Interpretation of London Gazette listings

[ian94avenge]

Could someone explain what is meant by various terms found in the London Gazette listings for aircrew ?

For example S/Ldr B P King (S/No 37292) is listed on Oct 31, 1944 as “Transferred to reserve. The under mentioned (and called up for Air Force service)”

This seems a conflicting statement on one hand transferring an officer to the reserve and on the other calling him up for service, albeit one of senior rank.

Perhaps this is something to do with a person recovering from an accident or being a PoW ?, As I note W/Cmdr R R S Tuck is similarly listed and he was a PoW at this time.

I also note a new P/O being posted to an FTS in 1935 for flying training, but within a year is then noted as,

“The short service commission of the under mentioned Acting Pilot Officer on probation is terminated on cessation of duty on May 15, 1936 “

Do I take it this person was found not suitable for flying training or taken off flying training for other reasons ?

Any pointers much appreciated.

Regards,

Ian

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Ian

When an officer was appointed to a short service commission it was usually for five years followed by a period on the reserve.

So when a SSC officer reached the end of his active service after five years he had to be transferred to the reserve but as the country was at war he was immediately called up for service as a reservist. As far as he was concerned nothing changed, he just carried on fighting or serving wherever he was.

The whole process was basically an administrative process to 'balance the books'

As for the 1935-36 incident, it was likely that he failed flying training, hence his services were no longer required

Malcolm

[ian94avenge]

Hello Malcolm,

Many thanks for the explanations, all is now clear.

Regards,

Ian