The Grandson of one of the early flying commander brothers, John and Geoff Salmond, will bring the amazing story of his grandfather to life at a special talk at the Museum of Army Flying on Thursday 17 May.

Group Captain, David Baker, Grandson of Sir Geoffrey Salmond, has access to family papers which shed a unique light on the development of Air Power in the First World War, unveiling a fascinating story of vision, outspoken determination, technological and organisational development, personal conflict, and military achievement.

The Salmonds had been both promoted to Major General by the end of the first World War, John in Command of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Air Force (RAF) in France and Geoff in Command of the RFC and RAF in the Middle East.

David will recount the development of Air Power from early fragile Maurice Farmans, to the mighty Handley Page 0-400 Bombers of the Trenchard’s Independent Air Force.

He will illuminate his talk with the technical development of aerial photography, dangerous early efforts at bombing and the significance of gun synchronisation to enable firing through the propeller.

David said: “The cost of Air Superiority in France and the Middle East is told by the exploits of the pilots as well as illustrated by the terrible attrition of out-dated aircraft and the race for improvement.

“’Boom’ Trenchard’s magnetic personality could have overshadowed the Salmonds, but both their achievements were fundamental to bringing about the Armistice.”

The lecture starts at 7pm.

A curry supper is available from the The Museum of Flying's Apache Cafe team from 6pm (vegetarian meal also offered).

Tickets are available from www.armyflying.com/events.