Further research on this matter suggests that it was SX990 that crashed (not SX937 as recorded in the ORB). This means that one other Lincoln would have been allocated to 35 Squadron to make up its establishment number of six aircraft after the loss of SX990.

Are there any other sources which may help find this elusive serial number?

Regards

Pete

I am just doing some further research on this subject and wondered if anyone could explain the differing roles of a Flight Mechanic (E) and Fitter II (E).

I know the Flight Mechanic was a Group II trade and the Fitter II a Group I trade but I am not clear on the difference in the actual roles.

Also, I am beginning to think that the Fitter II Conversion Course was used to convert Flight Mechanic (E) to Fitter II (A) and vice versa. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I am struggling with this at the moment, so any help would be much appreciated.

Regards

Pete

Ross

I will follow up on the information that you provided in your last post; thanks for spending the time on this matter.

There are a number of articles about the “Visual Link” (one as early as 1940) http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1940/1940%20-%200278.html?search=Visual%20Link.

My search started as a follow up to an article I read about theatre staff / lighting engineers being unemployed due to the closure of theatres; some were given the job of painting cycloramas for the Air Minstry so I was keen to find out where and to find some examples of their work.

Regards

Pete

Ross

Thanks again; your help is much appreciated.

I will see if I can get hold of a copy of the pamphlet you mention (I know TNA have a copy) and see if I can find any more information on the Panorama Trainer; I assume that there was a specific building type that housed the set up

The joys of research ….

Regards

Pete

Chris

Thanks for the information and the scans; I really enjoy seeing the original hand drawn diagrams and notes as it somehow makes the subject matter more human.

Your details tie in with my current understanding of the Flight Mechanic Course content with the “precision” engineering section, the aero engine section, the components section (propellors etc) and the procedures section. I don’t know whether there were others and I am still trying to establish the timescales allocated to each section.

The bigger conundrum is the Fitters II Conversion Course which enabled the Flight Mechanic to progress from a Group II trade to a Group I trade. I do not know if the course covered the same subjects (but in more detail) or whether there was a completely different set of subjects.

Regards (and thanks again)

Pete

Thanks for your responses.

This is the article that I am trying to find: “D’Arcy, S.H.R.L. (86). Aptitude testing in the Royal Air Force 1939 – 1986. Air Clues, Aug, 86”

Regards

Pete