Where do I find info on a RAF pilot?

I have acquired a small collection of items from England. They all originally belonged to Douglas J. Griffin who was a RAF graduate of class #23 of British Flying Training School #3 at Miami, OK. He graduated about March, 1945.

It includes: 1) A handmade red leather fleece lined pouch apparently made from part of a WW2 Irvin flying jacket. It measures approximately 12"x8"x3".
2) A black leather stationary bank with 2 snap fasteners and an internal zipper compartment. It measures 6x9". Inside is written: "From Mother with Love", and "1815350 D. J. Griffin".
3) An I.D. Bracelet made of Silver in Mexico. It says: "Douglas J Griffin, Royal Air Force".
4) A nickel plated whistle made by ACME in England.
5) Three large and four small brass RAF buttons.
6) Aviator sunglasses in a green case.
7) I.D. folder with paper ID (full information) and thin aluminum Spartan School Flying Certificate for the R.A.F. Flying Badge awarded to D. J. Griffin upon successful completion of Flying Training.
8) RAF cloth wings (never used).
9) 2 extra pieces of flying jacket.

My question is: how do I go about researching the military career of RAF pilot Douglas J. Griffin 1815350? A google search on his name came up with nothing. Does someone know of sources of information on RAF pilots?

Thanks,
Paul

 

Paul, Ms Paula Denson wrote a book detailing the two British Flying Training Schools in Oklahoma. More information is available at her website: www.pkdenson.com

The UK Ministry of Defence does provide some service information for deceased former RAF personnel though there are some restrictions. Their info page is here: Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Personnel | Service Records | Making a Request for Information held on the Personnel Records of Deceased Service Personnel

The UK National Archives also host WWII RAF combat mission reports. There are several listed for persons named Griffin and one listed with the first initial D. I don't know if it's Douglas Griffin. Their page is here: The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | WW2 air combat reports

Finally, the USAF Historical Research Agency in Montgomery, AL may have general information on the school at Miami. Most AAF units filed monthly reports and they may have some archived there. Their site is at: Air Force Historical Research Agency - Home

Hopefully this will help get you started on your research.

Regards,

John

 

John,

Thanks! That is exactly what I was looking for.

I do not think the D. Griffin mentioned on the one web page is my man. The web page lists his mission as Sept. '44 and my guy did not graduate from school until March, 1945. His late graduation date may present problems because the war in Europe was over very soon after his graduation. I do not know if he stayed in the RAF or was discharged at the end of the war.

I know Paula Denson and have her book (a great book!). We have exchanged information on the #3 BFTS, but she was not able to help me on this problem.

Thanks again,
Paul

 

I'm pretty sure if you looked it up on google you could find quite a lot of information but i'll do that part for you:
RAF Pilots in WWII
Helena Schrader - Photos of WWII RAF Pilots
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Air_Force
Royal Air Force service records: Second World War 1939-1945 | The National Archives
Factsheets : WWII Royal Air Force Aircrews
Good luck with your reaserch and remember to use wikipedia and websites that are similar. =] good luck.

 

I'm pretty sure if you looked it up on google you could find quite a lot of information but i'll do that part for you:
RAF Pilots in WWII
Helena Schrader - Photos of WWII RAF Pilots
Royal Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Royal Air Force service records: Second World War 1939-1945 | The National Archives
Factsheets : WWII Royal Air Force Aircrews
Good luck with your reaserch and remember to use wikipedia and websites that are similar. =] good luck.

 

Thanks, but I am seeking information on a specific RAF pilot, not general information about the RAF.

Paul