Raf navigator A small wood box, with its original brass clasp and hinged lid, painted in typical RAF grey and lined with green felt. RAF Navigator's plotting and dead reckoning equipment 1960-75 comprising: Canvas and leather carrying case Wooden pencil case 6B/472 Dalton Dead Reckoning Computor and canvas holder 6B/490 Douglas Pro Discover authentic WW2 reproduction RAF wings, brevets & insignia. Perfect for reenactors & collectors. Complete with keys and inner drawing instruments box, ref. 5 x 15 x 4cm. Navigator - who worked at his desk behind a curtain and instructed the pilot on route and airspeed required throughout the operation in order to arrive on target within the expected time period in company with the other aircraft due to attack, he operated any radar navigational aids carried aboard. An original British WW2 RAF Navigator Brevet Badge, machine embroidered in white and brown thread on black backing padded. In good condition Feb 23, 2019 · A Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado navigator from RAF Marham has become the first person in history to log over 6000 hours flying the mighty Tonka. 28 Operational training unit course in July. Thirty years on, we spoke to two Tornado navigators who shar Oct 2, 2024 · The former RAF navigator on his favourite Queen song and selling farm machinery. Dec 31, 2023 · Former RAF navigator Caroline Paige becomes an MBE (Picture: Caroline Paige/X) Caroline Paige, who was the first transgender officer to serve openly in the Armed Forces, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her lifetime contribution to LGBT+ inclusion. Flat embroidered half brevet for RAF Navigators, being two bronze laurel branches encircling the capital letter "N", with a single wing, extending to the right as viewed, in cream, on a shaped black fabric background. Clear manufacturer's marks, reference number and date to one side. Apr 28, 2015 · Issue 33 - 1940s British RAF Navigator Eaglemoss Military Watches Collection. Any info greatly Find great deals on eBay for Ww2 Raf Navigator. A. He tells us about his experiences flying the Tornado GR-1 on cross-border combat missions into Iraq. Grey painted wooden box approximately 21. Inside the Diary of an RAF Navigator with BBC Antiques Roadshow Host Baldwin's Medals 1. In 1946 he is qualified as an Air Traffic Controller and completes a Navigational refresher course in 1956 1. An article by Flight Lieutenant Edwin Shipley, a specialist navigator serving in the RAF entitled ‘Drift Sights, Drift Markings and Ground-Speed Meters reminds the reader about the importance of obtaining accurate wind information by recounting a problem with obtaining a wind by the ‘two-fix or ‘two-drift method. 55 Jul 20, 2012 · Military Aviation - RAF Observers - Could anybody please help clarify what the role of an Observer was with the RAF during WW2 ? I get the impression it was a combination of Navigator plus other functions, dependant on aircraft type. Beecroft RAFVR (745643) covering the period between 1st April 1940 and 8th May 1945. Spanning a century of RAF history, our selection of RAF Wings and Brevets is sure to inspire admiration for the courage and commitment of the pilots, navigators, and aircrew who The Tornado was used by the RAF for combat missions for the first time during the First Gulf War. In addition, it was a privelege to accompany 'Nouj' around the south coast on his UK Circumnavigation for the charity fly2help. The pilot of Hawker Hunter XF980, F/L. Also comes wrapped in original waxed paper and card box Rank: Sergeant (Wireless Op. Stock code M23242. 1957: No. 6B/472. Sometimes aided by radio aids, the navigator has to chart out a track for his pilot to follow. It’s something that has been puzzling me for quite some time. Cockerill who was a member of Hull University Air Squadron and qualified as a RAF navigator in August 1945. Many of the RAF's numbered wings were originally Royal Flying Corps (RFC) or Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) units. 1 Canadian Navigation School, Rivers, Manitoba, Canada with him flying in Ansons. Crews consisted of four personnel: a pilot, navigator or observer and two wireless operators/air gunners. Each member was mutually dependent on the others and each had a vital part to play in ensuring that the aircraft reached its target, dropped its bombs and safely returned to base. www. 9 Air Observers School at RAF Penrhos Stores Ref. 1 ANS, to undergo refresher training after periods away from flying, in Check out our raf sweetheart brooch selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our brooches shops. [4] She completed an MA from King's College London in 2000. [2] It was replaced by two new trades. He is the bestselling author of Spitfire. When he was off-pass, he acted as a photographer during in flight intelligence missions aboard a Chipmunk aircraft stationed at RAF Gatow. Dudley Ronald Stone, a navigator with 103 Squadron. Where Mar 14, 2023 · Have you ever wondered what charts and logs that a WW2-era RAF Navigator carried with him? Navigating to a target involves precise calculations – based on wind speeds, direction, and known position of the celestial objects. Hicks ejected through the canopy and was injured. Aug 11, 2023 · The Royal Air Force (RAF) played a critical role in the Allied victory during World War II. Not an overly rare piece as a few do come to market, but certainly a fabulous item to complete your Bomber Command display. Prior to 'N' it was the 'O' observers' brevet until 1942. Edward B. Caroline Paige, who served in the RAF RAF Wings and Brevets are an essential feature of any collection of militaria from the Royal Air Force. David Herriot served almost forty years in the Royal Air Force as a navigator, first on the Buccaneer S2 and subsequently on the Tornado GR1. Crewed up at Silverstone and flew Wellingtons with 2 He spent sixteen years as an RAF navigator before migrating to Australia in 1981. E. Reproduction Royal Air Force Navigators Wing Patch. 1944 dated. No. [1][2] He is credited with helping to prevent some two hundred bombers from being shot down in a raid over Germany in 1943 My uncle, Ernest Albert Goudie, Navigator, Squadron 76, RAF, was KIA this day, 1944 Remembering Ernest Albert Goudie, Navigator, Squadron 76, RAF, who was KIA in 1944 and buried in Hotton War Cemetery My desire to become a Navigator started when I was 12 – I came into my classroom one morning and found a number of military recruiting brochures left behind from the previous evening's “Careers Conference” for 6th Form students. Flying Officer Anne Marie Dawe became the RAF's first female navigator on graduation from 6 Flight Training Squadron at Finni Nov 11, 2025 · Save last ‘Dambusters’ bomber from Swedish scrapheap, pleads RAF hero’s family Roger McKie, 71, son of the bomber’s navigator, calls for Easy Elsie wreck to be brought to Britain An aircrew flying badge (unofficially and incorrectly known as an aircrew brevet – which is actually French for a diploma or certificate) is the badge worn on the left breast, above any medal ribbons, by qualified aircrew in the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army, Indian Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, Royal Australian it was my first meeting with Arnold Wilkinson, RAF Navigator from Southampton who agreed to meet us on line at the Remembrance Day. Burton was discharged from the RAF on 16-12-1947 Burton’s eyesight was too poor for him to be considered pilot material. This rare light green canvas bag was used by the flight navigator to carry his charts, maps, pencils and equipment onto the aircraft for each flight and operation. Classic post WW2 Navigator/aircrew bag in heavy duty blue-grey canvas with leather handle, straps and bindings. Smith was also ejected involuntary but his seat was damaged and the parachute rigging lines severed and he did not survive. Jefferies was ejected involuntary but survived. Index record for Yeoman, John in the UK, WWII, Index to Allied Airmen Roll of Honour, 1939-1945 from Ancestry. [5] She served as Officer Commanding of No. Astro is the calculation of a position by taking observations of astronomical bodies such as the Sun, Moon and stars, effectively measuring their observed angle and then using some complex mathematics or as in the case of the RAF navigators, a Marshall joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a navigator, [3] and was commissioned with the rank of pilot officer on 9 October 1994. This poem is about one of them, or perhaps an amalgamation of several. Head and shoulders portrait of a man wearing tunic with navigator's brevet. As the Cold War deepened in the early 1950s the Canberra was ordered in large numbers to replace the obsolete Avro Lincolns and to form new light bomber squadrons. 