Does anybody have any information on what was happening at WZ between 1942-1944. My Dad was in the RAFP at WZ during this period but there is no clue as to what he was doing. Any information much appreciated.
I have just used the search function and there are a small number of threads which feature Zoyland, hopefully looking at those will help. I assume you know what the role of the RAF Police was. If not then search using RAFP and there are about eight threads on them and one is to website dedicated to them. As for your father if you can add his details, preferably with his service number, then the expertise here might be able to help. The definitive answer to what he did can only come applying for his service record, which has a lengthy waiting time. Private Message about to be sent with more pointers on research.
The RAF Police were responsible for military discipline and law and order in accordance with AM regulations, on and off the station...at times their duties would involve an interface with the civilian police regarding off station criminal offences by airmen.They reported to the Station Warrant officer within the Administrative Wing of the station who in turn would report to the designated Officer i/c Station Police. It was not uncommon to deploy RAF police in railway stations and towns where there might be potential friction between RAF personnel and other services including American troops They were not recognised as fitting to a trade not being within the Trades Group 1 to 1V and the Trade Group M which covered trades such those relating medical and dental services . After attending initial induction training and and selected for a Police course, successful candidates would pass out from AC2 to AC1 but would be immediately be given the rank as acting Corporal (unpaid) in order to assume seniority above AC2,AC1 and LAC ranks in discharging their duty. Progression through the ranks would follow as normal according to assessment . As regards Weston Zoyland, it was not a front line station but was within Training Command as a major practice camp for Army Co-operation Squadrons having Nos 286 and 587 Squadrons based there with an assortment of what would be termed light aircraft, However the airfield was used for operations with Mustangs from May 1942 until December 1942.when they were posted to Andover In preparation for the invasion of Europe, the 2nd TAF used the airfield from June 1943 for intensive air to air firing practice. Many squadrons passed through the unit during period for training for D Day.
Thank you for that. Do you have any information about where 2nd TAF went in Aug '44 as my Father's record suggests he went with them? Can you point me in the direction of your sources of information as I'm obviously not looking in the right places.
