TERM

EXPLANATION

1250

RAF identity pass, taken from the form number. 1250 must always be carried by service personnel. Loss of 1250 is a 'capital' offence.

1771

Subsistance Claim form

23:59 to 00:01

Midnight.

252

Form used to record a charge against an offending airman. Taken from the form number.

36

Short for 36 hour leave pass, normally over a weekend. (Service personnel are officially on duty 24 hours a day and 365 days a year).(See: 48).

48

Short for 48 hour leave pass, normally over a weekend. (service personnel are officially on duty 24 hours a day and 365 days a year).(See: 36).

A/C

AirCraft;

AirCraftsman. (See: rank, erk, A/C plonk);

Alternating Current.

A/C plonk

AirCraftsman. (See: erk).

AA

Aircraft Apprentice;

Anti-Aircraft.

ace

Good.

ADGE

Air Defence Ground Environment.

admin

Administrator;

Office for administrators.

AE

Air Engineer.

AEOp

Air Electronics Operator.

AEO

Air Electronics Officer

aero

Aeronautical.

AEW

Airborne Early Warning.

AFB

Air Force Base (USA).

AFCENT

Allied Forces Central Europe(NATO).

AFPG

Armed Forces Pension Group; AFPG link

Air Force Planning Guidance.??

AI

Airborne Interceptor radar. Fitted to the nose of fighter aircraft to enable targets to be tracked and destroyed using air-to-air missiles. AI17 was fitted to the Javelin and was taught at 4T block at RAF Locking. Aircraft radar link

AIHHP

Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals.

Air Form 700

Aircraft maintenance log, referred to as 'the 700'. Always a time for concentration when signing off maintenance tasks. Interned for investigation if the aircraft is involved in an incident, especially crash.

Air Officer Commanding

Senior officer in charge of a group of stations. (See AOC).

Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control personnel located in control tower responsible for controlling all aircraft. Air Traffic Control have overriding authority on a station when flying is in operation. Headed by SATCO. (See: ATC).

Air Training Corps

RAF organisation for training young civilians. (See: ATC). Air Cadets link

Aircraft Apprentice

The aircraft apprenticeship trained young men, between the ages of 15 and 17, to become highly-skilled wireless and radar fitters who would service the RAF's sophisticated electronic equipment. Entrance to the scheme involved passing a general examination, intelligence test, aptitude test, and a medical examination. The Royal Air Force assumed legal guardianship of the apprentices 'in locum parentis'. The three year course covered theoretical, practical, and military training. A few Apprentices came from Commonwealth and other countries. LEARNING

aircraft servicing flight

A unit on an RAF station, independent of a squadron, which services aircraft (eg: squadron, visitors, target-towing, chase aircraft). (See: ASF).

ALCM

Air Launch Cruise Missile. ALCM link

ale

Strictly speaking, beer with no hops, but generally understood to mean beer too. The 'CamRA' is a misnomer.

ALFENS

Automatic Low Flying Enquiry and Notification System;

Automated Low Flying and Flight Planning Enquiry & Notification System.

AN/CPN-4

See CPN4.

Andrew

Royal Navy.

AN/MPN-11

See CPN4.

anorak

Person with few social graces, dedicated to a particular subject. (eg: train spotting);

Outdoor jacket.

Anson

RAF (1948 to 1968), UK (Avro) twin piston engine (Cheetah V) transport aircraft. 11,022 Ansons (Mk I & II) were manufactured, more than any other UK aircraft. There was an Anson Mk II at Weston Airport which was used for apprentice Air Experience flights. Anson link

AOC

Air Officer Commanding.

AOC Inspection

Air Officer Commanding Inspection is a major inspection of each station, normally once a year. A time of much bull on a station.

AP

Air Publications are technical bibles for air vehicle and equipment theory, operation and servicing. (See: AP3302).

AP3302

RAF bible of radio theory. Well written, well structured.

ape shit

Angry. (eg: "he went ape shit").

app

Short for aircraft apprentice.

AR15

Plessey Mobile Surveillance radar (airfield).

ARI

Air Radio Installation;

Aircraft Radio Installation.

armourer

One of the technician trades. Responsible for all explosive devices on aircraft: guns, missiles, ejector seat etc. The armourer enables the weapons before take off and makes the aircraft safe on landing and before servicing.

arse

Posterior;

Exclamation (eg: "Arse!");

Fool (eg: "what an arse he is");

Rubbish (eg: "he is talking arse").

ASAP

As Soon As Possible.

ASF

Aircraft Servicing Flight.

Astra

RAF station cinemas are always called Astras. They are quite unlike any civilian cinema.

ASV

Air to Surface Vessel. Radar on board maritime patrol aircraft. Displays a map of the surface and detects ships and submarine snorkels. ASV17 on Varsity at Weston Airport. ASV21 was taught at 4T block at RAF Locking.

ATC

Air Traffic Control;

Air Training Corps.

ATC cadet

Young civilian member of Air Training Corps.

Atlantic Hotel

The venue for apprentice dances. On Weston sea front and still there.

Aussie

Abbreviation for Australian.

Austin 10

Pre WWII 1000 cubic centimetre family saloon with side valve engine. Separate body and chassis. Wire spoke wheels.

Austin 8

800 cubic centimetre smaller brother of the Austin 10.

Austin A30

Small family saloon. Cheap and economical.

Austin A35

Development of the Austin A30.

avionics

Contraction of aviation and electronics. Avionics covers all electronic and electrical systems on an aircraft.

Avo 8

Standard RAF multimeter of the 1960s. Named after the manufacturer. AVO Multimeters link

Avonmouth

Estuary of river Avon leading to the Bristol Channel;

Large dock and industrial area, north west of Bristol. Avonmouth Dock link

AWACS

Airborne Warning and Control System.

AWACS link

AWG

Ferranti-built gun control radar system. Fitted to the Phantom aircraft.

AWOL

Absent WithOut Leave (permission).

