Chocks Away: The Royal Flying Corps in the First World War
Richard Marks
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £75 plus travel @45p per mile up to 50 miles from Reading. Can also be run online
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 11th March 2024
- Tagged:
- Royal Flying Corps | Great War | Aircraft | World War 1
During the First World War, military aviation emerged as a new form of warfare. The early aeroplanes were simple and frail, but they developed into powerful war machines by the end of the war.
The British Army relied on the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) as its main air force branch. The RFC started from humble beginnings and grew into a large and diverse force that operated in every war zone.
The Royal Navy had its own air force branch, the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), which also had a global reach, from land bases in France and Italy to the world's first aircraft carriers.
This talk will explore the history and roles of the RFC and RNAS, looking at how and where they operated, what equipment they used and what they achieved.
It will cover the activities and duties of both the flying and ground staff of both corps, as well as their training and living conditions. Find out what it was like to be a pioneer air fighter.
The talk will also discuss how the RNAS and RFC merged to form the Royal Air Force (RAF) and what legacy they left behind.
Views: 862 | Enquiries: 3About Richard Marks
I am a freelance professional historian residing in Berkshire. I specialize in industrial, military, and railway history, as well as the history of science. My current research focuses on industrial and social change during the Victorian era, the progression of Britain's railway and canal systems in the latter half of the 19th century, and the broader history of British industry. I earned my PhD in history from the University of Reading in 2024 and also have experience teaching a range of historical subjects to diverse groups.
My talks are suitable for different audiences and group sizes. I can adjust the length and format to meet your needs. My goal is to inform and entertain, and to leave the audience with a new insight and a desire to learn more.
My previous career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies, has given me a unique perspective as an historian.
Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."
"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."
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- Football and World War One
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- More Than France: Why World War I was a World War
- A British Industrial Giant that Never Was: The Story of British Rail Engineering Limited
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