DOCSLIB.ORG

The Territorial Air Force 1925-1957 – Officer Class and Recruitment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Territorial Air Force 1925-1957 – Officer Class and Recruitment The Territorial Air Force 1925-1957 – Officer Class and Recruitment FRANCES LOUISE WILKINSON A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy January 2017 This work or any part thereof has not previously been presented in any form to the University or to any other body whether for the purposes of assessment, publication or for any other purpose (unless otherwise indicated). Save for any express acknowledgments, references and/or bibliographies cited in the work, I confirm that the intellectual content of the work is the result of my own efforts and of no other person. The right of Frances Louise Wilkinson to be identified as author of this work is asserted in accordance with ss.77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. At this date copyright is owned by the author. Signature……………………………………….. Date…………………………………………….. 1 Abstract Little has been written about the Territorial Air Force (TAF) as a voluntary military organisation and no sustained analysis of its recruitment and social composition undertaken. Made up of three different parts, the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF), the Special Reserve (SR) and the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR), these three separate and different groups have not featured significantly in existing literature. Current historiography of the AAF and SR is dominated by the experiences of 600 and 601 Squadrons based in London and presents a popular image of a gentleman's flying club, whilst that of the RAFVR presents an image of a much more egalitarian institution, intended to be a citizens’ air force. This thesis presents new and detailed research into the recruitment and social backgrounds of men serving in both the pre and post-war TAF. It seeks to provide an overview of the social composition of all AAF and SR squadrons and offers a case study of 608 (North Riding) Squadron based at Thornaby Aerodrome between 1930 and 1957. Using primary documents from the National Archives (TNA) and recently digitised press records, it explores the recruitment processes, social backgrounds and social relations of personnel in the TAF. Whilst focusing primarily on officers, it looks too at the experience of non-officer recruits. Its findings indicate that the structures and cultures of the AAF and SR squadrons were indeed similar to the well-publicised London squadrons, whilst those for the RAFVR were much more elite than was expected. Military voluntarism continued to play a key role in the defence of twentieth-century Britain, but the underlying tensions and weaknesses associated with a class-based voluntary culture meant that the TAF had to change in response to new pressures. The thesis charts how these changes began to manifest themselves in the post-war world. Class ceased to be the key determining factor in the recruitment of officers as the organisations faced new challenges. Within both the AAF and the RAFVR the pre-war impression of a gentlemen's flying club finally gave way to a more meritocratic culture in the post-war world. 2 Contents PAGE NUMBER Abstract 2 Acronyms 4 List of Illustrations 5 List of Tables 6-7 Introduction 8-13 Literature Review 13-35 Research Questions 35-42 Methodology 42-49 Chapter 1 – The Creation of the Reserve Forces 50-79 Chapter 2 – The Recruitment Process of the Territorial Air Force 1925-1939 80-105 Chapter 3 – The Social Composition of the Territorial Air Force Prior to 1939 106-168 Chapter 4 – The Reconstitution of the Territorial Air Force 1946-1957 169-228 Chapter 5 – The Social Composition of the Territorial Air Force after 1945 229-284 Conclusion 285-300 Bibliography 301-356 3 Acronyms Territorial Air Force TAF Auxiliary Air Force AAF Special Reserve SR Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve RAFVR Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAuxAF Royal Air Force RAF Royal Flying Corps RFC The National Archives TNA Territorial Army TA Royal Naval Air Service RNAS Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve RNVR University Air Squadron UAS Commanding Officer CO Non Commissioned Officer NCO Aircraftsman Second Class AC2 Operational Record Book ORB Air Member for Personnel Development AMP Royal Aero Club RAeC Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School ERFTS Territorial Force Association TFA North Atlantic Treaty Organisation NATO Navy Army Air Force Institute NAAFI