This history is chronological so “Flying Log Books” may not be in sequence.
I am a little frustrated as I couldn’t confirm where exactly Dad’s training flights actually flew from, I believe it was RAF Cranwell Aerodrome, but I am still researching.
This “LOG” shows the training and formation these young men needed to actually become qualified airmen, join their relevant squadrons and fly missions.
Dad noted in this “04 Flying Log Book” that he had spent time in the “Harwell box training 16 hours”, I hadn’t actually taken to much notice originally until I was researching training airfields and aircraft where I saw mention. I have to say I was intrigued to say the least! The Wireless Operator was an important crew member, so their training was imperative to the success of missions. The Harwell Box gave these trainees a hands on training before actually flying and even once they began flying they continued their Harwell Box training as mentioned below.
To find out what the HARWELL BOX was Simply Click Here…
This training took part at Cranwell No.1 SIGNALS SCHOOL
Original “Observer’s and Gunner’s Flying Log Book” image at the bottom of the page!

Harwell box training 16 hours
TOTAL FLYING HOURS AT THIS UNIT:
ME. Aircraft 3hrs00m S.E Aircraft 7hrs 30 mins
CERTIFIED CORRECT. A D Jackson F/LT
O.C. AIR OPERATING SECTION
1-4-42 No. 1 SIGNALS SCHOOL
(Flying) TOTAL TIME….. 10.30
DOMINIE AIRCRAFT: To find out more Simply Click Here…
PROCTOR AIRCRAFT: To find out more Simply Click Here…
The HARWELL BOX TRAINING: MUST READ! To find out more Simply Click Here…
DAD SHARED
FRENCH: A Camberley, cinq mois de cours d’anglais mettront la patience de nos jeunes Tahitiens à rude épreuve mais ils comprendront rapidement que cet interlude est nécessaire pour les amener à un niveau suffisant, indispensable, pour être envoyés dans les écoles de la Royal Air Force afin d’y recevoir une formation de radio-mitrailleur.
TRANSLATION: The young Tahitians found it challenging their five months in Camberley learning English, but they quickly realised this break was necessary to attain a level all important enabling them to join the Royal Air force training to become Wireless Operators and Air Gunners.
FRENCH: Ce sera d’abord la n° 1 Signal School de Crawell, pour la radio, puis la n° 8 Gunnery School à Evanton, en Ecosse, une des écoles de mitrailleurs.
TRANSLATION: Firstly was n° 1 Signal School de Crawell (Typo Cranwell) for Wireless Operator, followed by going to Scotland to the gunnery school at Evanton’s n° 8 Gunnery School.
ABBREVIATIONS
H1 Coils – To do with the Morse code equipment
ME – Multi Engine
A/C – Aircraft
D/F – Direction Finding
EX – Exercise
SE – Single Engine
W/T – Wireless Telegraphy (morse code communicatons)
Ex1 – Exercise1
Ex2 – Exercise2
Ex3 – Exercise3
Ex4 – Exercise4
Ex5 – Exercise5
O.C. – Officer Commanding
© Paul L T Mara 2020

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