The Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition was held at Roundhay Park in the late spring of 1919 and boasted an outstanding collection of aircraft and artefacts. Its aim was to give the public an idea of the advances made in aerial warfare and technical aeronautical matters, as well as to augment the funds of RAF charities. The public at this time were still greatly excited by aviation and the chance to view the 20 British planes on display just seven months after the Armistice proved popular. The exhibition also offered the first ever chance for members of the public to make ascents in a military balloon. These photos showcase what was on offer to visitors and are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Fantastic photos show life in Leeds during the 1910s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition
The temporary Cinematograph Hall and Picture Gallery. This building was normally the tearooms, Park caf or Lakeside Caf located close to Waterloo Lake. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition
On the left is an Avro 504 which has a rotary engine. They were stable and easy to fly so served as the RAF's basic training machines for pilots into the 1930s. In the background there is a Sopwith 'Pup' or 'Scout'. This was a single seater scout machine. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition
Inside Shed No. 1, which displayed the Armaments Section. On display in the metal casings at the back include a 520 lb bomb of the type carried by airships and aeroplanes for anti-submarine duties. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition
A De-Havillard DH49 was the RFC's main tactical bomber of the late war period. Just visible in the cockpit are the basic flying instruments and, voice tube for speaking to the observer in the rear cockpit. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition
The aircraft, front left, is a Sopwith Camel (1917-1918), probably Britain's best scout and fighter plane of the war. At the front right, F3556, is a Royal Aircraft Factory RE8, a general service machine Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Royal Air Force Aircraft Exhibition
A Kite Balloon (military observation balloon) appears to be being prepared for flight. The public could make ascents with a pilot, weather permitting, at a cost of 10 shillings and 6d in old money Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net