Fund launches the Tin Foil Aeroplane Challenge to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day

To mark 80 years since D-Day and Operation Taxable, the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has launched the Tin Foil Aeroplane Challenge.

On 5-6 June 1944, RAF personnel from 617 Squadron dropped aluminium foil from 16 Lancasters as a decoy to persuade the Germans that an Allied invasion of the Pas de Calais was imminent. The spoof invasion, part of Operation Taxable and a key component of broader deception plan Operation Bodyguard, was executed at the same time as the genuine landings. The overall deception played a major role in the success of the D-Day landings.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is encouraging members of the RAF Family, supporters of the Fund and the general public to get involved and make their own tin foil aeroplane to mark the milestone anniversary. Once created, participants are encouraged to record their attempt, post on social media and submit their score on the Fund’s leaderboard. By submitting a score, participants are entered into a randomised prize draw, with the chance of winning a special edition Red Arrows coin.

Ben Alonso, Director of Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "It is important for us to commemorate the efforts and sacrifice made by RAF personnel during D-Day and throughout the Second World War. Operation Taxable was a tactical, strategic and extremely clever decoy that played a huge role in the success of the D-Day landings. To mark the 80th anniversary, we hope members of the RAF Family, Fund supporters and the general public get on board with the Tin Foil Aeroplane Challenge for some creative and competitive fun!"

View the Fund’s How to Guide and video tutorial on making a tin foil aeroplane, as well as the online leaderboard here.