The RAF’s creation was doubly notable as it was the first independent air force in the world – for a long time other nation’s air forces were parts of their respective armies, and also navies where available. America’s air force didn’t get its independence until 1947, for example.

We’d show you some pictures of RAF aircraft, but as we generally do cars, not planes, we’re going to celebrate with some pictures from our archive of cars in the air instead. Please go full screen to see the photos as they should be seen.