originally posted as a pm - but alas I didn't get a reply. Can anyone else answer my question? "I found your list of RAF block numbers on a thread relating to Army block numbers. I'm a bit confused with the dates and places listed alongside. Do they relate to RAF stations/training depots and the dates from which the numbers began to be allocated? For example, using the information you supplied I see that Sgt. Clarence Calcutt 1165796 was issued his number from the block 1150001 - 1250000, April 1940, Cardington - what exactly does this tell me. Sorry for sounding thick! Regards Jeff
I've moved your post to it's own thread as to make it more noticeable to those who maybe able to help.
After interview/medical/aptitude testing etc he enlisted but was probably sent back to civilian life for a period until space appeared on the training scheme. The length of time depended on the time period but because of the influx of volunteers in Sept 1939 it was probably 3 or 4 months in early 1940. The first unit was Recruit Centre where kit would begin to be issued. As soon as he entered the gates he would have been issued with his personal service number. Each recruit centre was given blocks of numbers to issue sequentially. These bocks were active for a defined period so the first man who was assigned to RC at Cardington in April 1940 was issued with 1150001. This block was active for a year so in April 1941 the last man in on that month would be issued with 1250000. Starting in parallel for April 1941 was the new block issue of 1425001 to 1474999 which was active to Oct 1941. Regards Ross
