Making Russia Great Again?
BY SIR RODERICK LYNE
Sir Roderic Lyne completed three postings in Moscow as a British diplomat and was Britain’s Ambassador to Russia from 2000 to 2004. He also served as a No. 10 private secretary to John Major covering Foreign Affairs and Defence and was Deputy Chair of Chatham House 2007-2016.
The Cranwellian Association at a glance
Honouring the name of the RAF College Cranwell, the world’s first Air Academy and spiritual home of the RAF, the Cranwellian Association is a registered charity for all RAF Officers, whether serving, retired or reservist. Members’ training backgrounds range from the original Flight Cadet, OCTU and Aircrew Officer Training systems at RAF Cranwell, RAF Henlow and RAF South Cerney respectively, the College GE system of the 1970s, to the modern day Single Gate IOT courses for all Officer branches of the RAF and its Reserves.
The highlight of the year is the Annual Reunion, at which members from all these backgrounds and eras reunite in the splendid setting of Cranwell’s College Hall.
AIMS AND ACTIVITIES
The aim of the Cranwellian Association is to inform and connect members, and to celebrate the history and heritage of the RAF and the Royal Air Force College in particular.
TO CONNECT
Every year we organise a reunion for our members at RAF College Cranwell. This is a weekend occasion that includes (gentle!) sports, a fly past and a formal dinner. In addition, members are encouraged to contact the Membership Secretary if they want their contact details to be given to selected colleagues, for example, fellow Course Students.
TO CELEBRATE HISTORY
In our Centenary year 2020 we installed the Trenchard Memorial at RAF Cranwell, a statue commissioned by the Cranwellian Association, funded by donations from members, private individuals and defence-related companies. The statue was formally unveiled by the current Lord Hugh Trenchard on the 7th August 2021.
Looking ahead, we are also formulating plans to work with other organisations with a similar focus on heritage and history of the RAF, such as the Cranwellian Historical Society.
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