Michael Beetham

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Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham, GCB, CBE, DFC, AFC, DL, was born in 1923. As a young man he witnessed the Battle of Britain and he subsequently joined the RAF in May 1941. During the Second World War he was assigned flying duties with 50 Squadron and 57 Squadron.

Following the Second World War, Sir Michael's appointments have included: Officer Commanding 214 Squadron, Station Commander RAF Khomaksar (in Aden), Commandant of the RAF Staff College and Commander in Chief RAF Germany and the Second Tactical Air Force. Air Marshal Beetham's final tour saw him appointed as the professional head of his Service and he served for more than 5 years as Chief of the Air Staff.

As a Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Michael remains on the RAF's active list, although for practical purposes he retired on 26 September 1999. Sir Michael holds the appointment of Honorary Air Commodore of No 2620 Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment and he is President of the RAF Museum and the Bomber Command Association.

Military Offices
Preceded by Sir Neil Cameron	Chief of the Air Staff 1977–1982	Succeeded by Sir Keith Williamson