Description
Object description
British aircraftman served as radar fitter with RAF at RAF Wunstorf, Germany during Berlin Airlift, 2/1948-1/1949
Content description
REEL 1: Background in GB, 1928-1945: family and childhood in Fulham, London; education; evacuation of school to Chertsey at outbreak of war, 9/1939; various memories of air raids over Chertsey and London; V1 and V2 raids; family air raid shelter; course for dealing with incendiaries; fire watching duties at school; rationing; progress of war; joined Air Training Corps age 14; VE and VJ Day celebrations, 1945; employment as clerk at Ministry of Aircraft Production. Aspects of training with RAF in GB, 8/1946-2/1948: induction process at RAF Padgate; basic training; trade test; training as radar wireless mechanic at No 2 Radar School, RAF Yatesbury; accommodation; relations with other recruits.
REEL 2 Continues: opinion of food; drill; weapons training; story of Mills bomb; passing out parade; period at maintenance unit, Norfolk, 12/1946; daily routine and training; accommodation; problem of cold weather and flu epidemic; daily routine at RAF Yatesbury; description of training; advanced radar course; examinations; training as ground radar mechanic with 7K system; repair and maintenance exercises; course at Ground Controlled Approach Radar School, RAF Watton, 11/1947-2/1948. Aspects of period as radar fitter at No 4 Ground Controlled Approach Radar Unit, Wunstorf, Germany, 2/1948-1/1949: opinion of living conditions and facilities; shift work; daily routine and duties; increase in personnel during Berlin Airlift; Malcolm Club and NAAFI canteens on airfield; opinion of German lager.
REEL 3 Continues: description of ground controlled approach radar system; story of aircraft making emergency landing in snow; reason for viewing radar screen in mirror; duties as radar fitter; tuning and maintenance of radar equipment; story of receiving 20,000 volt shock; issued with Bren gun in case of Russian attack; shift system for radar fitters; background to start of Berlin Airlift, 6/1948.
REEL 4 Continues: story of new runway being constructed; movement of radar equipment on Matador truck and Bendix trailer; mobile workshop; number of radar personnel; use of own diesel generator and 15cwt truck; shifts during Berlin Airlift; opinion of American pilots; opinion of accommodation; story of Avro Tudor; returned to GB and demobilised at Lytham St Annes, 1/1949.
REEL 5 Continues: Civilian life and employment in GB.