RCAF

Discussion in 'Canadian' started by betsy, Feb 3, 2011.

  1. betsy

    betsy Junior Member

    Please can anyone tell me how a Canadian aged about 22 in 1939 would have enlisted in RCAF? Is there any way of tracing his postings in Uk in the war (he was a navigator)?
     
  2. Jedburgh22

    Jedburgh22 Very Senior Member

    He would have gone to a RCAF recruitment centre and when accepted would be sent for training after medical asessment for aircrew. Once trained he would be posted to a unit depending on his speciality. The best way of finding out would to obtain a copy of his records. I'm sure some of the Canadians on the site will advise you on how to obtain these.
     
  3. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

  4. Oldman

    Oldman Very Senior Member

    Betsy
    Welcome to the forum
    Please provide as much information as possible so we can acertain where he served and with which squadrons he served
     
  5. ropey

    ropey Member

    Hello,
    I am researching a friend's dad's war record. He was English but was part of the RCAF in 1944 -1945. His name was Norman Fowler, Service Number 1896077 and he was a Flight Engineer in 433 Squadron. Does anyone know how I might retrieve his war service record? Do we contact Canadian authorities and if so who? Our first look suggested we needed to be Canadian citizens to access information.
    Any help gratefully received.
    Perry
     
  6. RAFCommands

    RAFCommands Senior Member

    His service number you have is RAF and it was usual for the Flight Engineer trade in bomber command to be made up of RAF men even in RCAF Units.

    So contact MoD RAF Disclosures for the record.

    Obtaining RAF service records - The Rules....

    Ross
     
  7. ropey

    ropey Member

    Ross, you're a champion! We'll make the application ASAP.
     
  8. Pat Atkins

    Pat Atkins Well-Known Member

    Service number 1896077 was one of a block allocated in January 1943 to Euston; I'm not familiar with the actual practice of enlistment at this time so can't help with details, but I guess it might suggest a London area/SE England origin for recruits. This date would, roughly, tally up with his subsequent training and then posting to operations in 1944 I think - there are others on here far more expert, however.

    As Ross says, it was very common practice for overseas crews (e.g. RCAF, RAAF) to have an RAF Flight Engineer. Once you get his records, this forum will be very useful in helping you decode them. Good luck!

    Cheers, Pat

    Edit: a Flight Engineer has recorded his experiences in training at this period here, might be of interest?
     

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