This Web Page was initially raised based upon data
held in the RAF Cranwell Association Database, and subsequently
updated based upon advice from the Entry Representative.
Entry Representative: Bill Wilkinson
In September 1934, 50 young hopefuls arrived at
RAF Cranwell, initially known as the 7J Entry, and formed 2 Classes
(7J1 and 7J2) to train as Wireless Operator Mechanics plus one Class
(7J9) to train as Instrument Makers. Subsequently under a revised
Entry Numbering System they were known as the 7M7 Entry (WOMs) and
7J7 Entry (IM). During their training they gained 1 from a Senior
Entry, 2 were discharged, and 1 was re-classed to a later Entry.
This left 48 to Pass Out in July 1937.
Bill Wilkinson advised that,
"We were the last of the small entries before the expansion.
Reasonably good at all sports we were less evidently distinguished in
our professional studies, as revealed at our graduation. No
cadetships were awarded and there was only one LAC (Humphrey from an
earlier entry). The rest of us made AC1 or AC2.
We all hankered after becoming pilots and this meant that we had
to qualify to LAC under our own arrangements after we left Cranwell.
To achieve this we had to sit a paper and then to spend a week at
West Drayton undergoing practical tests and a few of us did this.
Unfortunately having qualified as LAC we became eligible for posting
to the Fleet Air Arm, as some of us were to our chagrin. Although
some of us had been recommended for pilot training, the RN would not
release us to return to the RAF and when we did eventually get back
during the war we were told to go away because it was easy to get
pilots but there was a great shortage of WOMs. So we never fulfilled
our ambitions apart from John Vanstone who later received pilot
training under a short lived scheme whereby some selected Engineer
Engineer officers were selected."
ENTRY ROLL CALL
Key:
KNOWN DECEASED
ASSOCIATION MEMBER
NON-MEMBER
UNTRACED
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Return here by clicking on button (right-hand side) marked
Died. Shot down serving
with 13 Sqn on 16th May 1940 aged 21. Is buried in a joint grave with
Pilot Officer T.H. Borg-Banks in the N.W. part of Vieux-Conde
Communal Cemetery, France.
567078
Leddra
E
Edwin (Pompey)
7M7 A
Died date Not Known.
566969
Lewis
R
Ralph (Taff)
7M7 A
Died date Not Known.
566979
MacDonald
A
Angus
7M7 A
Died with 39 Sqn on 12th June 1943.
Buried at Kanchanaburi.
In the 1990's the 7M7/7J7's combined with the
Halton 30th Entry for some 3 or 4 Reunions at the George Hotel in
Solihull. Regrettably due to the problems in contacting Entry
members, only 9 Cranwellians and their wives attended.
ENTRY PHOTOGRAPHS
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(You can maximize the picture by selecting the Maximize Icon.)
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The following photographs were provided by
Bill Wilkinson
The 7J, subsequently renamed the
7M7 / 7J7 (30th) Entry
Class 7J1 - Wireless Operator Mechanics
- Became 7M7A
Back Row: Lewis, Smith, Brickwood,
Vanstone, Wilkinson, Edwards, Davies, Humphrey, Breeze
and Dodds Front Row: Leddra, Rowbotham, Moreman,
Scott, Macdonald, Armstrong (017), Boon, Ridd and Lawes
Class 7J2 - Wireless Operator Mechanics
- Became 7M7B
Back Row: Trelford, Mitchell, Spells,
Smitheman, Thompson, Allan, Haire, Armstrong (066),
Hunter-Rowe, and Hill. Front Row: Cordes, Kennedy,
Holliday, May, Booth, Hind, Fazey, Graham, and Barnes. Not
on Parade: Knight.
Class 7J9 - Instrument Makers
- Became 7J7
Back Row: Allen, Wood, Campbell A, and Campbell J
Front Row: Cameron, Wilson, Chapman, Ware and Wynne
Not on Parade: Curtis (CT'd) and Richards (FT'd 31st)
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