Sephton, Thomas Hiram (Oral history)

British NCO trained at Electrical and Wireless School, RAF Flowerdown in GB, 1923-1925; NCO served as wireless operator with 6 Sqdn, RAF in Iraq, 1925-1928; served with 45 and 216 Sqdns, RAF in Egypt, 1928-1931; served with School of Army Co-operation and 16 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Old Sarum in GB, 1931-1935; served with Andover Wireless Station, RAF in Andover, GB, 1935-1936; served with No 8 Flying Training School at RAF Montrose in GB, 1936-1938; served with Signals Section, 12 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Andover in GB, 1938-1939

REEL 1 Aspects of enlistment and training as wireless operator mechanic in RAF, 1923-1925: background to enlistment in RAF, 1923; basic training at RAF Depot, Uxbridge; posting to Electrical and Wireless School at RAF Flowerdown, 1923; pattern of training; apprentices and accommodation. Aspects of period as wireless operator with School of Army Co-operation at RAF Old Sarum in GB, 1925: posting to unit; duties as ground operator with Royal Horse Artillery during exercises. Aspects of period as wireless operator with 6 Sqdn, RAF in Iraq, 1925-1928: posting to RAF Mosul and journey from GB; situation in Iraq; duties at Berbadi outstation; flying conditions from Berbadi. Aspects of period as wireless operator with 45 Sqdn and 216 Sqdn in Egypt, 1928-1931: posting to 45 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Helwan; duties. REEL 2 Continues: character of squadron; patrolling in Fairey IIIFs and detachment to Palestine; posting to 216 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Heliopolis; duties connected with Imperial Airways; return to GB, 4/1931. Aspects of period as wireless operator with School of Army Co-operation and with 16 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Old Sarum in GB, 1931-1935: impressions of service in GB; posting to school, 4/1931; army co-operation duties with 16 Sqdn, RAF; relations with army personnel; transfer from morse to radio telephony; posting to Andover Wireless Station, RAF in GB, 1935-1936. Aspects of period as signals instructor at No 8 Flying Training School at RAF Montrose in GB, 1936-1938: duties as signal instructor; preparations for war; flare path duties; attitude towards bagpipes; hospitalisation at RAF Halton, 1938. Aspects of period as NCO with Signal Section, 12 Sqdn, RAF at RAF Andover in GB, 1938-1939: duties with signal section; solo flight in Fairey Battle; squadron's standby role.