Hello All

[Alan B]

Hello all, hope your all as ok as can be. I'm Alan B, I'm ex RN, short time:(.

Here's one for the boffins as I've just about tried everywhere. My Dad was in the RAF in WW2. From 1939-42 he was posted/drafted to HMS Eagle. His job title was a Fabric Worker. This entailed patching up the Swordfish aircraft etc which I have since learnt was quite a specialist job. He even had his own workshop on board. As with many dads he wouldn't say too much about his time on board because whenever he started to remember the bomb that dropped through the liftwell and killed three of his mates, one was called Mac, he would just walk out to get some air. I have contacted the RAF Museum for any info about RAF being sent onto RN Ships, all I got was Pilot Training, my Dad was not a Pilot. I've tried to find out if there was or is anybody who might remember him, still no answer. I've got to add, he was definately on the Eagle as I have still got his photo album full of his time, in photos, on the Eagle.
Any info will be much appreciated.
Best regards
Alan B
PS
Thanks for your help Admin

[Melv.]

Hello Alan..........

Yes, it was quite normal for RAF personnel to serve on RN Ships and aircraft carriers in particular during WW2. they would of course have been working alongside fleet air arm personnel as well.
I can personally vouch for the fact that even in recent times (Falklands War) that RAF Personnel with Harrier aircraft experience were drafted onto or were put onto standby for service on the carrier fleet going South.
Also RAF Personnel may be seconded to any branch of the armed forces in time of war (or peace) if a particular need arises and that includes the manning of the green goddess's during the fireman's strike!

[Alan B]

Hiya Melv

Many thanks for the info.
I knew about the exchange of personnel, we use to call it "cross-breeding":p. It was that the people at the RAF records kept saying that only Flight Operations people went to RN Carriers in those days:mad:, but , as I said, my Dad was one of those who patched the "Kites" up.
Anyway thanks again for the info
much obliged
Alan

[Melv.]

Then your next step is RAF Records.

www.raf.mod.uk/rafinnsworth/contactus.cfm

Number, rank and name. His service record is still very much available to you as his Son. Only immediete family members can have access to records.

[Alan B]

Many thanks Melv, will try that one.
Sorry I didn't answer sooner
Alan

[AlZictorini]

RAF personnel are currently on many ships of the fleet due to the services coming under the banner of "Jointery" (and under manning), many trades are at sea from Stewards to Communications Technicians to name a few. Currently, 1 Sqn and 4(AC) Sqn (RAF) take part in many deployments and exercises on the RNs CVS' (known in the RAF as Boat Trips).

Regards

AlZictorini