I am researching a ww2 Royal Navy Seaman and I am trying to find what the grades are on the Service Record. I have the following. RDF AB - Which I presume is Able Bodied RP1 RP2 G1 Does anyone know of these.... Thanks
I asked Hugh MacLean on ww2talk to have a look, here's his reply. RDF = Radio Detection Finder. RP1 = Radar Plot 1st class. RP2 = Radar Plot 2nd class. G1 - I presume would be first good conduct badge but would need to see the comment in context to be sure.
Owen Thanks for your reply, thats interesting the chap I am researching spent the more or less his wartime aboard HMS Roberts which according to details of the ship was fitted during build with radar for aircraft warning Type 281, for surface warning Type 272 for main armament fire control Type 285 and Type 282 for Anti-aircraft Armament. The warning radar equipment enabled the ship to used for air defence as well as in her primary role for naval gunfire support. Would the rank above be used for Aircraft Detection.
Hugh replied with this. Yes. A very demanding role which put the operators under great strain and exhaustion. http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/pictures/world-war-ii-radar-operator-aboard-an-escort-ship-of-the-news-photo-92423792#world-war-ii-radar-operator-aboard-an-escort-ship-of-the-british-navy-picture-id92423792