Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation


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All e-mail addresses have had the @ replaced by <AT>, so if you wish to reply to any of these entries, please copy and paste the address into your e-mail browser and replace <AT> with @.


E-mail:  lesmond62<AT>gmail.com
Date:     20 Feb 2024
Time: 07:14

Comment

I am a member of the RAF Physical Training Instructors (PTI) Association and volunteer as their communications Officer. 

I am also a member of The Canopy Club which is the RAF Parachute Jumping Instructor’s Association. 

The PTI Association has been producing a newsletter called ‘The Badge’ since 1991 and these publications are circulated to the association membership currently 600.

I have been digitising the records of PTI names and graduation details from 1918 which was when the PTI trade was established, making it one of two of the oldest elements in the RAF, the other being the Flying Core. 

The RAF PTI trade includes PTIs who are employed in the specialist roles and these are shown below with their inception dates:

RAF PTIs have also led and been members of Mountain Rescue Teams, 1943, all over the RAF both in the UK and abroad. 

Additionally the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and The ‘Aerobats’ Gymnastic Display Team have been formed and performed by PTIs since the 1950s and 1960s. 

If anyone has any written or photographic or written records of PTI activity please let me know so that I can add to the wealth of information available on RAFWEB and further develop records of PRI legacy and history. 

Les Hammond

RAF PTI 1974-1990


E-mail:  chittickronald<AT>gmail.com
Date:     11 Feb 2024
Time: 13:33

Comment

Ronald Chittick, RAF AC1


E-mail:  peterejkeats<AT>aol.co
Date: 11 Feb 2024
Time: 10:40

Comment

J W Tritton

I have my late father in law (wife's father) found in one of the locations.

Sqn Histories 46-50_P

nice work! Well done.


E-mail:  ellertonjohn<AT>icloud.com
Date:    6 Aug 2023
Time: 05:44

Comment

I have just seen this!! Thanks for your help in the past.

John Ellerton


E-mail:  tom.willssandford<AT>gmail.com
Date:    12 Jun 2023
Time: 07:45

Comment

William Robert WILLS-SANDFORD

My father flew autogiros and became a leading pilot and later something of an autogiro historian. He test flew Spitfires before the war and spent a short time in France in 1940 (WIS South). He was posted to Singapore and became a Japanese PoW, spending most of his captivity in Palembang in Sumatra but was transferred to Changi in March 1945, as the Japanese wanted all senior officers there - to be executed if the Americans invaded Japan. He reached Liverpool in October 1945 and was later CO of RAF Swinderby. His last posting was to RAF St Athan where he was CO of a Maintenance Unit. He played golf for the RAF

I know it is a bit late now, but if any descendant wants to get in touch please use my email above.

Ton Wills-Sandford


E-mail:  Roberts.Denise<AT>outlook.com
Date:    11 Jun 2023
Time: 14:48

Comment

In Memory of my Uncle - Pilot Officer Basil Victor Hennessy Tweedie - missing believed killed; Kittyhawk AL111, 250 Squadron, aircraft failed to return from an operational flight over Demartino, Libya, 10 May 1942.

Pilot Officer Basil Victor Hennessy Tweedie (as a Sergeant)

Denise L. Tweedie Roberts

Thank you so much.


E-mail:  robert_rudd<AT>btinternet.com
Date:    30 Mar 2023
Time: 09:40

Comment

Robert Rudd ex RAF 1951 to 1955


E-mail:  cje.1958<AT>gmail.com
Date:    20 Jan 2023
Time: 15:01

Comment

My name is Colin English. I am the son of John Arthur English who did his post WW2 National Service in the RAF based at Khartoum 1947-8 after enlisting in 1946.

Your website has helped me with information about RAF Khartoum. I have long wanted to see the place's badge and the badge of the TEU/AAEE that he was assigned to. I have a photo of him in uniform but I can't make out the badge as the photo is only 2" x 2".

His services number was 2216500.


E-mail:  DAVIDHYDEBARKER<AT>GMAIL.COM
Date:    12 Sep 2022
Time: 22:39

Comment

I have visited the RAFWEB website a multitude of times - and am still staggered by its scope, depth and authority.: it is a monumental work.

Many thanks.

Best regards

David Barker


E-mail:  rossandrosie<ATi>cloud.com
Date:    7 Sep 2022
Time: 17:17

Comment

My dad

HAYWOOD, Flight Lieutenant Paul, CdeG(Fr).

NZ411971; Born Wellington, 22 Jun 1919; RNZAF 23 Mar

1941 to 3 Nov 1945; Pilot.

Citation Croix de Guerre with Gold Star (Fr) (5 Jun 1946):

[124 Sqn RAF (Spitfire)] As Flight Commander, this officer participated in 25 operational sorties directly concerned with the liberation of France. During these missions he led his flight with outstanding skill and courage, qualities which were reflected in the efficiency of the personnel under his command.

Between Apr 1942 and Sep 1944 he flew at least 264 sorties.

