YOUR LOCAL HUNSBURY WEBSITE WEBSITE
Young Bertie
HOME
THE ADVENTURES OF BERTIE BLACKBURN
AND CHUM’S 1924 to 1942
“Bertie” was born Herbert Frank Blackburn in 1907 at Kasauli Hill Station, where his father was a sergeant in the Royal Field Artillery. Bertie was the elder son of two sons, and they had four sisters to keep them company on their travels in army life. Our story starts in January 1924 when Bertie enlists as a “boy” in the RAF following a family tradition.
His father had joined the Army as a “boy soldier”, serving in the Boer War and through First World War, before retiring eventually with the rank of captain, and receiving the MBE (military division) in 1919.His uncle Arthur also entered the army as a “boy”.
So in 1924 Bertie becomes a “boy” at 2 Wing, Halton, in 1925 he is under training
as a fitter/armourer and, by September that year, becomes an apprentice, an Aircraftman
2nd Class, an Aircrafthand and Fitter Armourer. Three years after enlistment he is
posted to 24(C) Squadron at Kenley, shortly transferring to 32 (F) Squadron where
he continues until 1928. Aircraft in service at 24 squadron would be Avro 504N until
June 1927 replaced by the Westland Wapiti IIA from January 1927
until 1933.
NK Mrs Blackburn (Snr), Bertie, Win and Nancy (2 of his 4 sisters)
Vickers Victoria J8921
- May 1925
A Squadron No.2 Section
RAF Halton - May 1925