BAC

British Aircraft Corporation. Now BAE Systems.

BAe

British Aerospace. Now BAE Systems.

Bamboo, The

Weston lads' coffee bar on the Centre in Weston. No longer there.

bandwidth

A range of frequencies.

bang

Intercourse.

bang on

Perfect.

bang out

To eject from an aircraft. (See: bang seat).

bang seat

Aircraft ejector seat. (See: bang out).

banged up

Ill;

In prison;

Pregnant.

banger

Sausage;

Dilapidated car.

bangers and mash

Sausages and mashed potatoes.

banging on

Labouring a point.

Banwell

Village one mile south of Locking Camp on A371.

Banwell link

barber

Camp barber. A person who removes hair. Not to be confused with 'hairdresser';

The room where hair removal takes place.

base

(See: station; camp).

bash

To curve the top of SD cap;

Group heavy drinking session;

Dance;

Social occasion.

Basher

Nickname, normally for strong person;

Nickname for person with First name William (Bill);

Small building with wooden framework covered in palm leaves (hot countries);

Person who attempts to impose a concept. (eg: Bible basher).

basic light bulbs

Lessons in 2 technical block covering basic electrical theory, with practical exercises.

Bath

City 28 miles (45km) north east of Weston.

battle dress

Working uniform with waist-length jacket made from thick hairy material. Darker blue colour than best blue. (See: working blue; number two). Example

bayonet

The RAF used either a knife blade or round pointed (pig sticker) bayonet. The bayonet was carried in a frog on a webbing belt or fitted to the end of a rifle (fixed bayonets). Bayonets were very tightly controlled by the authorities and apprentices were only issued with the blade bayonet for special parades. They never used the pig sticker bayonet.(See: frog, rifle).

BBMF

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

bbmf

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

BD

Battle dress. (See: working blue; number two). Example

Beach Coffee Club

Members only club on Weston sea front. The 100^th Entry club. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks served. Small dance floor in cellar with juke box, pinball machines, and one armed bandits. Excellent place for meeting young ladies. Always referred to as 'The Beach' by the 100^th Entry. Link1 Link2

bean counter

Accountant;

Logician;

Estimator.

Bean stealer

Married airman 'living in' for free.

beat up

Where a pilot flies low over an area, normally the runway, at high speed. Particularly impressive when performed by a Lightning or Vulcan.

Beatles, The

UK singer-songwriter pop group from Liverpool. The Beatles caused a world-wide sensation in the 1960's. The group line-up was: John Lennon (deceased) (rhythm and lead electric guitar), Paul McCartney (electric bass guitar), George Harrison (deceased) (lead electric guitar), Ringo Starr (drums). Every group member could sing, but the lead singers were Paul and John. The group even appeared at the Odeon cinema at Weston. The Beatles were extremely popular with the 100th Entry (See: the fab four, Parlophone, Rolling Stones).

Beatle Jacket

Medium length, high button jacket with no collar. First worn by the Beatles. Often made of black corduroy. A few of the 100^th Entry had one. Highly illegal.

Beatle Wig

Male wig in the Beatles style. Normally a complete rip off with poor quality and high price. Two were known in the 100^th Entry. Contraband.

bed pack

Apprentices stripped their beds every morning, except Sunday, and made a bed pack which was placed at the top of the bed. The bed pack comprised four blankets and two sheets. Three blankets were each folded into a square and the two folded sheets placed between them like a sandwich. The fourth blanket was wrapped around the, blankets and sheets. The bed pack had to be square and neat to pass inspection. Bed Pack photo

Bed pan mechanic

Medic.

bee's knees

The best.

beer

Alcoholic drink (1% to 6% by volume) that has hops. In the UK there are three broad categories of beer: barrel (real ale), keg (metal, pressurised barrel), lager.

Beetle

Volkswagen small family saloon. Air-cooled horizontally opposed engine. Well built and dead reliable.

beetle crusher

Large shoes (See: teddy boy, brothel creeper).

belly flop

Aircraft landing with wheels up;

Aircraft very hard landing;

To dive and hit water with front of body (painful).

bender

Drink to excess, normally over a long period.

bent

Corrupt;

Homosexual.

beret

Working RAF headgear made of felt. Replaced the much-loved forage cap in 1950s (reintroduced in 1970s). No two berets were the same due to extensive shaping and modification. Examples

best blue

RAF uniform with long belted jacket. Made of barathea. Worn on formal occasions. (See: number one; blue). Best Blue link

BFO

Beat Frequency Oscillator.

Biggles

Naive person deeply interested in aircraft and the RAF;

Pilot of transport aircraft (rare). Alludes to the hero in Biggles books.

bike

Motorbike. Strictly forbidden for apprentices although some apprentices had them hidden around the Weston area;

Pedal bicycle;

Promiscuous female ('station bike').

Billet

Large room, part of a block, where each apprentice had a pit. The pits were in two rows each side of a central walkway. After the first six months the 100th Entry moved from wooden huts to the brand-new, brick-built, E block and F Block.

bimbo

Not too bright young lady, often blonde.

bind

Uninteresting, boring or difficult. (eg: “ironing this shirt is a right bind”)

bint

Attractive young lady or ladies.

biog

Biography (abbreviation used on the 100^th web site).

bird

Attractive young lady;

Aircraft.

bird strike

Damage caused to aircraft by impact with birds (flying type). Bird Strike link

birk

Fool.

bit of stuff

Attractive young lady.

bitter

Light coloured beer.

black box

Aircraft flight recorder;

Unit of equipment.

Blanco

Thick, greasy paste applied to webbing. Grey-blue Blanco and white Blanco used by the RAF.

Bleadon Hill

Area in the south of Weston. Posh young ladies bred here.

blighty

United Kingdom.

blimey

Exclamation like "wow!".

block

Building, normally large.

Block,1T

Hangar divided into rooms. (Subjects taught: ground equipments).