Carol Greenwood (nee Haywood)


E-mail:   alexsmart629<AT>gmail.com
Date:    25 Jun 2022
Time: 22:12

Comment

Alex Smart


E-mail:   dawn1312<ATi>cloud.com
Date:    3 Jun 2022
Time: 02:01

Comment

John Reeder - 3515846

My dad is 87 now

His email is reeder1935@gmail.com


E-mail:   ianhyden<AT>yahoo.com
Date:    6 May 2022
Time:    17:05

Comment

My Dad served as a Driver in 45 Squadron in Burma early 1942.

Captain Ian Hyden MILT., BSc., TA. (ret’d)


E-mail:    barbarajkelly<AT>live.co.uk
Date:    7 Apr 2022
Time: 14:21

Comment

I have found your website extremely useful in tracking down airmen who were awarded BEMs in 1944-45.  I’m particularly interested in those who were in the Knokke area of Belgium.  ALG B-83, in Knokke, was one of the most heavily mined airfields the RAF Bomb Disposal teams ever dealt with, but precious little is known of the operation to clear both the airfield, the German Atlantikwall defences along the Knokke coast and also the local environment.  I have a diary of my Dad’s who mentions working there, but also similar from a friend of his;  Dad was stationed there for about six months and recorded over eighteen and a half thousand mines removed from the area.

Thank you

Barbara Kelly


E-mail:   jawsjfk<AT>icloud.com
Date:    9 Feb 2022
Time: 23:16

Comment

Looking for info concerning the shooting-down of 76 Sqn. H-P Halifax Mk V on night of 3/4 November, 1943. The German pilot was Otto Fries. It was, I believe, his third ‘kill’. He ended the war as an ace, with five ‘kills’.

Halifax Markings: MP-X, known as ‘X for Excelsior’.

Pilot: Dennis Hornsey

Mid-Upper Gunner: Sgt J.K. Davis.

The M-U Gunner was my Uncle Joe. His nickname was ‘Fussy Davis’.

I am trying to get some detail of said Halifax’s nose art, ‘Excelsior’.

I know it was a mailed fist, with the index finger pointing straight up.

What I’d like to know  are its colours, size, and position on the Halifax.

My brother wants to make an accurate scale model of the plane, and gift it to Dennis Hornsey’s daughter.

Gary Davis


E-mail:  hayman741<AT>gmail.com
Date:   9 Feb 2022
Time: 04:13

Comment

I'm doing research as part of a group called RAF Culmhead Research Group and if anyone had relatives based at Culmhead, feel free to get in touch .

Stuart Hayman


E-mail:  catherine.mellin62<AT>gmail.com
Date:   21 Jan 2022
Time: 01:26

Comment

Stuart Mellin


E-mail:  jrhardyb<AT>hotmail.com
Date:   28 Nov 2021
Time: 19:24

Comment

I am researching a Corporal who served in MAAF and AHQ in 1945 and may have been the driver for Sir Guy Garrod.

John Hardy


E-mail: david.baker<AT>riskman.plus.com
Date:   4 Nov 2021
Time: 12:59

Comment

Thank you for creating this interesting web site. As the grandson of Air Chief Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond and the nephew of MRAF Sir John Salmond thank you for their entries and the reference to my mother’s book from Biplane to Spitfire.

Group Captain D H G Baker MBE MA FRGS RAF Rtd


E-mail: ad.dolphin<AT>gmx.com
Date:  22 Oct 2021
Time: 17:36

Comment

Tony Dolphin (F1941283)

Doing research about his father then Sgt. Harry Dolphin who was a cipher specialist at No. 90 Staging Post, Ascension Island, believed to be there 1944 - 1945. Retired 1961 W/o H B  Dolphin (519776)

A Dolphin

Alicante Spain


E-mail: phisa<AT>btinternet.com
Date:  15 Oct 2021
Time: 13:39

Comment

Philip Sutton


E-mail:  gersue84<AT>btinternet.com
Date:  26 Sep 2021
Time: 22:41

Comment

No10 ITW,

My uncle  Sgt Pilot John Llewelyn,  88 Bomber Squadron,  KIA 21.08.1942

With thanks

Geraint Llewelyn


E-mail: rg.mcmullan<AT>gmail.com
Date:  29 Aug 2021
Time: 19:56

Comment

Roy Mc Mullan 43rd Entry St. Athan and Belfast sim Brize Norton.


E-mail: rowena.clarke39<AT>tiscali.co.uk
Date:  11 Jul 2021
Time: 10:46

Comment

Wonderful, informative site.   My late father  James S. Middleton was a radar mechanic RAFVR from 1940 -46.  His records when I obtained them were very scrappy and contained many initials which I have at last unravelled BUT one of the last entries was for Base 43.  Now I know he was still at Driffield . From what I have learned so far was that he fitted radar into aircraft and especially Handley Page Hampdens and Halifaxes.  Working in Group 4 Bomber Command he was posted to many squadrons sometimes for just a day.   51, 158, 420, 466, 640 and I know he was based at Wittering and in Driffield.   I have photographs taken at unknown dates and locations which I would be willing to share should anyone be interested. I am not a member however so this may not be possible.   Very many thanks.

