Engineer Training
Resume:
Royal Australian Air Force
Pilot/ Flight Engineers
**** ******* ** *** ** ATHAN
(South Wales U.K.)
by
Leslie R. Jubbs
Electronic Version of this book.
Royal Australian Air Force
Pilot / Flight Engineers
1945 Trained at RAF St Athan
(South Wales U.K.)
The Primarily objective of this electronic version of my recent book (May 2003) is for it to
be available to anyone, Schools, Libraries, and Organisations etc.
There are no restrictions on down loading to your hard disk and copying to a Compact Disk
(CD) and making duplicates for others.
There are NO fees involved
Leslie R. Jubbs
This Lancaster is one of the many historical aircraft
housed in the Royal Australian Air Force Association Aviation
Heritage Museum located in RAAF Memorial Estate, Bullcreek,
Western Australia. Currently many new historical aircraft surround this
aircraft, one of only two in Australia.
Permission to publish this photograph was provided by the Curator,
Mr Al Clarke.
Foreword
It was only in recent months that I really had an inkling of the part taken by the then young
Australian Pilots, who arrived in England during 1944, and through many frustrating and
disappointing months waiting to continue Pilot training with the Royal Air Force, finally
volunteered to under go a Flight Engineer Course at RAF Base St Athan in South Wales.
Through a close friend, Mr Bill Connolly, (did I first learn about this training) a former
RAAF Pilot, who completed the Flight Engineer Course in 1945 and went on to join a Lancaster
Crew just as the war in Europe ended. He was involved in flying into Europe to bring back
Prisoners of War to England. These Australian Crews continued on training although the war in
Europe had ceased..
Bill Connolly had briefly told me about this period in his RAAF career and showed me an
exercise book containing excellent notes and diagrams made during his time on Course at RAF St
Athans. Those notes have been misplaced along with his records.
Because of the recent death of Mr Bill Connolly I decided it was necessary to assemble as
much information as possible from some of those ex RAAF Pilots, with whom I could contact. This
small book is to acknowledge in small way the very important contribution to the war effort by
these ex RAAF Pilots. On many occasion these men gave up trying to explain to doubting
Thomas that Pilot /Flight Engineers did actually join RAAF Combat Squadrons in England
during WW2. Ultimately all these Australian Crews, known as Tiger Force would have flown
Lancasters or the newly built Avro Lincoln Bombers (enlarged version of the famous Lancaster 4
engine bomber) out to the Pacific to carry on the war against the Japanese.
The dropping the of the Atom Bombs and the surrender of the Japanese Forces brought
about the end of WW2 in the Pacific and the disbandment of Tiger Force.
I therefore dedicate this small book to the Memory of ex Warrant Officer Bill Connolly.
Warrant Officer Bill Connolly
Acknowledgments
To all those ex RAAF Pilot/Flight Engineers, who provided their recollections from 1944-
45 era during WW2, and for their photographs and Log Book details.
Mr Neville Bell, who forwarded from England, a copy of the B/W Flight Engineer s
Instrument Panel.
Ms Yvonne Oliver, of the Imperial War Museum Photograph Archive, who gave
permission to use the eight photographs showing RAF Flight Engineer Cadets under going training at
RAF St Athan in 1944.
Mr Warwick Hughes, who provided a great many photographs and historical details.
Mr Al Clarke, Curator of the RAAF Association Heritage Air Craft Museum, Bullcreek,
Western Australia for permission to photograph the Museum s Lancaster.
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
List of contents
Map of the United Kingdom.
1 RAAF Pilot/Flight Engineers back ground. What now? An explanation to the reality
of surplus RAAF Air Crews in 1944-45
4 The Royal Air Force Training of Flight Engineers
13 Flight Engineer Trainee, RAAF Pilot, Flight Sergeant Malcolm King
19 Flight Sergeant Ron Sloan
29 Caterpillar Club, the Avro Lincoln Bomber & The Irvin Air Chute Company
30 Flight Sergeants Frank Hamilton & Bob (Barney) Herbert
40 Royal Air Force Flight Engineer, Flight Sergeant Syd Shorthouse.
42 Flight Sergeant Bob Herbert
50 Flight Sergeant Peter Bremner
57 Flight Sergeant Ron Daymond
Grenock Harbour arrival Port
for some Pilots
RAF Whitley Bay
RAF Padgate No 467 Squadron
11PDRC RAF Metheringham
TIGER FORCE
LONDON
N
RAF Base
St Athan
RAF Brighton
RAAF Pilot/Flight Engineers
1944-45
RAAF Pilot/Flight Engineers
by
Leslie R. Jubbs
No, this heading is NOT an error, for it is correct, because during WW2 in England, young,
newly Graduated Pilots from Australia arrived in the United Kingdom where there was already a
great over supply of Air Crews. Because of many, many months of frustration, filling in time, being
moved from one RAF Base to another practically month by month, volunteered to retrain as Flight
Engineers and joined Squadron Crews at Heavy Conversion Units or Squadrons and went on to a
Squadron flying Lancasters.
United Kingdom in 1944
Perhaps it would be advisable to now look back as to what contributed to this massive over
supply of Air Crews in the United Kingdom. Now on reflection, it probably started the day No 41
Course of trainee pilots arrived at No 4 Service Flying Training School, GERALDTON, Western
Australia, during October 1943. An over enthusiastic Sergeant Drill Instructor greeted this group of
50 enthusiastic, would be pilots, straight from graduating from Tiger Moth Elementary Flying
School with some 60+ flying hours in their official Pilot Log Books, by ordering us to form up in
one line. He then consulted a Clip Board and proceeded to call out 25 + names then ordered those
so named to take a step forward.
