07 Radio Appy

Twenty two 15 to 17 year olds joined the RAAF Radio Apprentice scheme at Frognall on 11 March 1953. The technician course commenced RAAF equipment familiarisation training at Ballarat on 15 February 1956 and completed the course on 7 September 1956.

Of the 22 members who started the course in 1953, two departed and one completed radio technician training with No 11 Air technician course at Ballarat.  Later two members transferred to aircrew, one signaler and one navigator. 

Seven of the original course members went on to complete the Associate Diploma of Radio Engineering at Melbourne Technical College - now RMIT.  All were commissioned, none remained in the RAAF beyond Squadron Leader rank.

Of the technicians, three rose to Warrant Officer rank, the remainder became SNOs.  Four received commissioners, three subsequently rose to Wing Commander rank.

The course has held many reunions throughout the years probably the most active of the early courses. Regular attendees typically totaled 15 which is impressive given the course was only 22 originally.  Five are known to have died and we have lost contact with four.  The rest are in the 83/84 age group and still in regular contact.

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