Sutcliffe, Walter Philip (Oral history)

British flying cadet trained as pilot at Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in GB, 1930-1931; officer served as pilot with 207 Sqdn, RAF in GB, 1931-1933; served with 812 Naval Air Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm aboard HMS Glorious in Mediterranean and on Malta, 1933-1936; served at Central Flying School, RAF at RAF Upavon and No 5 Flying Training School, RAF at RAF Sealand in GB, 1936; served with 811 Naval Air Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB and aboard HMS Furious in GB coastal waters, 1936-1939

REEL 1 Recollections of period as flying cadet training as pilot at RAF College Cranwell in GB, 1930-1931: entry into college, 1930; reasons for joining Royal Air Force; relative independence of the pilot in the air; reputation of Royal Air Force officers; relationship with First World War veterans; origins of collegel cadets; daily and weekly routine; curriculum and its superiority of training to that of short service commissioned officers; prizes awarded to cadets leaving college; roles given to failed cadets. Aspects of period as officer with 207 Sqdn in GB, 1931-1933: posting to squadron at RAF Bircham Newton, 12/1931; flying the Fairey IIIF and it's character; night flying techniques; duties of duty pilot; flying accidents; bombing range practices; communication between pilot and bomb aimer. REEL 2 Continues: daily routine; non-flying duties; amending King's Regulations; marriage restrictions; interception exercises with Armstrong Whitworth Siskin and Bristol Bulldog fighters; altitude flying equipment; squadron rivalry and loyalties; use of personal aircraft and markings. Aspects of period of training with Fleet Air Arm in GB, 1933: volunteering for Fleet Air Arm; disputed status of Fleet Air Arm; torpedo training with Blackburn Darts at Gosport; problems during initial carrier deck landing in Blackburn Ripon. Recollections of period as officer with 812 Naval Air Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm aboard HMS Glorious in Mediterranean and on Malta, 1933-1936: posting to squadron, 1933; Mediterranean Fleet cruises; problems of flying from carriers; story of ditching aircraft, 13/8/1934; survival equipment; torpedo practise. REEL 3 Continues: bombing and torpedo practice and accuracy; character of HMS Falcon, Royal Naval Air Station Hal Far, Malta; use of Beppo's Bar; organisation of squadron; numbering of naval squadrons. Aspects of period as instructor at Central Flying School, RAF at RAF Upavon and No 5 Flying Training School, RAF at RAF Sealand in GB, 1936: Royal Air Force officers' career structure; specialisation as flying instructor; capabilities of Hawker Hart. Recollections of period as officer with 811 Naval Air Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB and aboard HMS Furious, 1936-1939: posting to squadron at Gosport; spotting and reconnaissance duties; naval anti-aircraft gunnery practice and use of De Havilland DH.82B Queen Bee remote control aircraft; training role of squadron based on HMS Furious; character of Fairey Swordfish; postings following transfer of Fleet Air Arm to Royal Navy, 1939; story of pilot's acquittal at court martial for flying under Forth Bridge. REEL 4 Continues: effects of rapid expansion of Royal Air Force during latter half of 1930s; effects of introduction of monoplanes into Royal Air Force. Reflections on service with Royal Air Force: story of ferrying Bristol Blenheim Mk Is to Iraq, 3/1939-4/1939; story of losing court martial file whilst as staff officer with No 15 Group, RAF, 1939; amusing stories of flying accidents and flight interrupted by fog whilst flying with 811 Naval Air Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm.