Wolverhampton Royal Air Forces Association-RAFA

19/08/2026

Terry was ordered to report for immediate beard removal in support of the RAF Association
After years of expert facial camouflage, the clippers moved in… 🪒
Moustache: NEUTRALISED.
Beard: DESTROYED.
CHIN: LOCATED! 😂
Rumours suggest some members had never actually seen Terry’s face before! 🤣
👏 Well done, Terry — and thank you for taking one for the team and helping raise funds ✈️❤️

🎥 Watch the reel below for the full operation!

19/08/2026

🇬🇧✈️ ⚠️ OFFICIAL WAR OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT ⚠️ ✈️🇬🇧

OPERATION DESERT CHIN

SPECIAL DUTY — WOLVERHAMPTON RAFA BRANCH

ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL!

A most unusual operation was undertaken at the Branch Monday night…

Following several years of unchecked growth, our in-house exRAF Fireman Terry’s facial camouflage had reached critical levels. Intelligence reports suggested the beard was capable of concealing enemy personnel, small rations and possibly an entire squadron! 😂

In the interests of His Majesty’s RAF Association Terry was ordered to report for immediate removal of said camouflage.

🪒 THE OPERATION COMMENCED…

The moustache was first to fall.

The beard followed shortly afterwards.

And then, after several years hidden from public view…

THE CHIN WAS LOCATED! 🤣

Witnesses reported a sudden increase in daylight, while several members were heard asking:

“Who’s that bloke?” 😂

One particularly startled observer nearly saluted.

The RAF Association barbering unit continued its work with admirable courage until the entire beard had been successfully removed and deposited on the parade ground.

🎖️ MISSION RESULT:
✅ Beard eliminated
✅ Chin recovered
✅ Moustache neutralised
✅ Charity funds raised
✅ Morale exceptionally high
✅ Terry considerably easier to identify

Most importantly, Terry did it all to help raise much-needed funds for the RAF Association. ❤️✈️

👏 A splendid effort, Terry — your sacrifice will not be forgotten!

📸 See some of the photographic evidence below and click below for the official REEL containing the complete operation.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ZDVCZeUFw/

🇬🇧✈️ WOLVERHAMPTON RAFA BRANCH
KEEP CALM — KEEP FLYING — AND KEEP YOUR CHINS UP! 😂🍺

19/08/2026

🇬🇧✈️ BATTLE OF BRITAIN PARADE & SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE 2026 ✈️🇬🇧

🌺 REMEMBERING THE FEW 🌺

«“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”
— Sir Winston Churchill»

🎖️ THE RAF FAMILY OF WOLVERHAMPTON — STAND TOGETHER

The Officers and Committee of Wolverhampton RAFA Branch are proud to invite veterans, serving personnel, cadets, RAF families, friends and members of our local community to join us for our Annual Battle of Britain Parade & Service of Remembrance.

📅 Sunday 13 September 2026
🕛 Parade forms at 12.00 noon
📍 Wolverhampton RAFA Branch
26 Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 4PN

This is a very special day in the RAF calendar as we come together to remember The Few — the pilots, aircrew and ground crews who stood firm during the Battle of Britain.

They fought in the skies.
They kept the aircraft flying.
They faced overwhelming odds.
And they never gave up.

🇬🇧 A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION

We are honoured to welcome distinguished civic and public representatives, including:

🎖️ The Lord-Lieutenant
🇬🇧 The Mayor of Wolverhampton
🏛️ A local Member of Parliament
⛪ The Vicar of the City of Wolverhampton

But that's not all...

🤫 WE HAVE SOME VERY SPECIAL GUESTS JOINING US THIS YEAR...

Their identities are TOP SECRET for now! 🕵️‍♂️✈️

All we can say is that you won't want to miss this year's parade and service! 🇬🇧

✈️ ON PARADE

🎖️ Veterans' Parade
✈️ Cadets on Parade
🎶 The Women Veterans Choir, supported by Stepway
🙏 Battle of Britain Service of Remembrance
🌺 Wreath Laying in honour of “The Few”
☕ Refreshments after the Service
🍺 The Branch Bar will be open

So, on 13 September, come and stand beneath the Royal Air Force Ensign with us as we remember those who answered their country's call.

From the pilots in the cockpit to the ground crews who kept the aircraft flying — every one played their part.

Their courage became our freedom.
Their sacrifice became our legacy.
Their story must never be forgotten.

🇬🇧✈️ PER ARDUA AD ASTRA ✈️🇬🇧
Through Adversity to the Stars.

🌺 LEST WE FORGET 🌺

17/08/2026

🇬🇧✈️ THE HARDEST DAY – 18 AUGUST 1940 ✈️🇬🇧

REMEMBERING THE FEW

86 years ago today, over 600 young RAF fighter crews took to the skies to defend Britain against a massive assault by the Luftwaffe.

18 August 1940 became known as “The Hardest Day”.

The RAF lost 136 aircraft during the fighting, but the courage and determination of those young men helped prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining control of our skies.

