The ending of WW2 brought a situation where a number of rating aircrew, pilots, observers , and Telegraphist Air Gunners (T.A.G.s) still had time to serve in the Fleet Air Arm. At the same time there were thoughts that all operational aircrew must be commissioned. Many of the rating pilots and observers were, in fact commissioned and some went on to reach high rank.

However, the T.A.G.s died a natural death and by about 1947-48 there were few, if indeed any, still serving. By about 1949 the cold war was well and truly in its stride and eastern bloc countries were developing formidable submarine fleets. In about 1949 an AFO was produced calling for volunteers from the Telegraphist Branch to become Telegraphists (Aircrew). They would remain members of the Communications Branch and any advancement while they were in the Fleet Air Arm would be subject to examinations/courses which would be precisely the same as those undergone by General Service Telegraphists. The time they would serve in the Fleet Air Arm was unspecified.

The initial training of those selected was initially carried out at RNAS St Merryn (long since defunct) and then later at RNAS Culdrose. Anti-submarine training took place at RNAS Eglinton on successful completion of general aircrew training. Subjects covered in training at St Merryn & Culdrose were very comprehensive. As well as a thorough technical knowledge of the radar and radio sets used in the naval aircraft of the time, knowledge was required in Navigation, Meteorology, Air Armaments, Aero Engines, Safety equipment, survival and a number of other related subjects. During this time the Tel (Air) also completed many hours flying mainly in Sea Prince aircraft during which they learned to guide their pilots onto quite small targets using radar and to assist the Observer in various aspects of navigation.

On successful completion of this part of their training the Tels (Air) were awarded their "Wings". These were the same wings as were worn by TAGs before them and were the same as the current Observers wings but without the crown. They then moved on to the A/S School at Eglinton where most of their time was spent learning the intricacies of sonobuoys and the equipment fitted to aircraft for receiving signals from sonobuoys. (The sonobuoy was a device which was dropped into the water from an aircraft and which, on impact, lowered a microphone into the water at the same time as activating a transmitter which sent any noises heard on the microphone back to the aircraft. Sonobuoys today are much more sophisticated devices).

On completion of training the Tels (Air) were sent to operational squadrons usually anti-submarine squadrons but there were other aircrew roles which were also filled by the Tels (Air). The odd one finished up as a part of the test flying teams at Farnborough, some served in search and rescue helicopters (the Westland Dragonfly at the time) and were heavily involved in search and rescue during the disastrous Fastnet Race of about 1954/55, some flew as navigators in the shuttle aircraft that flew between air stations in Britain, some eventually became instructors, some became part of ferry crews which delivered aircraft from the makers or from the refitting "factory" at Fleetlands, Gosport to their operational squadrons at home and overseas. They also served in the electronic warfare squadron, 751 Squadron which became 851 Squadron.

Thus, from about 1949, members of the Communications Branch served in the Fleet Air Arm in a number of aircrew capacities which fully demonstrated the flexibility of sparkers. Their service was valued by their fellow aircrew in no uncertain terms and there is evidence that on at least one occasion, the skill of a Sparker on his Morse key in his aircraft avoided what could have been the possible loss of a full squadron of aircraft. However, they always remained members of the communications branch to which all of them eventually returned except the few who successfully opted to become Pilots or Observers themselves. There was also the odd one who transferred to the RAF as permanent aircrew. There were probably in excess of 70 Telegraphists (Air) at the peak of the branch numbers. We flew from every operational carrier in the navy and some aircraft carriers of other navies too. We flew over waters all around the world including the Antarctic and took part in operational activities from Korea onwards.

Unfortunately, there were fatalities among the Tels (Air) too though thankfully not many.

The advent of the "dunking helicopter" saw the end of the Telegraphist (Aircrew) Branch. We lobbied quite hard for the powers that be to consider that it would be much easier and cheaper for us to be taught the intricacies of "pinging" than it would be to teach the ping-bosun's the myriad of skills which we had been taught and which we had developed over the years we had behind us as operational aircrew. However, it was to no avail whatever.

By about 1958 little remained of the Tel (Air) branch except a number of people who still wore wings turning up from time to time in ships and establishments of the fleet, some of them wearing gold rings which they had earned in their own rights as communicators. We wore, and on appropriate occasions still wear, our wings with pride. All too often we ask ourselves the question "does anyone remember us?"

By
Dave Davies