I’m a bit excited to find this thread after finding the photo of the DH9a with F/S Crocker.

My half-Uncle served in the RAF, and died at Calshot in 1928 of Typhoid (aged 27). He was an Aircraftman 1st class, A. G. Wright.

There is an AC/1 Wright 6th from the left, back row.

As this photo has now been almost certainly identified as being in the Middle East in 1927, is there any chance that a ground crew would be a unit, and that when F/S Croker was posted to Calshot, my Uncle (if it is him) moved with him? I have no idea how ground crew were organised.

My grandfather is reported to have said that Alfie flew over Newcastle (his home town) in a plane once. Would ground crew have ever flown? I have a picture of Alfie somewhere (still trying to find it again) with him posing at RAF Halton holding a flying helmet.

I have just sent off for Alfie’s service record. I don’t know what it will contain or how long it will take, so I may get answers to some of these questions, but if anyone has any insights I’m all ears. My Mother is still around (aged 89) and has become very interested in my research.