Graham Bladon

Who was Graham Bladon?

Air Commodore Graham Clarke Bladon CB CBE RAF was a Royal Air Force officer who served during the first half of the 20th century.

After flying training at Cranwell, Bladon served as a pilot in the Royal Naval Air Service.

On 18 November 1918, he flew Albert King of the Belgians over the first world war battlefields, so that the king could survey the destruction brought upon his country.

He transferred to the Royal Air Force on its creation and, in 1951, he was appointed the first Commander of the Royal Ceylon Air Force. Bladon initially established headquarters in two rooms at the Galle Face hotel. He subsequently acquired the land at Parson’s road and shifted the AFHQ there. Bladon’s time was a true test of determination and will to succeed. He relinquished command on 8 October 1958.