Distinguished Flying Cross DFC Distinguished Flying Medal DFM List of Illustrations 4 Page Number 1. Manning Britain’s Radar Defences – Recruiting advertisement October 1951 178 2. Manning Britain’s Radar Defences – Recruiting advertisement January 1952 179 3. Join a Fighter Control Unit – Recruiting advertisement April 1950 180 4. Service with the RAF Volunteer Reserve – Recruiting advertisement July 1948 195 5. Spare Time – Recruiting advertisement August 1948 196 6. Air Minded – Recruiting advertisement January 1949 197 7. There’s a Place For You in the Part-Time RAF – Recruiting advertisement January 1950 198 8. Managing Directors are Proud to be Mechanics – Recruiting advertisement March 1950 199 9. You Don’t Have to Fly to Join – Recruiting advertisement May 1950 200 10.Spend Flying Weekends – Recruiting advertisement June 1950 201 11.Do a Grand Job in Your Spare Time – Recruiting advertisement December 1950 202 12.Help Keep Britain ‘On Top’ in the Air – Recruiting advertisement January 1951 203 13.There’s a Place For You in the Part-Time RAF – Recruiting advertisement January 1951 204 14.There’s a Place For You in the Part-Time RAF – Recruiting advertisement June 1952 205 15.There’s a Place For You in the Part-Time RAF – Recruiting advertisement September 1952 206 16.Berlin 1943 and Back 1953 – Recruiting advertisement March 1953 207 17.Letter to RAuxAF Squadron Members from Secretary of State for Air – 11th November 1957 225 18.Punch Cartoon – 30th January 1957 226 List of Tables 5 Page Number 1. Principles Governing the Special Reserve and The Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons 85 2. To Maintain or Merge the Special Reserve Squadrons 96-97 3. Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Initial Data 110 4. 600 and 601 Squadron Combined Data by Category 120 5. Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Southern Squadrons Showing Percentage of Men with Biographies 130 6. Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Northern Squadrons showing Percentage of Men with Biographies 143 7. Combined Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Data by Category 144 8. Comparison between English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Squadrons with Biographical Details 145 9. English Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 146 10.Scottish Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 147 11.Irish Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 148 12.Welsh Auxiliary Air Force and Special Reserve Squadrons with Biographical Details 148 13.608 (North Riding) Squadron Auxiliary Air Force Biographical Details by Category 150 14.Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Initial Data 160 15.Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Data by Category 163 16.Auxiliary Air Force and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve actual numbers as a direct comparison by category 164 17.Reconstituted Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons Name, Classification and Location 174 18. Reconstituted Auxiliary Air Force Pilots in Training – Type of Aircraft against Percentage of Pilots 175 19.Name of Individual Auxiliary Air Force Squadron and New Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Squadron and New Air Defence Unit 177 20.Pre-War Auxiliary Air Force Officers who re-joined the Post-War Royal Auxiliary Air Force 235-236 21.600 and 601 Squadron Comparison Between Pre and Post-War Initial Data 240 22.600 and 601 Squadron Comparison Between Pre and Post-War Data by Category 240 23.Royal Auxiliary Air Force Initial Data 256 24.Royal Auxiliary Air Force Data by Category 257 25.Northern Squadrons Showing Percentage of Men with Biographies 259 6 26.Southern Squadrons Showing Percentage of Men with Biographies 259 27.Comparison Between English Scottish Irish and Welsh Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons with Biographical Details 260 28.English Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 261 29.Scottish Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 261 30.Irish Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 262 31.Welsh Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons with Biographical Details by Category 262 32.Royal Auxiliary Air Force Data for Men With No Squadron Number Given by Category 263 33.Pre-War versus Post-War Recruitment for Case Study Squadron 273 34.Pre-War Versus Post-War Recruitment for Case Study Squadron by Category 273 35.Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Initial Data 276 36.Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Data by Category 276 37.Pre-War Versus Post-War Recruiting of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Year on Year 277 38.Pre-War Versus Post-War Recruiting of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Year on Year 279 39.Post-War Royal Auxiliary Air Force Recruitment Compared to the Post-War Recruitment for the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 280 40.Pre-War Auxiliary Air Force Recruiting Versus the Post-War Royal Auxiliary Air Force Recruiting by Squadron 281 41.Royal Auxiliary Air Force Data Versus Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Data by Category 282 Introduction 7 In the early 1920s the Royal Air Force (RAF) was in its infancy, created on April 1st 1918, whilst its predecessor, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) had been created in 1912, prior to the First World War in 1914. Flying itself was new and exciting; people would still come out of their houses and gaze to the sky if an engine above was heard. Martin Francis in his book entitled The Flyer.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Coastwatcher
    13 JUN-CTWG Op Eval TRANEX TBA-JUL CTWG Encampment 21-23 AUG-CTWG/USAF Evaluation Missions for 15-23 AUG-NER Glider Academy@KSVF America 26-29 AUG-CAP National Conference Semper vigilans! 12 SEP-Cadet Ball-USCGA Semper volans! CADET MEETING REPORT The Coastwatcher 24 February, 2015 Publication of the Thames River Composite Squadron Connecticut Wing Maj Roy Bourque outlined the Squadron Civil Air Patrol Rocketry Program and set deadlines for Cadet submission of plans. 300 Tower Rd., Groton, CT http://ct075.org . The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning was the subject of the safety meeting. C/2dLt Jessica LtCol Stephen Rocketto, Editor Carter discussed the prevention and detection of [email protected] this hazardous gas and opened up the forum to comments and questions from the Cadets. C/CMSgt Virginia Poe, Scribe C/SMSgt Michael Hollingsworth, Printer's Devil C/CMSgt Virginia Poe delivered her Armstrong Lt David Meers & Maj Roy Bourque, Papparazis Lecture on the “The Daily Benefits of the Hap Rocketto, Governor-ASOQB, Feature Editor Aerospace Program.” Vol. IX 9.08 25 February, 2015 Maj Brendan Schultz delivered his Eaker Lecture explaining the value of leadership skills learned in SCHEDULE OF COMING EVENT the Cadet Program and encouraged Cadets to apply their learning to the world outside of CAP. 03 MAR-TRCS Staff Meeting 10 MAR-TRCS Meeting C/SrA Thomas Turner outlined the history of 17 MAR-TRCS Meeting rocket propulsion from Hero's Aeopile to the 21 MAR-CTWG WWII Gold Medal Ceremony landing on the moon. He then explained each of 24 MAR-TRCS Meeting Newton's Three Laws of Dynamics and showed 31 MAR-TRCS Meeting their applications to rocketry.
    [Show full text]
  • Shelf List 05/31/2011 Matches 4631
    Shelf List 05/31/2011 Matches 4631 Call# Title Author Subject 000.1 WARBIRD MUSEUMS OF THE WORLD EDITORS OF AIR COMBAT MAG WAR MUSEUMS OF THE WORLD IN MAGAZINE FORM 000.10 FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM, THE THE FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM YEOVIL, ENGLAND 000.11 GUIDE TO OVER 900 AIRCRAFT MUSEUMS USA & BLAUGHER, MICHAEL A. EDITOR GUIDE TO AIRCRAFT MUSEUMS CANADA 24TH EDITION 000.2 Museum and Display Aircraft of the World Muth, Stephen Museums 000.3 AIRCRAFT ENGINES IN MUSEUMS AROUND THE US SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIST OF MUSEUMS THROUGH OUT THE WORLD WORLD AND PLANES IN THEIR COLLECTION OUT OF DATE 000.4 GREAT AIRCRAFT COLLECTIONS OF THE WORLD OGDEN, BOB MUSEUMS 000.5 VETERAN AND VINTAGE AIRCRAFT HUNT, LESLIE LIST OF COLLECTIONS LOCATION AND AIRPLANES IN THE COLLECTIONS SOMEWHAT DATED 000.6 VETERAN AND VINTAGE AIRCRAFT HUNT, LESLIE AVIATION MUSEUMS WORLD WIDE 000.7 NORTH AMERICAN AIRCRAFT MUSEUM GUIDE STONE, RONALD B. LIST AND INFORMATION FOR AVIATION MUSEUMS 000.8 AVIATION AND SPACE MUSEUMS OF AMERICA ALLEN, JON L. LISTS AVATION MUSEUMS IN THE US OUT OF DATE 000.9 MUSEUM AND DISPLAY AIRCRAFT OF THE UNITED ORRISS, BRUCE WM. GUIDE TO US AVIATION MUSEUM SOME STATES GOOD PHOTOS MUSEUMS 001.1L MILESTONES OF AVIATION GREENWOOD, JOHN T. EDITOR SMITHSONIAN AIRCRAFT 001.2.1 NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM, THE BRYAN, C.D.B. NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM COLLECTION 001.2.2 NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM, THE, SECOND BRYAN,C.D.B. MUSEUM AVIATION HISTORY REFERENCE EDITION Page 1 Call# Title Author Subject 001.3 ON MINIATURE WINGS MODEL AIRCRAFT OF THE DIETZ, THOMAS J.
