Help Required with abreviations/squadrons

AmisUK · 11 June 2007, 02:34 PM

Hi,

I'm a new member to the forum, and have received today my grandfathers WWII records from the RAF, and as hoped they had a little bit about his WWI RFC/RAF service which is unknown to the family.

Unlike Army records of this time, it came with no help for the abreviations, and I was wondering if anyone could help with the following (Especially where I could find more information on the Squadrons involved):-

Enlisted: 20th February 1917 (at the age of 18 years & 3 months)

20th March 1917 - Rigger Aero

Unit 6 A.R.S.
Unit 53 T.D.S.
He was transfered to the RAF 1st April 1918
166 Squadron from 1st September 1918
50om Squadron from 19th March 1919
207 Squadron from 31st May 1919

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards
Paul

MikeW · 12 June 2007, 12:25 AM

Can help with some

53TDS is No.53 Training Depot Station, can't tell you where it was until I get home tonight!

207 Squadron Royal Air Force flew Handley Page heavy bombers. Again, I can tell you exactly where they were (on 31st May) later when I get home!

suggest you have a typo on 50o Squadron.

Mike

AmisUK · 12 June 2007, 12:34 AM

Hi Mike,

I've had another look at the 50om Squadron, and it's actually 5 Com Squadron after careful examination.

Regards
Paul

MikeW · 12 June 2007, 11:33 AM

Paul,

207 Squadron RAF was at Hangelar in May 19, presumably with the army of occupation. They then moved to the Middle East in August.

No.53 Training Depot Station was formed at Dover (St. Margarets) on 15th July 1918.

As for the others, not my field but I did find No.5 (Communication) Squadron formed at Bircham Newton by March 19 but disbanded on 15th June 19.

166 Squadron RAF was at Bircham Newton.

Don't know what 6 A.R.S. might have been. Sorry.

AmisUK · 12 June 2007, 02:37 PM

Hi Mike,

Thanks for that information, that gives me a good start.

I believe 6 A.R.S. stands for No. 6 Aircraft Repair Section

Regards
Paul