Bladon and the Foundation of the Royal Ceylon Air Force
Following the conclusion of World War II, the restructuring of global military aviation saw key leaders transitioning from wartime command to the establishment of new national air arms. Among these figures was Bladon, whose career spanned critical administrative roles in Southeast Asia before he became the primary architect of the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF).
Post-War Assignments in Asia
In 1946, Bladon was appointed as the Commander of the RAF Base at Singapore. His expertise in organizational management led to his subsequent role as the Staff Officer (Administration) at the Air Headquarters Malaya. By September 1, 1948, he transitioned to the Reserve Command, where he served as the Senior Air Staff Officer of No. 62 (Southern Reserve) Group.
Establishing the Royal Ceylon Air Force
Although the Royal Ceylon Air Force was officially founded in 1949, the practical work of building the organization only commenced after Bladon was appointed as the Air Adviser to the Government of Ceylon on May 16, 1950. His contributions during this formative period were recognized in the 1951 New Year Honours, where he was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
On March 2, 1951, Bladon became the first Commander of the Royal Ceylon Air Force. In the early days of the organization, he established the headquarters at the Galle Face Hotel. To build a military structure from the ground up, Bladon utilized a strategic mix of seconded RAF officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), alongside Ceylonese personnel who had gained valuable experience serving with the RAF during the war.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Growth and Operational Expansion
The RCyAF experienced rapid growth under Bladon's leadership. In 1952, the force was modest, consisting of only eight officers and 100 airmen. However, by 1955, the organization had expanded significantly, establishing a Headquarters and Maintenance Unit in Colombo, with flying units based at Katunayake and Diyatalawa.
The air force initially operated Chipmunk, Balliol, and Oxford aircraft. These planes served multiple purposes, including pilot training, army co-operation operations, and patrols to prevent illicit immigration. As the force matured, it added a composite squadron of Austers and helicopters for air/sea rescue and army support, a transport squadron utilizing Doves and Herons, and two fighter squadrons equipped with jet aircraft.
Final Years and Legacy
Bladon's ascent continued as he was promoted to the acting rank of air commodore on October 1, 1956. He remained at the helm of the RCyAF until October 8, 1958. Following his departure from command, he retired from the RAF on February 22, 1959, retaining the rank of air commodore.
In recognition of his service, he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 1959 Birthday Honours. Bladon passed away on October 11, 1967, at the Forbes Fraser Hospital in Bath, Somerset.
Key Facts
- First Commander: Bladon became the first Commander of the Royal Ceylon Air Force on March 2, 1951.
- Initial Base: The RCyAF headquarters were first established at the Galle Face Hotel.
- Personnel Growth: The force grew from 8 officers and 100 airmen in 1952 to a multi-squadron force by 1955.
- Aircraft Used: Early fleet included Chipmunks, Balliols, Oxfords, Austers, Doves, and Herons, eventually expanding to jet fighters.
- Key Locations: Major operations were centered in Colombo, Katunayake, and Diyatalawa.
| Year | Role / Honor | Organization/Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Commander of RAF Base | Singapore |
| 1950 | Air Adviser | Government of Ceylon |
| 1951 | First Commander | Royal Ceylon Air Force |
| 1956 | Acting Air Commodore | Royal Ceylon Air Force |
| 1959 | Retirement | Royal Air Force |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Royal Ceylon Air Force officially founded?
The Royal Ceylon Air Force was officially founded in 1949, though active development began in May 1950.
Who helped Bladon build the RCyAF from scratch?
Bladon relied on a core of seconded RAF officers and NCOs, as well as Ceylonese personnel who had previously served with the RAF during the war.
What types of aircraft were used by the RCyAF in its early years?
The force used Chipmunk, Balliol, and Oxford aircraft for training and patrols, later adding Austers, helicopters, Doves, Herons, and jet aircraft.
What were the primary roles of the RCyAF flying units?
The units were used for training, army co-operation, illicit immigration patrols, and air/sea rescue operations.
What honors was Bladon awarded during his career?
Bladon was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1951 and a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1959.