The Royal Air Force Today

Since the end of the Second World War, men and women of the Royal Air Force have continued their work in theatres of conflict and carrying out dangerous humanitarian missions. Pall Bearer

From the Korean War to the Falklands War; the first Gulf War up to ongoing conflicts of today, the loss of a loved one through war is the same for families as it was for those during the First World War, all those years ago.

The Next of Kin of RAF personnel killed in action are notified in person by a Casualty Notification Officer (CNO). This is followed by Condolence letters from the Commanding Officer of the squadron and an official letter from the Ministry of Defence, sending condolences on behalf of the nation.

There are many organisations set up to help those in grief, many of which were set up after the First World War, such as the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, and the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA). Other organisations include, the Royal Air Force Widows Association, the Royal Air Force Families Federation and the War Widows Association.

By having this ‘community’ around them, families are given the invaluable support that they need to come to terms with their loss.