A Spitfire Operational Training Course Passes Out: C-in-C's Visit

Original wartime caption: A Spitfire operational training unit had a "red letter" day recently when the C-in-C of Fighter Command, Air Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas, KCB., MC., DFC., visited them to see the final "passing out" stage of the Empire-trained pilots. The AOC of the Group in Fighter Command responsible for the operational training of day and night fighter pilots.

 

Original wartime caption: C-in-C Fighter Command flies off in his own Blenheim from H.Q. to the distant O.T.U.

Original wartime caption: Losing no time in getting in.

Original wartime caption: With the Station Commander - they greet the C-in-C.

Original wartime caption: Very soon the word is given to the waiting pilots and they streak for their machines to attempt a record-time re-arm. A pilot must know all about his guns as well as how to fly.

Original wartime caption: Picture shows - [no further details provided].

Original wartime caption: Getting those wing panels off.

Original wartime caption: A fighter pilot's ordeals range from first flight to first combat - but can they equal the ordeal of working.

Original wartime caption: Under the critical eye of the C-in-C.

Original wartime caption: And against time with "big noises" all over the place.

Original wartime caption: "Gee … if this breech block doesn't come back I'll be 'scrubbed out'."

Original wartime caption: "Good … they must be round the back somewhere and can't see me".

Original wartime caption: The winning team congratulated.

Air Marshal Sir William Sholto Douglas, C-in-C Fighter Command, with Flight Lieutenant Brian Kingcome during a visit to No 61 OTU at Heston, November 1941.

Original wartime caption: At the final parade...

Original wartime caption: … of the Empire-trained boys.

Original wartime caption: … before the real test … a "Scramble".

Original wartime caption: "And that formation's not at all bad .... for pupils".

Original wartime caption: "And that formation's not at all bad .... for pupils".

Original wartime caption: "Pretty good - all things considered".

Original wartime caption: "Pretty good … all things considered".

Original wartime caption: The C-in-C watches their formation flying and their coming in to land.

Original wartime caption: The C-in-C watches their formation flying and their coming in to land.

Original wartime caption: … then has a word to say to the pilots.

Original wartime caption: A final inspection.

Original wartime caption:  And a final word with the instructors.