Did you know that Glasgow alumni had an important role in the early history of the Royal Air Force?

Sir David Henderson founded the Royal Air Force in 1918 and Frank Barnwell designed the iconic Bristol F.2 Fighter. Both came to University to study engineering and their work had a major impact in the First World War.

The University is working with Glasgow City Council on ambitious plans to mark the centenary of the foundation of the RAF in April 2018. Expressions of interest are being sought from researchers from any discipline whose work relates to flight or flying - past present or future. All aspects of the impact of flight on our world could be considered relevant at this stage. This might for example include natural, technological, social, literary, economic, medical, civilian, military, historical or theoretical aspects of flying and flight.

The aim is to pull together a narrative of the University’s flight related research and to create city wide public engagement impact in 2018. Events will centre around the exhibition of a Barnwell designed WW1 Bristol Fighter.

To register an interest or to find out more please email Moira Rankin, the WW1 Group Convenor and Senior Archivist, with a simple description of how your research might be included. A meeting of interested parties will take place in June.

First published: 24 April 2017

<< 2017 Mar-Apr


Sir David Henderson

Frank Barnwell