Oral History collection: Flight Sergeant Johnny Jones, RCAF interviewed by Peter Hall. DVD entitled 'Reminiscences of Flight Sergeant Johnny Jones RCAF at RAF Fairwood Common during Second World War.'

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 216 D/D Z 717/17
  • Dates of Creation
      2010
  • Language of Material
      English
  • Physical Description
      1 dvd

Scope and Content

[00:00:17] Personal Details: Flt Sgt Johnny Jones, RCAF wireless mechanic, RAF Fairwood Common. [00:00:23] Wireless training: Training at Cranwell, Lincs. [00:01:01] RAF Fairwood: 421 Sqdn (Red Indian) RCAF, Spitfires; 125 Sqdn (Newfoundland) RCAF: nightfighters, Beaufighter Mks 2 & 6, based Fairwood, but relieved other units periodically. [00:01:40] Transport: Armstrong bicycles: £9, 1941, v useful for work around dispersals. [00:02:15] RAF Radios: Spitfire radio fittings, awkward. [00:03:10] RAF Radios: Daily calibration of radios to new frequencies [RAF fighters: radios had 4 frequencies, pre-set daily]; secret, subject was only person allowed to do this. [00:03:48] Swansea: Patti Pavilion dances - met wife there, m Dec 1942. [00:05:26] Beaufighters: Polish Beaufighter crash: port swing on takeoff, torque. [00:06:13] RAF Fairwood: Landing accidents. [00:06:41] RAF Fairwood: Radio branch hut at north side of airfield. [00:07:06] RAF Transport: Van driver, despite no driving training/licence. [00:07:50] War: Wartime hospitality. [00:08:20] RAF Fairwood: Discipline "quite loose"; food excellent, station well run. [00:09:01] RAF Fairwood: Evening bus to Swansea, return at 2200. [00:09:48] RAF Fairwood: 421 (Red Indian) Sqdn: Spitfire Mk V, based at Fairwood & RAF Angle[?], spring-autumn 1942. [00:09:54] Personal Details: Art Sagger, 421 Sqdn pilot, then Flt Cdr: later CO 433 Sqdn (Hornet Sqdn)