RAF India


RAF India was a command of the Royal Air Force that was active from 1918 until Indian independence and partition in 1947. It was the air force counterpart of the British Army in India.

History

The command had its origins in units of the Royal Flying Corps in India. In November 1915, the War Office despatched No. 31 Squadron to India, the squadron arriving at Nowshera in December. The squadron, including a basic aircraft park, was subsequently transferred to Risalpur. A period of intensive training ensued, during which flights were periodically sent on patrols over the North-West Frontier regions. A second squadron was added in 1917. When the RAF was formed in May 1918, the total strength of the air force in India was 80 officers and 600 men.

Commanders

Commander, Indian Group (1919 to 1920)

Air Officer Commanding RAF, India (1920–1938)

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Forces in India (1938–1947)