RAF List 2002/ 2003
When I was commissioned in the RAFVR(T) after some seven years out of uniform, I was given my original (airman's) service number but the letter prefix was changed to a suffix.
I was a VR(T) Officer for 2 years after being invalided in 1969; I retained my "608" number - I rejoined as a regular in a different Branch inc1980, again retaining my 608 number. In between I was in the RCT(V), but had a different "Army" number.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Was it possible to be an RAF airman whilst an RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) officer? No. A VR(T) officer still has been through OASC and is commissioned with commensurate powers conferred by the Queen.
Would time as a RAF VR(T) role count towards a Long Service and Good Conduct medal? No but I don't know if non commissioned service in VR(T) might count.
Is it possible to have two different service numbers? Probably not.
IE If you were in for a bit, left for a few years and then came back? Or be given your RAF airman one initially? Definitely no change of number in this case.
Is there any way to check RAF airman records? For you, no.
Were RAF VR(T) officers awarded the Diamond and Golden Jubilee coronation medals? Yes
Did you have to be a member at the date of attestation or could you still get it if you had done the five years but left a few years earlier? You had to be eligible - 5 years service AND still serving. A break in Service did not matter as long as you had both 5 years and still serving.
How far through the 'emergency services' did the issue of the medals extend? Police and Fire certainly, civil service, including RAFR and other Service equivalents did not qualify. Google is your friend.
Similarly you can find t h e rules for the South Atlantic medal but not individual entitlement.
Thanks again everyone for your assistance.[/QUOTE]
Would time as a RAF VR(T) role count towards a Long Service and Good Conduct medal? No but I don't know if non commissioned service in VR(T) might count.
Is it possible to have two different service numbers? Probably not.
IE If you were in for a bit, left for a few years and then came back? Or be given your RAF airman one initially? Definitely no change of number in this case.
Is there any way to check RAF airman records? For you, no.
Were RAF VR(T) officers awarded the Diamond and Golden Jubilee coronation medals? Yes
Did you have to be a member at the date of attestation or could you still get it if you had done the five years but left a few years earlier? You had to be eligible - 5 years service AND still serving. A break in Service did not matter as long as you had both 5 years and still serving.
How far through the 'emergency services' did the issue of the medals extend? Police and Fire certainly, civil service, including RAFR and other Service equivalents did not qualify. Google is your friend.
Similarly you can find t h e rules for the South Atlantic medal but not individual entitlement.
Thanks again everyone for your assistance.[/QUOTE]
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It's very possible. I was Commissioned as an Acting Pilot Officer (University Cadet) and received the commensurate 520xxxx number. Note originally there was no letter suffix, this came in some 6 months later and (I was told) was something to do with the pay computer at Innsworth.
I left the regular Service after 20+ years. After a few years in Civy Street I became a CI at my local ATC unit and given a completely spurious number starting with 00.
Having been recommissioned into the RAFVR(T) as a Flying Officer I was told I could not keep my original Service Number, but had to put up with the number I had been given as a CI.
All very strange...
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Is it possible to have two different service numbers? Probably not.
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There are no non-commissioned members of the VR(T). The SNCOs/WOs(ATC) as they are termed, are not subject to military law, as VR(T) are. So the question of service counting towards LS&GCM doesn't apply. And - at the moment - officers don't qualify for the "long gong".
VR(T) and the ATC adult snecs qualify for the CFM (Cadet Forces Medal) which is their equivalent of a Long Service. They qualify IIRC after 12 years, with bars after each succeeding 6.
And yet..... they also got QGJMs and QDJMs, which some bits of the full-time RAFR didn't!
As to numbers, an old mate of mine reversed the process a long while ago - he was VR(T) before joining as a regular. He kept his (slightly odd) VR(T) number, which led to the same conversation with the scribblies every time he got to a new Station:
"Excuse me Sir, there seems to have been a typo in your Service Number!"
But I think that has now changed.
VR(T) and the ATC adult snecs qualify for the CFM (Cadet Forces Medal) which is their equivalent of a Long Service. They qualify IIRC after 12 years, with bars after each succeeding 6.
And yet..... they also got QGJMs and QDJMs, which some bits of the full-time RAFR didn't!
As to numbers, an old mate of mine reversed the process a long while ago - he was VR(T) before joining as a regular. He kept his (slightly odd) VR(T) number, which led to the same conversation with the scribblies every time he got to a new Station:
"Excuse me Sir, there seems to have been a typo in your Service Number!"
But I think that has now changed.
As I understand it RAF VR(T) officers have very little training to be an officer. There is selection at the Officers' & Aircrew Selection Centre. But the training is initially 5 days at RAF Cranwell (that includes arrival and a graduation) and then if you are selected as an OC then a further 5 days, as far as was explained by the RAF Reserves Cell when I called them.
That is why I was not allowed to employ a RAF VR(T) officer under Full Time Reserve Service - they had not done proper phase 1 and phase 2 training. The minimum employment standard was a RAuxAF Officer that had done much more phase 1 and 2 training.
