Went to Halton as a Craft Apprentice in 1964. Watching this brought back lots of memories, but I only ever joined two clubs, Astronomy and Boxing. Can't say that i enjoyed my first year there, but eventual promotion to Cpl Apprentice certainly helped in the second year. My kids only remember me as an RAF Officer, so watching this showed them how I started out.
Just been forwarded this from our Entry Site, the video contains the 99th Entry Passing out Parade,July 1964, can just make out myself and a few others in the Pipe Band, was Lead Tenor Drum, brings back great memories. '' All the 9's .... 99 ''
@Kris Moodley Nice! Probably gruff, no nonsense and you hated them at first-until you proved your worth and they'd open up a little and have your back through thick and thin. (Yes, I experienced some shitty NCO's in the US Army but most of them were good ol' boys.)
On leaving Halton as a newly minted JT, my first Flight Sargent Boss was an ex Air Gunner, Pathfinder, with a DFM. I hero worshiped the man and he was oh so tolerant with an unruly teenager, as I was then. They were a breed apart.
Brilliant stuff! I was 210th Entry RAF Halton and enjoyed almost every minute. Expert training and lots of good mates on the way. All teenagers would benefit from some basic training, to teach then how to be a civlised human being! It's high time it was compulsory.
Paul Saxby you are right, I want to become an RAF apprentice, I'm currently an apprentice at a research and development centre, but it doesn't teach me any life lessons, the raf does look good, it will sort my attitude out too as I know it could be better
Paul Saxby I was in 211 Entry - A Fitt A K8007247 and was infamous for doing the most junkers in our entry. I was very familiar with the F252. Many years later after having left the service, went to City of London Polytechnic to study biochemistry any physiology. Subsequently worked in the pharmaceutical industry but always wished I'd stayed in for a full career.
I was a B/E 46th entry AWM at Cosford, served 12 years left as a Sgt L.Fitt A/C. Couldn't sign on as they had too many of my trade group & exit year! Bye & large I enjoyed my service. Like they say you have good days & bad days....
I was a Craft Apprentice at RAF Locking 211 Entry Jan 1968 to Dec 1969 - I do not think we had aircraft nose radar at Locking as shown in the film, I think that was Cosford The film brought it all back - Great days and a great way for the RAF to get good quality technicians - We lost so much when we got rid of the apprentice schools. Bring them back.
Back in '72 Halton was the Supply Control Centre, SCC as it was known then. Did my first course on computers there. My experience in the RAF sustained me for 40 years in supply logistics in civvy street.
+Darby Allen You are dead right. Hendon it was. Metropolitan Police training near by. Well done you for spotting my school boy error. Brain isn't what it used to be.
+Darby Allen It's all a bit of a fog now Darbey. Joined up in Sept '69. Basic training and then trade training at Hereford. based at RAF Wroughton in Wiltshire from early '70 to '74. Cossor Electronics supplied the computers in SCAF during that period. We were sent on a 'day' trip to SCC Hendon to get a look at the computer room. That was it. I wasn't based there. I think I was too thick. The RAF stood to me all my working life. Best 9 years I spent. Wroughton had a lot of nurses and was a dream posting. There ain't nothin' like a Dame.
I graduated last week and it’s amazing to see how similar it still is, really interesting film this! I had to laugh when I saw the yellow discs though!
The most wonderful time of my life joining the Royal Air Force 1960 at Bridgnorth, Went on Bomb disposal , Clearing Fyingdale moor for the build of RAF Fylingdales , Yorkshire ,The Ballistic early warning station... as it is today..Great life , This generation knows nothing and never will about education discipline and respect The Royal air force supplied all this ..Geoffrey Powell 5131 Bomb disposal sqn RAF Rtd.. now 75 yrs old....
I disagree. I admire the present generation whom we are badly treating. Respect has to be earned and is not automatic. As for discipline: Douglas Bader said rules were for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools. We sought to disobey the rules as Halton Brats and tried to avoid being caught.