Being accustomed to being bellowed and ordered at, the Group wondered innocently as to
what was in store for them. A moment later the whole group was un-sympathically informed that
the front row (those who had stepped forward) would henceforth be known as No 41 Course. This
was hardly enlightening for they had been known as that for months but in the next breadth
informed all the others that they would be known as No. 42 Course. The immediate reaction was
so what! but then came the bombshell, and you will NOT be commencing flying for another
four weeks!
The stunned silence was then broken by all being allocated separate accommodation huts
and to take up residence.
This I gather happened all over Australia at the RAAF Training Bases but no explanation
was given but to the No. 41 Course, but great exhilaration and relief, but to the No. 42 Course only
stunned disbelief for they would endure another four weeks of filling in time with mundane tasks
like filling in rabbit holes all around the airfield.
In far away England the great Prime Minister Winston Churc hill s relentless eye for
detail noticed in July 1943 that Fighter Command had on strength 945 more Pilots than it had
aircraft. He immediately began to probe further and demanded to see what another Command
position was. Bomber Command had some 338 complete Crews he was informed.
During December 1943 the RAF decided to close eight of its Training Centres.
By that time 670 Australian Air Crews were arriving in the United Kingdom every four
weeks.
By June 1944 Australia was advised that no more Air Crews were required in England yet
many Air crews were already on their way to the United Kingdom aboard ships and some due to
land in Scotland at that time. This then was the state of affairs causing the great over supply of
newly Graduated Air Crews.
(These details were found in John Mc Carthy s book, A last call of EMPIRE Published in 1988)
2
What now?
On arrival in Scotland mid June 1944 Pilots were posted to RAF Base Padgate, No.11
Personnel Disembarkation Reception Centre in Lancashire where, soon after settling in, the Base
Commanding Officer addressed everyone announcing that they would not be required for a month.
The immediate response was great disappointed for it had taken nearly two months since departing
Australia to arrive in England. Every one was highly motivated to move onto the next step towards
a Squadron.
How naive everyone was for the reality of an over supply of Pilots would not be evident
until some time later.
The RAF Padre then welcomed everyone then suggested to come and see him if they should
ever be given leave for he could assist selecting where to go as guests of a great many people
throughout the United Kingdom. This very large group of people belonged to the Lady Frances
Ryder Scheme. This Lady had set up this organisation during WW1 to provide accommodation for
COLONIALS Servicemen. There would be occasions when Australians would be referred to as
colonials but situations often dictated their response.
Sure enough leave was granted to everyone then individuals or groups set about deciding
what to do while others decided to try the Padre as a first option. So successful was this decision
that many Aussies would often take an advantage of this wonderful organisation while some would
return to a Host Family on more than one occasion. With occasional Australian Comforts Parcel
containing tins of fruit etc was a wonderful gift to carry to the Host Family as a small token for
their generosity.
On their return from this first leave came a ready description as to how everyone spent their
nine days. Some had visited relations, others to London and other regions while those, who had
utilized the Lady Frances Ryder s hosts were delighted with their reception and experience vowing
to use this method in future.
There was a stirring of malcontent among these young eager Pilots, which was temporarily
stiffeled when many were sent on a Commando Course to Whitely Bay. There it was mentioned
that there was every possibility they would be sent to far away Burma and this training was
essential for survival in that tropical environment.
Once again they returned to Padgate then on to Brighton Reception Centre for Australian
Air Force Personnel, located in two famous hotels: GRAND and METROPOLE on the south
coast of England. There every day they could witness very large flights of USA Flying Fortresses
departing for Europe at great heights but only evidenced by the long vapor trails showing their
presence. Hours later many of these aircraft would come staggering back across the coast at low
altitude where silent engines were plainly evident indicating badly damaged aircraft.
Some reality of the war in the air was there for RAAF Air Crews to come to grips with, but
no such evidence was to be seen regarding the Royal Air Force Armadas that set forth on night
bombing missions. Enormous losses were suffered every night on these missions yet details were
not available to the public. Any reports, either by radio, newspapers, or Cinema newsreels were
greatly censored and only positives promulgated.
3
In Brighton daily Postings to Royal Air Force Stations would be announced and these young
Pilots would then discover they would often arrive at the RAF Base on their own or there meet up
with another Pilot, who was completely unknown to them. One of the first Posting was often to an
Elementary Flying Training School to once again fly Tiger Moths. Immediate response was
disappointment but being brought up to the reality of flying from an airfield close to London where,
once you took off and viewed the countryside with its enormous range of topical details was mind-
boggling. The wide expanse of Australian landscape was in marked contrast to what was now
beheld. Multi railway tracks running in all directions, multitude of roads, towns, villages and fields
of green was before them in a confusing abundance.
Map reading was paramount if a Pilot wasn t to become easily lost so it was clearly evident
to become very familiar with the immediate area around the EFTS. Venturing away was for another
day and that was usually on short excursions to nearby villages or towns. This in reality was a great
introduction to what flying in the British Isles could be really like especially in these hugely built
up areas near London.
These Pilots would not remain long on the first RAF Base for they would then occasionally
return for a short period to Brighton from where they would again be sent to another RAF Station
but usually with another Pilot or Group. They would be constantly be moved but always with
others but not with Pilots they had trained with. It seemed a policy of some remote, Posting Officer
or Posting Clerk to keep these Pilots forever on the move and never to allow them to congregate as
a group for other than a short period.
This was the environment that these young men found themselves and a certain amount of
concern crept into their minds as to what purpose had they come 12,000 miles. Some would find
them selves on Operational Squadrons acting in an Air Traffic Control capacity, but often in a
minor role. This situation often drifted on for many months so some would seek out how best they
could be better employed while other happened to be in the right place at the right time to hear
about other capacities they could volunteer such as Glider Pilots or Flight Engineer.