    [Show full text]
  • Inscribed 6 (2).Pdf
    Inscribed6 CONTENTS 1 1. AVIATION 33 2. MILITARY 59 3. NAVAL 67 4. ROYALTY, POLITICIANS, AND OTHER PUBLIC FIGURES 180 5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 195 6. HIGH LATITUDES, INCLUDING THE POLES 206 7. MOUNTAINEERING 211 8. SPACE EXPLORATION 214 9. GENERAL TRAVEL SECTION 1. AVIATION including books from the libraries of Douglas Bader and “Laddie” Lucas. 1. [AITKEN (Group Captain Sir Max)]. LARIOS (Captain José, Duke of Lerma). Combat over Spain. Memoirs of a Nationalist Fighter Pilot 1936–1939. Portrait frontispiece, illustrations. First edition. 8vo., cloth, pictorial dust jacket. London, Neville Spearman. nd (1966). £80 A presentation copy, inscribed on the half title page ‘To Group Captain Sir Max AitkenDFC. DSO. Let us pray that the high ideals we fought for, with such fervent enthusiasm and sacrifice, may never be allowed to perish or be forgotten. With my warmest regards. Pepito Lerma. May 1968’. From the dust jacket: ‘“Combat over Spain” is one of the few first-hand accounts of the Spanish Civil War, and is the only one published in England to be written from the Nationalist point of view’. Lerma was a bomber and fighter pilot for the duration of the war, flying 278 missions. Aitken, the son of Lord Beaverbrook, joined the RAFVR in 1935, and flew Blenheims and Hurricanes, shooting down 14 enemy aircraft. Dust jacket just creased at the head and tail of the spine. A formidable Vic formation – Bader, Deere, Malan. 2. [BADER (Group Captain Douglas)]. DEERE (Group Captain Alan C.) DOWDING Air Chief Marshal, Lord), foreword. Nine Lives. Portrait frontispiece, illustrations. First edition.
    [Show full text]
  • Sir Frank Cooper on Air Force Policy in the 1950S & 1960S
    The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors concerned and are not necessarily those held by the Royal Air Force Historical Society Copyright © Royal Air Force Historical Society, 1993 All rights reserved. 1 Copyright © 1993 by Royal Air Force Historical Society First published in the UK in 1993 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing. Printed by Hastings Printing Company Limited Royal Air Force Historical Society 2 THE PROCEEDINGS OFTHE ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Issue No 11 President: Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham GCB CBE DFC AFC Committee Chairman: Air Marshal Sir Frederick B Sowrey KCB CBE AFC General Secretary: Group Captain J C Ainsworth CEng MRAeS Membership Secretary: Commander P O Montgomery VRD RNR Treasurer: D Goch Esq FCCA Programme Air Vice-Marshal G P Black CB OBE AFC Sub-Committee: Air Vice-Marshal F D G Clark CBE BA Air Commodore J G Greenhill FBIM T C G James CMG MA *Group Captain I Madelin Air Commodore H A Probert MBE MA Group Captain A R Thompson MBE MPhil BA FBIM MIPM Members: A S Bennell Esq MA BLitt *Dr M A Fopp MA PhD FMA FBIM A E Richardson *Group Captain N E Taylor BSc D H Wood Comp RAeS * Ex-officio The General Secretary Regrettably our General Secretary of five years standing, Mr B R Jutsum, has found it necessary to resign from the post and the committee.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal 21 – Seminar – Malaya, Korea & Kuwait
    ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL 21 2 The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the contributors concerned and are not necessarily those held by the Royal Air Force Historical Society. First published in the UK in 2000 Copyright 200: Royal Air Force Historical Society All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing. ISSN 1361-4231 Printed by Fotodirect Ltd Enterprise Estate, Crowhurst Road Brighton, East Sussex BN1 8AF Tel 01273 563111 3 ROYAL AIR FORCE HISTORICAL SOCIETY President Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham GCB CBE DFC AFC Vice-President Air Marshal Sir Frederick Sowrey KCB CBE AFC Committee Chairman Air Vice-Marshal N B Baldwin CB CBE Vice-Chairman Group Captain J D Heron OBE General Secretary Wing Commander C G Jefford MBE BA Membership Secretary Dr Jack Dunham PhD CPsychol AMRAeS Treasurer Desmond Goch Esq FCAA Members *J S Cox BA MA *Dr M A Fopp MA FMA FIMgt *Group Captain P J Greville RAF Air Commodore H A Probert MBE MA Editor, Publications Derek H Wood Esq AFRAeS Publications Manager Roy Walker Esq ACIB *Ex Officio 4 CONTENTS Malaya, Korea and Kuwait seminar Malaya 5 Korea 59 Kuwait 90 MRAF Lord Tedder by Dr V Orange 145 Book Reviews 161 5 RAF OPERATIONS 1948-1961 MALAYA – KOREA – KUWAIT WELCOMING ADDRESS BY SOCIETY CHAIRMAN Air Vice-Marshal Nigel Baldwin It is a pleasure to welcome all of you today.
