大象传媒

Jim enlisted in the RAF on 29th December 1942, when he was described as
5 feet 9.5 inches鈥�, chest 33鈥�, hair brown, eyes hazel, pale complexion and having one vaccination mark on his left arm.
His home Parish was listed as St. Judes.

More details are given;
Medical Category - Grade 1 (11.12.1942)
F2171.ASCB.22 (30.12.1942)
Rec. for training as P.N.B [Pilot, Navigator, Bomber]
F.58. - Unfit for all Air Crew Duties

The last entry seems strange in view of Jim鈥檚 being assigned to an Air Crew the following year. However, Mr. Tony Tapson, who served in the RAF during WW2, suggests that initially Jim failed the medical for Air Crew and trained as a flight mechanic, but

鈥渟ubsequently, new categories were introduced, including Flight Engineer, which required trained mechanics to assume flying duties, although they were medically unfit for the three main air crew categories. Those who volunteered with the required proficiency were promoted to Sergeant and flew on missions to maintain the efficiency of the aircraft鈥�.

So Jim鈥檚 rank seems to be an indication that he volunteered for his Air Crew service.

His daily rate of pay was 12/- and 525 days of post-war credits were paid up. His medals are listed as 39/45 Star, A/C/E Star and War medal. Under 鈥淕ood Conduct Badges鈥� is the entry D5F, 22.11.43 and his rank is given as Sergeant. He was promoted to Sergeant on 03.01.1943. Two entries refer to his 鈥渃haracter鈥� as V.G. (Very Good) and his proficiency as a flight engineer as Sat. [Satisfactory].
LINKS
A2539956
A2540044
A2544266
A2565506
A2575019
A2575091

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