Field Marshal Prince Nakhon
Sawan Worapinit
Field Marshal Prince Nakornsawan Worapinit
was a son of King Chulalongkorn and Queen Sukumarn Malasri.
He was sent to Germany to study in a military school. After
his graduation, he served in the army assuming many important
posts such as Chief of General Staff and Minister of War.
He developed the Aviation Department earnestly, initiated
projects to increase the air power of the Thai Air Force through
the procurement of more aircraft, organized flight demonstration
and established various wings. Furthermore, he also had airfields
built in many provinces, he organized great exercise, opened
new air mail routes to provinces. He invited members of the
royal family to visit the Aviation Department at Don Muang,
bringing about great admiration, and contributions to buy
new aircraft.
Most importantly, the Field
Marshal successfully supported the manufacturing of bomber aircraft
by Thai technicians. The bomber aircraft flown to foster ties
among foreign countries, flaunting Thai flag abroad. The aircraft
was named "Boripat".
General Prince
Burachartra
The Commander of the Aviation Section
He was a son of King Chulalongkorn
and Chao Chom Manda Wad. He studied engineering in England.
After his graduation, he returned to Thailand and joined the
Thai army assuming many important posts such as Commander of
the Division and Inspector general of Engineering
The first flight demonstration
was held in Thailand because he wanted everyone to know that
whatever foreigners did, Thai people could also do so. He was
the first member of the royal family to board the airplane.
He informed King Mongkutklao of the importance of the aviation.
In 1911, he sent 3 selected
army officers to study aviation in France. Upon graduation,
these officers returned to Thailand, then the War Ministry bought
8 aircraft to be used in the army and established the Aviation
Section in the Army under the command of Inspector General of
Engineering.
The "Boripat"
aircraft was designed by the Air Force (then the "Aviation
Section") to be used in the army and on January 24, 1927
it was named after the name of Prince Boripat Sukhumphan Krompra
Nakornsawan Worapinit, the War Minister. This aircraft flown
to New Delhi, India on December 22, 1929 to show the dignity
of Thailand.
Field Marshal
Prince Nakhonchaisri Suradej
The Founder of the Royal Thai Air Force
Field Marshal Prince Nakhonchaisri
Suradej went to study military science at the Cadet School and
the Artillery School in Denmark. After his graduation, he came
back to serve in the Royal Thai Army and the War Ministry for
15 years. During that time, he assumed various significant positions
such as Chief of General Staff, and War Minister. Through out
his military career, he showed great efficiency. He restructured
and modernized the army as in Europe.
In 1911, he made a study
tour of the aviation in France. Upon returning to Thailand,
he informed General Prince Pisanuloke Prachanart, Chief of General
Staff, Royal Thai Army of the necessity for Thailand to procure
aircraft to defend the country. For this reason, the War Minister
sent three officers to study aviation in France and eventually
bought 8 aircraft to serve in the Thai Army for the first time
under the supervision of the Aviation Section. Hence, the General
is considered as the founder of the Royal Thai Air Force.
Field Marshal
Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanart
The patron of the Royal Thai Air Force
Field Marshal Prince Chakrabongse
Bhuvanart went to study military science in Russia. After graduation,
he returned to Thailand and assumed many important positions
such as Army Chief of General Staff and Minister of War. He
initated the selection of 3 officers to undergo aviation training
in France as he expected that it would be most beneficial to
Thailand in the future.
He initiated the idea of
establishing a flying unit in the Thai Army and set up the Aviation
Section in the Directorate of Engineering in 1913. During the
First World War, he was the commander in charge of war plans
and established the Volunteer Force as well as sending Thai
soldiers to help the Allies in Europe under the royal command
of King Mongkutklao. In 1919, aircraft was used for postal purpose.
Therefore, the Field Marshal has been regarded as the one who
earnestly reinforced the air power in Thailand.
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