My memories of technical training RAF Halton (Sep 62 - Aug 65) and subsequent RAF service are mostly negative - having signed on for a 12 year engagement at age 16 we were later told that our reckonable service would not begin until age 18. So I had really signed up to do 14 years! Having volunteered to work on Flight Simulators I was trained on Guided Weapons. Promotion was based on being tested on equipment I had never seen and had not been trained on. All-in-all a wasted and miserable period of my life - I am not cut-out for military service - or service of any kind. Eventually they let me go early - which was very pleasing - certainly to me and very probably for the RAF too On our first visit to the workshops we selected our preferred trade - very many put their hands up to be an Engine Fitter - 40 or more - the NCO in charge said they only wanted 12 - he picked you - you and you. Those not selected were told that their trade would be Airframe Fitters. It was at this point that I felt I might have made a mistake. I never subsequently worked on any equipment I had been trained on as an apprentice. I began with a chip on my shoulder and the RAF seemed to make it worse. *LO688386*
It's a great shame you fell like that Richard as my memories and experiences were totally the opposite. I left the RAF prematurely in 1987 after having served only 3 and a half years. It was the biggest single regret of my entire life and now in my mid 50's I still struggle to come to terms with this petulant decision. I was an airframe mechanic and worked my entire service on Lightnings, which was by all accounts a marvellous experience. Not a day goes by when I don't consider what might have been and I would recommend the RAF as a career choice to anyone. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your time in the RAF, but hope you found something more fulfilling in you future career choices after that time?
Richard Buxton I agree with you. I was just 15 signed on for 12 then told it would be 15 years. How could it be legal binding. Couldn’t vote until 21 in them days. I only joined as was told I could not go to Germany when my parents were posted there.
Being an airframe fitter, you could rise to be a Chiefy. In charge of the whole aircraft. The other trades were under you. It would be you that signed the aircraft off to the pilot. The engine fitters had no say in that nor any other trades.
I don't understand why you bothered to watch it, there were times when I wanted to get out, at one point I PVR'd but withdrew it, thank goodness I did as I would have regretted it to this day. Ps my trade was LTECH AR and course TAR DE 31 Cosford 1979.
The technical drawing class was class CR1 of the 106 Entry. I had no idea we were so young. Can't remember the drawing instructor, but vividly remember Mr Mckenzie - the best sleep aid ever, and Mr Lunt, who inspired a great poem from Graham Bairstow. Earlier scene in the workshop, Mr Rose? with a mix of entries studiously filing metal and working with test equipment...
I visited RAF Halton in 1989 on my first Air Cadet annual camp, and then again a few years later as a Cadet Warrant Officer (and a totally different person). Looked to be an absolutely fantastic place of learning. In the end, I made what was probably the wrong decision and joined the Army instead. Many of those cut-away engines were still there being used for training purposes almost 40 years later, and it wouldn't surprise me if they are still there now.
Anyone know what the rucksacks their using on the navigation/camping bit are? (12:47-13:34) a couple look like the old commando rucksacks I'm not sure on the other type their using. Any help much appreciated, great video aswell by the way.
1960. Cosford 41st Entry Ground wireless. Best times of my life. Good mates, good instructors and the ITS NCOs were ok too. Food mostly edible and as I was in the lines, very cold in winter.
Served with Flight Sergeant Mike McCarthy shown at 15:10 at RAF Gibraltar in 1975-76. Can't believe I spotted him here. Anyone know where he is now? He hailed from County Claire in Ireland.
Learned something new today ... RAF Halton used today for Airman Basic Training was once an SoTT. Very interesting to watch and compare with what is based where today :o)
No1 School of Technical Training. God that film looks old and I was only 6 years behind it. 213 Entry A Fit E, 2 Wing, Oxford Flight. Did 22yrs and ended up Chief Tech.
I was at Locking from 63-66 in 104 Entry Aircraft Apprentices. The first Craft Apps at Locking were 201 Entry, who started in Sept 64 and did 2 years training to pass out as J/Ts in Aug 66 (4 months before the 106 Entry who had to do three years to get to J/T). About the same time the Tech Apps scheme started with 107 Entry who also did three years to pass out as Cpls with accelerated promotion to Sgt. I'm sure the Wingco shown about 3.5 minutes into the film was our apprentice Wing Commander but can't remember his name, but I recognised him straightaway. I feel this film is a mix of apprentice training generally - will keep looking to see if anyone else I know crops up.
