Viscount Trenchard accepted the Presidency. The new Association was to make rapid progress in the early 1930s, although membership was to remain fairly small. Benevolent schemes began, and Christmas hampers were sent to unemployed members in those difficult days. In 1936 George V gave his patronage, and the Association has had Royal Patrons ever since. The size of the RAF remained modest until the effects of the re-armament programme began to be felt in 1938. The strength of the "Comrades" never grew beyond 10,000 in pre-war days. Following the outbreak of war in 1939, the Women's Auxiliary Air Force reformed, and the Women’s Royal Air Force Old Comrades Association (created in 1919) opened its membership to all ranks of the new female air service. In 1941, the two Old Comrades organisations for airmen and airwomen merged, resulting in a combined membership of nearly 20,000. By 1943, with more than a million serving in the RAF, it became clear that if the Association was to plan an effective part in the post-war era, it would need to be organised. The Association's Committee concluded that its aims and objectives should be extended beyond its original purpose, "to advise and assist all ranks leaving the Royal Air Force in regard to pensions, disability awards, grants, etc... to assist all ranks leaving the Royal Air Force to find suitable employment; to advise and assist all ranks leaving the Royal Air Force upon any business or financial transaction connected with their re-entry into civil life; ... To co-operate with any Government department and/or other Organisations having similar objects to this Association." The Air Council was advised that the Association was considering a change of name, that it desired to obtain a Royal Charter, and that its support of the application would be sought in due course. In 1943, the name of the organisation was changed to "The Royal Air Forces Association" with membership open to all who were serving or had served in the Royal Air Forces of the Crown. The Association was officially recognised by the Air Ministry. Branches were grouped into Regions. A National Council, under the chairmanship of Air Chief Marshal Sir John Steel was formed to replace the Committee of CRAFA, upon which Regions were represented, was formed and welfare services including legal and general advice, pensions and employment were instituted. The foundations of the charity's present structure were laid in