Air Ministry

The Air Ministry was formerly a department of the United Kingdom Government with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the Royal Air Force.

Towards the end of the First World War, on 17 August 1917, General Jan Smuts presented a report to the War Council on the future of air power. Because of its potential for the 'devastation of enemy lands and the destruction of industrial and populous centres on a vast scale', he recommended a new air service be formed that would be on a level with the Army and Royal Navy.

On 29 November 1917 the Air Force Bill received Royal Assent and the Air Ministry was formed on 2 January 1918. Lord Rothermere was appointed the first Air Minister.

The Air Ministry issued specifications for aircraft that British aircraft companies would supply prototypes to. These were then assessed, if ordered the Ministry assigned the aircraft name. (see List Of Air Ministry Specifications)

In 1964 the Air Ministry merged with the Admiralty and the War Office to form the Ministry of Defence.