From the everyday to the extraordinary, RAF Stories celebrates all experiences of the RAF. This collection highlights the wide scope of the project, with stories of friendship, courage, tragedy and triumph.
From the everyday to the extraordinary, RAF Stories celebrates all experiences of the RAF. This collection highlights the wide scope of the project, with stories of friendship, courage, tragedy and triumph.

My experiences in Iraq had become a constant, invasive thought
Paul Twitchell
I hadn't even had my ears pierced
Rachel Williamson
Could you drop a nuclear bomb?
John Peters
It's so difficult for a mum to hand your son over to the RAF
Emma Knutzen
My 21st birthday present was to still be alive
Roy Finch
55,000 souls on board
Air Cdre Paul Godfrey
Churchill wanted that ship destroyed
Derek Payne
The Dengineers built me a WWII plane themed den
Phillip Langham
I'm going to call you Hopscotch.
Flt Lt Joan OchuodhoIn one way or another, servicemen & servicewomen often find themselves in situations that require courage, whether this be to undertake a dangerous mission, to overcome a challenge or to deal with fear, personal struggles or loss. This collection of stories explores the many ways in which courage is shown in the day to day life of RAF personnel.

Exposed to the greatest danger, he refused to back down.
Mark Johnson
I can still see his face as if it was yesterday.
Carl Austin-Behan
There were death threats. But I'm still here.
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies
I won't let my autism be a disadvantage.
Daniel Pearce
He held fire while the German crew bailed out.
Mark Johnson
Get up and put your trousers on.
Katherine Du Plat-Taylor
I admitted I was gay. They could have sent me to prison.
Carl Austin-Behan
Mum's parachute didn't open. She never jumped again.
Candida Adkins
I saw a sport that was failing.
Flt. Lt. Gareth DaviesThe Royal Air Force is more than just a military organisation, it is a community of servicemen and servicewomen spread across the globe, supporting and relying on each other both professionally and personally. This collection of stories explores what it means to be part of this special kind of family.

My RAF friends will be there forever
Trevor Edwards
Everyone has a role to play.
Charles Hammerton
The RAF gave me a new cultural identity.
Peter Ramrayka
My sexuality has no impact on my role in the RAF.
Kate Brophy
I came out as transgender while serving.
Ayla Holdom
I see myself as the Jose Mourinho of Tug of War
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies
He wasn't a prince. He was part of the team.
Ayla Holdom
I was afraid that someone would have to lay down their life to protect me.
Eleanor Rance
You live in fear of the black car.
Christine AnkersonOver the last hundred years, the role of women within Britain’s Armed Forces has changed. During wartime, vital support roles were undertaken so that men could be released for combat. Today, women are serving permanently in their own right.

I don't believe in women pilots, but you're ok.
Anonymous
War is dark and terrible. And sometimes funny.
Sara Waymont
Just get out of Dover
Katherine Du Plat-Taylor
I came out as transgender while serving.
Ayla Holdom
I'm a more confident person, in the best possible way.
Cadet Holden, A
Naked on the phone to Prince William
Ayla Holdom