RAF PHOTO NOTES

[Johnsonsyard]

I have an old photo of my late father with an RAF unit in England outside a row of terraced houses. On the back he has written

107 Squad
D Flight
2 Wing
7 Squadron

Cpl/Inst Parry in centre.

It is not dated . What does the above mean ? I have his service record and nothing like the above is mentioned.

Any help appreciated.

nick

[percy porter]

You wil find historical reference to both 107 and 7 Squadron RAF here http://www.historyofwar.org/index.html

A flight (D flight) would have been a group of aircraft, usually 3, within a squadron. A Wing would comprise a number of Squadrons.

You don't say when this could have been dated but form the history of the two squadrons it must be assumed it was pre 1950 at the latest.  Again the assumption could be made as he has referred to a Cpl/Inst (Corporal Instructor) that the group would have been members of a course of some sort.

Both Squadrons were Bomber Squadrons, one of them a Mosquito Sqaudron of whch I have an interest.

Alan NZ

[Johnsonsyard]

Thanks Alan , I think the photo was about 1940 and in Blackpool. One of the buildings behind has the name "Tudor House" and I know the RAF chose Blackpool to billet its servicemen in the guest houses. I contacted the present day "Tudor house " and although not 100% certain they felt that it could be there premises.. From what you say the information my father has written seems to cover a number of "units " ? Could you explain the how the RAF was organised at this time it might help to get a better feel .

Nick

[sharki]

If it is Blackpool then I would say you are looking for a Recruit Training Unit.
107 Squad = squad number 107, not a squadron number.
D Flight= A group of recruits gathered together in a Flight.
2 Wing= A training formation, possibly composed of several flights.
7 Squadron= The overall training formation within which Wings, Flights and Squads were incorporated.

[Johnsonsyard]

Many thanks Sharki , i am starting to get a better inderstanding now.Further information I have received seems to support Blackpool as the place. It seems that photos like these were done in Blackpool just as just as they to part company and leave Blackpool.

[percy porter]

I would go along with that suggestion. there were a number of training schools in the Blackpool area, Warton and Weeton were two that I was familiar with both of which had training schools on them Weeton is now an Army unit.

Alan NZ

[Johnsonsyard]

Thanks Percy , I think thats sorted.  Been writing up Dads time in the service for the family. I would be interested to know your comments  about my latest post entitled "A Question of Rank".  Many thanks again . Nick