RNAS Training Establishment Cranwell Plaque

A very scarce and possibly unique Royal Naval Air Service mahogany shield with an attached King George V period brass badge attached and below an inset marquetry RNAS eagle. The brass badge features in relief an outer surround consisting of a raised laurel band with a scroll within, a Kings crown above a set of wings which feature a fouled anchor to the centre and beneath images of a biplane and dirigible. The circular border carries within the legend 'R. N.A. S. Training Establishment Cranwell Sleaford '.

Whist Cranwell is normally associated with the RAF, the history of military aviation at Cranwell actually goes back to November 1915, when the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty decided that the Air Department should centralise its pilot, airship crew and balloonist training programmes at a single establishment. The Admiralty duly requisitioned 2,500 acres of land from the Marquess of Bristol's estate and the "Royal Naval Air Service Training Establishment, Cranwell" was born. Officially opened 1 April 1916 and like all naval shore stations, had an 'HMS' prefix, Cranwell being named HMS Daedalus. The site was used by the Navy for training of all types of aviation from kite balloons, airships through to fixed wing aircraft. The Navy's tenure at RNAS Cranwell was however short lived as on 1st April 1918 the RNAS and the RFC were combined to form the RAF. On this date, with the establishment of the Royal Air Force as an independent service, the RNAS Training Establishment Cranwell became RAF Cranwell with the Royal Air Force College Cranwell being created on 1 November 1919.

The first historical photographs shown is of King George V & Queen Mary taken in 1918 on a visit to Cranwell. Walking with the Queen is her son HRH Prince Albert Victor (later George VI). He was appointed to Cranwell in February 1918 as Officer in Charge of young ratings and then became Officer Commanding No.4 Squadron of the Boys' Wing under the RAF, when it formed in April. He left Cranwell in August 1918. The final photograph attached shows a North Sea class airship number 11 leaving its shed at RNAS Cranwell. In the early hours of 15 July 1919, on a flight over the North Sea, NS11 exploded and was lost with all hands, crashing off the coast of Norfolk, near Blakney Point.

As can be seen RNAS Cranwell was only in existence for just 2 years, making this plaque a very scarce or possibly unique survivor. We do know the National Museum of Scotland has an aluminium badge of the same type in its collection but otherwise in a lifetime of collecting we have never seen another. We have speculated the brass plaque may have started life as a ceremonial 5" gun tompion used at RNAS Cranwell and subsequently mounted for display after the establishment of the RAF. If any visitors to the site can add any further information we would be delighted to hear from you, but in the meantime we challenge you to find another.

The shield is in generally good display condition but now showing the expected signs of age wear, hardly surprising seeing it must be at least 108 years old! Likewise, the brass plaque remains sound, although the RNAS Cranwell casting is a little feint, caused no doubt by years of polishing over the passing years. We would imagine this is a one-off opportunity to add a piece of history to your RNAS, Naval or RAF collection. The shield measures 10.5 "X 9.5" (26 cm x 24 cm) and the plaque 5" diameter (12.5 cm)