4
The following article appeared in the Air Crew Association Magazine published
in the Spring Edition, 1993. It had then been acknowledged through the
permission of SQNLDR Phil Coulson, Editor of Air Engineer (The Journal of
Air Engineer Branch) The Author has been unable to locate Eric Mayall for
permission to use his Report.
TRAINING FLIGHT ENGINEERS
by
Eric Mayall
1993
Origins
The formal establishment of the aircrew category of flight engineer within the Royal Air
Force was enshrined in Air Ministry Order A/190/41, dated 20 March 1941. This covered the
`provision of Flight Engineers for certain types of heavy bomber and flying boat aircraft'.
Originally, `Flight Engineers' in the RAF can be traced back to the pre-World War 2
practice of flying boat squadrons of employing engine fitters and flight mechanics from their
ground crew complements to assist m monitoring engine performance during (comparatively) long-
distance flights and, if necessary, to carry out engine repairs in the case of failure or shut-down.
It should be recalled that in the inter-war years, the range and duration of most aircraft was
very short compared with modern standards and it was only the larger flying boats of the RAF's
Coastal Area and overseas squadrons that were able to carry out long-distance flying. Many of
these flights were made into areas far removed from RAF bases, so that some provision for
technical assistance had to be made for pilots and observers, who comprised the aircrew of that
period. In addition, the aircraft engines of the time were far from reliable.
There was one further aircrew category in the inter-war years, one, which originated in
World War 1. the Air Gunner.
During that conflict, as soon as flying became an established aspect of war and guns were
carried by aircraft for both defensive and offensive purposes, the practice of using Ground crew in
the Royal Flying Corps as airborne gunners became widespread. No formal status was given to the
volunteers, who undertook these duties and they received no promotion or other enhancement.
Even before the outbreak of World War 1 there were pilots, and the well, known Pair of
Wings badge was formalised as their insignia in February 1913. The war was only one year old
when Observers were recognised with the award of a Half-wing with the letter `O' at its lower
end. This latter badge became the pattern for all other categories of Air Crew in due course.
The Air Gunner was eventually recognised, in turn, but not until 1923. At that time arm
badges were authorised for both Aerial Gunners and Phys ical Training Instructors! The Gunners
arm badge was a winged bullet. Gunnery training, still for Ground Crew volunteers, was carried out
at squadron level, and on passing out, an extra 3d per day was granted, plus 6d per day for each day
spent on airborne operations. This state of affairs, whereby all gunners were in effect part-time,
endured until 1939.
5
The event, which triggered off the requirements for additional air-crew categories was the
decision to build heavy bombers in the mid-1930s. The first of the relevant specifications was
B12/36 for the Short Stirling. This was followed almost immediately by P13/36, the specification,
which, initially produced the twin-engined progenitor of the Handley-Page Halifax and Avro
Manchester. These two types were unsuccessful in them selves, but were developed into the four
engined Halifax and Lancaster respectively.
Obviously, these comparatively huge aircraft would require far more crew than the heavy
bombers of the 1930s (mainly biplanes) and more than the generation of bombers that were coming
into service around this time, such as the Handley Page Hampden, Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley
and Vickers Wellington, collectively known as `medium' bombers.
The immediate call was for more Air Gunners and, in January 1939, the concept of part-
time Air Gunners was abandoned. At the same time, the requirements of radio communications
were recognised and the commitment for air gunnery training was passed to the wireless trades.
leading to the establishment of a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner aircrew category.
A year later the initial meeting to discuss a further aircrew category was held at the Air
Ministry. In the introductory remarks, the concept of Flight Engineering was expressed as follows:
It is also desirable, with a view to obtaining the best possible performance from engines, to have
someone watch the engine instruments
It is proposed that this duty should be undertaken by an additional member of the crew, who
would receive special training in the running of engines. Additional duties for Flight Engineers
were also discussed and it was envisaged that they would also be trained as Air Gunners. Although
the introduction of the new heavy bombers was a high priority in 1940, the German offensive in
Europe which led to the fall of France and the evacuation of Dunkirk all influenced the pace
of expansion of commands other than Fighter Command where top priority had, perforce, to be
given.
It was not until March 1941 that the formal establishment of the Flight Engineer was
enshrine in the Air Ministry order A190/41. Even then the position was not entirely clarified. As
early as December 1940 the question of a distinctive flying badge for Flight Engineers was raised
within the Air Ministry. This would have been a simple modification of the single wing Air Gunner
badge, which was, in turn, based on the Observer's badge. Flight Engineers were to undergo a three
week gunnery course as part of their training in order that they might take over a turret or gun if an
Air Gunner were to be killed or wounded. It was decided, therefore; that the Air Gunners badge
would be adopted for Flight Engineers . This decision is difficult to understand, and it probably
reflected entrenched opposition within Air Ministry to a breach of the `Pilot/Observer' basic
aircrew structure, with any other aircrew members regarded as part-time and auxiliary.
This outmoted concept could not possibly be allowed to continue and the whole Air Crew structure
within the RAF was changed by Air Ministry order A746/42. While naturally retaining the Pilot
category, the Observer role was dropped.
The following categories of aircrew were then established:
1) Navigator - with sub-categories of ( 4) Air Gunner - with sub-categories of
Navigator (B) (Bombing); Navigator Air Gunner (Wireless Operator Mech)
(BW (Bombing Wireless); Navigator Air Gunner (Flight Mechanic)
6
(W) (Wireless); Navigator (Radio. (Primarily for Coastal Command
(2) Air Bomber (*see Note One). (Operations).
