The Cranwellian Association

Overview

The Cranwellian Association is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, primarily focused on supporting and connecting all Royal Air Force (RAF) officers, whether serving, retired, or reservists. It is closely associated with RAF College Cranwell, the world's first Air Academy and the spiritual home of the RAF.

Activities and Aims

The association aims to:

• Inform and Connect Members: It organizes annual reunions at RAF College Cranwell for its members, which include social activities like sports and a formal dinner.
• Celebrate History and Heritage: The Cranwellian Association works to preserve the ethos and heritage of the RAF and the Royal Air Force College. In its centenary year, 2020, it installed the Trenchard Memorial at RAF Cranwell, highlighting its commitment to RAF history[1].

Charitable Objects

The Cranwellian Association's charitable objectives include:

• Promoting Efficiency: Fostering esprit de corps and comradeship among serving and retired officers.
• Education and Understanding: Advancing public and member understanding in leadership and air power.
• Heritage Preservation: Preserving the ethos and heritage of the RAF and RAF College Cranwell specifically[4].

Governance

The association is led by a committee composed of retired and serving RAF officers. It engages in fundraising efforts and collaborates with other organizations to promote its goals[4].

Notable Events and Projects

The association hosts various events, including annual reunions that feature activities like golf, croquet, tennis, and ceremonial fly-pasts, such as a Spitfire display[5]. It also participates in broader discussions on airpower, such as hosting webinars on UK combat air capability[1].

Current Status

The Cranwellian Association continues to support RAF officers and promote RAF heritage, working closely with institutions like the RAF College Cranwell to achieve its objectives.

[1] https://www.cranwellianassociation.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5060033/contact-information [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5060033/charity-overview [4] https://www.cranwellianassociation.org.uk/about [5] https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-cranwell/news/annual-reunion-for-the-cranwellian-association/