And now?

 So we now have some info about his time in England.But still nothing from the archives about the time between his arrival and officially joining the RAF.He arrived probably during the winter of 1942-1943.He was interviewed and his choice was joining the RAF, even though he was far too young.He might have lied about his age, as so many did during...

Records - Additional Information

Finally, further information on the units he served with during his RAF career may be found within Operations Record Books (ORBs).These are a type of narrative of events documenting activities of units and containing information on tasks undertaken by them, and may include duties undertaken by personnel. ORBs are held, in accordance with the Public Records Act, at The National Archives (TNA), Kew, where they are on open access to the public. However,...

Records - Interpretation 5

 PROMOTIONS, RECLASSIFICATIONS,REVERSIONS.Description (Ranks)AC 2= Aircraftman 2 nd Class.A C I = Aircraftman 1 st Class.A C I - F M E – AC2 - F 2 E = in the rank of Aircraftman 1 st Class whilst serving as a Flight Mechanic{Engines}, then (a usual process) reverted to the Rank of Aircraftman 2 nd Class upon qualifying in adifferent Trade...

Records - Interpretation 4

 MUSTERING.Description and Date of Effect.ACH/F. M. {E} = Aircrafthand {general duties}, to be trained as a Flight Mechanic {Engines}.F M E = Flight Mechanic {Engines}.F. M. E UT/F. II E = Flight Mechanic {Engines} Under Training Fitter Grade 2 {Engines}.AC2 F2E = Aircraftman 2 nd Class (Rank). Fitter Grade 2 {Engines} (Trade).Rank.A C 2...

Records - Interpretation 3

 Bottom page.Unit From/Unit To2 RC = No. 2 Recruits’ Centre, RAF Station Cardington, Bedfordshire. At that time, No. 2 RC was one of several units within No. 22 Group, under Technical Training Command.2 S of T. T. = No. 2 School of Technical Training, RAF Station Cosford, Shropshire, No. 24 Group, Technical Training Command. Flight Mechanics and...

Records - Interpretation 2

 Top page:DISCHARGE.Date 4.12.46. Para. 652.22. K R & ACI - “The King’s Regulations and Air Council Instructions for the Royal Air Force”,Chapter 10; Airmen-Entry, Advancement, Reduction, Drafting, Engagements,Discharge and Transfer to the Reserve, Section 8-Discharge and Transfer to the Reserve,Paragraph 652: Discharge Headings,...

Records - Interpretation 1

RAF Record of Service – 2795320 Aircraftman 2 nd Class Johannes Gerardus GeertsenDPE = for the Duration of the Present Emergency (i. e. ‘the war’).MISCELLANEOUS.NATIONAL REGISTRATIONIDENTIFICATION LETTER & No. (blank) - this was always a combination of 4 letters (different oneach RAF Service Record), followed by either 1, 2 or 3 numbers and...