In which year did the RAF first engage in combat?

The Royal Air Force (RAF) first engaged in combat during World War I, which began in 1914. The RAF was officially formed as an independent service on April 1, 1918, but prior to this, the air units of the British military had already been involved in combat operations. Specifically, the British Flying Corps (BFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) were active in the early stages of the war. By 1914, these units were already conducting reconnaissance and supporting ground troops with aerial engagements. Therefore, the year 1914 is significant as it marks the beginning of the RAF's involvement in combat, even before it was officially established as a separate branch of the armed forces.

Understanding the timeline of the RAF's early combat operations is crucial, as it highlights the evolution of air warfare and the necessity of air support in modern military strategies.