Who is known as 'the father of the RAF'?

The title of 'the father of the RAF' is primarily attributed to Lord Trenchard due to his pivotal role in establishing and developing the Royal Air Force in its early years. As the first chief of the Air Staff, he was instrumental in advocating for the independence of the air force from the Army and the Navy. Lord Trenchard emphasized the importance of aviation in warfare and laid the foundations for modern military air power. His vision and leadership helped shape the structure and operational capabilities of the RAF during and after World War I, making significant contributions to its evolution as a distinct and vital branch of the British Armed Forces.

Other figures, such as Sir Arthur Harris, Lord Dowding, and Sir Douglas Bader, made notable contributions to the air force in various capacities, including leadership in WWII and in individual exploits, but it was Trenchard's broader vision and commitment to the establishment of the RAF that earned him the title of its father.