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Aviation History
1947
1947 - 0552.PDF
FLIGHT \K <7 APRIL IOTH, 1947 SERVICE AVIATION in R.A.F. aircraft, especially in theheavy-load category, for there were many technical design problems which hadfirst to be overcome. Commenting on technical achievementswithin the Commands he had visited Sir Roderic said: "I consider that R.A.F.Commands are doing excellent work, in spite of the many difficulties due to short-age of man-power consequent upon demobilization. The Halton and Cran-well-trained apprentices, commissioned or non-commissioned, have once againshown fine qualities and proved to be the backbone of our Technical Organiza-tion." Boy Entrants DOYS between 15 and 17J may now-I-* volunteer to join the R.A.F. under a new scheme—the Boy Entrants'Scheme. They will be given technical training in a skilled trade and will signon for service and training up to 18, and for 12 years' service from 18, part ofwhich may be on the Reserve. The trades open under the scheme are: Air-craft Finisher, Telegraphist and the mechanics' trades of Airframe, Arma-ment, Electrical, Engine, and Instru- ment Mechanics. A boy entrant's prospects of a com-mission are the same as for other regular airmen who are not apprentice-trained.Some will also be chosen for training as pilots and navigators, with the chance of acommission in the General Duties branch, or of re-engaging to complete service foraircrew pension. During this time they will still be eligible for commissions. It is hoped to enlist over 1,200 boysa year under the scheme, the first selec- tion to be made this May. All candidatesmust be nominated, the simplest methods being through their Headmasters, theCommanding Officer of their A.T.C. Squadron, or the Local Juvenile Employ-ment Officer. The training for boy entrants willnormally last 18 months and those who are below 17J by the end of it will beposted to specially selected units. Telegraphists will be trained at R.A F.Compton Basaett, Wiltshire, Armament Mechanics at R.A.F. Kirkham, nearPreston, Lanes, and other trades -at R.A.F. Locking, near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset AEROFOIL FLAPS : The Fairey Youngman flaps on the Firefly, the Mark I version of which is shown just before touch down, are not only of great benefit at take off and landing but improve cruising performance and manoeuvrability. New Barrack Blocks STEPS towards the realization of thepolicy of providing improved barrack blocks for the R.A.F. have already beentaken, and a new type of accommodation at Boscombe Down is being built to adesign based on the provision of separate cubicles, specimens of which have beenexhibited on trailers visiting R.A.F. stations throughout the country. Nine of these new barrack blocks, eachhousing 100 men, are to be erected at Boscombe Down, and in the near futuresimilar blocks will be built at seven other stations. The designs provide for aseparate cubicle containing bed, built-in wardrobe, writing table and bookcase, for84 per cent of the airmen accommodated. It is known, however, that some menprefer to share a room with friends, and for the remaining 16 per cent the designsprovide for larger cubicles, each accom- modating four men. New dining roomsof an improved type will also be erected at Boscombe Down. Air Defence Units MEMBERS of the W.A.A.F. on re-lease from service, former members of the W.A.A.F., and women who havenot previously served will shortly be able to volunteer to join the W.A.A.F.Reserve for service in Air Defence Units of the Auxiliary Air Force. Officer volunteers must be at least 20and not more than 34 years of age, air- women volunteers at least r8 and notmore than 37, with exceptions in special cases. Officers will normally undertaketo serve on the W.A.A.F./R. List for as long as their services may be required(airwomen initially for t'Vo years), but an officer or airwoman may resign herappointment at any time on giving the required notice. The programme lays down 15 days'continuous, 30 hours' non-continuous, and six week-ends non-continuous train-fting as the minimum, and allows for an additional 60 hours' non-continuoustraining of which at least 48 hours must be at four specified week-ends. To date, nine Air.Defence Units havebeen formed, and so far only former members of the R.A.F. have'been in-vited to volunteer. Local announcements will be made when recruiting is ready tobegin for women. Recruiting to these units at present is open to former mem-bers of the R.A.F., who should apply to the following addresses : — Hampshire : The Adjutant, Air De-fence Units (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Ibsley (near Ringwood). Kent : The Adjutant, Air DefenceUnit (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Sandwich (near Margate). Middlesex : The Adjutant, Air DefenceUnit (A.A.F.), H.Q. Fighter Command, R.A.F. Bentley Priory, Stanmore. Norfolk : The Adjutant, Air DefenceUnit (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Horsham St. Faith (near Norwich). Northants : The Adjutant, Air DefenceUnit (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Langtoft (near Peterborough). Nottingham : The Adjutant, Air De-fence Unit (A.A.F.). H.Q. No. 12 Group, R.A.F. Watnall, Notts. Suffolk : The Adjutant, Air DefenceUnit (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Trimley Heath (near Ipswich). Sussex : The Adjutant, Air DefenceUnit (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Wartling (near Eastbourne). ,East Riding : The Adjutant, Air De- fence Unit (A.A.F.), R.A.F. Partrington(near Hull). Reunions EX-MEMBERS of 1340 Flight (Caiina-nore, India) should write for detOTfc" of a proposed reunion dinner (all rafiks)to A. Soundy, 41, Highlands Rd.! Leatherhead, Surrey.• * • A reunion dinner for officers and air-crew of No. 123 (East India Fund) Squadron will take place on May 3rd at19.00 hrs at Oddenino's Hotel, Regent Street, London. Personnel interestedshould contact J. H. Gross, 27, South Avenue, Gillingham, Kent.* • * No. 66 Squadron Air Defence CadttCorps and Air Training Corps Old Com- rades' Association will hold a social even-ing on April 26th, at 6.30 p.m., at Sylverdale Hall, Sylverdale Road, Croy-don. All ex-officers, instructors and N.C.O.s are invited. For further in-formation contact J. W. Ellis, 33, Oiu- ram Court, Outram Road, Croydon.
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