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)?
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.
Betsy, Good advice from Steven. I would image that his service record holds all the details you require. This website holds a lot of information links that may be of help to you. WW2 World War Two Research Help at The Second World War Experience Centre Regards Tom
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
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
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
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?