Chingford Branch Number 762
RAFA Chingford
RAFA Chingford branch was established on November 18th 1947 to offer support and cameraderie to former RAF Service Personnel and their dependents. A mission we continue today.
The branch has associations with illustrious RAF service personnel, such as a late President of the branch, Squadron Leader V. Grayson, formerly of 415 Squadron RCAF, Royal Canadian Air Force.
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In acknowledgement of RAFA Chingford support towards the RAF Bomber Command Museum appeal we are proud to display the Certificate of Appreciation signed by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris AOC RAF Bomber Command and Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC who as one of the official UK observers flew on the Atomic Bomb mission to Nagasaki in August 1945.
The contemporary branch ​ is particularly proud that amongst its honorary members it has a world war 2 Fighter pilot who trained in UK and Southern Africa.
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The Branch also has close associations with the Rt.Hon. Sir Iain Duncan Smith whose father was not only noted RAF world war 2 fighter ace but also a Station commander of RAF North Weald.
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Today RAFA Chingford branch retains active links to North Weald, now a civil airfield and enjoys good relations with a variety of aircraft owners and operators.
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Our most recent presence at North Weald was a celebration of VE-Day 2022 with presentation of Standards at the Famous local landmark the Hawker Hurricane Gate Guardian and at the airworthy Spitfire at The Squadron, courtesy of Aero Legends.
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In the public perception the RAF and RAFA are linked to World War 2. The truth is veterans have served in end of Empire conflicts like Kenya or Aden and Malaya. The major Post-World War 2 commitment of the Cold War 1948-1991 and more recent conflicts such as Northern Ireland and the Falklands and the Gulf War of 1991, Iraq and Afghanistan.
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RAF veterans served in a numerous capacities from aircrew to ground crew, from medical to the RAF Regiment.​
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UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022
Over the years spouses, children and grandchildren have been associate members. We encourage Associate Membership which is open to all, particularly those who have family members who served . We can advise members who wish to research their family member's RAF service history and act as a point of contact for accessing the RAF Service Disclosure, RAF Cranwell or Squadron Histories with the RAF Museum .
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We are particularly tasked with assisting with access to welfare of veterans and dependents in our local community regardless of age. We have, and continue to discharge, this function with veterans in their own homes and in local care homes.