Just seen my young self in the Commcen scene at 12 minutes. Well, you can see the top of my head. Unfortunately I dont have the same amount of hair, mind you it was 63/64. I was a 48th Entry Teleg.
What camp was this based in. If I can recall correctly my grandfather went to basic training around this time and mentioned training in Liverpool and then was stationed in headly court as a chef
Memories. Hereford 3SofTT 47th Entry 2 Sqn K Flt. Sept 62 to March 64. Subsequently full overseas tours Bruggen Germany, Ramstein Germany, Tongeren Belgium, Decimomannu Sardina and Luqa Malta in addition to various units in England. Now been resting my weary feet for past 10 years in The Philippines. Any other 47/2Sqn still killing time :-) ? . Friend or foe from old days send a message. Dennis Thompson.
Tony Clark (known as Buzz). K Flight, 2 Sqn, 47th Entry, RAF Hereford, 1962-64. Anyone out there?? Send a message. Am in contact with a couple of the lads. 👍😀
The date of this film can't be 1962. The graduation ceremony was of the 99th entry at Halton in summer 1964 (I was there) so I guess this film was made in '65 or '66.
Take the Padre, for example, he's not always preaching, he's always knocking one out in the ablutions with some chaps Y fronts stuck to his face,the dirty bugger! Still, nice chap.
Oh my God, my Dad, 17 or 18 years old playing the guitar on 08:16 with his band "Shades of Blue" - classic.
Brilliant! Lovely film and they had a beat group!
Living the 'Drugs sex, rock and roll' lifestyle right there!!! ;)
Nice name "Shades of Blue ."
What did they actually sound like? Cos that isn't them we're listening to...
i went to Halton in 1994 for JNCO traing. 12 yrs gen Tech E. Loved my time in the RAF.
Went to Halton as a Craft Apprentice in 1964. Watching this brought back lots of memories, but I only ever joined two clubs, Astronomy and Boxing. Can't say that i enjoyed my first year there, but eventual promotion to Cpl Apprentice certainly helped in the second year. My kids only remember me as an RAF Officer, so watching this showed them how I started out.
Just been forwarded this from our Entry Site, the video contains the 99th Entry Passing out Parade,July 1964, can just make out myself and a few others in the Pipe Band, was Lead Tenor Drum, brings back great memories. '' All the 9's .... 99 ''
They were good, happy days and I learnt a lot during my 3 years with the 101st Entry, RAF Halton.
i watched this from beginning to end without a break
remarkable production
the soundtrack is spectacular
'Without a break". It's a 20 minute video lad 😂. If that's noteworthy, I'd hate to know what your attention span is like normally.
RAF Halton. 1966-67. 205th entry. A-Fit-A. A great bunch of lads.
It must have been a privilege to learn from those NCO lifers who were probably old-school WWII veterans.
@Kris Moodley Nice! Probably gruff, no nonsense and you hated them at first-until you proved your worth and they'd open up a little and have your back through thick and thin. (Yes, I experienced some shitty NCO's in the US Army but most of them were good ol' boys.)
On leaving Halton as a newly minted JT, my first Flight Sargent Boss was an ex Air Gunner, Pathfinder, with a DFM. I hero worshiped the man and he was oh so tolerant with an unruly teenager, as I was then. They were a breed apart.
It was indeed a great privilege.
Brilliant stuff! I was 210th Entry RAF Halton and enjoyed almost every minute. Expert training and lots of good mates on the way. All teenagers would benefit from some basic training, to teach then how to be a civlised human being! It's high time it was compulsory.
Paul Saxby you are right, I want to become an RAF apprentice, I'm currently an apprentice at a research and development centre, but it doesn't teach me any life lessons, the raf does look good, it will sort my attitude out too as I know it could be better
Paul Saxby
I was in 211 Entry - A Fitt A K8007247 and was infamous for doing the most junkers in our entry. I was very familiar with the F252.
Many years later after having left the service, went to City of London Polytechnic to study biochemistry any physiology. Subsequently worked in the pharmaceutical industry but always wished I'd stayed in for a full career.