(3) Wireless Operator (Air Gunner). ( 5) Flight Engineer.
This reflects the concurrent decision to do away with a two-pilot arrangement for heavy
bombers. This was regarded by that time as being wasteful with heavy aircrew fatalities, the loss of
two pilots was thought to be unacceptable. In smaller aircraft like the Wellington the Air Bomber
became a second Pilot/Pilot's Mate and in larger aircraft the Flight Engineer would perform this
function.
Distinctive badges for the new categories of aircrew were introduced in the latter part of
1942.
Flight Engineer
Duties and Training
With the formal establishment of the Flight Engineer as a separate aircrew category it required a
clear definition of both responsiblities and the training required to perform them. These were
enshrined in Air Ministry order A978/42 dated 15 August 1942 and were as follows:
Duties and Responsibilities
1.To operate certain controls at the Engineers station and watch appropriate gauges as indicated
in the relevant Air Publications.
2. To act as Pilot's Assistant (as required of Air Bombers - see above).
3. To advise the captain of the aircraft as to the functioning of the engines and repairs during
flight. the fuel, oil and cooling systems.
4. To ensure effective liaison between the Captain of the aircraft and the maintenance staff, by
communicating to the latter such technical notes regarding the performance and maintenance of
the aircraft in flight as may be required.
5. To carry out practical emergency repairs during flight.
6. To act as stand-by Gunner.
Training
It should be borne in mind that initially all Flight Engineers would be drawn from Fitters and Flight
Mechanics. This concept was soon abandoned and direct entrants accepted.
Selected candidates will be required to undergo the following training:
1) The Junior NCO course, if appropriate. (4) A course of technical instruction,
which may include a course at the
2) A course of approximately five weeks manufacturer's works. For Fitters (Air-
at an Initial Training Centre. frame), additional instruction in engines
3) A three-week course of Air Gunnery training. would be provided.
Broadly speaking, both Fitters and Mechanics were divided into Engine and Airframe categories
with the Fitter having the superior trade status to the Mechanic. For the latter, an additional course
would be taken to convert this status to Fitter. This Air Ministry order also covered the question of
Rank and Commissioning. To ensure that all aircrew received reasonable treatment from the enemy
7
should they fall into their hands as prisoners-of-war, a minimum aircrew rank of Sergeant had been
established.
A single commissioned post on each squadron or operational training unit would be established for
an officer of the rank of Flight Lieutenant or below.
4) To ensure effective liaison between the captain of the aircraft and the maintenance staff, by
communicating. to the latter such technical notes regarding the performance and maintenance of the
aircraft in flight, as may be required.
Technical Training, RAF St Athan
A contract for the construction of an RAF Station at St Athan in Glamorgan, Wales, was
signed in 1937 and work commenced immediately. The first party of airmen arrived at the camp on
1 September 1938: The initial unit to be based there was No. 4 School of Technical Training
(SoTT) which was tasked with the training of Flight Mechanics and Riggers as well as Drivers.
The initial trainees had come from No. 2 (Training) Wing at RAF Henlow from whence
came a quantity of Ground Instructional Airframes including Harts/ Furies, Fairy IIIFs and
Gordons, Avro 504Ks and some Blenheim Is. There was also a flight of 4 Miles Magisters for air
experience. The station was mobilised for war on 2 September 1939.
Other tenants of St Athan were Nos. 19 and 32 Maintenance Units, both of which were established
during 1939.
In June 1942 St Athan was chosen as the location for the training of Flight Engineers, and
No SoTT as a Training establishment. This made sense in that the training of Engine Fitters
and Mechanics had been underway for 3 years or more, but Flight Engineers then became
the cuckoo in the nest and displaced both Fitters and Mechanics by September 1942. It must
be remembered, however, that there were already many Flight Engineers in operational
flying duties with the Royal Air Force.
The Short Stirling entered service in August 1940 with No. 7 Squadron and by February
1941 the squadron's operational record book mentioned some Leading Aircraftmen (LAC's) on
crew lists as `Engineers/A.G.'. These were former Fitters who had been given training at
Airframe/Engine Manufacturers on the type of aircraft/engine combination on which they were to
serve.
For some time the training of Flight Engineers at St Athan was confined to former
Fitters/Mechanics, but direct entrants were soon accepted. This partly reflected the vast numbers
required due to the continuing expansion of the Royal Air Force, but also the need to retain
experienced Ground Crew, so that not too many of the latter were lost to flying duties.
The first course at St Athan commenced on 30 May, 1942, and comprised 60 trainees
following a syllabus which a only been Dawn up in April. The Initial 2 courses were of 3 weeks
duration, the following 2 of 4 and 5 weeks duration and the fifth and subsequent courses took 6
weeks - the planned length. The number of personnel planned for each course was 100, but did
fluctuate from time to time. Some delays occurred in the Complementary Gunner School Courses,
but this requirement was dropped in around mid-1943 and progress improved thereafter.
8
On arrival at St Athan, the current requirements for individual aircraft types were assessed
and the course was split accordingly, with training following on that specific type alone although
some general tuition was also given.
Air Ministry Order A707/42 dated 16 July 1942 allowed direct entrants to be trained
as Flight Engineers . Obviously, additional training would be required for those entrants and so a
longer course of 24 weeks was established in 1943 when the full impact of Direct Entrant
Recruitment was felt. This led at times to an output of over 500 men in one week and a total
population at No. 4 SoTT of over 5,000! This level of output was principally aimed at replacing the
very heavy aircrew losses of Bomber Command, with Coastal Command requiring comparatively
smaller numbers.
From March 1943 onwards a new customer was Transport Command, formed on the 25th of
that month.
