CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's

18 Nov 2023 13:51 #1 by NEILMCLARK
CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's was created by NEILMCLARK
Hi
I'm new to the site/forum. My name is Neil.

me and my siblings are trying to find out more about my mothers role in WW2. She was a WAAF Wireless Operator and her RAF Service Certificate has her joining up in Feb 1942.
She joins Wilmslow in March 1942, Joins 13 RS in April 42, then 3 RS in July 42. Her final Station is RAF Cheadle in October 1942 until August 1945. Looks like she was demobbed in Dec 1946
Our family would like to know more about what she was involved with in her training (at 13 and 3 RS?) and also what role she might have had at Cheadle.

We are conscious that Cheadle was a Y Station perhaps during the time she was there?.

We are looking for any materials that might help, perhaps  any written training programmes of what her training may have consisted of, course photographs at Wilmslow, Information about 13 and 3 RS?  and what her life and job role might have been at RAF Cheadle.. Her name was ACW1 Mable Davidson 2150518  Born Elgin, Scotland in 1920

Any help or signposting to any resources greatly appreciated.

Neil (Son of Mabel)

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18 Nov 2023 16:34 #2 by PJH
Replied by PJH on topic CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's
Hi Neil,

I don't have much to help you but No.13 Radio School was based at Blackpool and specialised in training ground radio operators. Your mum's basic training (e.g. square bashing) would have been at Wilmslow and she would then have moved to Blackpool to start her technical training. However, my records show that 13 RS wasn't formed until 16 August 1943 and was known before that as No.10 (Signals) Recruit Centre, so maybe that was where she was trained at?

Based on the 1942 date, No.3 Radio School was based at Prestwick in Ayrshire but this specialised in airborne radar operators for Coastal Command. From the start of 1943 it was re-purposed for training telegraphists down at Compton Bassett in Wiltshire. Was this more likely?

Sadly I don't know any more about RAF Cheadle than yourself.

Hope that helps - or maybe just confuses!.
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19 Nov 2023 08:11 #3 by mbriscoe
Replied by mbriscoe on topic CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's
Do you have a copy of The Enemy Is Listening by Aileen Clayton
ISBN 9780345302502


Sure that it is long out of print but you might find a copy somewhere.

I think Cheadle was the main RAF Y Service site but it also seemed to operate also a RAF WT comms site.

 
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21 Nov 2023 14:43 #4 by NEILMCLARK
Replied by NEILMCLARK on topic CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's
Hi

 Thanks for your response.

Apologies I misled you on the dates .....13 RS should read 4/44 and  3 RS should read 7/44 not 1942.

Based on your reply .Blackpool would make sense in 4/44.. As far as 3 RS goes it looks like she was there  19/7/44 until she joins Cheadle on 25/10/44  Would 3 RS still be at Compton Basset then?

You have been agreat help...Thanks.

Will try and attach a pic of her service certificate. Once again thanks.
neil

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21 Nov 2023 14:46 #5 by NEILMCLARK
Replied by NEILMCLARK on topic CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's
Hi

You must have been reading my mind!!

I have bought the book (used) but really useful.

Thanks

Regards

Neil

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21 Nov 2023 22:06 #6 by PJH
Replied by PJH on topic CHEADLE WAAF WIRELESS OPERATORS's
Yes, 3 Radio School was at Compton Bassett all the way from 1 Jan 1943 up to 30 November 1964 so your mum was definitely there.
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