The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund was founded in 1919. The castle was given to the fund by Sir Alexander Duckham and opened as a boarding school in 1921. The adjoining building, TheWakefield Wing,was donated by Lord Wakefield.
Click the More button to see an account of the unveiling of the RAF Memorial in London and discussions about setting up a school.
There were constant appeals for donations in various sections of the press. On the doors of some rooms old names could just be distinguished such as Heal, Turner & Newall and Waring & Gillow. Presumably these firms were benefactors in the early days of the fund.
A few of the boys were at the school before the second world war and returned when it re-opened.
It continued in use as a school until 1975. Shortly afterwards both buildings were converted into flats.
Click the More button to see an account of the unveiling of the RAF Memorial in London and discussions about setting up a school.
There were constant appeals for donations in various sections of the press. On the doors of some rooms old names could just be distinguished such as Heal, Turner & Newall and Waring & Gillow. Presumably these firms were benefactors in the early days of the fund.
A few of the boys were at the school before the second world war and returned when it re-
It continued in use as a school until 1975. Shortly afterwards both buildings were converted into flats.
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