Block,2T

Hangar divided into rooms. (Subjects taught: basic electrical practical, basic radio practical, ground equipments).

Block,3T

Hangar with two stories divided into classrooms. (Subjects taught: electronic theory, maths, general studies).

Block,4T

Hangar divided into classrooms and workshops. (Subjects taught: air equipments, metalwork, wiring, waveguide theory).

Block,5T

Low rise brick building to the north of F Block), behind the parade square. (Subjects taught: computer techniques, cryptology). 5T block was completed in 1964 and was not used by the 100th Entry. 5T block foundations were the site of 'the crane mystery'

Block,E

100th Entry billet facing the sports field. To the west of F block.

Block,F

100th Entry billet facing the sports field. To the east of E Block.

bloke

Man.

blood

Dry, rough farmhouse cider mixed with blackcurrant juice. (See: screech, sweet).

blow a gasket

Lose temper.

blue

RAF uniform. (See: best blue, working blue, number one, number two, battle dress, hairy blue, SD (cap), beret, boot, webbing belt).

blue job

Airman.

Blue Silk

Navigation radar installed in V bombers. Upgraded Green Satin. V Bomber link

bod

Man. Short for 'body'.

bog standard

Basic.

bogs

Wash room.

bollocks

Nonsense;

Testicles.

bomber

Aircraft capable of dropping bombs;

Nickname for person with surname 'Harris'. After Air Vice Marshall Harris, head of bomber command in WWII. 2WWharris

bonk

Sleep;

Copulate.

bonkers

Mad;

Angry.

Bonni

Short for Triumph Bonneville.

bonse

Head.

boot

Apprentices were issued with a pair of boots and a pair of shoes. The boots were of old design and extremely uncomfortable when new but, after about two months of wear, became acceptable. Apprentices always wore boots while on duty and only wore shoes with best blue when off-camp. The toes and heel-back of boots were polished (bulled) to a high gloss by spit and polish. Generally, in the RAF, boots would only be worn on parade. Specialist boots were issued for: combat, flying, servicing aircraft and fire fighting. WRAFs were discouraged from bulling their footwear because of the mirror-like finish. Bulled Boot

Boots

Nickname for person with surname Brown.

booze

Alcoholic drink.

booze up

Group heavy drinking.

boozer

Pub.

bounced

Rejected.

Bourneville

Large estate in southern Weston. Many house parties at the Bourneville.

Borough Arms

Pub at the junction of Locking Road (A370) and Locking Moor Road (A371). Near to Weston Milton Halt railway station. Large imposing old building with public bar, lounge, and skittle alley. Folk club and live music. For a time it was renamed 'The Heron' but The Borough Arms is more appropriate. Rarely visited by the 100^th Entry.

box

Television set. (See: idiot box, tube).

boy

Short for boy entrant.

brass

High ranking service person;

Prostitute.

brasses

Buttons and buckles, made of brass, which required constant polishing. (See: Brasso, Duragilt)

Brasso

Propriety liquid polish. Used on brasses.

brat

Apprentice;

Boy entrant.

Brean Down

Promontory to the north of the river Axe with derelict fort on the end. Site for 100th Entry exercises.

Bren

'Brno' light machine gun (Bren Gun link). Deadly accurate. Apprentices fired Brens at Locking camp rifle range.

brewers droop

Unable to perform due to the effects of alcohol.

Brinkley stick

Conductive rod with insulated handle to discharge high voltages, normally from capacitors. Once dangerous voltages had been discharged the equipment was safe to work on.(See: de bollocking rod).

Bristol and Exeter

Pub, near the Odeon, on the corner opposite the Centre. Fairly small and basic. Now called the Town Crier.

Bristol

The aircraft and engine manufacturer;

The historic city 20 miles (32km) north east of Weston on the river Avon. The water at Burton on Trent is excellent for brewing beer, the water at Bristol is similarly excellent for breeding attractive ladies. (See: Ten Bars, Cellar Bars, Newmarket Bar, Rummer, Colston Hall).

bristols

Breasts. (Cockney rhyming slang ' Bristol City' with 'titty').

brit

British person.

Britannia

Pub at north end of high street in Weston. Popular with the 100th Entry. The Britannia is still there.

Brothel creeper

large shoes. (See: teddy boy).

brown

Brown ale. Not an ale in fact, but a dark brown beer.

brown job

British Army Person

brown split

50:50 split of brown ale and mild or light ale.

brown top

(See: brown split).

BSA Gold Star

Beautiful, race-bred single cylinder British motorbike. 350cc and 500cc versions. Not for slow speed riding.

BSA Road Rocket

Lusty, solid 650cc vertical twin cylinder British motorbike. Made by the Birmingham Small Arms Association (BSA).

BSA Shooting Star

500cc motorbike. Smaller brother of the BSA Road Rocket.

bucket

Transport aircraft.

buckshee

Free.

buff

Person deeply interested and knowledgeable in a particular field;

To polish. (See: boot);

Colour of official envelope or file.

bull

To polish etc;

The result of polishing etc. (See: boot).

bull night

An evening devoted to cleaning and polishing billet and equipment. Friday night was always bull night at RAF Locking, but other nights could also be deemed bull nights. The billets were inspected every morning while the apprentices were at tech. Apprentices stood by their beds for an inspection of themselves and the billet on Saturday morning.

bull shit

Bragging nonsense;

Cleaning polishing etc.

bum fluff

Adolescent facial hair.

bumf or bumph

Information, normally printed.

Derived from 'bumfodder'.

bumper

Floor polishing implement comprising a long pivoted handle with a heavy square base on the bottom, covered with a felt pad. Used for polishing floor. Bumper link

bun in the oven

Pregnant. Amusing term in 1960's but now a cliché.

Burrington Combe

Gorge 10 miles South East of RAF Locking. The Hymn 'Rock of Ages' was written in a cave at Burrington Combe. Site for rock climbers from the 100th Entry.

bus

Car;

Transport aircraft.

