Earlier this month, I had the privilege of presenting my research at the RAF Museum Conference held at RAF Museum Hendon on the 4th and 5th of September. The theme, New Perspectives in Military Aviation Research, brought together an inspiring mix of scholars, curators, and practitioners exploring the evolving narratives of air power, personnel, and technology.
My talk, “Tailored for the Skies”, formed part of Panel
3 – Public Perceptions, Image and their Impact, and introduced early findings
from my wider PhD project, Anchored in Attire: The Evolution of Women’s
Uniforms and Roles in the Royal Navy and Maritime Sectors. I focused on the
evolution of women’s flight gear in the Royal Navy, examining how uniform
design reflects and influences operational roles, identity, and gender
inclusion in maritime aviation.
My Presentation: Highlights and Reflections
Drawing on historical analysis, ergonomic studies, and
modern anthropometric data, I explored:
- Historical
exclusion and legacy: From WRNS support roles to frontline aviation, and
the challenges of adapting gear designed for male physiology.
- Physiological
and operational challenges: Including tactical dehydration, decompression
sickness, and spinal injury risks during ejection.
- Technological
innovations: Such as the AIRUS system for in-flight bladder relief,
maternity flight suits, and the MOD’s Tri-Service Anthropometry Survey.
- Strategic
benefits: Inclusive gear improves mission readiness, recruitment, and
retention, aligning with UK and NATO equality mandates.
This presentation was a theoretical deep dive, still very
much in its early stages, but it sparked valuable conversations and feedback
that will help shape the next phase of my PhD.
A Conference Rich in Ideas
The conference programme was packed with thought-provoking
sessions. I was especially inspired by the diversity of topics and the
interdisciplinary approaches taken by fellow presenters.
Panel 1 opened with discussions on doctrine and
procurement, including Paul Stoddart’s critique of bureaucratic
rigidity in RAF aircraft development and Matthew Powell’s insights
into the Air Ministry’s shift to all-metal aircraft.
Panel 2 tackled Bomber Command with powerful papers
like Thomas Withington’s exploration of Operation Firebash and the
RAF’s use of napalm, and Patrick Major’s analysis of Arthur Harris’s
publicity war with the BBC.
In my own panel, I was honoured to present alongside:
- Sophy
Higgins, who examined the gendered legacy of Viscountess Katherine
Trenchard and the emotional labour behind RAF memory-making.
- Dr
Damayanthie Eluwawalage, whose sweeping history of aviation attire from
the balloon era to the shuttle era offered rich context for my own work.
- Russell
Shanks, who explored representations of British Air Power in digital
wargames, raising questions about authenticity and cultural memory.
Panel 4 explored the multinational context of air
forces, with William Gillispie’s moving account of African American
aviators in WWI and Russell Smith’s research on Caribbean-titled squadrons
and wartime sponsorship.
Day two brought equally compelling sessions. Panel 5 on
myth-making and memory featured Ewan Burnet’s reflections on oral
history and RAF culture, while Panel 6 addressed the environmental
impact of air power, including Gary Willis’s reappraisal of the
Dambusters’ Raid as environmental warfare.
The conference concluded with Panel 7, looking to the
future of air power, including Samuel Oyewole’s African perspectives
on AI and autonomous warfare: a vital reminder of the global dimensions of
military aviation.
Keynote: Material Memories of the Cold War
The keynote by Dr Sam Alberti and Prof Holger
Nehring, Material Memories of the Cold War, was a highlight. Their talk explored how museum artefacts, especially aircraft like the Vulcan, shape public memory and historical interpretation. It was a timely and nuanced
reflection on how Cold War heritage is experienced today, especially in light
of recent global conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Presenting at the RAF Museum Conference was a fantastic
opportunity to share ideas, connect with fellow researchers, and engage with
cutting-edge scholarship. The event was impeccably organised, with generous
hospitality and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. I left feeling energised,
informed, and excited to continue developing my research.