That brought back some memories, also 210 entry.
Paul, 217th Entry 3 Wing, Z Flight, brings back many memories. And all good.
@@dudz5825 And did you?
Brought back a few memories! 305th Entry, RAF Hereford, Apprentice Blanket Stacker, January 1966....Life has "changed" a bit since then ;-)
Was there with the 93rd Entry (59-61) (A-Fit P) and went on to a full 14-years seeing the world. Retrospectively I enjoyed all my time in the R.A.F.
1962-1971 recruit training at RAF Hemswell
I was a B/E 46th entry AWM at Cosford, served 12 years left as a Sgt L.Fitt A/C. Couldn't sign on as they had too many of my trade group & exit year! Bye & large I enjoyed my service. Like they say you have good days & bad days....
I was a Craft Apprentice at RAF Locking 211 Entry Jan 1968 to Dec 1969 - I do not think we had aircraft nose radar at Locking as shown in the film, I think that was Cosford
The film brought it all back - Great days and a great way for the RAF to get good quality technicians - We lost so much when we got rid of the apprentice schools. Bring them back.
Back in '72 Halton was the Supply Control Centre, SCC as it was known then. Did my first course on computers there. My experience in the RAF sustained me for 40 years in supply logistics in civvy street.
+Darby Allen You are dead right. Hendon it was. Metropolitan Police training near by. Well done you for spotting my school boy error. Brain isn't what it used to be.
+Darby Allen It's all a bit of a fog now Darbey. Joined up in Sept '69. Basic training and then trade training at Hereford. based at RAF Wroughton in Wiltshire from early '70 to '74. Cossor Electronics supplied the computers in SCAF during that period. We were sent on a 'day' trip to SCC Hendon to get a look at the computer room. That was it. I wasn't based there. I think I was too thick. The RAF stood to me all my working life. Best 9 years I spent. Wroughton had a lot of nurses and was a dream posting. There ain't nothin' like a Dame.
A number of chaps on this film from 49th Entry, RAF Cosford 1963-64 - including me!
comprehensive training. from ironing clothes to cooking to computers. they are absolutely intelligent students
Dad was in the Air Force for 34 years came out as a flight Sgt. BEM
I graduated last week and it’s amazing to see how similar it still is, really interesting film this! I had to laugh when I saw the yellow discs though!
The most wonderful time of my life joining the Royal Air Force 1960 at Bridgnorth, Went on Bomb disposal , Clearing Fyingdale moor for the build of RAF Fylingdales , Yorkshire ,The Ballistic early warning station... as it is today..Great life , This generation knows nothing and never will about education discipline and respect The Royal air force supplied all this ..Geoffrey Powell 5131 Bomb disposal sqn RAF Rtd.. now 75 yrs old....
Geoffrey Powell I'm considering going for the Airforce, any tips?? Thanks in advance
I disagree. I admire the present generation whom we are badly treating.
Respect has to be earned and is not automatic.
As for discipline: Douglas Bader said rules were for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools. We sought to disobey the rules as Halton Brats and tried to avoid being caught.
RAF Bridgnorth is now an industrial estate and the old barraks are houses
@Kris Moodley I wonder Kris if you could send our email .. geoffrey.m3uxb@gmail.com ..Happy days,,,,
At 11.36 to 39 I saw my brother in law Dave Smith with hair, he hails from 102nd entry Halton.
My memories of technical training RAF Halton (Sep 62 - Aug 65) and subsequent RAF service are mostly negative - having signed on for a 12 year engagement at age 16 we were later told that our reckonable service would not begin until age 18. So I had really signed up to do 14 years!
Having volunteered to work on Flight Simulators I was trained on Guided Weapons. Promotion was based on being tested on equipment I had never seen and had not been trained on.
All-in-all a wasted and miserable period of my life - I am not cut-out for military service - or service of any kind. Eventually they let me go early - which was very pleasing - certainly to me and very probably for the RAF too
On our first visit to the workshops we selected our preferred trade - very many put their hands up to be an Engine Fitter - 40 or more - the NCO in charge said they only wanted 12 - he picked you - you and you. Those not selected were told that their trade would be Airframe Fitters. It was at this point that I felt I might have made a mistake. I never subsequently worked on any equipment I had been trained on as an apprentice.
