Air Department facts for kids
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1910 |
| Dissolved | 1920 |
| Superseding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Government of the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Admiralty Building Whitehall London |
| Parent department | Admiralty |
The Air Department was a special group within the British Admiralty. It was created before World War I by Winston Churchill. Its main job was to manage the Royal Naval Air Service, which was the Navy's air force. Later, this department changed its name to the Air Section and then the Air Division.
Contents
In 1908, the British government realized that airplanes could be useful for the military. The Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, agreed to create two groups. These were the "Advisory Committee for Aeronautics" and the "Aerial Sub-Committee." Both groups included politicians, army officers, and navy officers. They studied how aircraft could help in wars.
The Air Department itself was set up in 1910. At first, its job was to build an airship. By 1911, it also started working with airplanes. In early 1912, it shared responsibility for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). The RFC had two parts: a Military Wing and a Naval Wing.
After many talks, the Royal Flying Corps was officially formed on April 13, 1912. It included the Navy's early air group and the Air Battalion from the Royal Engineers.
The Air Department's Role
In the summer of 1912, Captain Murray Sueter became the Director of the new Air Department. His job was to handle "all matters connected with the Naval Air Service."
The department's main role was to help develop naval aviation. It also oversaw the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). Captain Murray Sueter was its first director. In 1915, as the RNAS grew, the Director position changed. It became the Director of the Air Service, a higher rank. Rear-Admiral Charles Vaughan-Lee was the first to hold this new role.
In July 1914, the naval part of the RFC became a separate service. It was called the Royal Naval Air Service and was fully controlled by the Air Department. When World War I began, the RNAS helped the Navy. It was responsible for bombing enemy ships and ports.
At first, British naval aviation was under the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore. In February 1915, the RNAS moved under the Director of the Air Department. However, the Director could not discipline RNAS personnel. In July 1915, the role of Director of the Air Department was replaced. Rear-Admiral Charles Vaughan-Lee became the Director of the Air Service.
In January 1918, most of the RNAS (except airships and balloons) moved to the Air Ministry. This happened after a big change. The RNAS merged with the RFC to form the Royal Air Force. The Admiralty still controlled its aircraft carriers and naval officers. However, RNAS personnel transferred to the RAF for training and service.
In 1920, the Air Department was renamed the Air Section. This section was part of the Admiralty Naval Staff. In 1924, it was renamed again to the Air Division.
Directors
The Director of the Air Department (D.A.D.) was an important job. It existed from 1912 to 1915. After that, it was called the Director of the Air Service until 1917. The Director reported to the Board of Admiralty on all air-related issues. They also managed the Admiralty Air Department.
- Commodore Murray F. Sueter, 1912–1915.
- Rear-Admiral Charles Vaughan-Lee, 1915–1917.
Aircraft Designed by the Air Department
Between 1915 and 1918, the Air Department designed a few of its own aircraft. These planes were then built by other companies.
- AD Flying Boat – built by Supermarine
- AD Navyplane – built by Supermarine
- AD Scout – built by Blackburn and by Hewlett and Blondeau
- AD Seaplane Type 1000 – built by J. Samuel White
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