On this tour we follow the flight path of the RFC Airman, from the White Cliffs of Dover to the Battlefields above the lines of the Western Front.

The Great adventure of crossing the Channel. The freedom to roam without constraint of trench or nomansland – but with the ever present prospect of sudden and violent death. The few flimsy craft that set out in the summer of 1914 would become a mighty armada by 1918.

The roles of the RFC ranged through Bombing, Air fighting, Escort duties, Artillery spotting, Aerial photography, Coastal Defence, Transport and Reconnaissance. Training and technology were slow to build, but the wonderful camaraderie of 'The Squadron' was always there. Experience could only come over time and many young pilots would fall prey to the rampaging German Aces.

We visit the Airfields (with their comfortable billets and ordered existence). We tell the stories of the gladiators and the hunted and pay our respects at the graves and memorials. A tour to remember the offensive spirit of the RFC, taking the fight to the enemy, where failure meant death or capture. A Corps, that on 1st April 1918 became the first 'Independent Air Force' as the Royal Air Force.

John Grimwood served for 38 years with the RAF and has a great knowledge of, and affection for the early days of combat flying. 'Form to be maintained, standards to be met and duty to be done'.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Friday): Depart Victoria Coach Station 0830. Dover joiners. The Bleriot Memorial and Swingate Down. Dover – Calais ferry (lunch break on ferry). Drive to Abeele RFC Airfield. On to the Ariane Hotel in Ypres. Dinner and overnight (2 nights).
Day 2: Airmen of the Ypres Salient. Lord Lubbock at Lijsenthoek. Kite balloons at Red Farm. Droglandt Airfield. Cassel. The St. Omer RFC Memorial. Lunch break in Ypres. Langemarck German Cemetery. Guynemer at Poelkapelle, Frank Cody at Perth 'China Wall' CWGC Cemetery. Aerial reconnaissance at Hill 60. The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: 'The Aces' Mick Mannock at Butter Lane. Albert Ball at Annoeullin. George Ward and 10 Sqn at Chocques. Lunch break in Bethune. Major Draper at St Eloi with 'Naval 8' of the R.N.A.S. Lanoe Hawker at Luisenhof Farm. Dinner and overnight near
Peronne.
Day 4: The Red Baron at Cappy. 24 Sqn at Bertangles. Harvey Kelly at Vert Galant. Lewis and 32 Sqn at Léalvillers. The Arras Memorial to the missing of the RFC/RAF. Lunch break in Arras. Calais – Dover ferry. Arrive Dover approx 1830. Arrive London approx 2030.