Identification of RAF Units post WWI

[JustinL]

Thanks Shaun. Can you also post the section 4 'Prior Engagement ...' on the left hand side of the form?

Ken, I use 'Snipping Tool' rather than attempting to reduce the size of a whole file. if you're on a Windows PC, just type 'Snipping Tool' into the search box at the bottom left. You can then sip out the section of a larger image and save it as a separate jpeg file.

[ShaunJ]

Prior Service:

[hokum50]

Justin
I'm also having finger trouble into the bargain.
Despite reducing the size of the attachments I am still getting error messages - apologies.
If indeed CPW trained as a Pilot, at best he would only have reached "Wings" standard necessitating further flying training on his repatriation to SA.  His return would have preceded the arrival of 100 aircraft/tools/spares from the UK courtesy of the SA government.  However, no further military service is recorded until 1940.
I've searched for a possible RAF unit/HQ/Gp at Shorncliffe without success (it was Army Small Arms School in my day).  In addition, having just thumbed through 3 RAF history books I can only find references to Reserve Flying Training Schools  and Specialist Schools for the 1918/19 period, none specifically mentioning Wings therein.
Will keep up the search.
Regards
Ken
PS  Just going to attempt the Snipping tool!!

[ShaunJ]

Regarding RAF Cadet Wings at Shorncliffe, see
http://www.rafweb.org/Members%20Pages/Unt%20Histories/Ground%20Training%20Units/ITWs.htm

and https://goo.gl/KbE7C5

[hokum50]

Shaun
Justin
First and foremost many thanks Shaun for the two refs which led me to dismiss CPW's training as a Pilot, despite the hand written "Cadet Pilot" on page 2 of AM Form 175.  From all the info that you both have provided, the following can be established now:

20 Oct 1918 - CPW arrived at Cadet Distribution Centre, Hampstead as a Private (SA UDF)
As the RAF was born on 1 Apr 1918, the RFC Cadet Wing became the RAF Cadet Wing.
9 Nov 1918 - CPW arrived at No. 8 Cadet Wing, West Sandling Camp, Shorncliffe, Kent, after 59 days transferred.
7 Jan 1919 - CPW transferred to No. 2 Cadet Wing, St Martin's Plain, Shorncliffe, Kent, after 11 days on 18 Jan 1919 - Entry referring to RAF (Records) Dept, Blandford, Dorset (re Repatriation).
14 Feb 1919 - Discharged
15 Feb 1919 - London Gazette entry Overseas Cadet 184562 WOOLMORE C P is granted a temporary commission as 2nd Lt.  What he did for the next four months is not recorded.
14 Jun 1919 - Repatriated to South Africa having served 8 months with the RAF.

Wg Cdr JEFFORD's book referring to Cadet Wings stated "The basic military training of direct entrant potential officers and the commissioning of RAF NCOs and other ranks......."
Taking the combined duration spent at Nos. 2 and 8 Cadet Wings (ie 70 days), CPW's course was that of Officer Cadet Training for commissioning only.  There would have been insufficient time for Observer training, the only other specialist training he could have entered into for return to South Africa.

It is somewhat strange that there are no entries in CPW's UDF military records which cover the period from his repatriation until he re signed as 1827 Private WOOLMORE C P of 'B' Coy Umooti Mounted Rifles, UDF on 25 Jun 1940.  Then of course that's another story to research.
Regards to you both.
Ken
PS Justin which Snipping Tool do you use,  I'm on Windows 10, only there appears to be a number to choose from?

[JustinL]

This has been an interesting journey for me too and I've learnt a thing or two.

As a matter of interest, here is a summary of my great-uncle's RAF record.

27.07.1918 enlisted in RAF at London Recruiting Depot, posted to Cadet Distribution Depot at Hampstead
04.08.1918 posted to No. 8 Cadet Wing
20.10.1918 started at No. 2 School of Aeronautics, Oxford
07.12.1918 ‘[was] returned to his unit on account of the cessation of hostilities before he had an opportunity of receiving instruction in aviation’ (RAF Discharge Certificate)

I use Windows 10 too, but there is only one 'Snipping Tool'. Take a look at the attached screen shot.

Justin

[hokum50]

Justin
Thank you for the Snipping Tool heads-up, all working.
An interesting scenario in that your great uncle, having commenced studies, was withdrawn from 2 SoA Oxford - a great opportunity missed for him.
I have just written to SANDF again to enquire whether additional records exist regarding the lost 4 months, after CPW's commissioning.  In addition, the circumstances involved in his de-commissioning and obvious discharge until re-signing in 1940.

Cheers
Ken

[hokum50]

Justin
Shaun
Thought I would just add this postcript to the saga 2nd Lt/Cpl C P WOOLMORE UDF which I stumbled upon while researching a member of the UK clan of WOOLMOREs.
While there appeared some missing periods of service when CPW returned to South Africa, I initially presumed as an officer, I found this among WWII PoW records:
1827 Cpl C P WOOLMORE
PoW No: 75784
Camp: STALAG 8C
Kanau Kr Sprottau
Sagan
Poland
Source:South African Land Forces: Offs & ORs.
The timing of CPW's internment corresponds with that of his UK relative who fought with 2/KRRC in the Western Desert, only he ended up in STALAG IVB in Germany, both serving a "Full Term" in captivity.
Regards
Ken