11 Air Observers Navigaton School, Hamble, between March and June 1940, passing the course on 29th. 1 Wings within the Royal Air Force have both administrative and tactical applications. Experienced navigators would also pass through No. 5 Air Observer School RCAF Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. By April 1944 he was in the UK, completing No. Rhod Smart, Robbie Low, Alistair Stewart, Martin Oxborrow, Trevor Lewis and the inimitable John McCrea,the only one in the programme to make fast-jet pilot (Buccaneers) Jaeger-LeCoultre Mark 11 | Manual | Serviced | RAF | Navigator | Militär | Military | 36mm | Black Dial | Rare | JCL | VIP Used ( Good ) | Year of production 1960 | No original box | No original papers $7,446 + $159 for insured shipping to United States of America The navigator was fatally injured. Why use this guide? Use this guide for advice on how to find records of airmen and officers of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The centre of the rank (measured from the bottom of the lowest braid to the top of the highest) should be inches (9. […] RAF Flight of the Navigator Jun 22 Yesterday we celebrated the Centenary of the RAF Halton Aero Club. ” with Gp C Jan 24, 2020 · An RAF navigator's lively, candid memoir of flying low and living fast during the Cold War years. Wings can be found at every station in the RAF and also abroad, deployed on operations. 25 Group as a result of the cessation of RAF navigator training in Canada. The guy also Nov 25, 2021 · The English Electric Canberra was the first jet-powered bomber to enter service with the Royal Air Force (RAF). a task analysis based on the Fleishman Ability Requirements Procedure was carried out to identify the ability requirements of the RAF navigator role (Burke, 83). Oct 16, 2014 · Read extracts from the War Diary of Navigator Ken Dodwell, who served in RAF Bomber Command from 1940-46 and ended the war a Squadron Leader Here he took the Air Navigator AFU course over a month’s duration, adding another 17 day hours and 12 night hours to his flying time and still flying in Ansons. Mar 17, 2025 · Air of Authority - A History of RAF OrganisationRAF Flying Badges Obsolete Nov 8, 2025 · In the dim briefing room at RAF Coningsby, the air hangs heavy with cigarette smoke and the weight of fresh grief, as chalk numbers on the board tally the ghosts of forty-two lost planes over Berlin. The badge depicts a bronze laurel branches encircling the capital letter “N”, with a single wing, extending to the right in a cream thread on black fabric background. Also comes wrapped in original waxed paper and card box Aug 2, 2018 · No. This must have left a fairly large number of aircrew navigators with no role on the frontline fast jet squadrons. Our ties are manufactured in the UK and are available in a polyester and silk, striped or with logo's. RAF Navigator Brevet Badge for sale, we specialise in WW2 Royal Air Force militaria collectibles, Insignia, badges and medals. F. 1 ANS re-formed at RAF Topcliffe in No. These badges showcase the diverse skills of the airmen who wear them, from pilot wings to air gunner brevets. com, historical military records. It was unarmed and relied on high speed to escape enemy fighters. Eighteen months Our vintage and very rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Mark 11 (XI) was commissioned by the British ministry of defence, for use by RAF Navigators. RAF Navigator's Pencil Box in very good condition Stores ref 6B/472 from 689727847 Excellent condition. He then attended 61 Air School and was recommended for duty with a flying boat squadron. 2 to (nearly) fire a missile at a MiG-23 Flogger Jan 8, 2021 · John Henry Smythe, an RAF navigator from Sierra Leone in West Africa, was shot down and captured in Nazi Germany in 1943. She flew in the Tornado F3, and in 2000 became the first woman to pass the Qualified Weapons Instructor Course for the Tornado F3. These are the key roles and responsibilities of a heavy bomber crew during the Second World War. Press and media reported named the fatality as Mike Harland, 44, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, who was a civilian contractor for BAe Systems (not a RAF Navigator) Tornado ZA554 was otherwise undamaged, and returned safely to RAF Marham. Shop with confidence. He attended No. Air Ministry and crown stamped on the side, with the stores reference number and a Series of