Britain: An official handbook > 1959
(143)
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DEFENCE
I2X
Coastal Command’s long-range maritime reconnaissance force, which is com¬
mitted to NAT O, is wholly equipped with Shackleton aircraft. An improved
version—the Shackleton Mark 3—is being introduced.
Transport Command is being re-equipped to provide increased mobility for the
strategic reserves of both land and air forces. A Comet 2 squadron was formed in
1956 the first all-jet transport squadron in any air force—and has proved very
successful. Britannia aircraft are on order and when in service will provide long-
range transport; for short and medium ranges, use will still be made of piston-
engined Hastings. The Beverley freighter, now in service, is a versatile aircraft
which can lift large loads.
Increasing use is being made of helicopters for operations and for the Search and
Rescue Organisation of Coastal Command. The Sycamore and Whirlwind heli¬
copters have given good service, particularly in Malaya, and the Bristol 192 twin-
engined helicopter is on order.
Following a decision to base initial flying training on jet aircraft, an order was
placed for the Jet Provost trainer and, in July 1958, for a training version of the
Lightning. The RAF is the first air force to adopt all-jet training.
In recent years there has been a great deal of airfield development in the United
Kingdom to provide for the operation of the V-bombers and the new fighters,
and a major programme of airfields, depots and technical facilities has also been
carried out for units of the United States Air Force stationed in Britain.
Recruitment and Training for the Regular Air Force
It is the aim of the Air Council that all pilots, navigators and air electronics
officers shall enjoy commissioned status. Appointment to a permanent commission
in the General Duties Branch may be obtained either through a cadetship at the
Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire (pilots and navigators only), or by
entry as a university graduate under special conditions. The majority, however,
enter on short-term commissions or under the direct commission scheme which
offers the choice of serving for eight or twelve years on the active list and going
out with a gratuity, or of staying in the Service to qualify for pension. Except for
those entering through Cranwell, where the course lasts three years, flying training
takes about 18 months for pilots and one year for navigators and air electronics
officers.
Officers in ground branches are usually found from people in civil life, some of
whom already hold professional qualifications, who enter the Royal Air Force on
short service commissions. Short service officers may be selected for permanent
commissions while in the Royal Air Force.
Permanent commissions may also be obtained through cadetships at the Royal
Air Force Technical College, Henlow, Bedfordshire (Technical Branch), the RAF
College, Cranwell (Secretarial and Equipment Branches), or the Royal Military
Academy, Sandhurst (RAF Regiment). University graduates are also eligible for
permanent commissions under special conditions. Some technical cadets proceed
after one year at Henlow to a three-year degree course at a university.
Women’s Royal Air Force
Women play an important part in the work of the Royal Air Force and of its
reserve and auxiliary formations. The WRAF is an integral part of the Royal Air
Force and its members train with and work alongside airmen in the same trades,
serving both in the United Kingdom and overseas. Nursing services are provided
by Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service.
I2X
Coastal Command’s long-range maritime reconnaissance force, which is com¬
mitted to NAT O, is wholly equipped with Shackleton aircraft. An improved
version—the Shackleton Mark 3—is being introduced.
Transport Command is being re-equipped to provide increased mobility for the
strategic reserves of both land and air forces. A Comet 2 squadron was formed in
1956 the first all-jet transport squadron in any air force—and has proved very
successful. Britannia aircraft are on order and when in service will provide long-
range transport; for short and medium ranges, use will still be made of piston-
engined Hastings. The Beverley freighter, now in service, is a versatile aircraft
which can lift large loads.
Increasing use is being made of helicopters for operations and for the Search and
Rescue Organisation of Coastal Command. The Sycamore and Whirlwind heli¬
copters have given good service, particularly in Malaya, and the Bristol 192 twin-
engined helicopter is on order.
Following a decision to base initial flying training on jet aircraft, an order was
placed for the Jet Provost trainer and, in July 1958, for a training version of the
Lightning. The RAF is the first air force to adopt all-jet training.
In recent years there has been a great deal of airfield development in the United
Kingdom to provide for the operation of the V-bombers and the new fighters,
and a major programme of airfields, depots and technical facilities has also been
carried out for units of the United States Air Force stationed in Britain.
Recruitment and Training for the Regular Air Force
It is the aim of the Air Council that all pilots, navigators and air electronics
officers shall enjoy commissioned status. Appointment to a permanent commission
in the General Duties Branch may be obtained either through a cadetship at the
Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, Lincolnshire (pilots and navigators only), or by
entry as a university graduate under special conditions. The majority, however,
enter on short-term commissions or under the direct commission scheme which
offers the choice of serving for eight or twelve years on the active list and going
out with a gratuity, or of staying in the Service to qualify for pension. Except for
those entering through Cranwell, where the course lasts three years, flying training
takes about 18 months for pilots and one year for navigators and air electronics
officers.
Officers in ground branches are usually found from people in civil life, some of
whom already hold professional qualifications, who enter the Royal Air Force on
short service commissions. Short service officers may be selected for permanent
commissions while in the Royal Air Force.
Permanent commissions may also be obtained through cadetships at the Royal
Air Force Technical College, Henlow, Bedfordshire (Technical Branch), the RAF
College, Cranwell (Secretarial and Equipment Branches), or the Royal Military
Academy, Sandhurst (RAF Regiment). University graduates are also eligible for
permanent commissions under special conditions. Some technical cadets proceed
after one year at Henlow to a three-year degree course at a university.
Women’s Royal Air Force
Women play an important part in the work of the Royal Air Force and of its
reserve and auxiliary formations. The WRAF is an integral part of the Royal Air
Force and its members train with and work alongside airmen in the same trades,
serving both in the United Kingdom and overseas. Nursing services are provided
by Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service.
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| Britain and UK handbooks > Britain: An official handbook > 1959 > (143) |
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| Permanent URL | https://digital.nls.uk/204572422 |
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| Description | 'Britain: An official handbook' was produced annually by the Central Office of Information from 1954-1998. There are 44 volumes available here to view. |
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| Shelfmark | GII.11 |
| Description | Three titles produced by the British Government from 1954-2005 describing 'how Britain worked'. They are: 'Britain: An official handbook' (1954-1998), 'Britain: The official yearbook of the United Kingdom' (1999-2001), and 'UK: The official yearbook of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland' (2002-2005). These 50 reports provide an overview of Britain's economic, social and cultural affairs, its environment, international relations, and the systems of government. They give an impartial summary of government policies and initiatives, and explain how public services are organised. |
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