London Aeroplane Club

This badge belonged to Air Vice Marshal Sir William Sefton Brancker. A keen supporter of civil aviation in the 1920's, he encouraged the formation of flying clubs and new airports and airfields.

Sir Sefton Brancker had held important positions in the Royal Flying Corps and then the Royal Air Force during the First World War. In 1922 he was appointed the Director of Civil Aviation and Chairman of the Royal Aero Club Racing Committee, during which time the Royal Aero Club – Light Aeroplane Club scheme was formed. Between 1925 and 1939, around 60 Flying Clubs were formed. The scheme trained many pilots who would go on to fly with the RAF during the Second World War.