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Sir Kingsley Wood visits the RAF in France, 1939
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Sir Kingsley Wood visits the RAF in France, 1939
Sir Kingsley Wood (1881 - 1943), Secretary of State for Air pictured during a tour of the R.A.F. in France, the first British Defence Minister to visit British Forces overseas in 1939. He is seen before a bus which has been converted for office use and is adorned with humorous slogans and signs. Behind him is Air Vice-Marshal Peirse; on the right are Air Vice-Marshal P.H.L. Playfair, Air Officer Commanding the RAF in France and wo staff officers - Group-Captain A. H. Wann and Air-Commodore J. C. Quinnell. Date: 1939
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, Sir Kingsley Wood, the British Secretary of State for Air, makes a historic visit to the Royal Air Force (RAF) in France in 1939, marking the first time a Defence Minister had travelled overseas to observe British forces in action. The image captures a moment of levity amidst the tense build-up to World War II. Sir Kingsley Wood is seen standing before a converted bus, which has been repurposed as a mobile office for the RAF staff. The bus is adorned with humorous slogans and signs, reflecting the light-hearted spirit of the personnel despite the looming threat of war. Behind Wood, Air Vice-Marshal Peirse and other senior RAF officers, including Air Vice-Marshal Playfair, Group-Captain Wann, and Air-Commodore Quinnell, look on. The visit was an opportunity for Wood to assess the readiness of the RAF in France and to offer support and encouragement to the troops. The photograph captures a sense of camaraderie and unity between the British officials and the RAF personnel, as they prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. This image is a poignant reminder of the critical role the RAF played in the early stages of World War II and the importance of morale-boosting visits from high-ranking officials. The photograph also offers a glimpse into the daily life of the RAF during this period, with the converted bus providing a practical solution to the challenges of working in a war zone. Overall, this photograph is an invaluable historical record of an important moment in British military history, capturing the spirit and determination of the RAF personnel as they prepared for the challenges of the war to come.
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