    [Show full text]
  • TRE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE [No
    TRE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE [No. 74 Dated 12th November, 1945- Dated 3rd November, 1945- , Flight Lieutenant Leslie William KENNEDY. Flight Lieutenant Malcolm George SUTHERLAND. Flight Lieutenant Charles Francis Howard MANSFIELD. Flying Officer John William THOMASON. Flight Lieutenant Robert Harry BRICKELL. Flying Officer Major George IRWIN. Flight Lieutenant Roy Robert George FISHER. Dated 5th November, 1945: Flight Lieutenant John Loftus Flight Lieutenant James Joseph OLIVER, D.F.C. SHANAHAN. Flight Lieutenant Charles Wallace BERESFORD. Dated 6th November, 1945: Flying Officer William Stewart Flying Officer Edward George ATKINS. BowNEs. Flying Officer Anthony Armstrong THOMPSON. Flying Officer Raymond George NORTON. Dated 7th November, 1945- _ Pilot Officer Ronald Edward BRIZZELL. Flying Officer Alan William ALBRECHT. Flying Officer Samuel Walter JANES. Dated 13th November, 1945- Flying Officer Robert Charles MILLWARD. Squadron Leader William Robert Browning WATSON. Flight Lieutenant Bernard Joseph JEFFERSON. Dated 8th November, 1945: Flying Officer Leonard James Flying Officer Joseph Seymour JOHNSTON. GLENNIE. Flying Officer Hugh John MILLS, D.F.M. Dated 9th November, 1945- Flying Officer James Lewis BATHGATE. Squadron Leader Max Wilson MILLS. Flying Officer Lionel Horace BURRIDGE. Flight Lieutenant Harold Laurence OAKLEY. Pilot Officer Morton George Frederick MAILMAN. Flying Officer Norman Alger WALLACE. Dated 14th November, 1945- Flying Officer Maxwell TOVEY. Flight Lieutenant Edward Sydney HENZEL, D.F.C. Da.ted 10th November, 1945- Flight Lieutenant Jack Saywell TARRANT. Flight Lieutenant John Frederick MORGAN. Flight Lieutenant Roy Keith MORRIS. Flying Officer Kenneth Richard AusTIN. Flying Officer John Hector McINDOE. Dated 12th November, 1945- Dated 15th November, 1945- Flight Lieutenant Robert George THOMSON. Flight Lieutenant Raymond BATENBURG, D.F.C.
    [Show full text]
  • RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine Noise and Vibration Division
    RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine Noise and Vibration Division RAF Henlow Bedfordshire SG16 6DN Tel:RAF 01462 851515 Ext 6051 Mil: 95381 6051 Fax: 01462 857657 Mil: 95381 Ext 6051 Email: [email protected] DSEA-CPA-Policy 1a Date: 15 MAY 2013 REPORT NUMBER: OEM/22/13 A REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE IMPACT OF RAF CHURCH FENTON. Author: Max Glencross, Noise and Vibration Division, RAF CAM, RAF Henlow. References: A. RAFCAM Tasking Proforma file reference 0409100903. B. RAFCAM NVD Report OEM/17/01. C. Wimpey Report No: ER0325/07 dated Aug 89. INTRODUCTION 1. The Noise and Vibration Division (NVD) of the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine (CAM) were tasked at Reference A by DSEA-CPA-Policy 1a to conduct a Noise Amelioration Scheme (Military) review of RAF Church Fenton. 2. A Noise Insulation Grant Scheme (NIGS) review of RAF Church Fenton was conducted in 2001 (Reference B). The most recent Environmental Noise Contours of RAF Church Fenton were produced in Feb 1989 (Reference C). The 2001 review found that the number of movements since 1989 had decreased and the conclusion was the 1989 contours were still relevant. 3. The survey conducted in 1989 included the Percival Jet Provost turbojet which was stationed at RAF Church Fenton in a training role for fast jet, multi-engine and rotary-wing aircraft pilots. In Apr 1992 the station closed and therefore the NIGS was suspended, but the airfield remained open as a relief landing ground for the Tucano turboprop aircraft operating from RAF Linton-on-Ouse. The Tucano replaced the Jet Provost.
