Research help
 

Hi all

Could anyone tell me if the national archive holds a form of squadron irrcraft with serial and indivudual code letters. And if does exist what is the name it and how to get it.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

Hi Nick,

There's no real form with all serials and individual code letters. One of the most consulted primary sources are the Operations Record Books, but the content regarding serials and codes differs from squadron to squadron. Some are very complete, others don't mention serials at all!

If the ORB lists serials but no individual codes it might be possible to cross check with ORB's on Group level, which may contain additional info. For instance, the ORB of 206 Squadron in 1940 does mention serials but no individual codes, but 16 Group ORB or even the ORB of the Station, Bircham Newton, only mention the individual letters! It takes some time to cross check these documents, but in the end some serials can be tied up with the individual code.

Kind regards,
Hans Nauta

Re: Research help
 

Hi Hans

Thanks for your very fast answer. Is it possibly to get an ORB and where.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

Hi Nick,

As far as I know you should find some useful info in the individual aircraft movement cards, which track the history of each aircraft based on serial no. The Air Brittan publications on serial blocks are based largely on these cards.

Sqdn ORBs are filed in AIR27 in The National Archive in London. These are either in paper or microfilm format. If you visit TNA you could print pages of interest directly from the microfilm.

Regards,

Kjetil

Re: Research help
 

Hi Kjetilk

Thank you very much for your help. Is it possible to optain the individual aircraft movement cards anywhere.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

I have it my head that either the cards themselves or microfilms thereof are held by the RAF Museum at Hendon. How one goes about accessing them though I don't know.

Re: Research help
 

hi

And thank you for a very fast reply.

Is it possible to request the AIR27 over the ineternet.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

Nick: AIR 27 series numbers hundreds of documents; if you want specific questions, you can ask professional researchers but you would have to pay. Aircraft Movement cards are also held by the Air Historical Branch-they give each individual serial number details but not codes

Re: Research help
 

Are you after one particular aircraft, or a single squadron? Or are you trying to trace an entire series across all squadrons?

Re: Research help
 

Hi

I am after 272 sqn. 1942-43.
Thank for the rast replys, nice to get some help when your new in researching.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

Hi Nick,

272 sqdn ORBs are filed in AIR27/1577 - 1578. Appendices in AIR27/1579 and 1580. If you are considering microfilm, each film contains usually 300-500 frames (and should cost you approx £40-50 each).

I hope you find what you are looking for. Let us known if there are any particular details you are after.

Regards,

Kjetil

Re: Research help
 

You may acquire at NA a CD (1200 frames I think) for 25 GBP - much more feasible than microfilm!

Re: Research help
 

Hi Nick,

I guess you may have checked Coastal, Support and Special Squadrons of the RAF by J. D. R. Rawlins?
The chapter of 272 Squadron contains a pile of serials with respective individual letters.

Regards,
Hans Nauta

Re: Research help
 

Hi Kjetilk, franek and Hans

Now i got something to go after. The book however is a little hard to get. But thanks for your help all of you.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

Hi Nick,

The serials with individual letters is only at one page. If you like I can provide a scan.

Cheers,
Hans Nauta

Re: Research help
 

Hi Hans

Thank you very much. That would be just perfect. I will sent me email in a privat message.

Cheers Nick

Re: Research help
 

Hi Nick,

Scan has been sent. Check your email box.

Good luck!

Hans

Re: Research help
 

Hi Hans

Thank you very much, this was just what I needed, fantastic.

Cheers Nick