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History

History

History

Accommodation

Then
Philip Bundock and 20 other recruits slept in a wooden hut. There was no hot water for showers. The hut was heated by a wood-burning stove that had to be polished every day.




Now
For the first weeks during basic training, you’ll share accommodation with other new recruits so you can get to know them. There’s about 14 people per room, so it’s a great opportunity to build friendships. The RAF supplies your accommodation and food and will launder your bedding, but you’ll be expected to do your own laundry (there’s a launderette on base), look after your kit and equipment, and keep your sleeping area tidy.

History

Leave

Then
After 5 weeks of training, recruits were given 48 hours leave.

Now
Weekends off during basic training.





History

Fitness

Then
Fitness training and footdrills on the parade ground.

Now
Recruits do the same today.





RAF History

Technology

Then
The number of ground staff to air staff was seven to one.

Now
Technology has changed things enormously. These days its 35 ground staff to each member of air staff. There’s a much, much greater need for technology and skill than we had 60 years ago.


History

Philip Bundock is now a guide at the RAF Museum at Hendon. “I love seeing the enthusiasm for the RAF I get from visitors,” he says. “I like teaching people about the RAF’s heritage and the efforts of many past servicemen and women who helped make it what it is today.”

He looks forward to your visit to the museum and your questions about life in the RAF. You can find the museum’s opening times and information about exhibits at www.rafmuseum.com