Butch

Nickname for person with surname Butcher;

General nickname for person.

button stick

Contraption for cleaning buttons while keeping the underlying cloth free of polish. Photo

buzz

Drinking game. (See: Fizz Fuzz Buzz);

Rumour.

C BUHF

Ground wireless equipment.

C of E

Church of England.

CA

Corporal Apprentice. (See: CAA, rank).

CAA

Corporal Aircraft Apprentice. (See: CA, rank).

Civil Aviation Authority.

CADF

Commutated-Antenna Direction Finder. Ground radar.

CAFNET

Combat Air Force Network. Ground wireless.

camp

(See: station, base);

Related to homosexuality.

CamRA

Campaign for Real Ale. Movement in UK to encourage the drinking of traditional beer. The movement's name is a misnomer.

can

Cell. (eg: "he is in the can");

Responsibility. (eg: "he is carrying the can for the accident");

Throw away (verb). (eg: "he canned the screw because it was bent").

can-do

Can (and will) complete requested action;

Positive attitude.

cancer stick

Cigarette.

Canberra

The English Electric Canberra was a jet-powered light bomber, manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. It proved to be highly adaptable, serving in such varied roles for tactical bombing, photographic, electronics, and meteorological reconnaissance. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Canberra

The Canberra aircraft used at Weston Airport was WD936, redesignated 7589M. A B2 variant, first delivered to the RAF on 25/05/1951. It was 'Struck off charge' on 28/10/1963 and delivered for training by Locking apprentices. Sold to BAC on 18/10/66, withdrawn from use 10/11/67 and finally broken up at Samlesbury in 1968.

cans

Headphones. Very trendy term in 1960s but a cliché now.

Captain's Cabin

Pub with entrance up steps in narrow alley on sea front at Anchor Head, Weston. Small public bar and huge lounge with window giving panoramic view out to sea. The lounge also had a small stage. Often had live music with good groups. Normally packed. Quite expensive, but very popular with apprentices. Now a pleasant pub with small restaurant where the old lounge was. The steps are still a hazard when you have had a few.

Cardiff Arms

Basic public house with front entrance on Meadow Street and rear entrance on Regent Street. Run by formidable landlady and her brother Tommy who was very fond of apprentices. Popular with the 100^th Entry for serious drinking.

carpet, on the

In trouble with authority. Alludes to standing on the carpet in front of superior.

CasEvac

Casualty Evacuation. To transport wounded or sick personnel to hospital, normally by aircraft from overseas.

cat

Short for category;

Bulldozer. Alludes to Caterpillar the US manufacturer of heavy earth moving machinery.

cc

Cubic centimetre.

CRDF

Cathode Ray Direction Finder.

Cellar Bars

(See: Ten Bars).

Chalky

Nickname for person with surname 'White'.

chap

Man.

charge

Formal accusation of a misdemeanour;

To replenish an electrical battery.

charge sheet

(See: 252).

Cheddar Gorge

Gorge 10 miles south east of RAF Locking. Tourist shops and pubs. Popular with the 100th Entry for social visits and mountain climbing. Also the site for exercises.

cherry

Female virginity. (eg: "she lost her cherry").

chevron

Badge of rank for NCO. (See: stripe, hook, rank).

chief, chiefy

Short for chief technician. (See: rank).

chin wag

Talk. (See: jaw wag).

chinky chippy

Yips fish and chip shop on Sanford Road, Weston.

Chip

A nickname;

Chipped potato.

Chippy

Nickname for person with surname related to wood;

Station carpenter;

Fish and chip shop.

chisel

Square toed shoe. Illegal for apprentices. (See: winkle picker).

chit

A short note;

A signed voucher authorising some action.

chitty

(See: chit).

chopper

Helicopter;

Penis;

Cleaver.

chuffed

Pleased.

cinema, Central

Known as 'The Flea Pit'. Grand old cinema at the south end of the high street, Weston. Often showed 'continental' films. Demolished in 1963. The site is now part of the Dolphin Square Shopping Centre.

cinema, Gaumont

Old cinema on the south side of Regent Street Weston. Cheaper than the Odeon and popular with apprentices. Favoured cinema for liaisons with young ladies. Became a Top Rank bingo hall and now the site of 'Yates' bar.

cinema, Odeon

Art Deco main cinema in Weston near the floral clock on Alexandria parade. Many apprentice liaisons with the opposite sex. The Odeon now has four screens, but still retains some of its modern grandeur. It is the only remaining cinema proper in Weston, but the Playhouse Theatre often shows films.

circus

Shambles.

CIS

Communications and Information Systems.

civvies

Civilian clothes;

Civilians.

civvy

Civilian.

civvy street

Outside the armed services.

clanger

Mistake (eg: “he dropped a clanger”);

Cell in guard room (eg: “he is in the clanger”).

Clevedon

Quiet small seaside town ten miles north of Weston.

clink

Cell in guard room;

Civilian prison.

CO

Commanding Officer. Each station has a CO who would normally be a senior officer. Equivalent to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a civilian company.

Coach House

Public house in Locking Village. Strictly out of bounds to apprentices. Occasionally visited by apprentices.

coffee swindle

(See: swindle, tea swindle).

Colston Hall

Theatre named after Bristol 1800s entrepreneur. Many famous artists appeared. Because Mr Colston was involved in the slave trade, there is now a move by do-gooders to change the name of Colston Hall.

Columbia

One of the EMI Ltd group of companies. Music and records. (See: HMV, Parlophone).

Commodore, The

Hotel, restaurant, bars, and function rooms. Located at Sand Bay, Weston, near the end of the Toll Road. In the 1960s classy and reserved. The place to take the girlfriend for a special occasion. It is owned by a large 'chain' now but has still retained some of its charm.

corp

Short for corporal.

corporal

Junior NCO with two stripes. (See: rank).

counterpane

Cover on top of bed to brighten pit space.