In addition, as the course of the war raged on, the Second Front for invasion of Europe drew
closer and it was anticipated that aircrew losses would increase dramatically in the months both
before and after that momentous event.
Early m 1944 St Athan could not cope with the sheer volume of training required and the
Engineers course was split into two, with the first 10 weeks being given to No. 5 SoTT at RAF
Locking, and the remainder of St Athan. The first course at Locking commenced on 17 February
1942 and the last finished in the winter of 1944/5 - possibly as early as November 1944. '
By this time it was realised that D-Day losses were much less than had been feared. Another
element in the reduction of Flight Engineer Training requirements was the 1944 decision of the
Royal Canadian Air Force to train its own Flight Engineers.
As the war moved to its close in the early months of 1945, the numbers at St Athan
dwindled to almost zero but training did not entirely cease with the end of the war. By then, over
25,000 Fight Engineers had graduated from the School and the Station and these had seen active
duty on every front.
9
The Imperial War Museum Photograph Archive have provided the following
photographs, that were taken during 1944 and depict the areas used to training Royal Air
Force Flight Engineers at RAF ST. ATHAN. These same facilities applied to the RAAF
Pilots, who commenced their Flight Engineer Course during 1945.
Intensive training for these RAF Direct Entry Flight Engineer Trainees
was done in small groups by experienced Ground instructors. Perhaps
all RAF Ground Staff were trained at St Athan long before four engine
bombers were brought into the Service. Theory played an important role
but the emphasis was on practical application in every facet. CH.12466
A thorough knowledge of
engines was essential for
every Flight Engineer as
it was a high priority in
the syllabus. Many
engine components had
to be assembled, while
blind folded as part of
this intensive training.
CH. 12466
10
Air frames and Instruments formed an important part of the course and
this Group was here being introduced to GEORGE the important
automatic pilot that the Skipper could, at his decision, to utilize.CH.12472
One of the very important responsibilities of the Flight Engineer
was a complete mastery of the fuel system. In a number of
emergency situations could divert fuel, when, through enemy
action, engines or tanks had sustained damage. They also had
the responsibility, through a set of instruments under their
control, monitor and record all fuel being used.CH.12473
11
The first time the Trainee entered the cockpit of a Lancaster and was
introduced to the array of instruments and the duty of assisting the Pilot,
under his direction, the many ways he could expect to assist during take
off and landing and shutting down engines CH12468.
Although it is evident the
aircraft is still on the ground
this simulator can provide all
the realism of an actual
flight. The Flight Engineer is
at his control panel where he
is monitoring engine
performance and recording it
in a special Flight Log. To
add to the realism in this
simulator he is wearing full
flying gear, including oxygen
mask and parachute harness.
CH. 12469
12
Throughout the lecture areas and hangers there were a multitude of
charts, models, displays as well as details on this gen board where
Cadets were expected to study the extra information. CH. 12470
All RAF Courses invariably ended in assessment of each
Cadet and their suitability to join a Crew. The Examination
Board was conducted on a one to one basis, and, in
conjunction with written examinations results determined
whether the Cadet took part in a Wings Parade and received
the coveted Flight Engineer Wing. CH. 12471
13
Flight Engineer Trainee, RAAF Pilot, Flight Sergeant Malcolm King
On 16 June 1944 I arrived at 11 PDRC Padgate (near Warrington) and my memories there
are of five weeks of summer twilight and the first sight of bombing damage in Manchester.
On 22 of July 19444 I was posted to Whitley Bay (near Newcastle). The Course there was
intended as a toughening- up exercise with much simulation of living rough. There was route
marching and a range of survival exercises meant, I was led to believe to prepare us for action in
another theatre of war.
22 .8.44 I arrived in Brighton. This was to be the first of five postings to this resort.
However the environment of this city militated against anything more than use as a holding
operation between postings. As I remember, there was some perfunctory instruction in such things
as aircraft and ship recognition.
29.8.44 RAF Base Fairoaks (near London). This was the first English flying experience was
delightful as not only was there valuable experience in map reading and flying in
conditions vastly different to those in Australia; but the area was so rich in history. Within
a wide circuit area could be seen such places as Sandhurst, Aldershot, Windsor castle,
Henly, Twickenham and of course outer London.
There was prototype jet fighter (strictly out of bounds) on the Base.
3.11. 44 No 3 EFTS Shellingford (Berks). Here there were more flying experience in Tiger
Moths. This timeCanadian Navigators did the map reading occupying the front cockpit. Ay
nearby RAF Swindon there was training provided in parachute landing technique.
9.1 45 No.18 PAFU Snitterfield (near Stratford-on Avon). This was less pleasant.. Here for
me in mid winter was no flying- dual of passenger, as the aim was to learn basic flying-
control operations. Unfortunately the instruction lacked structure with only casual
supervision. Perhaps there was a feeling that this was only time filling at best.
This brings me to Brighton and the first intimation of the creation of a new flying category.
FLTSGT Mal King
The rational for the creation of the Pilot/Flight Engineer Category could be summarized as:
D Day and post D Day losses were fewer that expected so this meant large numbers of
EATS Pilots (Empire Air Training Scheme) and Navigators in the United Kingdom were difficult
to cater for in the productive sense.
The three so called Lancaster Squadrons were crewed by Australians except for the RAF
Flight Engineers so that:
a. It would be a staffing problem to have the RAF Member volunteer for further duties in
another theatre and:
b. Then inclusion of RAAF Pilot/Flight Engineer would validate the boast of all Australian
Crews and Squadrons.
14
The end of the European war was imminent, which meant that there would have to be a re-
organisation of crews and squadrons for Pacific deployment.
