Royal Air Force Cranwell or more simply RAF Cranwell is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire, England, close to the village of Cranwell, near Sleaford. Among other functions, it is home to the Royal Air Force College (RAFC), which trains the RAF's new officers and aircrew. The motto, Altium Altrix, meaning "Nurture the highest" appears above the main doors of the Officers Mess. Since January 2023, RAF Cranwell has been commanded by Group Captain Tina Jessup.
College Hall at Royal Air Force College Cranwell
RAF Cranwell on a target dossier of the German Luftwaffe, 1941
An Embraer Phenom 100, operated by No. 45 Squadron's based at RAF Cranwell
Cranwell is a village in the civil parish of Cranwell, Brauncewell and Byard's Leap, in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. It is situated approximately 3 miles (5 km) north-west from Sleaford and 14 miles (23 km) south-east from Lincoln. The principal through road, the B1429 between the A15 to the east and the A17 to the west, joins the village to RAF Cranwell. The appropriate civil parish is called Cranwell, Brauncewell and Byard's Leap with a population of 2,827 at the 2011 census.
Cranwell village centre, view of the medieval buttercross base with later addition
Gates of College Hall, RAF Cranwell