CPN4

CPN4 is a Ground Control Approach (GCA) road and air transportable radar. http://www.tpub.com/content/radar/TM-11-487C-1/TM-11-487C-10020.htm Designed around 1945 by the American Gillfillian Brothers, it comprises three subsystems: search radar, precision approach radar (PAR) and wireless communication sets, normally both VHF and UHF. All three subsystems are housed in the 'operations trailer' which also has three ground controller bays. In 1957 the RAF had 34 CPN4s deployed at airfields in the UK and overseas. http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1957/1957%20-%201284.html CPN4 normally operates from the station mains supply but it can also be powered from generators housed in a separate trailer. Normally the complex also has a 'crew trailer' and a 'workshop/stores trailer'. The official nomenclature for CPN4 is AN/CPN-4. The later MPN11 (AN/MPN-11) is the same except that the cabin panels are riveted and welded, rather than being bolted. This provides better weather sealing. http://www.tpub.com/content/radar/TM-11-487C-1/TM-11-487C-10372.htm The terms CPN4 and MPN11 tend to be used interchangeably in the RAF.

Photo links...

CPN4 at RAF Valley

CPN4 operators bay

CR, C/R

Control and Report. Describes all the long range ground radars.

CR787

Airfield control ground radar by Cossor.

crab

RAF person. Alludes to 'crab fat grey'.

crab fat grey

Official description of RAF uniform blue colour.

crack

Vagina;

Indeterminate for anything (eg: "it was a good crack").

(Word has no connection with 'crack cocaine').

cracked it

Sorted out a problem.

crap

Nonsense;

Rubbish;

Bad;

Excreta.

crash

Sleep after much partying. (See: crash out).

crash out

(See: crash).

crate

Dilapidated aircraft, normally transport;

Dilapidated car.

creep

Fawner.

crew

Aircrew;

Members of a team.

Criterion, The

Small public house on the north side of Upper Church Road, Weston. 200 yards inland from the sea front at Knightstone, nearly opposite the Raglan Arms. Popular with some of the 100^th Entry as an out-of-the-way watering hole.

crumpet

Attractive young lady or ladies.

CSDE

Central Servicing Development Establishment. Used to be based at RAF Swanton Morley.

Danesbury

Coffee bar on Richmond Street in Weston. No longer there.

DCSA

Defence Communications Services Agency DCSA link

DD

Double Diamond. Name of make of bitter ale (beer). 60s and 70s Beer Guide

de bollocking rod

(See: Brinkley stick).

dear John

Letter from girl friend, normally back home, tactfully indicating that the relationship is over.

DEC

Digital Equipment Corporation.

demob

To leave RAF for civilian life.

denims

Boiler suit (light green for apps but many colours in RAF) Denims in use;

Jeans.

detachment

Temporary transfer to another station.

DFCS

Day Fighter Combat Squadron.

DI

Drill Instructor.

digs

Accommodation off camp. (See: pad). description link

ding dong

Argument;

Fuss.

discip

Short for discipline.

disk

Coloured plastic disk fitted behind beret badge to indicate squadron. (blue= 'A' squadron, green= 'B' squadron and light grey = 'C' squadron);

Record for gramophone.

ditch

To crash land an aircraft in water;

To discard.

dodgy

Suspect.

dog's bollocks

The best (See: bee's knees, ace).

doll

Very attractive young lady.

donk

Short for donkey. Refers to an aircraft engine.

Doppler effect

The change in frequency of a wave, normally electromagnetic, as perceived by an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. A number of radar equipments use this principle for navigation and bombing. The Doppler effect was an important subject in a radar apprentice's curriculum.

dork

A naive, not bright person (See: womble).

dosh

Money.

drainpipes

Trousers with very narrow legs. Highly illegal for apprentices. Clothing Rules

drongo

Moron.

duck's arse

Where hair is combed backwards to form a line at the centre of the rear of the head. Alludes to the appearance of a duck's rear. (See: teddy boy).

duff gen

Wrong or unreliable information. (See gen)

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Scheme sponsored by the Duke of Edinburgh to develop the skills of youths between 15 and 18 by a programme of activities. Some of the 100^th Entry, who volunteered for the scheme, achieved the higher awards. A badge worn on the left sleeve of the uniform indicated successful completion. D of E Award link

dumb Insolence

A chargeable offence, usually for looking at an officer or NCO the wrong way.

Duraglit

Proprietary metal polish soaked cotton wool. Used on Brasses. Much more effective than Brasso.

Dusty

Nickname for anyone with surname 'Miller';

State of many apprentices' pit space.

E&OE

Errors and Omissions Excepted.

EADS

European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company.

EASA

European Aviation Safety Agency.

ECM

Electronic Counter Measures. A subsection of electronic warfare which includes any sort of electrical or electronic device designed to fool radar, sonar, infra-red (IR), and light(Laser) systems.

EES

Electrical Engineering Squadron.

Egyptian PT

Lying on your bed rather than joining in strenuous activity. Alludes to the pose assumed by Egyptian mummies.

El Fitt

Electronics Fitter.

Electronic

Relates to the flow of electrical charge through a medium (ie: conductor, semiconductor, gas, vacuum) and device (ie: valve, transistor, diode, transformer, inductor, capacitor, resistor).

Elson

Aircraft toilet, named after manufacturer.

EMC

ElectroMagnetic Compatibility. The ability of an electrical or electronic unit to work satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without adversely influencing other devices, or being influenced by them.

EMI Ltd

Electrical and Musical Industries Ltd. Conglomerate UK parent company comprising a wide range of companies including, electronics and Music. (See: EMI Electronics, HMV, Parlophone, Columbia).

EMIE Ltd

EMI Electronics Ltd.

EMI Electronics Ltd

Part of the EMI Ltd group of companies. Areas included design, development and production of military electronic equipment. Later became Thorn EMI Electronics. The modification labels on many RAF equipments have 'EMIE' marked on them. ASV21 is an example.

