RAF Vacancies and Enlistment Form

RAF Vacancies and Enlistment Form

Form 432A listing vacancies in the RAF and an application for enlistment.

1937-04

Three printed sheets

This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.

MShawSR3002545-160211-020001, MShawSR3002545-160211-020002, MShawSR3002545-160211-020003

Form 432A

[underlined] ROYAL AIR FORCE [/underlined]

VACANCIES FOR SKILLED. SEMI-SKILLED AND UNSKILLED MEN, AND OUTLINE OF CONDITIONS OF ENLISTMENT

The trades in which vacancies are anticipated are as follows, but it will be appreciated that recruits cannot in all cases be entered immediately, as the training courses commence at varying dates throughout the year. Vacancies are also subject to the requirements of the Service and vary from time to time. The “groups” mentioned are pay groups, which are shewn [sic] in detail in a separate leaflet (Form 434).

[a] A. VACANCIES FOR SKILLED MEN. [b] Pay Group of Trade in which Enlisted. [c] Period of Regular Service. – years. [d] Age Limits. [symbol]

[a] FITTERS for training as Fitter (Aero. Engine), (see para. 5 overleaf) [b] I [c] 6 [d] 18-42
[a] FITTERS for training as Fitter (Torpedo) [b] I [c] 9 [d] 18-32
[a] BLACKSMITHS, COPPERSMITHS, or SHEET METAL WORKERS for training as Metal Worker [b] I [c] 9 [d] 18-32
[a] CLERKS with accounting or typewriting experience [b] IV [c] 9 [d] 18-32
[a] CARPENTERS [b] II [c] 9 [d] 18-32
[a] TURNERS for training as Machine Tool Setter and Operator [b] I [c] 9 [d] 18-32
[a] MUSICIANS [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-32
[a] ELECTRICIANS [b] II [c] 6 [d] 18-42

[aa] B. VACANCIES FOR SEMI-SKILLED MEN.

[aa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as MACHINED TOOL SETTER & OPERATOR, group I [b] V [c] 9 ]d] 18-32
[aa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as METAL WORKER, group I [b] V [c] 9 [d] 18-32
[aa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as MOTOR BOAT CREW, group III [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-32
[aa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as COOK & BUTCHER, group III [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-32
[aa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as EQUIPMENT ASSISTANT, group IV [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-32
[aa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as ELECTRICIANS, group II [b] V [c] 6 [d] 18-32

[aaa] C. VACANCIES FOR UNSKILLED MEN.

[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as WIRELESS OPERATOR, group II (see (para. 7 overleaf) [b] V [c] 6 [d] 17 1/4-32
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as ARMOURER, Group II (see para. 7 overleaf) [b] V [c] 6 [d] 17 1/4-32
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as DRIVER (PETROL), group V [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-32
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS for training as MATE*, group V, and subsequently (if selected) as Flight Mechanic or Flight Rigger, group II (see para. 6 overleaf) [b] V [c] 6 [d] 17 1/4-32

[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS, GENERAL DUTIES (non-technical), group V. – After a period of service, opportunities occur for selected aircrafthands, general duties, to undergo training in one of the following trades:- All group II trades except carpenter [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-16
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS, GENERAL DUTIES (non-technical), group V. – After a period of service, opportunities occur for selected aircrafthands, general duties, to undergo training in one of the following trades:- All group III trades [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-26
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS, GENERAL DUTIES (non-technical), group V. – After a period of service, opportunities occur for selected aircrafthands, general duties, to undergo training in one of the following trades:- Equipment assistant, group IV [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-26
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS, GENERAL DUTIES (non-technical), group V. – After a period of service, opportunities occur for selected aircrafthands, general duties, to undergo training in one of the following trades:- Group V sub-trades of driver (petrol) mate*, torpedoman, physical training instructor or service policeman [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-26
[aaa] AIRCRAFTHANDS, GENERAL DUTIES (non-technical), group V. – After a period of service, opportunities occur for selected aircrafthands, general duties, to undergo training in one of the following trades:- (see Form 434 for groups) [b] V [c] 7 [d] 18-26

Notes:-

(i) TRAINING AS PILOT. – Airmen who are enlisted in trades in groups I – IV or who are remustered to such trades after training are eligible for selection for training as pilots. They must be under 25 on commencing flying training.

