N.B. This AH occurs in the 'Lucifer Device' timeline I have been developing elsewhere on this Forum . . .
Part One: Formation.
By late 1919, it was clear that there was no possibility of fighting resuming in Europe for the foreseeable future. With France exhausted, the United States seemingly disinterested, Germany in self-imposed isolation behind it's fortified borders, and the threat of British Carolinum Bombs raining from the skies, the 'Great War' had become the 'Cold War'.
With this in mind, The Senior Officers of the RAF began to make plans for the new 'Peace'.
Because of the inevitable large reductions in both men and equipment, it was recognised that a severe loss in morale could be expected.
Since there was still a possibility of hostilities resuming, this was to be avoided at all possible. Likewise, it was judged necessary to retain a sense of 'Air Mindedness' amongst the General Public, in order to produce both a supply of recruits, and political support for the RAF.
It was decided to hold a series of air shows up and down the country, and also to set up an aerobatic display team to perform at them.
It's pilots would be drawn from the ranks of the fighters squadrons, and support personnel from other parts of the RAF. It was further decided that the team would use the current RAF front-line fighter, this would avoid training for the pilots, and allow the public to see for themselves the 'Power of the RAF'.
Initially the new unit was to be attached to the RAF's Central Flying School. The team Leader was chosen from one of the Schools Instructors, and then an invitation was issued to all of the RAF's Fighters Squadron Commanders, inviting them to nominate their best pilot for secondment to the Team.
These pilots were then sent to the CFS, where they were assessed, and the top seven, five plus the Leader to make up a team of six, plus two reserves, chosen and posted to the CFS, as members of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Display Team.
It was planned that these original seven would serve on the Team for three years, after which, one would be promoted to Team Leader, two would remain for a further year, and the remaining three would be rotated back to their front-line squadron. Three new members would then be posted to the team, chosen by the same method as the original pilots.
Thereafter, every year, three of the Team would be rotated out, and replaced, and a new Leader chosen every three years.
Likewise the Team's aircraft were not to be permanently assigned, but would be attached for one year, then returned to an operational squadron. This would ensure the best use of the life of the RAF's stock of airframes.
For the first four years of the Team's existence, that aeroplane would be the Sopwith Snipe.
cheers,
Robin.