Island's ex-forces association marks centenary

The Jersey branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) is celebrating its long history, as it marks 100 years since it launched.

The association was founded in 1925 offering membership to islanders who had served in the British air forces in World War One.

The branch said it remained committed to its founding principles of comradeship, commemoration and support for others as it reached the milestone.

Chairman of the branch, Flt Lt Leighton Jenkins, said the passion and commitment of members over the years "helped propel the local association to become a leading light in the Jersey community".

The Jersey association said it was forced to halt activities during the Occupation but reformed as a branch of the UK's Royal Air Forces Association afterwards.

Since the 1950s, the association said it had organised fundraising and commemorative events focused on Battle of Britain week each September, including the annual airshow.

Funds raised through the branch's activities have supported former RAF personnel and the families of those lost in wartime.

RAFA Jersey said it was marking the centenary with a gala dinner and a publication of the 'History of the Jersey Branch'.

Flt Lt Jenkins added: "It's an honour to have my hands on the controls as RAFA Jersey reaches its 100th birthday."

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