(ii) REMUSTERING. – Airmen in groups II – V are eligible for remustering to a more highly skilled trade for which they can qualify by their own efforts with undergoing training, e.g., mates can be remustered subsequently as fitters if they can pass the necessary trade tests.

(iii) PERIOS OF SERVICE. – Aircrafthands enlisted for 7 years are required to extend their engagements to 9 years on satisfactory completion of trade training.

(iv) *MATES. – Mates are employed as assistants to fitters.

(v) [symbol]AGE LIMITS. – Where two ages are stated above, candidates must have attained the first one and must [italics] not [/italics] have attained the second one.

(vi) EX-AIRMEN, ETC. – The conditions under which ex-airmen, air force reservists and air force pensioners may re-enlist are dealt with in a separate leaflet, which may be had on application to the Officer i/c Records, Royal Air Force, Ruislip, Middlesex.

(vii) BOYS. – Vacancies for boys are shewn [sic] in a separate leaflet (Form 1421), which may be had on application to any R.A.F. recruiting depot.

P.T.O

[Page Break]

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

GENERAL CONDITIONS.
1. The following are ineligible for enlistment:-
Married men under 26 years of age.
Paid naval or army reservists.
Men in receipt of a disability pension.
2. Men must be willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated.
3. An applicant for entry must be of pure European decent, He must be a British Subject and the son of parents both of whom are (or, if deceased, were at the time of death British Subjects). [deleted] Any departure from this rule will only be made on the authority of the Secretary of State for Air. [deleted]
4. The acceptance of all men enlisting in the Royal Air Force is subject to the approval of the Officer i/c Records.

CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN TRADES.

5. FITTERS, AERO. ENGINE.
(a) Only men who have received basic training as fitters will be enlisted for this trade.
(b) At the conclusion of 6 years’ regular service, selected airmen may be invited to enlist in the reserve. Alternatively a strictly limited number of airmen may, at the conclusion of 6 year’s service, be granted an extension of regular service.
(c) Pay, while under training, will be at the rate for aircraftman 2nd class in group I (see Form 434). On successfully completing training, pay will be as aircraftman 2nd class, aircraftman 1st class or leading aircraftman, group I, according to the percentage of marks obtained at the technical examination on passing out of training. Airmen who are classified as leading aircraftmen will be required to pass an educational test at a later date.

6. MATES, FLIGHT MECHANICS AND FLIGHT RIGGERS.
(a) Only men with some mechanical experience (for example, as garage hands or engineers’ labourers) or of superior intelligence will be enlisted for these trades.
(b) At the conclusion of 6 years’ regular service selected airmen may be invited to enlist in the reserve. Alternatively a strictly limited number of airmen may, at the conclusion of 6 years’ service, be granted an extension of regular service.
(c) Pay, during training, will be at the rate appropriate to an aircraftman 2nd class, group V (see Form 434). Training will be as “mate” in the first instance, the course of instruction lasting six weeks. At the end of the course the most suitable airmen will be selected for a further eight months’ engineering training, either in fitting duties as “flight mechanics” or in riggers duties as “flight riggers.” On successfully completing this training, pay will be as aircraftman 2nd class, aircraftman 1st class or leading aircraftman, group II, according to the percentage of marks obtained at the technical examination on passing out of training. Airmen who are classified as leading aircraftmen will be required to pass an educational test at a later date.
Airmen under training as flight mechanics or riggers may, if recommended as specially suitable, be places under training as fitters, aero. engine, group I.
Airmen who are not selected for training as flight mechanics or riggers will be employed as mates and will received additional pay of 3d. a day during such employment.

