R A F occupation Northern Ireland

[Daiwalker]

Hi there all, just acquired some information of my grand uncles occupation in 1942. Brinley Parker of Pontypridd,  South Wales  is , according to information I have, employed in 1942 in Northern Ireland. His rank or Profession is written down has (or should I say, looks like) Aircraftman in R.A.F. (1406664) (machinist). Does any of you good people know what this means, what the number stands for etc and possibly a R.A.F. location in Northern Ireland in 1942? Any help would be very much appreciated. Many Thanks

[Kiltaglassan]

Royal Air Force stations in Northern Ireland-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Royal_Air_Force_stations_in_Northern_Ireland

1406664 is his official RAF Number (see AIR 78 at the National Archives).

[Andy J2022]

As far as I am aware, 'machinist' was not an official RAF trade, and could possibly refer to one of two specific trades: Machine Tool Setter and Operator, or Miller (that is, someone who operates a milling machine)
See the second posting in this thread for a complete list of WW2 RAF trades: WW2Aircraft.net


Both of these trades would be called a machinist in the civilian world.

His rank of Aircraftman, without further details, probably means that he was an Aircraftman 2nd class which is the most basic rank, followed by Aircraftman Class 1 (AC1). If he was a tradesman in Groups 1 or 2 - which he would have been if he was in either of the trades mentioned above - he would been promoted to AC1 soon after completing his trade training, and certainly within his first year of service.

[Andy J2022]

In today's RAF he would have been an Advanced Manufacture and Repair Technician, with this job description:

As an Advanced Manufacture and Repair Technician you will manufacture and repair parts for aircraft, vehicles and specialist equipment. You will be working in specially equipped workshops and aircraft maintenance hangars.
What will you do?
    Work in a specially-equipped workshop to make and repair components for aircraft, specialist equipment and vehicles
    Use manual and computer-operated machinery like drilling, milling, cutting and forming equipment
    Manufacture or modify aircraft parts to strict standards
    Consult with Aircraft Technicians on the best methods of component removal and fitting

[aghadowey]

RAF Mullaghmore didn't open until 1943 so you can probably rule that one out unless he transferred there later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Mullaghmore