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Secretary of State for Air facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Secretary of State for Air was an important job in the British government that looked after the country's air force. This role existed from 1919 to 1964. The person in this job was in charge of the Air Ministry, which was like the main office for all things related to air power. They also had help from another person called the Under-Secretary of State for Air.

Quick facts for kids
Secretary of State for Air
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (HM Government).svg
Royal Arms as used by His Majesty's Government
The Air Ministry, 1939-1945. CH10270 – Edit 1.jpg
Longest serving
Archibald Sinclair, 1st Viscount Thurso
11 May 1940 – 23 May 1945
Air Ministry
Member of British Cabinet
Privy Council
Seat Westminster, London
Appointer The British Monarch
on advice of the Prime Minister
Term length No fixed term
Precursor President of the Air Council
Formation 10 January 1919
First holder Winston Churchill
Final holder Hugh Fraser
Abolished 1 April 1964
Succession Secretary of State for Defence
Air Council in session WWII IWM CH 966
Air Council members meeting at the Air Ministry in July 1940.

History of the Air Secretary Role

The job of Secretary of State for Air was created on January 10, 1919. Its main purpose was to manage the new Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF had just been formed by combining earlier air services.

How the Role Changed Over Time

Over the years, the way the government managed its military changed. By 1946, the Secretary of State for Air, along with the leaders for the army and navy, started reporting to a new position: the Minister of Defence. This new Minister was in charge of coordinating all defence and security matters for the country.

When the Role Ended

On April 1, 1964, a big change happened. The Air Ministry, along with the War Office and the Admiralty, became part of a new, single department called the Ministry of Defence. Because of this, the job of Secretary of State for Air was no longer needed and was officially ended. Its responsibilities were then taken over by the new Secretary of State for Defence.

Notable Secretaries of State for Air

Many important people held the role of Secretary of State for Air. Here are a few:

  • Winston Churchill: He was the very first Secretary of State for Air, starting on January 10, 1919. He later became a famous Prime Minister during World War II.
  • Sir Archibald Sinclair: He served the longest in this role, from May 1940 to May 1945. This was during most of World War II, a very important time for the RAF.
  • Hugh Fraser: He was the last person to hold the title, serving from July 1962 until the role was abolished in April 1964.

Images for kids

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    Philip Cunliffe-Lister, 1st Viscount Swinton

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    Sir Kingsley Wood

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    Sir Archibald Sinclair

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    Harold Macmillan

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    William Wedgwood Benn, 1st Viscount Stansgate

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    Julian Amery

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    Hugh Fraser

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