Description
Object description
British apprentice with No 1 School of Technical Training, RAF at RAF Halton, 1/1922-9/1925; aircraftman served as engine fitter with RAF Henlow, GB, 9/1925-9/1928; NCO served as engine fitter with RAF Duxford, GB, 9/1928-1/1934
Content description
REEL 1 Background in GB, 1906-1922: reason for wanting to join Royal Air Froce; examination for entry into Royal Air Force Boy Service; medical examination; early interest in aviation; reputation of Royal Air Force; family background. Aspects of training as apprentice at No 1 School of Technical Training, RAF at RAF Halton, GB, 1/1922-9/1925: description of tuition and training; trade test; reason for qualifying as engine fitter; opinion of armourers; terms of enlistment for ten years and two years on reserve; question of re-enlistment; pay as fitter; later story of acceptance of £100 gratuity and leaving Royal Air Force, 1934.
REEL 2 Continues: basic training as engine fitter; workshop exercises and examinations; tools and machinery; discipline; lectures on theory; trade training on aero engines; airfield duties including ground running and fault finding; daily routine; recreational activities; pay; uniform and kit; work overalls; puttees and boots; story of failing trade test examination and staying on for a further six months. Aspects of period as engine fitter at RAF Henlow, 9/1925-9/1928: posting to RAF Henlow, 9/1925; opinion of station and facilities; sporting activities.
REEL 3 Continues: Recollections of period as NCO engine fitter at RAF Duxford, 9/1928-1/1934: posting to Station Flight at RAF Duxford, 9/1928; leave; reputation of RAF Duxford; squadrons; journey to RAF Duxford; uniform and kit; issue of standard toolkit; replacement of missing tools; specialist tools for engine fitters; opinion of quality of tools; number of personnel on station; daily routine and duties; inspections; church parade; day and weekend passes; uniform and overalls; laundry facilities; accommodation and sanitary arrangements; opinion of living conditions; role of Station Flight; flight maintenance duties with Cambridge University Air Sqdn; relations with Royal Air Force squadrons; maintenance of Armstrong Siddeley Lynx Engine.
REEL 4 Continues: description of Hucks Starter mechanism and other methods of starting engines; opinion of Cambridge University Air Sqdn students; method of braking aircraft; discipline; attitude to fatal accidents; duties at summer camp in RAF Old Sarum; function of summer camps; trips as passenger during flight testing.
REEL 5 Continues: communications system on Avro 504N; opinion of training and practical application; maintenance routine; modifications to engines; preparing aircraft for flight; question of personal responsibility for faults on aircraft; opinion of standards of maintenance; opinion of station commanders; memories of Pilot Officer Douglas Bader; attitude to marriage during service.