spitfires-700x390
This undated photo shows one of the famed British RAF Supermarine Spitfire planes assembled in Casablanca during World War II, in flight. (AP Photo)

The Royal Air Force

The British air force known as the Royal Air Force (RAF) was founded in 1918 and until the rise of the Luftwaffe it was the largest air force in the world.

It's finest hour was winning the Battle of Britain and defending successfully against the much larger German air force and stopping the German invasion of Britain.