French, Ernest (Oral history)

British NCO served as flight mechanic with 19 and 112 Sqdns, RAF during Battle of Britain, 1940; served with 409 Sqdn, RAF in GB, 1941-1942

REEL 1 Enlistment and training as flight mechanic with RAF, prior to 1940: background to enlistment; pattern of flight mechanic training RAF. Recollections of period as flight mechanic with 19 and 112 Sqdns, RAF 1939-1940 including Battle of Britain: posting to 19 Sqdn at RAF Duxford; degree of 'ownership' of aircraft between flight mechanics and armourers; move RAF Horsham St Faith near Cromer; incident when Douglas Bader had a accident on take off at RAF Horsham St Faith; posting to 112 Sqdn at RAF Hornchurch; story of attachment to 409 Sqdn at RAF Digby, 1942; dispersal of 19 Sqdn aircraft at RAF Duxford; role as flight mechanic to Douglas Bader. REEL 2 Continues: description of Supermarine Spitfire's gunsight; adapting tape sling to stop Douglas Bader falling forward; adapting Douglas Bader's aircraft so he could fly hands off; background to Douglas Bader posting to 19 Sqdn; relations between Douglas Bader and commanding officer Squadron Leader Stephenson; opinion of big wing tactic; story of wearing special insignia whilst working at RAF Tangmere; character of Douglas Bader.