Entry

Apprentice intake. There were three entries a year at RAF Locking. The intakes ranged from around 20 to 200.

erk

An aircraft maintenance person, usually of low rank;

Aircraftsman.

ex-

No longer.

fab

Short for fabulous. (See: fab four).

fab four, the

The Beatles. A genuine term in the 1960s, but whimsical now. (See: fab, Beatles).

fag

Cigarette;

To complete task under duress for senior Entry;

Rarely used in US sense (homosexual).

fairy

Derogatory name for radio fitter (trade group 2). (eg: “he is a fairy with a hankie up his sleeve and a Kit Kat in his top pocket”). Fairy was not a derogatory term on V Force, Where radio fitters called themselves fairies.

fandango

Shambles. (See: circus, pantomime).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

father

Station commanding officer;

Station warrant officer.

FEAF

Far East Air Force.

feet under the table

To be welcome in girlfriend's parent's home. A major development in relations with the girl friend.

Fellas

Ice-cream parlour cum coffee bar on Regent's Street, Weston. No longer there; Locking Review ad

Fellas ice cream van which visited RAF Locking.

fighter

fighter aircraft;

One of the air radar trades.

file

Folder for documents, especially your 'PERSONAL FILE';

Workshop tool used to remove material from metal and paxolin;

Digital information arranged in a defined format.

fire piquet

Small group of airmen detailed to patrol an area of a camp for fire prevention and to control any fire until real firemen arrived. A tolerable duty, providing you didn't have to put out any fires.

fire up

Start an engine or machine.

fish and chip road

Saint James Street in Weston. Almost entirely full of Greek and Italian fish and chip shops, restaurants, and cafes.

fitter

Maintenance technician.

Fizz, Fuzz, Buzz

Drinking game (See: Buzz).

FKI

Full Kit Inspection.

flack

Shells put into the air by ground fire;

Criticism (eg: "he took the flack").

flannel

Not tell the truth in a long winded way;

Nonsense.

(See: bull).

flap

Movable control surface on aircraft;

Panic.

flash

Smart.

flash call

The highest priority telephone message on a flying station. A flash call overrides all other communications and goes directly to ATC at the control tower. All flying operations are immediately terminated. Flash calls are rare, normally due to debris or animals on runway... God help you if you make an erroneous flash call.

flight

Short for flight sergeant (See: rank);

Group of about six RAF aircraft;

The personnel associated with a group of RAF aircraft;

A group of personnel, not necessarily associated with aircraft. (eg: a flight of apprentices).

flight sergeant

(See: rank, flight).

FOD

Foreign Object Damage

Ford 10

Pre WWII family saloon with side valve engine. Separate body and chassis. Wire spoke wheels.

Ford 8

Small brother of the Ford 10.

Ford Anglia

1960s American style body small family saloon with overhead valve engine. Distinctive cut-away rear window. Quiet and comfortable but poor road-holding.

Ford Prefect

1930s American style body small family saloon with side valve engine. 'Sit up and beg' appearance. Reliable, but atrocious road holding.

Ford Prefect Mk2

1950s American style body small family saloon, but still with side valve engine. Smart, solid and reliable.

foreign object

Any substance, debris or article alien to an aircraft, vehicle or system which would potentially cause damage. Those who work on aircraft are paranoid about foreign bodies, as even the smallest item can cause a problem during flight. Jet engines are particularly vulnerable. The result is Foreign Object Damage (FOD).

Foresters

Pub on Alexander's Parade, Weston. Small public bar and pleasant lounge. Popular with apprentices and airmen. Still there but now called The Alexander Bar.

form

Paper used for application, questionnaire etc. Required for almost ANY apprentice activity;

Performance of a drinker (eg: “he's on form tonight!”);

Long bench to sit on in the gym.

Forte's

Weston had three ice-cream parlours owned by the Italian Forte family. The first and largest was located on Weston sea front near the Long Bar. The second was opposite Knightstone where the public baths were. The third and smallest was on the Centre, near the Town Hall. None remain. Locking Review ad

Four Rose, The

Coffee bar on Weston sea front, near to the Beach Club. popular with the 95^th and 96^th Entries, and others. No longer there.

foxtrot oscar

Go away (See: phonetic alphabet).

FPS6

Height finder ground radar. (See: nodding horror).

Fred

Fred Quimby. Producer of cartoon films. (See: Astra);

'Fred the wheeltapper'. 'Star' of many RAF posters and films emphasising the important of using calibrated test equipment.

Freedom of Weston Super Mare

An honour, granted by Weston Council, which permitted airmen and apprentices to march through the town with rifles and fixed bayonets. Each year the Lord Mayor invited the commanding officer (CO) of RAF Locking to hold a parade through Weston. Photos

frog

Bayonet holder, fitted to webbing belt. Photo

full Monty

The whole thing;

The fifth stage of relationship with girlfriend.

Gan

Island in the Indian Ocean, once an RAF base. One of the Gan sites

Gandhi's revenge

The effects of a strong curry on the digestive system the next day. (See: screaming ab dabs).

gash

Spare;

Unrefined.

gate guardian

Historical aircraft, typically Spitfire, mounted on plinth outside many RAF stations.

RAF Locking gate guardian

GCA

Ground Control Approach. Ground radar to guide aircraft to runway. (See: CPN4, MPN11).

GCHQ

Government Communications Headquarters (UK).

GD

Ground Defence;

General Duties.

gear

equipment;

clothes;

fashionable clothes.

gen

Short for 'general information'. But means any information. (See: duff gen, pukka gen).

gen

True;

Information.

Geordie

Nickname for person from Newcastle.

Ginge

Nickname for person with ginger hair.

Ginger

Nickname for person with ginger hair.

Glengarry Club

Night club in Weston, near Knightstone.

gob

Mouth;

To spit;

Talk a lot.

God

Marshal of the Royal Air Force. A misnomer because he is higher than God.

goggle box

Television set. (See: box, idiot box, tube).

goggle eyed

Intoxicated.

