The lucky ones went to OTUs (Operational Training Units) but most became instructors at EFTS (Elementary Training Schools, or SFTS (Service Flying Training Schools). The Empire training scheme was by then in full swing so many of the chaps went to Canada or South Africa and their positions became permanent. My old instructor, F/Lt Hall, was one of those posted to South Africa. I was exceptionally lucky in being posted to the AFDU at Duxford. I arrived there on May 10th, still a Flight Sergeant and reported to the adjutant, Flt. Lt. Simms, always known as ‘Simmy’, to be told that my arrival there had to be a mistake as only Officer pilots were posted to the AFDU. I produced my posting papers and was passed on to the unit commanding officer, Wing Commander Campbell-Orde, who again informed me that there had to be a mistake. I said that, towards the end of April, I had had commission interviews, first with Group Captain F.V. Beamish, the Kenley station commander, followed by another with Air Vice Marshal Leigh Mallory, the officer in charge of fighter command.
What do You think about A Very Unusual Air War (2013)?
