arantxa Posted 29 February Share Posted 29 February Hello I have ancestry but it doesnt seem to have RAF records could some one tell me where else i can look the national archives says its in mypast but im not a member of that i just want to see his occupation in the RAF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffnut453 Posted 29 February Share Posted 29 February His record is on FindMyPast. You should be able to access it at a local library. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawhiri Posted 29 February Share Posted 29 February (edited) The April 1918 RAF Muster Roll says he was a Sergeant Mechanic, and his trade was fitter (A.E.). The A.E. presumably stands for aero engine, or some variation thereof. https://www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk/archive/drabble-f Edited 1 March by Tawhiri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 29 February Author Share Posted 29 February Thank you for looking that up for me I’m very appreciative have a good evening Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmsk212 Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March The RAF Records are also available on Ancestrys sister site of Fold 3 and Forces War Records Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 1 March Author Share Posted 1 March When I clicked on Fold 3 it said you have to upgrade which seems a bit unfair ad I’ve been paying to Ancestry for 6 years every month Who is best for value ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan1892 Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March Interesting to see on his service record that he declared his occupation was that of a FOOTBALLER -- a quick search comes up with him playing in goal for a number of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur; Burnley; Bradford Park Avenue; Bolton Wanderers and Southport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 1 March Author Share Posted 1 March Gosh thats interesting can you post his service record up only if you have time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawhiri Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March 54 minutes ago, Allan1892 said: Interesting to see on his service record that he declared his occupation was that of a FOOTBALLER He even has his own Wikipedia page. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Drabble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancpal Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March (edited) Depending on when he played football at Bradford Park Avenue he may have been in the same team as Donald Simpson Bell, the only English professional footballer to win a Victoria Cross. Simon Edited 1 March by mancpal Pressed send by mistake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawhiri Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March 1 minute ago, mancpal said: Depending on when he played football at Bradford Park Avenue It looks like he played for Bradford Park Avenue for a single season, 1913-14, according to his Wikipedia page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancpal Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March Bell joined Bradford Park Avenue in 1913 so its highly likely they were teammates. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 1 March Author Share Posted 1 March I was just reading about Bell...what a brave chap For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by a hostile machine gun. 2nd Lt. Bell immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corpl. Colwill and Pte. Batey, rushed across the open under very heavy fire and attacked the machine gun, shooting the firer with his revolver, and destroying gun and personnel with bombs. This very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack. Five days later this very gallant officer lost his life performing a very similar act of bravery.[7] i had never heard Of Bradford Park Avenue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancpal Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March I wonder if Colwell and Batey were recognised with perhaps the DCM or MM ? Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan1892 Posted 1 March Share Posted 1 March @arantxa I have sent you a PM 2 hours ago, arantxa said: i had never heard Of Bradford Park Avenue Still in existence playing in the Northern Premier League and currently standing 19th with 21 points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 2 March Author Share Posted 2 March I went to one of those schools where it was only Rugby and Cricket *** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 2 March Share Posted 2 March With a service number with 2 in front says he was RNAS which he joined on 8/4/16 rising to the rank of Petty Officer A.E and transfered to the RAF 31/3/18. He then went to Italy with the RAF joining 226 Sqdn 15/4/18 at Spinola .He came home on 2/3/19.In the RAF he was a Fitter A.E which meant he worked on aero engines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 2 March Author Share Posted 2 March Thank you...does 2 always denote RNAS ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 3 March Share Posted 3 March The service numbers starting with 200001 to 260000 were given to RNASpersonel who transfered to the RAF on the 1st April 1918 200001 to 202902 RNAS enlistments 1914 . 202903 to 210316 RNAS enlistments 1915 .210317 to 225060 RNAS enlistments 1916 ,225061 to 244710 RNAS enlistments 1917 .244711 to 260000 RNAS enlistments 1918. So if his sevice number starts with a 2 he is ex RNAS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GROBBY Posted 3 March Share Posted 3 March The last number used was 254574 out of the 260000 block Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmsk212 Posted 3 March Share Posted 3 March (edited) Hi, If you cannot get it on Ancestry or Find my Past you can look at F Drabbles RNAS record at the National Archives here :- Name Drabble, Frank Official Number: F12955 Place of Birth: Salford,... | The National Archives Free if you sign in. Steve Edited 3 March by hmsk212 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 3 March Author Share Posted 3 March That is really interesting thank you I don’t know if you saw my post but did all officers get a new commission so to speak when they transferred to the RAF ie re gazetted Thank you hmsk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmsk212 Posted 3 March Share Posted 3 March I didn't see your post but most officers who were serving in the RFC or RNAS when the RAF was formed got a new commission certificate with the RAF. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arantxa Posted 4 March Author Share Posted 4 March Thank you hmsk i did wonder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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