At the time it was felt by some RAAF Pilots waiting in holding units such as Brighton or at
Elementary Flying Training Schools or in other time filling experiences, that in volunteering for the
Flight Engineer Training programme the opportunity was there at last, to join a Squadron. However
the offer of conversion to Pilot/Engineer did not appeal to everyone some feared failure in the
course and subsequent loss of Wings!
I was at Brighton at the time and the opportunity or publicity for this change of Service
Career was given by word of mout h and did not seem to be promoted by the Administration in any
way. I suppose there were orders posted somewhere but my first knowledge of it was all casually
gleaned.
RAF St Athan
Arrived on this RAF Base on 21 January 1945 and left on 21 June 1945.
RAF St Athan (at the time the largest station in the United Kingdom is near Bridgend in
South Wales.
Together with the RAAF Pilots on Course (about 30 or 40 I think) there were also some
New Zealanders so I assume all N.Z. Crews were being formed. There were Canadians all over the
place but it was hard to make out their purpose at the Unit; they seemed to spend an inordinate
amount of time throwing an American football to one another.
There was provision at St Athan for leisure: basketball was popular as was swimming. This
swimming complex eventually was used for the 1948 Olympic Games water events.
RAF St Athans was rumored to be the largest Base in the
United Kingdom. Thousands of Ground Staff received their
training there.
15
The Course
There was daily (Monday-Friday) instruction given by N.C.O. Ground staff in every aspect
on the Lancaster 1 and 111. Nothing was omitted in providing every detail of the nose to the tail
structure and operation of the aircraft, except for navigation and gunnery specialties.
The instruction was given seated as in a classroom in front of a Lancaster (one of the many
in the hanger) together with displayed separate sections of the A/C s engines or anything else that
could be presented in isolation- much as one sees in the RAAF Association Bullcreek Aviation
Heritage Museum (WA).
The diversity of aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force is evident
by the sections of fuselages in this large hanger.
The first opportunity to look into the cockpit of an Avro Lancaster was
somewhat daunting by the multiplicity of instruments for a four engine
aircraft.
16
Some aspects of the course come readily to mind: the content, of necessity, was demanding
yet interesting. I remember clearly the fascination of carburetion: the change from S.V.carbs of the
Mk 1 to the sophisticated Stromberg in the Mk 3. Instrumentation too was very interesting; it was
the first time I d seen the principle of the gyro explained and employed as in the automatic pilot
(George).
I still remember realizing how much on the ball a Flight Engineer had to be if an engine
was knocked out. For example if the port engine was lost the whole hydraulic system would be lost.
For Australian Pilots trained on twin engine aircraft there was a
familiarity but for any who trained on single engines this view must have
been daunting.
Probably the most important aspect of instruction was the Pilot/Flight Engineer s
responsibility for, and competency in fuel management of six tanks and redistribution of fuel in the
case of engine failure/loss.
I would have to say that we were saturated in every aspect of flight engineering. There was
seriousness to all this instruction, without the levity you d except from such a group as ours in a
different environment.
At the conclusion of the course there was a comprehensive examination- written and oral.
The oral I found more demanding; the questioning, one to one was on the various sections of the
Merlin engine and airframe previously described. The examination was by one of the Instructors,
but not the one who was our regular.
I ve omitted to mention that NOT once were we able to see inside a real flying Lancaster.
There must have been a reason but this escapes me. (Not related to any of the previous but on the
17
25 April there was a very successful ANZAC Day Ceremony held in a Cardiff Hotel and attended
by Australian and New Zealand Course members.)
RAF Station Binbrook
21 June 1945
Binbrook in Lincolnshire (inland from Grimsby) was the base of no. 460 Squadron. It is to
this day a permanent RAF Station. From memory about 30 of us from the RAF St Athan Course
were directed here, by passing the Heavy Conversion Unit or O.T.U.
On arrival we were immediately involved in Crew formation beginning with our pairing
with an established Air Craft Captain, in my case a Joe McNamara from NSW. This teaming
simply involved writing your name against any name on a printed list of pilots.( The only exception
was to be the one who had to volunteer to fly with Squadron Leader Swan, who was to be in every
sense our Squadron Commander. This I imagine would be very daunting pairing with one so
experienced and decorated.) The RAF Flight Engineer had left leaving this our eventual Crew,
the one on every flight undertaken.. The new Crew shortened from the normal seven of Operations
in Europe was occasioned by the new corkscrew manoeuvre, which made less gunnery
necessary.
Crew
Joe Mc Namara (Pilot) ? Wright (Navigator) ? Furlonger (Wireless operator)
? Tuchin (Rear Gunner), and Self (Flight Engineer)
I forget how many operations the Crew had made, but they were certainly seasoned and
from what I could gather had experienced some hairy event invo lving emergency action by the
RAF Flight Engineer.
Now all thoughts were on where and when to the Pacific.
Binbrook Flying
June 29 1945: Post mortem Operation was along the Rhine River to see among other things
blackened Cologne and completely devastated Hamburg.
July 1 1945: The Flensberg Operation was undertaken in wartime format with full briefing
and debriefing. Flensberg in Denmark was the location of a heavy German radar set-up and its
operation was to be evaluated. We were told that the German Officers would be demonstrating with
guns at their backs .
27 July: At the farewell from RAF Binbrook we paraded with the RAF Flight Engineer
Leader, as from now on we were on our own. Up till now the leader would be there before and after
flights to act as a mentor or troubleshooter.
East Kirkby Station
28th July 1945
18
The Squadron s planes had quite a send off from Binbrook; the Staff lining the tarmac to
send us on our short flight to East Kirkby (No.460 Squadron is a proud Squadron with many
distinguished operational successes and awards.