7. ARMOURERS AND WIRELESS OPERATORS.
(a) Only men with a good secondary school or similar education or with some experience as wireless operators will be enlisted for these trades.
(b) At the conclusion of 6 years’ regular service selected airmen may be invited to enlist in the reserve. Alternatively, a strictly limited number of airmen may, at the conclusion of 6 years’ service, be granted an extension of engagement up to a maximum of 9 years’ regular service. A strictly limited number of airmen whose engagements are extended to 9 years may, subject to suitability, medical fitness and to the requirements of the Service, be permitted to re-engage to complete 24 years’ service.
(c) Pay, while under training, will be at the rate for aircraftmen 2nd class in group V (see form 434). On successfully completing training, pay will be as aircraftman 2nd class, aircraftman 1st class or leading aircraftman, group II, according to the percentage of marks obtained at the technical examination on passing out of training. Airmen who are classified as leading aircraftmen will be requires to pass as educational test at a later date.

8. OTHER TRADES. – Selected airmen will be invited to enlist in the reserve on completing the period of their initial engagement, unless they apply and are accepted for an extension of regular service.

[underlined] N.B. – This leaflet contains a brief outline only, and it must be understood that its provisions are subject in all respects to the detailed regulations which have been issued, or may from time to time be issued, by the Air Council. [/underlined]

AIR MINISTRY, April, 1937.

[inserted] [underlined] NOTE. [/underlined] Additional vacancies:-
Medical Orderlies under training, Pay Group M. Period of Regular Service 9 Years. Age limits 18 to 32. [/inserted]

(86443) Wt. 37715/2537 100,000 4/37 Hw. G.371

[Page Break]

[inserted]31/52[/inserted]

Form 429.

ROYAL AIR FORCE APPLICATION FOR ENLISTMENT
For use of Royal Air Force Recruiting Depot only.

Unit Stamp
[underlined] P.M.A. [/underlined] P.T.A.

A. Note: This form must be carefully filled in by the applicant himself and return to this Depot. No guarantee is given that he will be finally accepted.

Give these particulars in Block Capitals {
Christian Names – Surname –
Full postal address –
(including County) –
Nearest railway station –

The rest of the Form should be completed in your own handwriting.
B. Nationality – Nationality of Parents { Father – Mother –
Age – Years – Months.
Married or single - No. of children (if any) –
Name of last school –
Type of school (i.e., elementary, secondary, etc.) –
Are you an Indentured Apprentice (if so, state date of termination of apprenticeship) –
Occupation in civil life –
Length of Technical or Trade experience –
Any other special qualifications –
In which R.A.F. trade do you wish to enlist (see list of vacancies) –
Are you prepared to accept any other vacancy –

C. What is your height (in bare feet) Weight – Chest measurement –
Is your sight good in each eye –
Do you wear glasses –
Is your hearing good in both ears –
Have you ever had ear trouble –
How many sound natural teeth have you – How many false teeth have you –
Have you ever had any serious illness – (if so, give particulars) –

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FOUND UNFIT FOR ANY BRANCH OF HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES?
If so, state:-
For what cause –
For which branch – Where and date –
Are you suffering from any physical disabilities, other than those above, that you are aware of? –

D. IF YOU HAVE SERVED OR ARE SERVING IN THE TERRITORIAL ARMY, ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE or the AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, state:-
No – Rank –
Unit – Address of Unit –
If discharged, date of discharge –

E. HAVE YOU EVER SERVED IN THE ROYAL NAVY, ROYAL MARINES, REGUAR ARMY or ROYAL AIR FORCE? –
(If so, please answer the following questions)
No – Rank –
Unit –
Are you serving on a Paid Reserve –
Are you in receipt of a Disability or Service Pension. (If so, state which) –
Trade or other qualifications, if any, in Navy, Army or R.A.F. –
Cause of discharge –

F. Have you previously completed a form of application to join the Royal Air Force? If so, state date –

All the above answers, to these best of my knowledge and belief, are true.

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT – Date –

(*50) Wt. 28752-1541 100,000 1/35 T.S. 667
(*500 – 50) Wt. 14160 – 711 100,000 6/35 T.S. 667