Training RFC Ground Crew

[researchingreg]

Does any body have (or know where to find them) any records of training RFC Ground Crew especially at the No 1, School of Instruction Reading in 1916-1917?

On my Uncles Service record it shows under special qualifications 'Engine Fitter. School of I.S. Reading'

[nils d]

l think Reading was a school for flying cadets. l suspect your uncle was on the staff.Either in a maintainace role or as an instructor.

[Sepoy]

I remember reading somewhere recently, that they used wingless aircraft to drive around the park area now occupied by the Reading University....

Sepoy

[researchingreg]

nils d thanks for the information he was a flying cadet from 13 Aug 1917 and he became a 2nd Lt and a pilot, although I think he joined the RFC in Aug 1916 and became an engine fitter. However his service record only dates from 13 Aug 1917 when he was training at Denham School of Aeronautics. I have a photo of him in an airman's uniform (not as a cadet) and later in an RFC officers uniform. The record seems to miss out a years service as an airman, so I am trying to find out more information on engine fitters training to see if I can fill in the gap.

[Simon Birch]

Does any body have (or know where to find them) any records of training RFC Ground Crew especially at the No 1, School of Instruction Reading in 1916-1917?

On my Uncles Service record it shows under special qualifications 'Engine Fitter. School of I.S. Reading'

The war diary - or something like it - can be found here: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C4079069

Simon

[john-g]

If you have his AIR76 Officers Record it will only show his movements as an officer, it might say he was commissioned from the ranks. Now do a search for him in AIR79 and see if he has an Airman's record. Also have you checked to see if he has an WO339 Officers record?

Cheers

john-g

[researchingreg]

john_g Thank you for the information . I do only have his AIR 76 Record, I will try and find the AIR 79 record for him.