service record abbreviations

**Ian Brown** · 6th February 2021, 15:39

I've received the service record of a Boy Entrant Wireless Operator Mechanic, who was commissioned in 1940 but there are a few abbreviations that are new to me and I can't figure out. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

A/A/WOM This comes in the list of mustering and relates to his service as a Wireless Operator Mechanics, which is listed later. I'm not sure what the A/A means. One might be Acting, but two I can't think of the explanation. After A/A/WOM he became ACH/WOM then WOM. I know ACH/WOM is Aircrafthand/Wireless Operator Mechanic.

He enlisted at BW Cran, before posting on to E&WS. The latter is the Electrical and Wireless School at RAF Flowerdown, but what is BW Cran? I assume it is Cranwell, but I'm not familiar with BW. I had through Boy Wireless (although I've not seen such a term before), but this is listed in the postings. It's typed, so I've not misread the handwriting.

Whilst serving with No 7 Squadron from September 1926 until October 1928, on 17 April 1928 he was attached to "Camp N.C.F." Any ideas?

On 10 November 1947 he is posted to H.Q. (O) or it might be H.Q. (U), and the following day to H.Q. N.S.A. Again, any ideas what these mean?

**Ian Brown** · 6th February 2021, 15:43

Please ignore the N.S.A. request. This is Northern Signals Area, and I should have figured this out earlier!

**COL BRUGGY** · 6th February 2021, 18:07

Hello,

BW Cran = 'Boys Wing' Cadet College Cranwell.

The School of Technical Training (Boys) Halton (post war) was formed on 9th October 1919, but remained known as boys Training Depot Halton until 23.12.19, when it was known by its new designation (The School of Technical Training [Boys] Halton).

In March 1920 it became No 1 School of Technical Training (Boys) Halton. In March 1920 also, the Boys Training Wing at Cranwell, formed in 1918, at which time HM George VI, then Prince Albert, was in charge of a Squadron of Boys, became known as No 2 School of Technical Training (Boys). It would appear from the only records available that the No 2 School of Technical Training (Boys) Cranwell ceased to exist under this nomenclature in April or May 1921, when it became known as the 'Boys Wing' Cadet College Cranwell.

See:
The Cranwell Boys (1934-1940).
C M H Frere (Rev.), (Cranwell Boy Entrant 551281).
N.P.:Acorn Publications,1999.
p.160 (Appendix 4 - Notes on the History of Boys Training in the RAF.

Col.

**bvs** · 6th February 2021, 18:37

Hi Ian
If he joined between 1922 and 1926.

A/A would be Aircraft Apprentice.

**Ian Brown** · 6th February 2021, 19:59

Thanks guys, that's great. He joined the Boys Wing on 11 September 1923 and then joined the 4th entry of the E&WS on 26 September 1923, a couple of weeks later. It all makes sense, so thanks for your help with this.

**COL BRUGGY** · 7th February 2021, 01:06

Ian,

Re: your "Camp N.C.F", "Camp North Coates Fitties" (Annual Armament Practice Camp).

AIR 27/98/1 - No.7 Sqn RAF ORB (F.540) 1923 Aug 01 - 1941 Feb 28 -https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ils/r/D8407240 - Image 7 of 66.

Any chance of a name/number of your man?

Col.

**Ian Brown** · 7th February 2021, 05:40

That's super, thanks Col.

The chap in question is Frederick Albert Ridge, 364245/45251.

**Resmoroh** · 7th February 2021, 06:37

Ian,
Q3 1907 Frederick Ridge (Telephone Wireman!) m Amelia Reg Portsmouth 2b 1049
b. Q3 1908 Frederick Albert Ridge Reg Portsmouth 2b 445
1 Sep 1923 Enlisted (age 15) 364245 in Block 363793-364452 RAF Boys Entry 8 Halton.
10 Nov 1940 364245 W/O F A Ridge Cmd Plt Off(p)(A&SD) (45251).
10 Nov 1940 Plt Off(p) F A Ridge Transfer to Tech Branch.
1 Mar 1941 Promotion to Fg Off(p).
10 Nov 1941 Confirmation Fg Off.
1 Jan 1943 Promotion T/Flt Lt.
19 Oct 1946 Grant Flt Lt.
1 Nov 1947 Substantive Flt Lt
24 Jun 1949 A/Sqn Ldr Retirement(at own request) Retaining Sqn Ldr.
HTH
Peter Davies

**COL BRUGGY** · 7th February 2021, 09:40

Ian,

Thanks.

Col.

**Ian Brown** · 7th February 2021, 10:18

Peter,

Thanks for this, but I have copies of his complete service record, including promotions, etc, so I already have this information, but thanks for taking the time to post. Incidentally, his date of birth was 18 June 1908, his father worked for the National Telephone Company and his mother's maiden name was Badcock. He enlised on 11 September 1923, not 1 September, and went briefly to Cranwell and then Flowerdown but was never at Halton.