2023/05 LECTURE: The History of Royal Flying

Royal Aeronautical Society Heathrow Branch May 2023 Lecture - "The History of Royal Flying" by Sqn Ldr Graham Laurie MVO RAF (Ret’d) ABSTRACT: In this RAeS Heathrow Branch lecture, we are delighted to welcome Squadron Leader Graham Laurie MVO RAF (Ret’d) to present his talk ‘The History of Royal Flying’ and play our part in the ‘Celebration of Coronation Month’. ‘The History of Royal Flying’ is an illustrated talk, covering the early days of Royal Flying, the formation of The King’s Flight and The Queen’s Flight, up to the present day, together with some personal reminiscences of the speaker. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: Graham joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot in 1964. He flew for 36 years amassing a total of 13,500 hours and during the last 20 years of that career, he flew members of the Royal Family and senior government Ministers. In 1981 he was selected for The Queen’s Flight and in 1995, after that unit’s disbandment, he moved to No 32 (The Royal) Squadron. Graham is Secretary of The Chiltern Aircrew Association and was for 40 years a soccer referee! He lives in Prestwood, Buckinghamshire with his wife Jo and has two ‘grown up’ children. In 2011, both he and Jo were made ‘Ambassadors of the RAF Benevolent Fund’ for their fundraising efforts, Graham with his talks and Jo with her Christmas Card designs for the Fund. FOR UPCOMING EVENTS: visit http://tiny.cc/RAeSLHR​ or https://aerosociety.com/Heathrow