Gold fish bowl

Air Traffic local control.

Golden Eagle Day

Pay Day.

gone for a Burton

Failed. Burton probably alludes to Burton on Trent (not Burton, the low-cost tailor as is often thought), where the water is ideal for brewing beer. The logic is that once you go to Burton-on Trent and taste the beer, you don't want to return to your camp.

goon

Buffoon;

Guard (rare). Dates to term in WWII for prison of war enemy guard;

Joker;

Member of the 'Goon Show' (UK comedy radio show of 1950s).

Grand Central

'Up market' bar on Weston sea front. Always packed, even on most Mondays. Saturday, difficult to get in because it was so full. Take the new girlfriend there to impress her (but you wouldn't take her there now). Same management as 'Long Bar' and 'Toby Bar'.

Grand Pier

The second pier built in Weston. Opposite The Beach Club. The scene of many meetings with the opposite sex. (See: Old Pier).

grape vine

Rumour mill.

grease monkey

MT fitter;

Engine or airframe fitter.

greaser

Scruffy civilian youth, often with motorbike;

Grease monkey.

greatcoat

Long, double breasted coat made from thick felt. Tight fitting. Could sleep standing in it without falling over. Many brass buttons. Impervious to cold and wind. Good design. Very expensive. Greatcoats were not owned by airmen, instead remained property of the Queen. Loss caused a major kerfuffle. greatcoat

Green Satin

Airborne, radar navigation aid (See: Blue Silk).

GRIS

Ground Radio Installation Squadron (Radio Engineering Unit Royal Air Force Henlow). GRIS link

groovy

Fashionable;

Smart;

Modern.

(See: trendy).

grounded

Aircraft deemed not fit to fly. The highest category of aircraft unseviceability is 'AOG' (Aircraft On Ground), but for the V bomber force it was 'VOG';

To be confined to the camp.

GRSF

Ground Radio/Radar Servicing Flight.

grub

Food.

guardroom

Building near the entrance of an RAF camp. Used by those on Guard Duty and jankers.

H1131

Ground wireless equipment.

hair cut, service

The complete removal of all hair from shirt collar to beret or SD hat, whichever is higher. Hair above headgear line may or may not be cut. (See: short back and sides, barber).

hairy Mary

Uniform of similar style to a Number 1, but in the same material as the battle dress. (See: hairy blue).

hairy blue

Obsolete best blue given to apprentices, in place of battle dress, as working blue to use up vast stocks. Long jacket, of similar pattern to best blue, with belt and brass buttons. Trousers kept armpits warm. (See: uniform, hairy Mary).

half

Half pint of beer (See: pint).

half inch

To 'steal'. Cockney rhyming slang, rhymes with pinch.

hard tack

Survival rations, mainly dry biscuits.

hard titty

Hard luck (sarcastic).

Hartly 13A

Quirky, standard RAF oscilloscope. Named after manufacturer.

hash

A mess. (eg: "he made a right hash of ironing his blue").

hatch

Have a baby;

Opening with a cover.

HD51

MCVF equipment (ground wireless).

Head Quarters

TBD (See: HQ).

heave-ho

Throw out (eg: "his girlfriend gave him the big heave-ho").

Hedgehoppers Anonymous

1960s pop group, formed by RAF fitters.

“Hedgehoppers Anonymous”

heels, Cuban

High tapered heels, normally on boots. Popular with youths in 1960s.

Heels, stiletto

Very high, thin heels. Popular with ladies in the 1950s and 1960s. Allowed ladies to reach boyfriend wearing Cuban Heels.

helmet

Top of penis. Usually kept out of site except for medical inspections and special occasions;

Leather headgear for Air Experience flights.

HF

High Frequency.

Hi Fi

High Fidelity audio equipment. The 1960s version of the iPod.

his nibbs

Person in high authority.

HL13

MCVF equipment (ground wireless).

HL14

MCVF equipment (ground wireless).

HMRC

Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs. Was Inland Revenue.

HMS

Her Majesty's (Queen's) Ship. Land-based naval stations were also categorised as Her Majesty's Ships;

Her Majesty's (Queen's) Service. (eg: “the agent was on Her Majesty's Service”).

HMV

His Master's Voice. One of the EMI Ltd group of companies. Music and records. They had a large record factory at Hayes, Middlesex, where many of the Beatles records were pressed.(See: Parlophone, Columbia).

HNC

Higher National Certificate (eg: electrical engineering, electronic engineering, electrical and electronic engineering).

honk

Be sick. (See: spew).

hook

Chevron on arm or shoulder of uniform to indicate apprentice rank.

Hospital, Weston General

1930s stone built hospital to the west of Weston Public Library on the Boulevard. Now converted into upmarket sheltered accommodation. A large modern hospital at Uphill replaces it. Apprentices were patients at Weston General Hospital, especially following road traffic accidents.

hot water, in

In trouble.

housemaid

Small soft bag containing needles, thread etc. Part of apprentice kit.

HQ

Head Quarters.

HR24

Ground wireless HF Receiver.

HR28

Ground wireless HF Receiver.

HS31

Ground wireless High Power HF Transmitter.

HS71

Ground wireless HF Transmitter.

hump-back bridges

Two narrow hump-back road bridges just outside Weston. The scene of numerous motoring accidents. The west bridge, near the Borough Arms, spans the loop line and the east bridge spans the main railway line. The old road over the west bridge is now a one way route out of Weston. The east bridge has been replaced by the massive Flowerdown Bridge which spans the main line, a foot path, and a cycleway. It supports a dual carriageway from junction 21 of the M5. The east bridge now only carries a foot-path and cycleway.

Hunter

RAF (1954 to 1963), UK (Hawker) single jet engine (Avon 27) fighter aircraft. 100th Entry apprentices trained on a Hunter at Weston Airport Hangar North. Museum_Hunter_2007

The Hunter aircraft used at Weston Airport was WT555, redesignated 7499M. An F1 variant, first flown on 16/05/1953. These days it is sometimes mounted on the roof of Vanguard Haulage (now pickfords), Greater London http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/hunter/survivor.php?id=16 .