Throughout the Battle of Britain, July–October 1940, 544 RAF aircrew lost their lives, while more than 1,000 aircraft were lost.

They were young men who answered the call when their country needed them most. They fought, they fell, and many never returned home.

Today, the Wolverhampton RAFA Branch remembers them all.

🇬🇧 We will remember them.
✈️ The Few. Never forgotten. ❤️

17/08/2026

🇬🇧✈️ MONDAY NIGHT SOCIAL — RAF STYLE! ✈️🇬🇧

Attention, Wolverhampton! 🚨

It’s Monday night, which can only mean one thing… SOCIAL NIGHT at the RAFA Branch Wolverhampton! 🍻☕️

And tonight, we’ve got a very special mission underway! 🎯

✂️ The lovely Terry is having his beard SHAVED OFF! ✂️

All in aid of charity, with tonight’s fundraising going towards our RAFA branch Welfare fund. So come along, dig deep, donate what you can, and witness Terry say goodbye to that magnificent facial furniture! 😂

And that’s not all…

🍺 Have a drink
☕ Have a coffee
💬 Have a chat
❤️ Support a great cause
🍰 AND enjoy some of Lisa’s homemade Victoria sponge!

Quite frankly, you’d be daft to miss it! 😋

So, if you’re in the vicinity, pop down, bring your friends and help us give Terry a proper RAF send-off… beard first! ✂️😂

RAFA Branch Wolverhampton — where Monday nights come with comradeship, cake, charity and the occasional emergency beard removal! 🇬🇧✈️

📍 26 Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton

16/08/2026

✈️ Thinking about joining the Air Cadets? ✈️

1290 (Wednesfield) Squadron are welcoming new cadets this September! 🎖️

A fantastic opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, build confidence and take part in everything from flying and adventure training to sport, leadership and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

📅 September 2026 intake — spaces are limited!

Check out the post below for all the details 👇

🚨 CADET INTAKE – SEPTEMBER 2026! 🚨

Looking for something different? Want to make new friends, learn new skills and take on challenges you never thought you could?

Then 1290 (Wednesfield) Squadron Air Cadets could be for you! ✈️

From flying and aviation to adventure training, outdoor activities, sport, leadership, navigation and teamwork, there’s always something new to get stuck into.

🏕️ Adventure & outdoor activities
✈️ Flying & aviation
🧭 Navigation & expedition skills
🏃 Sport & fitness
🎖️ Leadership & personal development
🏆 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
🤝 Friends, teamwork & experiences you'll remember

Whether you want to challenge yourself, build confidence, learn practical skills or simply be part of something different — there's a place for you here.

📅 Our next intake is September 2026
📍 1290 (Wednesfield) Squadron
🗓️ Parade nights: Mondays & Wednesdays
👥 Ages 12–18

🔥 SPACES ARE LIMITED — DON'T MISS OUT!

📧 [email protected]
🌐 raf.mod.uk/aircadets

Join us. Go further. 🚀✈️

16/08/2026

💙 A really important reminder for today.

We never truly know what someone may be carrying behind their smile. Take a moment to check in, listen, and remind people that they don't have to face things alone.

Sometimes a simple “Are you really okay?” can mean more than we realise.

Recognise. Respond. Refer. 💙

Thought of the Day | Sunday

You Never Know What Someone Carries

Some people wake to Sunday
and welcome the quiet.

For others,
silence is when the noise begins.

The thoughts.

The memories.

The battles fought behind closed doors
that nobody else can see.

We become very good at saying,

“I'm fine.”

Two little words
that can hide an entire war.

So today,
look beyond the smile.

Listen when someone's voice
doesn't quite match their words.

Ask twice.

Stay a little longer.

And if you are the one struggling,
please don't believe you have to wait
until you are falling apart
before you deserve someone's hand.

Strength is not suffering in silence.

Sometimes strength is simply finding the courage
to say,

“Actually, I'm not okay.”

And allowing somebody to answer,

“Then let's face this together.”

Because sometimes
the person who looks the strongest
is simply the person
who has become best
at hiding the weight.

Recognise. Respond. Refer.

Rob's Watch 💙

16/08/2026

🇬🇧✈️ GARRY’S GREAT NORTH RUN MISSION! 🏃‍♂️🎖️

One of our fantastic members, Garry Lees, is taking on the Great North Run this September — and he’s doing it for the RAF Association! 🇬🇧💙

Garry is putting in the miles, the sweat and no doubt a few choice words along the way 😂, all to help raise much-needed funds for our charity and support the RAF family.

We’re asking our friends, followers and supporters to get behind Garry and donate generously if you can. Every pound raised will make a difference, and every bit of support is gratefully received. 🙏

🎖️ Good luck, Garry — Wolverhampton RAFA Branch is right behind you!

💙 the link is on our page

16/08/2026

Please support Gary with this

Help Garry Lees raise money to support The RAF Association (RAFA)

16/08/2026

Help Garry Lees raise money to support The RAF Association (RAFA)