William James Woods, Explosives Officer

I am anxious to find out what I can about my natural father William James Woods. I have no idea how to proceed and would be very grateful for any help.

William was born in 1915. He attended Engineering College and in 1945 his occupation was shown on his marriage certificate as Explosives Officer, Ministry of Aircraft Production. He was based with 3 Group,Bomber Command at Exning, Suffolk.

After the war he transferred to the Air Ministry and at his death in 1980 he was shown as Executive Officer (retired), Ministry of Defence.

I know that in 1957 he attended No. 3 Senior Technical Officers' (Guided Weapons) Familiarisation Course. I have a class photo in which he is the only civilian - the 19 others are RAF Squadron Leaders.

Later that year he spent 6 months at Woomera in Australia which I know was a missile testing site.

He subsequently spent tours of duty at RAF Changi, Singapore before returning to the UK where he continued to work in London until ill health forced his early retirement in about 1975.

I would love to find out more about his career and any help I can get would be much appreciated.

Regards to all,

Tony

 

Hi Lou,

Many thanks for your response and helpful guidance. I just wonder - the links seem to refer to military personnel whereas dad was a civilian serving with the RAF. Do you think the same route will apply?

Best reards,
Tony

 

Hi, Tony

Your father was a Civil Servant. Have a look at this info from the National Archives.

Steve W.

 

Thank you so much, Steve for adding this link. I've wondered for a very long time on how I could try to find my Mum's civil service records from London. She would only say she worked for "The War Department" and I found work cards for her saying "Colindale" Exchange - but there is little to no record anywhere on such an exchange during WWII.

 

Michelle,

You're very welcome, but it was Tony's enquiry that led to my looking for, and subsequently, finding the info. I have to admit that I've not previously thought about civilian records, like the Civil Service. So, I've added another item to my 'research locker'!

Steve W.

 

Many thanks for all the responses - looks like the NA is my only hope - somehow I doubt their records will add much 'meat to the bones' but you never know!

Thanks again and regards to all,

Tony