April 1 marks 100 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force. To celebrate we’ve had a look through our press cuttings albums to find associations between the RAF and the Colleges of Art and Technology during the Second World War.
Many students and staff signed up to the Armed Forces, including the RAF. Several tales of bravery, as well as loss of life, were recorded in the local press. Click on each image to read the article:
The Colleges of Art and Technology played an active role in the training of RAF personnel, including courses for the operation of radar technology. These top secret classes were not revealed till after the war.
In 1941 the College of Art hosted an exhibition of RAF photography:
The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) also established links with the Colleges, whether it was the provision of ‘brainy girls’ or as competition in sports events.
For more information or to view the press cuttings please contact archives@dmu.ac.uk – we are open to everyone, free of charge.
Katharine