I was able to acquire
some of the cultural values in Britain,
because I came at not exactly formative years,
because the formative years perhaps would be a bit earlier,
11, 12, 13.
But at 17 and a half, 17 and three-quarters,
I was still developing as an individual.
And those nine years in the Royal Air Force,
I believe, laid the foundation
for my subsequent progression,
both socially and professionally.
Peter Ramrayka in uniform
© RAF Museum
The RAF gave me a new cultural identity.
Born in British Guiana (now Guyana), Peter Ramrayka travelled to Britain in the 1960’s to find a country struggling with widespread racism. Joining the Medical Branch of the Royal Air Force sheltered Peter from the brunt of these tensions, as he got used to swapping one culture for another. Peter would later lead a very successful career in the National Health Service (NHS).
When we lose someone we journey through it as a family.
Alice McDermott
I came out as transgender while serving.
Ayla Holdom
I decided I needed to be a dad.
Ian Sweet
I see myself as the Jose Mourinho of Tug of War
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies
My RAF friends will be there forever
Trevor Edwards
Everyone has a role to play.
Charles Hammerton
Mother was horrified, but Father overruled her.
Shobha Earl
I was afraid that someone would have to lay down their life to protect me.
Eleanor Rance
My sexuality has no impact on my role in the RAF.
Kate Brophy
On the outside I was super cool. On the inside I was praying every night.
Alice McDermott