I began with a chip on my shoulder and the RAF seemed to make it worse. *LO688386*
It's a great shame you fell like that Richard as my memories and experiences were totally the opposite. I left the RAF prematurely in 1987 after having served only 3 and a half years. It was the biggest single regret of my entire life and now in my mid 50's I still struggle to come to terms with this petulant decision. I was an airframe mechanic and worked my entire service on Lightnings, which was by all accounts a marvellous experience. Not a day goes by when I don't consider what might have been and I would recommend the RAF as a career choice to anyone. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your time in the RAF, but hope you found something more fulfilling in you future career choices after that time?
Richard Buxton I agree with you. I was just 15 signed on for 12 then told it would be 15 years. How could it be legal binding. Couldn’t vote until 21 in them days. I only joined as was told I could not go to Germany when my parents were posted there.
Being an airframe fitter, you could rise to be a Chiefy. In charge of the whole aircraft. The other trades were under you. It would be you that signed the aircraft off to the pilot. The engine fitters had no say in that nor any other trades.
Guess Richard you should have selected politics,I’m sure you could have wasted your life being a liberal 😉
I don't understand why you bothered to watch it, there were times when I wanted to get out, at one point I PVR'd but withdrew it, thank goodness I did as I would have regretted it to this day. Ps my trade was LTECH AR and course TAR DE 31 Cosford 1979.
love the enfields casually stacked against the wall in the dorms
I think they were inert drill weapons.
@@sandemike They weren't casually stacked; they were in a rack with a chain going thgrough the finger guards, then locked.
Haha that’s kinda cool to see Halton! I was there last year, oh how it’s hardly changed a bit!
I began with the Air Training Corps in the R.A.A.F, and of similar age group by the look of it. So much of this very familiar.
The technical drawing class was class CR1 of the 106 Entry. I had no idea we were so young. Can't remember the drawing instructor, but vividly remember Mr Mckenzie - the best sleep aid ever, and Mr Lunt, who inspired a great poem from Graham Bairstow. Earlier scene in the workshop, Mr Rose? with a mix of entries studiously filing metal and working with test equipment...
respect magnificent
I visited RAF Halton in 1989 on my first Air Cadet annual camp, and then again a few years later as a Cadet Warrant Officer (and a totally different person). Looked to be an absolutely fantastic place of learning. In the end, I made what was probably the wrong decision and joined the Army instead. Many of those cut-away engines were still there being used for training purposes almost 40 years later, and it wouldn't surprise me if they are still there now.
Anyone know what the rucksacks their using on the navigation/camping bit are? (12:47-13:34) a couple look like the old commando rucksacks I'm not sure on the other type their using.
Any help much appreciated, great video aswell by the way.
1960. Cosford 41st Entry Ground wireless. Best times of my life. Good mates, good instructors and the ITS NCOs were ok too. Food mostly edible and as I was in the lines, very cold in winter.
Life just seemed so much healthier and less stressful back then. My Dad trained at RAF Weeton.
Served with Flight Sergeant Mike McCarthy shown at 15:10 at RAF Gibraltar in 1975-76. Can't believe I spotted him here. Anyone know where he is now? He hailed from County Claire in Ireland.
Learned something new today ... RAF Halton used today for Airman Basic Training was once an SoTT. Very interesting to watch and compare with what is based where today :o)
It was started in the early 1920.s - Apprentices were called Trenchards Brats!
No1 School of Technical Training. God that film looks old and I was only 6 years behind it. 213 Entry A Fit E, 2 Wing, Oxford Flight. Did 22yrs and ended up Chief Tech.
I was at Locking from 63-66 in 104 Entry Aircraft Apprentices. The first Craft Apps at Locking were 201 Entry, who started in Sept 64 and did 2 years training to pass out as J/Ts in Aug 66 (4 months before the 106 Entry who had to do three years to get to J/T). About the same time the Tech Apps scheme started with 107 Entry who also did three years to pass out as Cpls with accelerated promotion to Sgt. I'm sure the Wingco shown about 3.5 minutes into the film was our apprentice Wing Commander but can't remember his name, but I recognised him straightaway. I feel this film is a mix of apprentice training generally - will keep looking to see if anyone else I know crops up.
