Airforce training

[kassi]

Hi, I remember my father saying that when he was in the Airforce training, his squadron leader was David Niven, from what I can remember I think this was in America (Florida) Does anyone have any ideas as to which this squadron was.  Thanks Kassi

[PaulineJ]

What year(s) are you looking at.
Is this a well-known David Niven, or a not-so-famous namesake?

Pauline

[kyt]

The main training establishment for the RAF in Florida was Carlstrom Field. There wouldn't have been squadrons as such there, and Squadron Leader is a rank (equivalent to Major) without direct association to a specific Squadron. To complicate matters, a squadron could be lead by either a Flight Lieutenant (though rarely and only in an emergency) or a Wing Commander (usually a bomber squadron).

RAF wings over Florida: Memories of World War II British air cadets is an excellent book, and has been made available for free download:

http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1010&context=press_ebooks

Be warned that it is a large book so will take time to download.

As for David Niven, it is not a name I recognise, and it wouldn't be THE David Niven as he was in the Commandoes.

There were also RAF training schools in Texas and a number of other places in the US

K

[liverpool annie]

Hi Kassi !

I believe David Niven was in the Rifle Brigade ! ....... but he did propaganda films for the US !!
He was actually a member of the specialist Phantom Signals Unit and was responsible for reporting and locating enemy positions - bomb lines and also keeping rear Commanders up to date on changing battle lines

If you Google David Niven ... you'll find quite a bit about his service during the war though he didn't like to talk about it !

Annie  

[kassi]

Thanks, Pauline and kyt for the information.  Kassi

[kassi]

Thanks Annie, I'm obviously at the start of a long period of research. regards Kassi

[kyt]

No air force David Niven listed on the London Gazette for WW2. Plenty of Nivens with different first names though. And none listed for the RAAF, or in the RCAF honours list.

K

[liverpool annie]

Heres some pictures and history !! 

http://www.twoatlarge.com/family/hpm/hpm-1contents.html

http://www.clanzyhodge.demon.co.uk/5BFTS/articles/history/fullhistory.htm

[nanny jan]

Hi,

You can apply for your father's service record.   I sent for my uncle's about 18 months ago.

RAF, Personnel Management Agency, RAF Innsworth, Gloucester, GL3 1EZ


Nanny Jan