three flying log books named to G. Air Commodore Edward Barnes Sismore DSO, DFC & Two Bars, AFC, AE (23 June 1921 – 22 March 2012) was a British air navigator and fighter pilot during the Second World War, and a senior Royal Air Force officer in the post-war years. This volume recounts his early career operating the Buccaneer on three operational flying tours, plus a tour as an instructor on the Operational Conversion Paige joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1980 and after completing Navigator Training at RAF Finningley she was posted to Phantom F4s in the Air Defence role at RAF Leuchars. We stock a vast range of military, University, Club and Association ties. Dec 29, 2023 · A transgender former RAF navigator and the boss of Lincolnshire's International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) are among those receiving 2024 New Year Honours. Behind the courageous pilots who took to the skies were thousands of dedicated airmen who underwent rigorous training to perform a variety of roles. Mal Craghill was the youngest Tornado Navigator of the Gulf War, and dropped the last RAF bomb of the war. R E. 103 Squadron Royal Air Force in the Second World War, The Wartime Memories Project. HistNav Seminar 2020 - Navigation Training at Sea and in the Air “The Training (and Status) of Observers and Navigators prior to and during WW II. Although a postwar item, the clasp is Air Ministry King's crown marked. 1A/3927, 1942 dated. Oct 26, 2003 · The RAF navigator F/L. The navigators' 'N' brevet changed to the illustrated 'WSO' one in 2003, when the navigator and air electronic officer branches amalgamated. Aug 25, 2015 · This is a recent interview with an ex RAF and Buccaneer nav. The Gloster Aircraft Company test pilot Mr. Sep 11, 2024 · RAF Tornado F3 navigator recalls when he and his pilot pushed their aircraft to Mach 2. Featuring a 35mm case with screw down case back, and built to MOD specification, reference 6B/346 was powered by a manually wound calibre 488, considered to be one of the best movements to … Continue reading Jaeger-LeCoultre RAF Navigator Mark 11 (XI) 6B/346 → Group Captain Anne-Marie Houghton OBE (née Dawe; born 26 August 1968 [1]) is an RAF officer and was the RAF's first female fully qualified navigator in 1991. The ultra-rare light green canvas holdall used by the Navigator to carry his chartboard, maps, parallel rules, pencils, protractors, compasses etc. In 1998, Paige finally accepted she needed to resolve her lifelong battle with her gender identity and after informing the RAF of her need to transition she was accepted in service as a female officer. Place of Enlistment: …. [1] During his time as Commandant ROC, Sismore travelled overseas to France HistNav Seminar 2020 - Navigation Training at Sea and in the Air“RAF Navigator Training in the 1960s”: “Staff Nav and Spec N/Aerosystems Training. W. It is a magical time of day Log book and paperwork to air navigator Sergeant Brian D. It is approximately 20 x 20 inches in size, with flap pockets to either side. “My Initial Training July1967-June1968” with Dave Pike Dec 5, 2019 · WW2 veteran's navigator charts and logbook digitised for posterity, 75 years after his first mission on 27 November 1944. Shortly WW2 RAF Navigator Brevet Badge for sale, we specialise in WW2 Royal Air Force militaria collectibles, Insignia, badges and medals. Targeting airfields, these missions played a key role in crippling the Iraqi Air Force during Desert Storm. These are predominantly records of service prior to 1939. Additional Information: Son of Son of William Arthur and Elisabeth Hutchinson A Lancaster Bomber's Navigator's RAF career in WWII. It gives a great insight in to stories of the type and what missions the type had. John Nichol (RAF officer) Adrian "John" Nichol is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the Gulf War. His bravery and dedication to defeating Hitler helped pave the way for greater recognition of the contribution of black men and women from the West Indies during WW2. 