Duke of Kent honours ‘Father of the Royal Air Force’
Thursday, 9th February 2023
HRH The Duke of Kent visited Westminster Abbey on Thursday 9th February 2023 and laid a wreath in memory of Viscount Trenchard.
Hugh Trenchard had a distinguished military career and was instrumental in establishing the Royal Air Force.
He was made head of the Royal Flying Corps - then a branch of the Army - at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. He went on to be appointed Chief of the Air Staff of the newly formed Royal Air Force in 1918, and became the first Marshal of the RAF in 1927. He was made a Viscount in 1936.
Trenchard established training colleges for air cadets and officers, and also founded the RAF Benevolent Fund - of which The Duke of Kent is President.
His ashes are buried in the Abbey's RAF Chapel, and a wreath is laid on his grave each year on the anniversary of his death.