    [Show full text]
  • Premises, Sites Etc Within 30 Miles of Harrington Museum Used for Military Purposes in the 20Th Century
    Premises, Sites etc within 30 miles of Harrington Museum used for Military Purposes in the 20th Century The following listing attempts to identify those premises and sites that were used for military purposes during the 20th Century. The listing is very much a works in progress document so if you are aware of any other sites or premises within 30 miles of Harrington, Northamptonshire, then we would very much appreciate receiving details of them. Similarly if you spot any errors, or have further information on those premises/sites that are listed then we would be pleased to hear from you. Please use the reporting sheets at the end of this document and send or email to the Carpetbagger Aviation Museum, Sunnyvale Farm, Harrington, Northampton, NN6 9PF, [email protected] We hope that you find this document of interest. Village/ Town Name of Location / Address Distance to Period used Use Premises Museum Abthorpe SP 646 464 34.8 km World War 2 ANTI AIRCRAFT SEARCHLIGHT BATTERY Northamptonshire The site of a World War II searchlight battery. The site is known to have had a generator and Nissen huts. It was probably constructed between 1939 and 1945 but the site had been destroyed by the time of the Defence of Britain survey. Ailsworth Manor House Cambridgeshire World War 2 HOME GUARD STORE A Company of the 2nd (Peterborough) Battalion Northamptonshire Home Guard used two rooms and a cellar for a company store at the Manor House at Ailsworth Alconbury RAF Alconbury TL 211 767 44.3 km 1938 - 1995 AIRFIELD Huntingdonshire It was previously named 'RAF Abbots Ripton' from 1938 to 9 September 1942 while under RAF Bomber Command control.
    [Show full text]
  • PDF File, 139.89 KB
    Armed Forces Equivalent Ranks Order Men Women Royal New Zealand New Zealand Army Royal New Zealand New Zealand Naval New Zealand Royal New Zealand Navy: Women’s Air Force: Forces Army Air Force Royal New Zealand New Zealand Royal Women’s Auxilliary Naval Service Women’s Royal New Zealand Air Force Army Corps Nursing Corps Officers Officers Officers Officers Officers Officers Officers Vice-Admiral Lieutenant-General Air Marshal No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent Rear-Admiral Major-General Air Vice-Marshal No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent Commodore, 1st and Brigadier Air Commodore No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent 2nd Class Captain Colonel Group Captain Superintendent Colonel Matron-in-Chief Group Officer Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Wing Commander Chief Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Principal Matron Wing Officer Lieutentant- Major Squadron Leader First Officer Major Matron Squadron Officer Commander Lieutenant Captain Flight Lieutenant Second Officer Captain Charge Sister Flight Officer Sub-Lieutenant Lieutenant Flying Officer Third Officer Lieutenant Sister Section Officer Senior Commis- sioned Officer Lieutenant Flying Officer Third Officer Lieutenant Sister Section Officer (Branch List) { { Pilot Officer Acting Pilot Officer Probationary Assistant Section Acting Sub-Lieuten- 2nd Lieutenant but junior to Third Officer 2nd Lieutenant No equivalent Officer ant Navy and Army { ranks) Commissioned Officer No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent No equivalent No
    [Show full text]
  • 20190409-Old Cranwellians-Apr19 V1.4-O with Images
    RAF News Brief 2019/2 Organisation Operational Service Medal In 2017, Her Majesty The Queen agreed the introduction of a new Operational Service Medal (OSM) for Op SHADER. In February 2019, Her Majesty The Queen graciously approved an extension of the medal without clasp for personnel assessed as making a significant and direct operational contribution, but outside the joint operational area for Op SHADER. Under new rules, personnel from all three services serving from outside the traditional area of operations, such as operators of RAF Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) aircraft, can now receive the Op SHADER medal without clasp. The award of the medal reflects the changing nature of modern conflict and recognises the vital contribution that personnel working from outside the operational area of Iraq and Syria have made to the campaign. This will be the first time that RPAS crews have received formal medallic recognition. Ground crew serving at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where UK airstrikes over Iraq and Syria are launched from are also eligible, as well as Army and Navy personnel providing logistic and communications support. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, said: “I am delighted to see this wider recognition of the RAF’s vital contribution to Op SHADER. Under the previous criteria, only about 14% of RAF personnel who had supported Op SHADER were entitled to receive the OSM. Under the new criteria, that proportion rises to over two-thirds. I extend my personal thanks and congratulations to all those who will now receive the OSM for their outstanding Op SHADER contribution.” Update on Defence Estate Optimisation Programme The MOD published an update to the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme in March 2019, setting new information for 33 military sites across the UK.
