44 (Rhodesia) Squadron - Lost Lancaster Bomber Crew

[rafcommands]

Apply for a copy of his service record using the online system.

This will tell you all his dates and postings.

Add the phrase "informal review of mustering section with view to publication please" to get the section that is usually redacted automatically.

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

Last group I asked for a couple of months ago were returned within 4 weeks of application

Ross

[Dannemois]

Hi Ross
I opened the link and applied for Digbys records but I could not see where I could add the phrase "informal review of mustering section with view to publication please"

Regards, Roy

[rafcommands]

Big Green Button at bottom of page

Start Now

Application is mostly ticking the box to move to the next question.

RAF

Yes - died in service

First name, last name , year of birth are the only mandatory on the next page.

Continue until you get the box Other info and add the phrase there.

Really is easy

If it got away from you before adding - you will get an email reply from the case officer with a case reference - just send it then - my experience is the staff at RAF Cranwell disclosures will go out of their way to help.


Ross

[Dannemois]

Hi Ross
I found the site okay and made the selection page by page and sent it off, in fact I also applied for his home guard records.
Thanks for your help, Roy

[rafcommands]

Great stuff.

Home Guard service records are out of my skill set but for the RAF one I'm happy to talk you through it when it comes

Ross

[Dannemois]

Hi Ross

Just to say I have finally received a copy of Wilfred Digby's record

[Dannemois]

Ross

I attach two snippets of the Form 543 for your interest

[Dannemois]

Hi Ross

Do you have any info on 'Oxford Reserve' please

[rafcommands]

From Oxford to Reserve.

Oxford was the Combined Recruiting Centre that he attended for interview and attesting.

RAF Training scheme by that time had learned from the Post Munich problems of induction without purpose.

So at Oxford CRC he passed interview and medical for Observer/WOp and was accepted into the RAF but then sent back to civi life with a lapel badge to await a space on the Observer/WOp training scheme. Did not have to wait long (come 1944 six months on reserve was norm).

This was done to prevent other services poaching the bods.

From there he went into the scheme - period at RC (recruit centre) for full medical/kitting/basic drill training/ to ITW (Initial Training Wing) to bring his academic level up to that required for trade training and basics of aircrew training in classroom before going to OTU.

Did you get the mustering section of trades and dates? would help decide the sequence next.

He starts on the Observer/Navigator training but is recoursed at either OTU or Air School to Bomb Aimer.

This is also the time where RAF is ramping up numbers in aircrew training and have decided that UK weather is a bottleneck so training is moved to Commonwealth and Dominion to pass the numbers through.

In his case he attends two South African Air Schools before returning to the UK and getting used to operations in UK weather before No.44 Squadron.

Ross