Edwin Ralph - Tracer (civilian) RAF

[BenRalph]

On the 1939 register a relative of mine's occupation is a Tracer (Civilian) RAF. I was wondering what  & that would entail and if there'd be any records available from his service at all?

What's unusual about this is that he was born and raised (by English parents) in Germany and didn't come to England until about 1930 and his brothers were listed as British German subjects in 1901 & 1911 and a newspaper report from 1902 lists his brother as being German. 

[rafcommands]

tracer is not exclusive to RAF but is a function found in all engineering drafting shops.

Draftsmen drew the object first in pencil then went over with India Ink to prevent fading and modification of pencil lines.

This gave the one and only master document.

Tracers then placed tracing paper or later mylar over the master document and traced out a copy of the master document.

The copies made by the Tracer was what was sent out of the Drawing Office.

apply via the MoD website to RAF disclosures for a copy of his service record.

Ross

[BenRalph]

Thanks for the explanation. It sounds like what I did as a kid at school but, obviously, this was a matter of much more importance and detail, I'd imagine.

What would the records be able to tell me about Edwin and how much are they usually to buy?

What him being German have had any ramifications on his job? I know the family had a German accent.