Hutton

Small village, 4 miles (6.4km) from RAF Locking on the 'back road' past Bristol Aerojet (no longer there) to Weston. Hutton now has many more houses but has retained its charm.

IAL

International Aeradio Limited. An Aviation Communications Company. Now Serco.

IBM

International Business Machines.

ICL

International Computers Limited. Now Fujitsu.

idiot box

Television set. (See: box, tube).

IFF

Identification Friend or Foe. Airborne radar equipment which returns its identity on interrogation from other aircraft or the ground.

ILS

Instrument Landing System. Air and ground.

Imperial, The

Pub in Weston, near to the Royal Hotel. In the 1960s it had a fairly pretentious lounge which was occasionally visited by the 100th Entry. Jack's Bar was at the back. The Imperial is still there, but it is now a young peoples pub, with live music or disco and a small dance floor. Friendly atmosphere.

in the know

To know what is going on.

initiative

Military operation.

inspection

Detailed review. (See: AOC, bed pack).

IoW

Isle of White.

iron

Smoothing Iron. Used with a damp cloth and brown paper to produce razor-sharp creases in uniform. Requires great skill to avoid double creases, creases in the wrong place, and scorch marks.

irons

Cutlery.

IUKADGE

Improved United Kingdom Air Defence Ground Environment.

J/T

Junior Technician. (See: rank).

jabs

Injections.

Jack's Bar

Small, friendly bar at the rear of The Imperial with separate entrance on West Street. A cider drinkers haven. Clients comprised, serious cider drinkers, 'posh' cider drinkers, and the 100^th Entry. Fizz, Fuzz, Buzz played there, especially on Wednesday nights when funds were low. A pint of cider cost 9d (4p). The door is still there but Jack's Bar is no longer.

Jaguar E Type

Superlative two seater sports car with a long nose. Big, beautiful, and powerful. A British icon. Way beyond the reach of apprentices. (See: Jaguar XK120, Jaguar XK150, Jaguar Mark II).

Jaguar Mark II

Classy saloon car. Fast, quiet comfortable with excellent road holding. Still looks good today. Too expensive for apprentices. (See: Jaguar XK120, Jaguar XK150).

Jaguar XK120

Two seater British sports car. Charismatic and fast. The forerunner of the E Type Jag. (See: Jaguar XK150, Jaguar Mark II).

Jaguar XK150

Two seater sports car. Updated version of the Jaguar XK120.

jalopy

Car.

jammy

Lucky.

jankers

Fatigues. Punishment for apprentices who have committed an RAF offence. Usually allocated in days (7, 14, 28). Can involve detention, but more often just extra duties.

Javelin

RAF (1956 to 1968), UK (Gloucester) twin jet engine (Sapphire 7) fighter aircraft. Distinctive delta wing and high tail-plane. 100th Entry apprentices trained on a Javelin, fitted with an AI17 radar, at Weston Airport Hangar North. Gloster javelin xh903

The Javelin aircraft used at Weston Airport was XA564, redesignated 7464M. An FAW1 variant, first delivered to the RAF on 30/09/1955. It is presently at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/collections/aircraft/aircraft_histories/84-A-1180%20Javelin%20FAW1%20XA564.pdf

http://rightstuffphotography.com/unitedkingdom/raf/XA564.htm

http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1097769/ .

jaw wag

Talk. (See: chin wag).

JL Club

Seedy night club on Wadham street, Weston. Striptease etc. Very racy for 1960s. Off limits to apprentices. Apprentices went there.

Jock

Nickname for person from Scotland;

Pilot, especially of fighter aircraft.

jockey

Pilot, especially of fighter aircraft.

johnny

Contraceptive sheath;

Any protective sheath. (eg: “put the Johnny over the aerial”).

joy ride

Recreational trip on aircraft. stations often maintained a register of airmen requesting a joy ride.

juice

Petrol;

Beer.

jump

Intercourse.

Junior Technician

The normal rank awarded to apprentices after successfully completing the three-year training regime. Exceptional apprentices, including those going on to officer training, were awarded the rank of corporal. Really high-achieving apprentices could even earn the rank of sergeant, but this was rare. The junior technician arm badge was changed from a single inverted chevron to a four bladed propeller in 1964. (See: rank, J/T).

Karls

Hungarian restaurant near the Britannia pub at the north end of the High Street, Weston. Up-market but surprisingly affordable. Flambe dishes were a speciality but beyond the means of apprentices.

KD

Khaki Drill. Buff, lightweight service uniform for hot climates.

keks

Underpants. (See: shreddies).

kerfuffle

Fuss.

Kewstoke

Northern area of Weston on Sand Bay. The Toll Road leads from the Old Pier to Kewstoke.

kip

Sleep.

Kipper Fleet

Coastal Command.

kite

Aircraft.

Kiwi

Person from New Zealand;

The country New Zealand. Alludes to national emblem;

Make of boot polish. Much better than Cherry Blossom for producing a deep bull on boots.

klystron

A microwave linear amplifier used in high-power, high frequency, radar systems. This, together with the magnetron, were a major subject in the apprentice learning schedule. How a klystron works

kosher

Acceptable.

KT66

Classic electronic power valve. (See: valve). KT66

L Fitt AR

Electronics Fitter, Air radar.

L Fitt GR

Electronics Fitter, Ground radar.

L Fitt GW

Electronics Fitter, Ground wireless.

L Tech AD

Electronics Technician, Air Defence

LA

Leading Apprentice. (See: rank, Leading Aircraft Apprentice).

LAA

Leading Aircraft Apprentice. Apprentice NCO, with one chevron. (See: rank).

lab

Laboratory where apprentices carried out practical course work. Radio Lab at Locking

laundry