92 Squadron RAF and No. He was assigned to BRIXMIS as a Tour Officer/Russian Interpreter from 1973 to 1976. Astro As part of his navigation training he also had to learn and practice Astronavigation (Astro). For example, the RAF Pilot Wings are awarded to qualified pilots, symbolizing their ability to fly aircraft, while the specialist insignia includes badges for navigators, engineers, and other specialized roles. He was a Royal Air Force navigator and a prisoner of war during the first Gulf War in Iraq. ) Olaf Arthur Hutchinson Service No: 524532 Born: 07/08/1916, Gateshead, Co. The log begins with training flights in Ansons followed by Fairey Battles and Hawker Demons with No. There was at least one Halton aircraft airborne throughout the entire day. C. Jan 8, 2021 · John Henry Smythe, an RAF navigator from Sierra Leone in West Africa, was shot down and captured in Nazi Germany in 1943. Here he was 2nd navigator and bomb aimer flying Ansons and Oxfords on training flights, gunnery and bombing exercises and navigational exercises. Crew information, included crew photos, has been gathered through multiple sources. Squadron Leader Roy Marsden was an RAF Navigator. The unit would train Radio Observers, who, as NCO fighter A/I operators, would complete a 20-week course. Stores reference 1A/3927. ” with Wg Cdr Jeff Jefford MBE BA RAF Rtd. Trade/calling: …. Very good used condition. Why become a Navigator and not a Pilot? Royal Air Force - Navigator HistNav Seminar 2020 - Navigation Training at Sea and in the Air”RAF Navigator Training in the 1960s”. May 11, 2014 · Military Aviation - Fighter Pilot - Just rewatched the TV series from 1981 "Fighter Pilot" which follows the travails of 6 RAF pilot hopefuls. Cemetery: Hotton War Cemetery Grave Reference: III. The thinnest braid, as found on the pilot officer's rank (and in the middle of the RAF navigator's bag. The Royal Air Force (RAF) uses badges for several key reasons, including identification, recognition, and tradition. In 1941, Smith made the decision to join the RAF in hopes of becoming a navigator. Several internal compartments for maps, drawing instruments, documents etc. Stores Ref. With a hinged lid and felt lining. N. July 1943, passing the course in November of the same year. Navigators by Benny Goodman on RAF Stories | What's your story? Nov 29, 2022 · As I understand it, with Typhoon and the Lightning II being the two frontline aircraft, the RAF now has no two-seat frontline aircraft following the retirement of the Tornados. Then introduced to “G” box which was basic radar. . Air Ministry stores Ref. These were used by navigators to store their pens/pencils and other drawing instruments. For the next twenty-five years, he had the good fortune to teach young children, mostly at Pembroke Junior School, before purchasing a small farming property on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which overlooked the Great Southern Ocean. With locking clasp and twin buckled securing straps. 50 x 50cm with flapped pockets to both sides and two carrying handles. War had broken out four years earlier when he was 25 years old, and Johnny 2 days ago · RAF Ties Homepage View our range of RAF ties, Royal Air Force ties with Logos or stripes, from the RAF Bomber Command to the RAF Regiment to the RAF Eagle or Albatross Ties. Feb 19, 2011 · All 3 will now move to RAF Leeming to finish training on Hawks before moving on to the Tornado GR4 bomber. Date of Death: 10/05/1940 Age: 23 Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force, 103 Sqdn. Over the years, the structure and role of wings has changed to meet the demands placed on the RAF. He explains for us the nature of the observation flights carried out by BRIXMIS above the Berlin Control Zone. Mar 17, 2025 · The badges shown on this page are provided courtesy of RAF Flying Branch & NCA Trade Advisors at the Ministry of Defence Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, the crown on RAF badges will be changed from St Edward's (Queen's) Crown to the Tudor (King's) Crown. These brevets were introduced in 1942, when the role of Observer was split into two; Navigator and Bomb Aimer. 1 Navigators School, Rivers, Manitoba c. Crewed up at Silverstone and flew Wellingtons with 2 Navigator and Airman Aircrew School RAF is a former Royal Air Force school which trained navigators between 1996 and 2005 along with other aircrew dating back to 1941. Flying log book to R. Sismore served as the thirteenth Commandant Royal Observer Corps between 1971 and 1973. Oct 29, 2020 · Daring and dashing, Cross joined the Royal Air Force's elite Pathfinder Force as a navigator and played his part in preventing Nazi airmen from shooting down about 200 RAF bombers. 