Nothing captures the speed, action or excitement of a fencing event more than a photograph.
The majority of RAF events find some fencers with their camera handy to capture some of the action. Occasionally, personnel undertaking photographic training at RAF Cosford will use the fencing competition as practice towards their course, and we are all too happy to let them take as many photographs as they wish, as long as we get a copy.
Command Championships
Nominally held on the 1st weekend in February at RAF Cosford, each Command holds a separate competition to determine their Champions. This is then followed by an Inter Command competition at all 3 weapons to determine who is the best Command.
Senior Championships
The Senior Championships are open to ALL RAF fencers, from novice upwards. Selection for the RAF team for the Inter Service competition is finalised here, plus individuals can qualify for each weapon at the Combined Service Championships.
Inter Services
The premier event in the fencing calendar,this week long event always brings excitement. In addition to the Inter Service Triangular match, pitting RAF, RN and Army teams against each other, the individual events pit the top 12 fencers in each weapon from each Service against each other to determine the Combined Service champions.
One Hit Epee
Many competitions rolled into one, the One Hit epee has individual (mens and ladies), scratch team and Inter Unit titles to offer. If that isn't enough, the International Military event also takes place pitting RAF, Army, RN, Veterans (and in previous years Met Police and Civil Service) against each other in a rolling 45 event which always proves to be extremely close.
Junior Championships
The Junior Championships exclude any fencer who has received their RAF Blues or won the Junior Master-at-Arms title in the past. This provides the Junior fencers with a chance to demonstrate their abilities without having to face the RAF "big guns", and always leads to an exciting competition, with the Master-at-Arms elevated to Senior status.
Other Photographs
The RAF also compete at other invitational matches throughout the year, often competing as part of a Combined Services squad, and photographs are often made available.
Additionally, some retired fencers will submit photographs for inclusion on the website, and these will be displayed here.
