This Web Page was initially raised based upon data
held in the RAF Cranwell Association Database. We are aware that the
Database contains errors and omissions. Therefore we request your
help to correct any mistakes in the following.
RAF Aircraft Apprentices
4M9/45th Entry
RAF Cranwell 1942 - 1944
Long Serving Entry Rep. — Sadly Arthur "Lucky"
Luck died of cancer on 24 October 2002
Current Entry Rep: None
We were at Cranwell from August 1942 to September
1944.
Due to wartime demands, our training period had
been reduced from 3 to 2 years.
Our original Entry was 75 strong.
On 1st January 1943 No.1 Signals School
was renamed No.1 Radio School.
In August 1942, 75 young hopefuls arrived at
RAF Cranwell as the 4M9 (45th) Entry to train as Wireless Operator
Mechanics. During training they gained 6 from Senior Entries, 8
ceased training, and 11 of their number were re-classed to later
Entries. Thus 62 Passed Out in September 1944.
The Entry List below is presented in alphabetical
order:
ENTRY ROLL CALL
Key:
KNOWN DECEASED
ASSOCIATION MEMBER
NON-MEMBER
UNTRACED
Quick name Finder - Click the button with the Initial letter of Surname.
Return here by clicking on button (right-hand side) marked
At the age of 20, John Frankish was parachuted into central
Java with a team of 8, to
take over after the Japanese surrender, but in advance of the arrival
of the British Army. He was decorated with the Military Medal by
Field Marshall Slim.
Medal
579104 Corporal John William FRANKISH. Royal Air Force.
Corporal Frankish took over the duties of Rawpi Liaison Officer at
Djocjakarta, the main centre of the Indonesian extremist movement
on 30th September 1945. He commanded the airfield and maintained the
communication flight of light aircraft. Corporal Frankish also
negotiated with the Chief of Police and the Sultan of Djocjakarta,
securing the release of a large number of Japanese airport personnel
who had been disarmed and thrown into prison by the Indonesians. When
the airfield was attacked he remained at his post, organising
the flight therefrom of serviceable aircraft. During the fighting at
Mageland Corporal Frankish operated a wireless set for 70 hours.
Throughout the long and dangerous period Corporal Frankish performed
his duties often under fire, displaying outstanding courage,
initiative and strength of character.
Ken Newman
Ken was with us for 1½ years of our training, but then
remustered to MT driver.
In later life he became Sir Kenneth Newman.
1942 RAF
1946 Palestine Police
1948 London Metropolitan Police
1972 Commander, New Scotland Yard
1973 Royal Ulster Constabulary
1978 Knighted
1980 Commander, Police Staff College
1982 Queen's Police Medal (QPM)
1983 Freeman of the City of London
1987 Knight of the Grand Cross of
the British Empire (GBE)
1987 Numerous policing and
security committees
REUNIONS
Several reunions have all been held at The Manor House
Hotel, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
1994 35 members attended the
reunion on 23rd April.
1996 26 members and 8 of their
ladies attended the reunion on 20th April.
1997 26 members and 11 ladies
attended the reunion on 4th October.
1998 24 members plus 1 5M3 and 10
ladies attended the reunion on 25th September.
1999 28 members plus 1 5M3 and 15
ladies attended the reunion on 24th September.
2000 24 members plus 1 5M3 and 10
ladies attended the reunion on 22nd September.
2001 29 members plus 1 5M3 and 11
ladies attended the reunion on 21st September.
2002 18th August at Manor House,
Leamington Spa to celebrate 60
years, to the day, since we all arrived at RAF
Halton to join as Aircraft Apprentices.
2002 21st September the usual stalwarts were
at Warwick University for the CAA AGM.