Rowena Clarke (Mrs)


E-mail: outlook_8EDAE549C9BB97A2<AT>outlook.com
Date:  21 Jun 2021
Time: 23:53

Comment

Was posted to Seletar 1961-63 with Oz army. Leader in the 2 cub packs on base. Some names….Ricketts, Milam, Cooper come to mind. Please email if you have any old names/pics.   

Len Eaton (Tassie)


E-mail: olliesnr44<AT>gmail.com
Date:  10 Jun 2021
Time: 19:35

Comment

My name is Steve Oliver (ex RAF sergeant). I'm looking for old friends from RAF Innsworth (1977-1979). First an SACW Jessica (telephonist). CPL Dave Richards. SACW Kay James (MT Driver). CPL Jan (MT Driver). If anyone can shed any light on any of these people, I would love to hear from you. 


Comment

E-mail:gersue84<AT>btinternet.com
Date:  18 May 2021
Time: 00:51

Comment

My Uncle Sgt John Llewelyn KIA 21.08.1942 was a pilot in 88 Bomber squadron , Im looking for  88 squadron picture as ours has been lost in house move

With thanks

G Llewelyn


E-mail: billespie<AT>btinternet.com
Date:  16 May 2021
Time: 17:20

Comment

Great site, one of the most complete and thorough reference centres on the Web for all things “light Blue”.

Regards

Bill Espie


E-mail: doug.savill<AT>gmail.com
Date:  3 May 2021
Time: 22:18

Comment

 I was looking at 276 Squadron photos.

I think I identified my uncle Alfred Davis (wearing flygear standing in front of aircraft), he ditched and drowned off Aberreiddi, Wales in November 1942 and the prop of his Lysander is on display at Haverfordwest after being recovered in the 1980's.

I say I think it is him as he is holding his gear the same way as a photo I have


E-mail: gusbaalexander<AT>gmail.com
Date:  23 Jan 2021
Time: 14:23

Comment

Alexander Gusba. Signaling from Windsor Ontario. Go Lancaster sqdrn. Much love for all of us pilots. 


E-mail: achgelis<AT>yahoo.co.uk
Date:  31 Dec 2020
Time: 14:02

Comment

I'm looking for info on Flt Lt John Leslie Crosby and  Flt Lt J C Alexander, both MAEE, RAF Helensburgh. Alexander killed 1941 when Saro Lerwick crashed. Info wanted for Helensburgh Heritage files.

Thank you

Robin Bird, journalist author.


E-mail:  maurice<AT>mscrete.com
Date:  14 Dec 2020
Time: 19:45

Comment

I spent the bulk of my National Service at 291 MU RAF Stoke Heath from 1955-1957, but have find anyone else who was servicing radio compasses at the same time as me, or indeed anyone else from that time that knew me. Contact welcomed.


E-mail:  Chris Preston
Date:  30 Nov 2020
Time: 06:39

Comment

My Great Uncle was Wg Cdr GH Stainforth, RAF.


E-mail:  robert_rudd<AT>btinternet.com
Date:  25 Nov 2020
Time: 19:27

Comment

Usually I follow the RAF 93 Sq Jever site as this was the last station I served at during my 4 years in the RAF. I made a search for RAF St Athan with a hope of contacting ex colleagues from my time there. Your site came up, I haven’t, as yet, had the opportunity to investigate the site properly, but initially it looks very interesting.

Regards

Robert Rudd (Bob)

RAF History, called up national service but signed on for 4 years, to continue with trade as Electrician.

Joined 1951

Demobbed 1955

Served at the following stations:-

Cardington, Cosford, Melksham, Honnington, St Athan, Jever Germany.

Trade, Electrician Air (although worked on motor vehicles at 1 mtru, Honnington)

Photo shows me at home in Sth Essex prior to my posting to Germany. ’Bike’ had to stay in UK


E-mail:  wrap25<AT>outlook.com
Date:  16 Nov 2020
Time: 00:00

Comment

Paul Ralph ex Weapons Trade Manager 3(F) Squadron Harriers at RAF Laarbruch and RAF Cottesmore Dec 92 til Feb 00.

Thanks very much!


E-mail:  kempenfest<AT>rogers.com
Date:  8 Nov 2020
Time: 23:57

Comment

My father Joseph Anthony Aikins served in No. 45 (Atlantic Transport) Group, R.A.F. in Dorval P.Q. as a navigator beginning Feb 2, 1944. His photo is included herewith as is a document I found from McGill University. He only served a short while. Went on to get his medical degree and served as a family physician in Barrie Ontario until he passed 17 years ago. I’m one of 11 children. I wish I had asked him more about his service. He never talked about it unless you asked.

Joseph Anthony Aikins  J A Aikin's Record Card

Tom Aikins


E-mail:  zac.brightmore<AT>icap.com
Date:  23 Oct 2020
Time: 16:15

Comment

Very interesting and humbling reading about all these great men.

Grandson of Air Commodore A G P Brightmore.

Zac