RAF service record - Meaning of Unit code PC.S.B. (a) in 1927

[Kingsclere]

As shown in the red box, what is the meaning of "PC.S.B. (a)" in this RAF service record? He was an armourer.

Thanks in advance.

[Rena]

I'm wondering if he was a senior RAF airman who gave lectures about flying.  As Fylingdales is mentioned, maybe rockets/missiles flying through space.   

My late OH's rank was only S.A.C. (Senior Aircraftman).  He was posted to Fylingdales after much secret surveillance of his contacts and movement - he was authorised to enter Departments at Fylingdales that were denied his commanding officer.

"DC PCSB August 2020 Board Retreat. 21 views · 3 years ago ...more. Try YouTube ... DC PCSB February 2024 Board Meeting (RAF). DC Public Charter School Board ...""

[Andy J2022]

Rena,

Did you not see the dates of his postings? They range between 1924 and 1928, that is to say, the first decade of the RAF's existence. So certainly nothing to do with Fylingdales or missiles.

[Rena]

Nope - so that'll larn me
   Thanks for the information.
I've now got really bad eyesight and to read these webpages I have enlarged them as much as possible which means some details are missing.

[jim1]

By no means an RAF expert but do like a puzzle.
HMS Hermes was the first purpose built carrier.
It looks like his Squadron has had a couple of stints
actually landing on it but prior to that they were posted to PC. S.B. (a).
So does it stand for Practice Carrier Shore Base ?

[Kingsclere]

Have you previously seen mention of a "Practice Carrier Shore Base" anywhere, Jim1?

Someone elsewhere mooted a possibility of S.B. being a Selection Board but there's no indication in his mustering, trade or qualification sections around this period to explain that idea. As shown on the record extract, he was attached to 403 Flight on Hermes and was with that unit at China Station and Hong Kong until his 1930 discharge.

[jim1]

Not seen it before, just thinking outside the box.

[Rena]

This thread has brought back a few memories.

Our extended family used to take railway day trips to the east coast during the 1940s and 1950s,.

Every time we went we would see airplanes practicing figure eight tight turns and aiming at a  simple wooden raft bobbing up and down in the sea.

In 1983 I took our young son back to visit family and , of course we took him to the east coast to play with a bucket and spade in the sand.   The 'planes were still zooming about over the sea but this time they were jet planes that zoomed out of sight then zoomed back again taking  potshots at the wooden raft.