Abbreviation on 1939 Register entry?

[wwrsimon]

Hello

One of my local airmen, William Folger READHEAD, D.F.C., from Stockton-on-Tees, has the following on his entry on the 1939 Register under Personal Occupation:

Engineers Inspector (A.I.D. approved Royal Air Force Reservist Class *) [the class number is cut off]
Leading Aircraftman 363236

What might 'A.I.D.' mean? I'm thinking it's possibly to do with his employer's approval, or could it be an R.A.F./official abbreviation?

I know he has served in the R.A.F. since entry as an apprentice in 1922 and had been in the Northwest Frontier in 1930-31. He was living in Deptford in London when the entry was made on the Register.

Many thanks,

Simon

[Kiwiwatch]

Aeronautical Inspection Directorate.

[wwrsimon]

Thanks for that Kiwiwatch - much appreciated!

Regards

Simon

[Kiwiwatch]

Apologies, at the time it appears it was actually the Aeronautical Inspection Division apparently. Later to become a directorate.

https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ails/r/C585402

It’s nice to be able to contribute to the pool of knowledge, rather than to just consume!

[bvs]

I am assuming you have seen this Simon but out of general interest...

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-2916618

A Fine Second World War D.F.C. Group of Seven to Flight Lieutenant W.F. Redhead, Royal Air Force, A Two Tour Flight Engineer Who Flew in No. 76 Squadron During the Period of Cheshire's Command, Distinguished Flying Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1943', in Royal Mint case of issue; India General Service 1908-35, one clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (363236 A.C. 1, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star, with 'France and Germany' clasp; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, the first with minor contact wear, good very fine and better (7)

[COL BRUGGY]

Simon,

You will find a listing of Readhead's ops with 462 Sqn (RAAF), here:

http://466and462squadrons.com/CrewOps/ReadheadWF.html

And the Crew No. key:

http://466and462squadrons.com/462crewnumbers.html

Col.

[wwrsimon]

Thanks BVS and Col. I had indeed seen the links you've posted, but good to share them on here.

There was a more detailed listing for the sale of the medals on the Dix Noonan website from 2002:

https://www.noonans.co.uk/auctions/a...talogue/78845/

and career details on the 466 and 462 Squadrons website:

https://462squadron.com/pages/other_.../readhead.html

I see his commission was relinquished in 1949 "on account of medical unfitness for Air Force service."

He gets several mentions in Colin Pateman's book "Fuel, Fire and Fear - R.A.F. Flight Engineers at War."

Regards

Simon