6B/469. RAF service records created since the beginning of the Second World War are currently being transferred from the Ministry of Defence. 5 cm) from the cuff and each row of braiding should have a space of inch (3 mm) from other rows. A Bomber Command aircrew operated as a team. In April 1944 Jim was posted to RAF Chipping Warden, near to Banbury in Oxfordshire, to Number 12 Bomber Command OTC (Operational Training Unit). Durham, England. Log book & personal observations & photos. $155 / £120 / €145 email to secure this item RAF pilot's/navigator's Chartboard Type J. A fairly scarce accessory for the jet pilot/navigator. The one that caught my eye was the RAF Navigator one. haltonaeroclub. Joined RAF in 1942 and trained as Navigator in Canada and used sextant to get positions. P K V. 11. In August he moved to 1667 conversion unit at Sandtoft on Halifax bombers and then to No. An aircrew brevet (or badge) is a badge worn on the left breast, above any medal ribbons, by qualified aircrew of the Royal Air Force. /Air Gunner. Approx. Explore pilot, navigator, air gunner badges & more. co. Although many of his peers had wanted to become A lovely little navigation instrument box belonging to an RAF Bomber Navigator, in great condition, bearing a War ministry Crown and lettering on the catch and bearting the stores # 6B/472. Flying Officer Booker was a 22-year-old navigator who had flown with 10 Squadron in Bomber Command. 45K subscribers Subscribed This is a very nice WW2 RAF Navigator's Air Ministry Instrument / Pencil Box 6B/472 used by Aircraft Navigators to store their pens/pencils and other drawing instruments. He had been shot down in his four-engine Halifax during a raid on railway marshalling yards at Mar 17, 2025 · Air of Authority - A History of RAF OrganisationRAF Flying Badges Obsolete The ranks worn on the sleeve are common to all RAF uniform variants incorporating the Jacket. The first log book begins in March 1945 at No. He began training in Canada at No. 214 Squadron RAF Ulric Cross Philip Louis Ulric Cross DSO DFC (1 May 1917 – 4 October 2013) was a Trinidadian jurist, diplomat and Royal Air Force (RAF) navigator, recognised as possibly the most decorated West Indian of World War II. A war time navigation log survives in the appendix for No. Apr 23, 2024 · The Crewless RAF Tornado that Flew Away After the Navigator Ejected Himself and his Pilot from Their perfectly Serviceable Tonka By L. Then AFU, OTC, HCU and LFS in the UK Stores reference 6B/472. The heavy cotton canvas retains quite good colour and Flight Lieutenant Adrian John Nichol is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the first Gulf War View details about a navigator's operational sorties in a Lancaster Bomber during WWII. For use in aircraft such as the Phantom or Buccaneer where the navigator sat behind the pilot as well as larger aircraft such as the V-bombers and maritime reconnaissance and He subsequently did serve in the RAF (1944–1947) as a navigator. Summers spent on the Apr 21, 2025 · I spent sixteen years as an RAF navigator on C130s and have seen many a twilight turning to dawn. When the Luftwaffe saved Stanley Booker’s life in the autumn of 1944, he was only 48 hours away from being executed by the SS at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in central Germany. By New Statesman John Nichol was born in North Shields in 1963. Celebrating Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, as a notable event over her 70 year reign. 1 ANS is Re-Formed On 15th March 1957, No. 1966 dated. Training of an RAF Navigator in WWII Basic Training in Canada at No. To his dismay, he found himself on the fast-track to becoming a pilot. I am a retired RAF Navigator and Civil Servant, a passive MUFC supporter and a VW Golf driver Works at I Am Retired Worked at Retired Civil Servant Studied at navigation school Went to Changi Grammar School Lives in Swindon Jan 29, 2016 · ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- World War II veteran Roy Smith and his family recently visited Royal Air Force Lakenheath where he served in 1943 as an RAF Striling bomber navigator. L. The viewer of this video We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. ukwww Dec 30, 2023 · Trans former RAF navigator Caroline Paige has been named int he 2024 New Year Honours, after serving in the UK Armed Forces for 35 years. sqfdnr jodl aadgb xvbefy eflrrj muglhl xmvgw qvjitf zaauje qwgfcm kgxjvsa jsvqsgz jxqln neoftsz oomc