Just when and where in the Far East was the subject of rumor: that the Australian Squadrons
were joining the reformed No. 617 Dambuster Squadron as Tiger Force and the destination was
Okinawa. The former was found to be correct, but I don t know to this day about Okinawa.
The September14 operation to Bari (Italy) was to bring back from the Italian theatre, British
Servicemen. The trip was memorable in that I was given control of the Lancaster aircraft so that the
Skipper could go to the back of the plane and have a good look at Vesuvius crater.
One day I was walking to the showers and I met Doug Graham: They ve dropped an
atomic bomb! he said.
And that was that.
After East Kirby
An exercise in futility:
A criticism of a training programme, which took place almost sixty years ago.
The category was Pilot/Flight Engineer not Flight Engineer. The Piloting background of the
new mustering was not utilized. Instead of being a plus providing an extra dimension to the plane s
crew, it seemed that the tradition role of Flight Engineer was being preserved. I feel that then
should have been some basic dual piloting instruction to give the Pilot/Engineer some confidence in
handling the aircraft in case of emergency such as the incapacity of the Pilot- a realistic possibility
in war- time. (I still dream of flying the Lancaster- successfully, but in my dreams).
On reflection I feel that of all the Crew there seemed to be less specificity for the role of the
Pilot/Flight Engineer. However more could have been done in training as it was not until we
arrived at the Squadron that we learned on our first flights the basic routines of our task.
Perhaps more orientation was provided at the O.T.U., which we by passed.
Comment: A friend of mine was a Stirling Pilot and he did not find out until 50 odd years after
the war that his Flight Engineer had never been up in an aircraft before their first trip at the Heavy
Conversion Unit. (L.J.)
19
Flight Sergeant Ron Sloan
Flight Sergeant Ron Sloan, together with his group disembarked from the ship in the Port of
Liverpool on May 15 1944 and was move by train to nearby RAF Padgate (Warrington). There the
RAF provided all new flying gear, which added to the anticipation of resuming flying.
After two months the first posting was to posted up north to Whitley Bay to take part in a
Commando Course but on August 7 Ron found himself moved to a Pre-AFU at Derby to fly Tiger
Moths. Although this was a lot of fun he longed for the day to get to an operational aircraft. This
episode only lasted a short time and returned to Padgate before moving down to Brighton to the
Metropole hotel arriving there on 24 August.
August 30, it looks as if the war will soon finish and our trip to Blighty will be all in vain.
October 19, another EFTS at Worcester, weather is bad and don't get in much flying.
January 3, posted to Wigtown in Scotland as Duty Pilot, definitely not what I travelled 14,000
miles to do. Do a bit of flying in an old `Agy' (Avro Anson) and do a forced landing in Ireland.
January 19, Cheers! Posting is through. Back to Brighton.
NB. This was the posting to 4 STT St. Athans. I have made no entry previously as to how or when I
found out about the Pilot Engineers Course or when, to get operational quicker, I volunteered to do
it.
January 24, Arrived St. Athans. Snow all the way. Up to 18 inches thick on arrival.
A han pro provided the first introduction
St Athan
to winter snows to these young
Australian Pilots and its freezing
conditions.
20
This damage was the result of the enormous
weight of snow that had initially fallen on St
Athan on this occasion.
Just two Australians with these two
Canadians.
Some of No 22 Pilot/Flight Engineer Course, which comprised
mainly Canadians and a few Australians.
3
21
The Flight Engineer Course commenced on 9 February with Lancaster instruments and
electrics. There was a great deal of the course conducted in classrooms followed up in Workshop
hands on in the extensive hangers.
Some of Flight Sergeant Ron Sloan s immaculate drawings and notes.
Ron s care and attention to details indicated
his determination to succeed in this Course.
Ron had pages of drawings and notes relevant His determination saw him top the Course at the
to every aspect of being a very competent Graduation Ceremony.
Flight En
22
February 16 to 20, was taken up with revision. If I top this course I may get an early posting
to a squadron and get a few trips in before the show packs up (war ends!). Have got my fingers
crossed.
February 21, I get an `A' Pass in Lanc Airframes.
February 23, we start on Lanc engines. Other than the normal Aussie critical comments
about English weather, what ever it was, it was. Ron s whole focus was on doing anything and
every thing to get on opps . Bad weather was just a negative that stopped me from flying. During
this time it was extremely cold as the stalactites from the gutters show.
10 March.
There was a Lancaster in a dispersal bay and we went through the starting up and running
procedure (a testing procedure) the Lanc s engine, just as was done for a preflight check.
20 March.
This was the time for going before The Board where a Selection Committee that had
before them your examination marks and Instructor s Comments. They were to make a final
assessment as what sort of person you were.
29 March.
A Flight Engineer s Wing Parade was held for the newly Graduated
Flight Engineers. Ron had topped the Course with A Pass of 76%, which was
considered pretty good. The Station made the usual congratulations and pinned on
the single Wing of an Flight Engineer
7 April
While on leave an extension was sent by telegram but Ron wished a posting would soon
arrive as he believed the war was near ending.
10 April.
On this day a posting to the best Australian Lancaster Squadron, No.460, arrived advising
him to report at 1800hours on the 12 April.
12 April
Ron recalled that the new Pilot/Flight Engineers were left as spares on the Squadron for a
short time before being allocated to a Crew. It was probably during this time the RAF Engineers
were posted away. Ron considered at that time the war in Europe was obviously already won and
believed they were already setting up crews for TIGER FORCE and because the longer range of
the Lincolns, they felt they needed to have a trained Second Pilot.
19 April
Ron joined a Crew and then went on a three- hour trip around England.
23
FLTLT Murray Nottle Skipper
WO Reg Hall WOP
PO Bill Morrow Bomb Aimer
PO Ron Sloan Flight Engineer
SGT Bill Brown Gunner Mid Upper
FO Blue Neville Navigator.
