Help Deciphering RAF Service Record

[Gow67]

Hi,

I am researching RAF Aircraftman 1st Class Robert Ballantine Forbes and have just obtained his WW2 service record.

Under mustering it contains the entries:

3RC Padgate
7RC
1 BTU
HQ26Gp
Trans. Hayfield Sanitorium

Fairly new to looking at these records so any help with confirming the meaning of these abbrevs, and locations, esp last two, would be appreciated.

Many thanks

G67

[Kiltaglassan]

From the RAF List of Common Abbreviations-

3RC Padgate = Recruiting Centre No3 Padgate

7RC = Recruiting Centre No7 Morecombe

1 BTU = Bombing Trials Unit No1 

HQ26Gp = Head Quarters 26 Group

Trans. Hayfield Sanitorium = Transferred 

KG

[Gow67]

Many thanks KG,

Any idea where Hayfield Sanitorium might be located in an RAF context?

I can't seem to find any reference to it.

G67

[Kiltaglassan]

Might it be Harefield Sanatorium?

The first hospital on the site was the No. 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital established during the First World War to treat injured Australians and New Zealander soldiers. After the war Middlesex County Council decided to use the site to build a series of single-storey pavilions which opened as the Harefield Sanatorium in October 1921.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harefield_Hospital

[Gow67]

Look like you're spot-on KG!

Unless I'm mistaken RAF 26 Group HQ was at Langley Hall, Slough in March 1942 when Robert was taken ill.

Harefield Sanitorium was only 9 miles away by road.

Many thanks again.

Incidentally I think 1 BTU may be No.1 Balloon Training Unit.

Again I stand to be corrected!

G67

[Kiltaglassan]

Incidentally I think 1 BTU may be No.1 Balloon Training Unit.

I think you could be right. Here's an attachment with 2 abbreviations both to do with ballooning.

BTB     Balloon Training Base
BTD     Balloon Training Depot

KG