RAF - National Service

[Half Pint]

Hi

Sadly my dad is no longer with us to ask him questions so I am hoping someone can help me with my queries.

Dad was born in 1933 and was "called up" in 1951, initially being sent to RAF Hednesford in Staffordshire, before going on to RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.  He was offered and did a mechanical apprenticeship so served for four years. 

My queries are, what rank would he have gone in at?

I do know that he was on standby for the Suez crisis but didn't get called up, does anyone know when he would have been "stood down"?

He met my mum on a demob week in Scarborough in July 1955 and a couple of years later was asked by the New Zealand RAF if he would consider emigrating and joining up, but my mum said no, she couldn't go, so it never happened.  I'm presuming that this would have come via the MOD, if so was it widespread?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Half Pint

[KGarrad]

My father did his National Service with the RAF - as Leading Aircraftman 2nd Class.
When on parade and asked why 2nd Class, his retort was "Because there isn't a Third Class, Sir!".

[Half Pint]

That sounds just like something my dad would say lol

[rafcommands]

In the 1950s

Aircrafthand was the lowest
Aircraftman 2nd Class
Aircraftman 1st Class
Leading Aircraftman
Senior Aircraftman

no Leading Aircraftman 2nd Class

If you want to know his classification progression use the online application form on .Gov for Service Record of a Deceased Service Person.

Its free - all you need to know is year of birth and have a jpg, png etc of his death certificate to upload when requested.

Cranwell will find his record and email it to you between 1 to 6 weeks depending on workload.

Ross

[Half Pint]

Hi Ross

Thank you so much for your help. 

I have applied for his records and hope to hear from them soon.

Regards

Half Pint

[Half Pint]

Hi Ross

Many many thanks for your suggestion to contact the .Gov for Service Record of a Deceased Service Person

I applied on Thursday afternoon [14th] and received my copy late last night [18th].  The copy isn't very clear but they have acknowledged this and have asked me to re-apply after the 1st of April when it will be digitised.

There isn't a lot of information on it but what there is, is about my dad which to me is absolutely priceless. 

Again, thank you.

Half Pint

[rafcommands]

I think you will find the after April is for when the record will be with the TNA - a reference number will have been given.

Unfortunately access to this will be via the TNA Freedom of Information scheme which is currently running to about 12 to 18 months to access.

Any area of record needs more help the post image up here and we will try to resolve.
 
Ross