LJ
That is why I was not allowed to employ a RAF VR(T) officer under Full Time Reserve Service - they had not done proper phase 1 and phase 2 training. The minimum employment standard was a RAuxAF Officer that had done much more phase 1 and 2 training.
LJ
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As I understand it RAF VR(T) officers have very little training to be an officer. There is selection at the Officers' & Aircrew Selection Centre. But the training is initially 5 days at RAF Cranwell (that includes arrival and a graduation) and then if you are selected as an OC then a further 5 days, as far as was explained by the RAF Reserves Cell when I called them.
That is why I was not allowed to employ a RAF VR(T) officer under Full Time Reserve Service - they had not done proper phase 1 and phase 2 training. The minimum employment standard was a RAuxAF Officer that had done much more phase 1 and 2 training.
LJ
That is why I was not allowed to employ a RAF VR(T) officer under Full Time Reserve Service - they had not done proper phase 1 and phase 2 training. The minimum employment standard was a RAuxAF Officer that had done much more phase 1 and 2 training.
LJ
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Regarding service numbers, I retired as a Flt Lt after 12 years regular service. Some 8 years later I volunteered to fly Chipmunks with an AEF and was commissioned as a Fg Off VR(T). I still kept the same service number.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
ExAscot, when I received my second commission I was rung by the officer responsible for reserves to find my service number to ensure it was the same and correct.
I retired in 2010 after 38years with the same service number the only change being that the prefix letter was moved from first to last on commissioning. After a year doing nothing in blue I joined the VR(T) as they were starting a new unit where I live, could I have my previous number? Not a chance!!! JPA strikes again, since its introduction when you leave your number is wiped clean from the computer and you have to have a brand new one. Its all to difficult apparently!!!!!
PS It goes along with no valedictory or letter from their lordships to thank you for your loyal service, just a computer print out of your service record (not complete or totally correct) and a little badge to say I'm a veteran. Very sad but not totally unexpected.
PS It goes along with no valedictory or letter from their lordships to thank you for your loyal service, just a computer print out of your service record (not complete or totally correct) and a little badge to say I'm a veteran. Very sad but not totally unexpected.
I kept my valedictory letter, on the grounds it was probably the only time our AOC knew what I actually did, particularly the spread of my secondary duties. I have visions of him grinding his teeth as he signed!
PN,
I have come across two RAuxAF bods with a double life:
(a) VR(T) officer and auggie airman (was around GW2, not 1, and we also had female Gunners...)
(b) CCF officer and auggie officer (recently, but details omitted to try and maintain PERSEC).
I have come across two RAuxAF bods with a double life:
(a) VR(T) officer and auggie airman (was around GW2, not 1, and we also had female Gunners...)
(b) CCF officer and auggie officer (recently, but details omitted to try and maintain PERSEC).
I kept my valedictory letter,
I was seconded when I PVR'd. My French Air Force General Boss brought in to me some paperwork, forwarded by the P.S.O of an Air Marshal whom I'd never met ( nor ever had any dealings with for that matter).
Basically it was, of course, a standard formatted valedictory letter with gaps for addition by my " commanding officer" of a few comments in order to give the illusion that the Airship actually knew of my actual location and appointment.
My General was very embarrassed as to this state of affairs regarding the RAF's apparent insularity toward one of its own officers and after briefly discussing whether we should together write a curt response, we decided on the appropriate action under the circumstances ;
and threw it in the bin.
P.S.I might add that I was working within the Western European Union and that for over a year the R.A.F. insisted in forwarding many personal and relevant communications regarding my position to the care of the Air Attaché in Ecuador.
Last edited by Haraka; 24th Jun 2015 at 18:47.
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Most of us have come across "Walter Mittys" in our time. Few of us have a library of RAF Lists, which are both bulky (or at least, used to be !) and expensive.
Would it not be a good idea if HM Stationery Office had an "Enquiries" number/email, to confirm/deny suspicious names ?
Maybe there is already, in which case would some kind soul point me to it ?
Danny42C
Would it not be a good idea if HM Stationery Office had an "Enquiries" number/email, to confirm/deny suspicious names ?
Maybe there is already, in which case would some kind soul point me to it ?
Danny42C
Danny42C,
I would be very surprised if there was such a common sense system. The Data Protection Act tends to get in the way and stops things like that these days. The Army had an electronic Army List a few years back but had to scrap it on data protection grounds; I'm assuming it's the same case these days.
Don't throw out your hardcopy Air Force Lists just yet!
I would be very surprised if there was such a common sense system. The Data Protection Act tends to get in the way and stops things like that these days. The Army had an electronic Army List a few years back but had to scrap it on data protection grounds; I'm assuming it's the same case these days.
Don't throw out your hardcopy Air Force Lists just yet!
Why did they not just get people to sign an exclusion clause so the thing could be printed or held electronically. DP has got a bit ridiculous - in my youth the local library held Air Force, Army and Navy lists
Why did they not just get people to sign an exclusion clause so the thing could be printed or held electronically. DP has got a bit ridiculous - in my youth the local library held Air Force, Army and Navy lists
But it is Oakham after all!
YS