(Ron Sloan)
29 April
Ron attended lectures on intelligence and escape techniques.
On 21 & 23 April Ron s Crew made two trips around England and Wales.
(Ron Sloan)
24
Ron s Crew leaving the English coast on their way to Rotterdam to drop food to
the starving Dutch people. This was Ron s first trip over enemy territory.
Thousands of Dutch turn out to wave as some 300 Lancasters as they fly over
the City at 500 feet to drop not bombs but food containers. (Ron Sloan)
3 May
Other Squadron aircraft bomb Berlin, Bremen and Berchesgarden today but M Mike failed
to return. I missed out but if the war lasts I will make it soon
5 May 1944.
Ron was so darn keen to get into it, and he made it known he was happy to fill in
anytime. Not very bright in retrospect, but then they were young weren t we?
8 May 1944
VE DAY Every one on the Station is celebrating but I am alone in
my room and as I lie on my bed my thoughts wander back, way back
12 May
Weather today is duff. All flying is scrubbed. I volunteer for Very Long Range Force of
Lancasters bound for the Far East. They think it will be about September before we finish special
training and head out. Rumour was that it will be Chunking in China. I hope so and soon.
17 May
I we do a four hour trip around Wales and a bit of bombing.
25
Flight Sergeant Jim Bradshaw and Ron take turns in monitoring and
instructing from the control table of a Link Trainer while a Pilot practises
Blind Flying and Beam Approach. ( Ron Sloan)
31 May
Today we do an approved low- level trip over Germany. Our rout is Binbrook, Skegness,
Den Hilder (Holland), Heligoland, Cuxhaven, Hamburg, Brunswick, Kassel, Mohne Dam, the Ruhr
Valley and back across Holland over Rotterdam to Base. It is amazing to view the complete
destruction.
23 June
We have been doing very little lately and have spent a lot of time on leave in London.
Today we do another low level trip over Germany, mainly down the Valley of the Rhine, which is
very beautiful country. We fly right down low on the river having to lift the aircraft up to skim over
bridges which are all wrecked. From Base we go to Southwold on the coast and then Munchen,
Gladbach, Krefeld, Duisberg, Geilsen, Kirken, Essen,Dortmund, Wupperal, Dusseldorf, Cologne,
Bonn, Remagen, Koblenz, Wiesbaden, Mannheim, Ludwigshaven, Heidelburg, Karlsruhe,
Phfirzhein, Saarbrucken, back over the Seigfrield Line, across Belguim to Southwold and Base. A
good trip- nearly seven hours airborne. Jerry s countryside certainly looks alright, but what a
mess elsewhere.
26 June
Go to Flensburg in Southern Demark, fly North up through Denmark and then back to Base.
Hundreds of Lancs have their bomb bays full of aluminium foil to test the captured Jerry s radar
that had been captured intact.
26
29 June
To Flensberg again today but not much cloud this time. Denmark is just a mass of small
farms.
1 July its off to Flensberg again but conditions very bad. Climb through cloud to 26,000 feet
and stay there. Temperature is 47 degrees. Rime icing all over the windscreen. Ice on the oxygen
masks. Glad to get home.
4 July
Flensberg again. Weather is perfect. Denmark looked swell.
Over the next week or so do cross countries, bombing, air to sea firing and a trip around
England. Go on leave.
14 July arrive back from leave and find our Crew is down to do a bombing
and fighter affiliation . We take off at 13.45 and complete the bombing
except one bomb is hung up. We took for granted that it was secure. We
contacted the Spitfire and the fighter affiliation exercise commenced. While
engaged in the second corkscrew we heard a loud bang and the old Lanc
shuddered. A few seconds later the fighter Pilot called up on the R/T, You
are on fire underneath, get down as soon as possible as you can. We all
looked around, but could see nothing as the fire was underneath and to the
rear of the kite.
Just then the Spitty Pilot came back, Get Out, Get Out! and the
abandon aircraft was given. Almost back smoke and fumes poured from the
bomb bay and soon it was a black night inside the kite.
I did not take many seconds to get my parachute in place and saw our
bomb dropper go and I fell out after him and immediately became
unconscious. (Ron Sloan)
27
I had a funny dream of floating along on a magic carpet and then completely oblivious. The
next thing I remembered was opening my eyes and making out the green fields and the hedges of
old mother earth below. My chute was open, although I donot remember pulling the rip cord. JC
must have looked kindly upon me and guided my hand. I look up just in time to see our gen kite
hit the deck in a burst of flame. I turned myself round, dreading the thought of only counting a few
other chutes and I was not to be disappointed, for there here were only three besides myself. I
carried out the few necessities we had been taught in the event of a jump and stopped the chute
from oscillating. The ground came up pretty quick and I hit pretty heavy.
I was fairly close to a road and an Army truck pulled up almost immediately and I got him
to rush me to the kite about a half a mile down the road. When we arrived the ammunition was
going off and the kite was an inferno. It soon burnt out and I picked my way though the few
remains. I found charred bodies of two of my mates- again which two?
It was not pretty and just then Bill arrived (Bomb Aimer) arrived and we decided to head
back to the aerodrome. An ambulance passed us and we stopped it. It was Murray (Skipper) and
blood spattered his face and he was pretty dazed. We started again and as we got to the little village
of brig we saw a crowd of people and pulled up.
Our Rear Gunner Buck Rogers had
landed in a small lake and drowned. He
could not swim.
That left three out of six (our mid upper Gunner did not fly that day.) Blue, Johno and Buck were
dead. We could do nothing so headed back to RAF Binbrook. The WAAF Driver did not waste
any time. O
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