    [Show full text]
  • FALL 2011 - Volume 58, Number 3 the Air Force Historical Foundation Founded on May 27, 1953 by Gen Carl A
    FALL 2011 - Volume 58, Number 3 WWW.AFHISTORICALFOUNDATION.ORG The Air Force Historical Foundation Founded on May 27, 1953 by Gen Carl A. “Tooey” Spaatz MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS and other air power pioneers, the Air Force Historical All members receive our exciting and informative Foundation (AFHF) is a nonprofi t tax exempt organization. Air Power History Journal, either electronically or It is dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation and on paper, covering: all aspects of aerospace history appropriate publication of the history and traditions of American aviation, with emphasis on the U.S. Air Force, its • Chronicles the great campaigns and predecessor organizations, and the men and women whose the great leaders lives and dreams were devoted to fl ight. The Foundation • Eyewitness accounts and historical articles serves all components of the United States Air Force— Active, Reserve and Air National Guard. • In depth resources to museums and activities, to keep members connected to the latest and AFHF strives to make available to the public and greatest events. today’s government planners and decision makers information that is relevant and informative about Preserve the legacy, stay connected: all aspects of air and space power. By doing so, the • Membership helps preserve the legacy of current Foundation hopes to assure the nation profi ts from past and future US air force personnel. experiences as it helps keep the U.S. Air Force the most modern and effective military force in the world. • Provides reliable and accurate accounts of historical events. The Foundation’s four primary activities include a quarterly journal Air Power History, a book program, a • Establish connections between generations.
    [Show full text]
  • Battle of Britain Historical Society Plaques
    Battle of Britain Historical Society Plaques County / Region School No Names on Plaque Presented & Attended Berkshire Maidenhead Grammar 2 Old Miadonians & BofBHS member Bucks Amersham Dr Challoners Grammar School 2 Lord Lieutenant Cheshire Athey St School Maccelsfield 1 Jon Eeles BofBHS Member Cheshire Boteler School Warrington 1 Sponsor & Mark Andrew Cheshire Stockport Grammar 2 Vet Peter Brown, Sponsor & Mark Andrew Co Durham Hartlepool College Teeside 1 Mayor Co Durham Ian Ramsay School. Stockton on Tees 2 James Wharton MP Cumbria Carlisle Trinity School 1 Dep Lord Lieutenant Cumbria Nelson Tomlinson School Wigton Cumbira 1 Lord Lieutenant Cumbria QEGS Penrith 1 Mark Andrew for Rt Hon David McClean MP Devon Teignmouth College Devon 1 Dep Lord Lieutenant Gloucestershire Cheltenham College 13 Nov Remembrance Service Gloucestershire Rendcomb College 1 Wing Cmd Page Herts Hemel Hempstead High 1 Son of WO Denchfield Herts Ware St Edmunds College Hertfordshire 1 Gerry Burke BofBHS Kent St Michaels School Maidstone 1 Lord Lieutenant Kent Sutton Vallance School, Kent 1 Bill Bond MBE Kent Tonbridge School 11 Mark Andrew & Soc Members Lancashire Liverpool College 5 Major Gen Wildman CBE Leicestershire Dixie Grammar School, Market Harborough 1 Lord Lieutenant Northants Oundle School 8 Bill Bond MBE Lincolnshire St James Grimsby 2 Austin Mitchell MP London Dulwich College 13 Vet Bob Doe & Soc Members London Harrow School 19 Edward Fox OBE London Mill Hill School 2 Arthur Holmes Pickering London Trinity School Croydon 4 BofBHS Members London Whitgift
    [Show full text]