The 100^thAnniversary of the Royal Air Force (RAF) was celebrated at Cardiff Castle with a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday, April 26th.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Bob Derbyshire was in attendance with the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Caroline Derbyshire, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs Morfudd Meredith and Air Commodore Adrian Williams.

The Lord Mayor told guests at the ceremony: "Today's event acts as a fitting commemoration to this special organisation and to those who have served and continue to serve and contribute to the defence of our country. The RAF is held in great respect in Wales and throughout the world. It's an honour to be here today to celebrate its 100^thanniversary."

Wales and the RAF have a relationship steeped in shared history. It was a Welshman, Prime Minister David Lloyd George, who signed on the dotted line to establish the RAF on April 1,1918.

The famous bouncing bomb of Dambusters' fame was tested in the Elan Valley and factory workers at Broughton built the Lancaster Bombers of World War 2. The idea behind the Red Arrows was also formed in Wales when the RAF Yellowjacks display team formed at RAF Valley in 1963 before becoming the Red Arrows in 1964. Even the RAF's badge was designed by a Welshman from Llandudno, Chief Petty Officer Pepper, who created the logo 100 years ago.

The flag-raising ceremony took place on Thursday morning at Cardiff Castle Corner Bastion. Attendees saw the Blessing of the Flag and a bugle was played as the flag was hoisted.