It's hard to believe my dad was in the RAF...
He retired to go into programming, its crazy to think..
One Minute 31 seconds in.
Fame at last :-)
Indeed sir,well spotted :-)
Nice to see Halton again, especially as it is to be decommissioned as an RAF station in the next few years.
John Smith ex-92nd.
Will always remember Halton with fond memories.
Gil Moyes Ex 217th, No.3 Wing.
"wow some of the work in this".
I joined the RAF to be a pilot. I ended up working in the Stores.
That's my Uncle Terry teaching at around 04:40 ! .. 😬
Just seen my young self in the Commcen scene at 12 minutes. Well, you can see the top of my head. Unfortunately I dont have the same amount of hair, mind you it was 63/64. I was a 48th Entry Teleg.
Mike, do I remember you from Uxbridge 1969. John McCollough ex 312 entry. Your name rings a bell.
@@johnmccollough4253 John, no, I was never in Uxbridge. In 1969 I was at Digby then Bahrain.
Hi Italianoboy, I'm working on a video about a young woman named Rita Ellis and would really love to use some of this footage, with your permission?
What camp was this based in. If I can recall correctly my grandfather went to basic training around this time and mentioned training in Liverpool and then was stationed in headly court as a chef
The multicultural RAF?
Memories. Hereford 3SofTT 47th Entry 2 Sqn K Flt. Sept 62 to March 64. Subsequently full overseas tours Bruggen Germany, Ramstein Germany, Tongeren Belgium, Decimomannu Sardina and Luqa Malta in addition to various units in England. Now been resting my weary feet for past 10 years in The Philippines. Any other 47/2Sqn still killing time :-) ? . Friend or foe from old days send a message. Dennis Thompson.
I'm watching this before I head off to my technical training for the RCAF lol. No doubt it's still fairly similar
Yep, I was in No.1(A) Wing SoTT RAF Halton, 1957-1960, 87th Entry
Hi Jim. Who put the bomb at Wendover station?
75th Entry - 1A wing - September 1953 - was a great tie to join as an Instrument Fitter U/T.
C Flight 4 Squadron 40th Entry RAF Hereford 1960 to 1961.
98th. Halton 1961-64.
Respect
Ah, Locking the best years of my life, in a way!
great video was at Discord 42nd entry Found Wireless best start in life
Graham Harris /7
can anyone recall where the hiking and camping took place in Wales for the 50th entry seen in the film.
Thanks Chris.
I will make a point of finding it as I normally spend weekend near that area
Dunno boyo bach, but impressed they go hiking in collar and tie! Per Ardua. Slash Roberts (29th Teleg)
Looks similar to where we went in 1979, that was around Lake Bala, North Wales.
PS My course was TAR DE 31.
Tony Clark (known as Buzz). K Flight, 2 Sqn, 47th Entry, RAF Hereford, 1962-64. Anyone out there?? Send a message. Am in contact with a couple of the lads. 👍😀
That Sgt. was a Corp!
Looks like Cpl Marsh and his ilk were combed out when things went 'Proffesional' :)
The date of this film can't be 1962. The graduation ceremony was of the 99th entry at Halton in summer 1964 (I was there) so I guess this film was made in '65 or '66.
Music sounds like it was done by the same chap who did the Bonanza theme
Did they have to listen to that aweful music every day as well?
Interesting, not quite as l remember my Boy Entrent experience at RAF St Athens in 61-62 :-)
Very interesting - didn't realise the RAF had a base in Greece - although they did have a similarly named base in Wales - called St Athans :-)
@@riggers6214 or maybe St Athan !
13:32 they're dissing the poor Indian
Makes ya wanna be a Crab doesn't it.
Nooooo
My dad was one and advised me to join the RAF, nuff said
Take the Padre, for example, he's not always preaching, he's always knocking one out in the ablutions with some chaps Y fronts stuck to his face,the dirty bugger! Still, nice chap.
I wish to email this youtuber for their email address to get copyright permission to download