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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: bykerlads on Sunday 01 July 12 21:18 BST (UK)

Title: LAC rank?
Post by: bykerlads on Sunday 01 July 12 21:18 BST (UK)

What would the rank LAC be in the Canadian airforce?
This is in connection with a Finnish Canadian who served in the UK in WW2.
I think he may have been stationed at Topcliffe- does that make sense?
Any info about the RCAF about also be appreciated.
Thanks.

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: Emjaybee on Sunday 01 July 12 21:32 BST (UK)

Try Leading Aircraftsman

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: Halifaxman on Monday 02 July 12 07:07 BST (UK)

LAC = Leading Aircraftman (no "S")

Topcliffe is in North Yorkshire and from mid WWII to VE Day was part of No 6 (Canadian) Group Bomber Command

Although the RAF still use the airfield side of this base, it is currently an Army base known as Alanbrooke Barracks

Hope this helps?

Halifaxman

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: bykerlads on Monday 02 July 12 09:36 BST (UK)

Thank you very much, folks.
What would have been the role and ranking of an LAC in a bomber command?
Would he have been a flyer or ground crew?

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: Halifaxman on Monday 02 July 12 18:37 BST (UK)

Some one serving in Bomber Command as an LAC would definately have been ground staff - of which the actual trade possibilities run into multiples

There is a slim possibility that he may have gone on to greater things (i.e. aircrew duties) if he was either selected or volunteered - assuiming he successfully passed all the neccessary requirements

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: chrish53 on Monday 02 July 12 19:30 BST (UK)

Halifaxman is correct in this, LAC tended to be a ground trade with Flight Sergeant and above in aircrew.  group had many stations in the Vale of York and Topcliffe was mainly a training station housing HCUs (Heavy Conversion Unit). Given the number of stations and aircraft in quite a small area, the skies above North Yorkshire and the Vale must have been rather crowded in the 1940's.

Totaly as an off topic bit, Topcliffe was my late father's last posting and I still live in a neighbouring village within sight of the 'c' type hangars. My daughter kept her horse at the Artillery Barracks saddle club which housed the horses in converted bomb stores!
 8) 8) 8)

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: chrish53 on Monday 02 July 12 19:32 BST (UK)

I used to have a book that gave the history of Topcliffe as an RAF station, I foolishly loaned it to the Saddle Clubs staff sergeant and I did not get it back before he was posted away!

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: bykerlads on Monday 02 July 12 20:08 BST (UK)

Thanks, folks- all useful stuff- I wonder if the book about Topcliffe is still available. I might have a google and see!

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: chrish53 on Monday 02 July 12 23:25 BST (UK)

On reflection, it was Bruce Barrymore-Halpenny's Yorkshire Airfields of WW2. I think.
 ??? ::)

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: lowanslow on Tuesday 03 July 12 01:12 BST (UK)

Hi Bykerlads, here is a example from my great uncles records.

Lowanslow

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: bykerlads on Wednesday 04 July 12 22:28 BST (UK)

Thanks, everyone- useful info.
Halifaxman- could I just ask what the badge is that you use as your "logo"?
I know that "nemo non paratus" means " noone not prepared" ie " everyone is ready/prepared", but I couldn't quite make out the numbers on either side of the badge.
I always find Latin military mottos interesting, both stirring and poignant at the same time.

Title: Re: LAC rank?
Post by: Halifaxman on Thursday 05 July 12 07:29 BST (UK)

Bykerlads

The crest is No 78 (Bomber) Sqn, Royal Air Force and Nemo Non Paratus ~ Nobody Unprepared is the Sqn Motto

Hope this answers your question?

Kind Regards

Halifaxman