5 Pounds - Elizabeth II Formation of the RAF; Silver Proof

The RAF had its origins in 1917, when German bombers attacked London in daylight. There was such a public outcry that the government asked General Smuts to report on the structure of Britain's air defences. His recommendations included the amalgamation of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps into a single independent Royal Air Force. There was only one choice for the first Chief of the Air Staff: Major General Sir Hugh Trenchard K.C.B. D.S.O. He had overseen the development on Britain's air force, almost from the formation of the Royal Flying Corps in 1912. After serving in the South African war, he became a driving force for the RFC, ensuring that pilots had the right training. He then took charge of VIII brigade, which operated as an independent Force bombing strategic German targets. This experience convinced Trenchard of the effectiveness of strategic bombing and greatly influenced RAF thinking up to and during World War II.