The Band (also known as the RAF Central Band) was formed in 1920, shortly after the RAF had been formed in 1918. The RAF College Band was formed at the same time. On 22 April 1922, it became the first military band to broadcast on BBC Radio in London. It was the first military band to release an LP. Their version of the Theme from the Dam Busters reached No. 18 in October 1955, spending one week in the UK Top 20.