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History of the RAF: Part One Trivia Quiz

This first quiz covers the period up to 1945. Other parts will cover the later periods.

A multiple-choice quiz by romeomikegolf. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
romeomikegolf

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
191,730

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
1347

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 78 (9/10), Guest 92 (8/10), Guest 194 (5/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. On what date was the RAF formed? Hint

April 1st 1918

September 1st 1939

August 30th 1914

January 1st 1919

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Question 2 of 10

2. For a short period after the formation of the RAF, the ranks used for officers were the same as the Army and Navy. When did this change? Hint

May 1919

August 1919

December 1918

January 1920

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Question 3 of 10

3. In April 1924, the RAF lost a number of front line squadrons. What happened to them? Hint

Amalgamated into a 'super squadron'

Disbanded because of cuts

Formed the Fleet Air Arm

Given to another country

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Question 4 of 10

4. In March 1936, an aircraft that was to become one of the most famous aircraft in the world flew for the first time. Which one was it? Hint

Lancaster

Hurricane

Spitfire

Mosquito

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Question 5 of 10

5. December 1939 saw the end to RAF daylight operations in the early part of the war. What caused this decision to be made? Hint

Introduction of airborne radar

Better aircraft were introduced

Lack of fuel

Heavy losses

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Question 6 of 10

6. The Avro Lancaster was a development of the Wellington bomber.

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. What was the name given to the volunteer American pilots who flew with the RAF? Hint

Flying Tigers

Flying Bears

The Sharks

Eagle Squadron

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Question 8 of 10

8. The Dambusters of 617 Squadron are possibly the most famous RAF Squadron ever. From which base did they launch that famous raid? Hint

RAF Scampton

RAF Woodhall Spa

RAF Waddington

RAF Biggin Hill

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Question 9 of 10

9. The first operational jet fighter to see service with the RAF was the Gloster-

Answer: (One Word, no varient required)

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Question 10 of 10

10. Who was the man responsible for the British bombing strategy during the second half of World War II? Hint

Arthur Harris

Hugh Trenchard

Hugh Dowding

Trafford Leigh-Mallory

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Most Recent Scores

Today : Guest 78: 9/10
Nov 13 2024 : Guest 92: 8/10
Nov 09 2024 : Guest 194: 5/10
Oct 14 2024 : colbymanram: 2/10
Oct 10 2024 : Guest 148: 6/10
Oct 09 2024 : Guest 82: 6/10
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Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. On what date was the RAF formed?

Answer: April 1st 1918

The RAF was formed by amalgamating the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. The Women's Royal Air Force was established on the same day.

2. For a short period after the formation of the RAF, the ranks used for officers were the same as the Army and Navy. When did this change?

Answer: August 1919

The changes were made because of inter service squabbling in the period after the end of WW1. It was Sir Hugh Trenchard who instituted the new rank structure.

3. In April 1924, the RAF lost a number of front line squadrons. What happened to them?

Answer: Formed the Fleet Air Arm

All the ship borne squadrons at the time went to form the Navy's air force, the Fleet Air Arm.

4. In March 1936, an aircraft that was to become one of the most famous aircraft in the world flew for the first time. Which one was it?

Answer: Spitfire

The Supermarine 300, later named the Spitfire, took its maiden flight on 5 March. The test pilot, 'Mutt' Summers, is reported as telling the designers 'Don't touch anything'. The Hurricane first flew in November 1935. The Mosquito had its first flight in 1940, and the Lancaster did not go into production until 1941.

5. December 1939 saw the end to RAF daylight operations in the early part of the war. What caused this decision to be made?

Answer: Heavy losses

In a daylight raid on Wilhelmshaven on Germany's northern coast, 12 out of 24 Wellington aircraft were shot down.

6. The Avro Lancaster was a development of the Wellington bomber.

Answer: False

The Lancaster was designed around the Avro Manchester. The Manchester III was fitted with four Rolls Royce Merlin engines and put into production as the Lancaster in 1941.

7. What was the name given to the volunteer American pilots who flew with the RAF?

Answer: Eagle Squadron

The first Eagle Squadron was formed in September 1940. They remained operational until they were absorbed into the USAAF in September 1942.

8. The Dambusters of 617 Squadron are possibly the most famous RAF Squadron ever. From which base did they launch that famous raid?

Answer: RAF Scampton

617 was formed at Scampton in the early part of 1943. They were put together as an elite unit to attack the Ruhr dams. After the raid the Sqdn. was kept together to perform other specialised bombing missions. Of the four choices of answer, only Biggin Hill does not form part of their history.

9. The first operational jet fighter to see service with the RAF was the Gloster-

Answer: Meteor

The Meteor flew its first operation in July 1944. Its first 'kill' is credited to Flying Officer 'Dixie' Dean, who destroyed a V1 flying bomb by tipping it over with his wing tip after his guns jammed.

10. Who was the man responsible for the British bombing strategy during the second half of World War II?

Answer: Arthur Harris

Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris was the architect responsible for the area bombing tactic that came in for so much criticism. Part of this tactic were the thousand bomber raids against targets such as Dresden. It was after the attack on that city, and Churchill changing his support for the idea, that tactics were changed.
Trenchard was the 'Father of the RAF', Dowding was head of Fighter command until late 1941. Leigh-Mallory was head of Fighter Command from 1942.

Source: Author romeomikegolf

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Stillman before going online.
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