been trained mainly by serving and ex-RAF musicians. Ian Kendrick was Director of Music for twenty years, firstly on loan service and then as a contract member of RAFO. He arrived when the Band comprised fifty young Arabs at a very early stage in their development. When he left, the band numbered 165 including a concert/parade band, a Corps of Drums, two Pipe bands, a Fanfare Party, an Arabic (traditional) Music Group, an Arabic Pop Group, and an Arabic (traditional) Dance Team.
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