Royal Air Force boy entrants

Under the RAF boy entrant scheme which ran from the mid-1930s to late 1965, boys joined the Royal Air Force between the ages of 15 and 17 and were trained in various occupations (or trades) which fitted them for employment in the RAF.

The final entry was the 51st who commenced training in January 1964 and graduated in July 1965.

In addition to technical training which focused on repair and maintenance of RAF equipment, there was a regimen of drill instruction where boys were subjected to extreme disciplinary measures and punished for minor offences by confinement to camp (Jankers).

In 1952, the 17th entry applicants, aged 15, were required to enter into a contract with the Air Ministry obligating the successful candidate to serve a minimum of ten years (effective from age 18) plus two years RAF reserve service.

No pension payment was offered to those serving until age 28, who were discharged at the end of their contract with one month's paid leave as compensation.