EVERY MAN TO A TRADE [Main Title]

Log in to create clips, download free screeners and save clips/films in Collections. Click here to find out more.


  • Title: EVERY MAN TO A TRADE [Main Title]
  • Film Number: AMY 308
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: Information film about the various trade groups in the Royal Air Force.
  • Description: Reel 1: RAF is likened to a bee hive, with each cell of the hive a trade on which the RAF is dependent to operate effectively. The role of ground personnel in keeping RAF aircraft in the sky. Aircraft being serviced by tradesmen, electricians, fitters and mechanics – various shots of aircraft parts being worked on. Ground crew efficiency in WW2 was essential to winning the battle in the air – just as important in RAF today. Scenes of various trades at work. Clerical workers roles shown in keeping aircraft flying. Reel 2: “Radio Engineering, Ground Signalling, Radar Operating, Air Traffic Control” - advancements in ground to air comms and radar detection of enemy since early days of air force. Radar improvements and daily duties of radar mechanic. Roles of radar operators/mechanics shown during air defence exercise. Aircraft radar servicing also included. ATC and operation clerks. Air Wireless mechanics roles. Testing radio sets and servicing faulty sets. Ground signalling trade role. Reel 3: “Aircraft Engineering, Armament Engineering, Electrical and Instrument Engineering” - Aircraft two main components – powerplant and airframe. Engine and airframe trade groups. Role of these tradesmen. Various aspects of work carried out on aircraft by the airframe and engine trade groups. Servicing Hastings shown as example. Instrument testing. Fitting Hastings with external load carrier for dropping vehicles/guns in support of Army. Reel 4: - “Mechanical Transport” - Duties of those employed in the Mechanical Transport trade described. Range of vehicles, cars, cranes, aircraft tugs, prime movers, snow ploughs, ambulances some of the vehicles serviced by the mechanics in the MT trade group. “Safety and Surface” - role of Safety and Surface trade personnel – parachute maintenance, dinghy, life jackets, pyrotechnics and other aspects of survival equipment. Aircraft paint maintenance also included in this trade – painting, polishing aircraft surfaces. “Photography” - trade responsible for aircraft camera servicing, ground camera servicing, film processing and printing, titling negatives. “Catering” - responsible for the provisioning, preparation, cooking and serving of food. Reel 5:- “Medical and Dental” - medical and dental branch provides for RAF, and also Army and Navy and Government Depts abroad with aeromedical services (Casevac). Various roles within trade shown. “Police” - responsible for security, prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of discipline. Motorcycle training, self defence training, dog handling roles shown - “RAF Regiment” - RAF's infantry with responsibility for static defence of RAF units. Light ackack, rifles, signals specialisation, mobile striking force beyond airfield perimeter, training station personnel in use of weapons. Reel 6:- RAF functions efficiently through the skill and service of trained personnel. Fitting the person to the trade is important to get the best from them. Personnel shown undergoing training for trade (Instrument Engineering). Peacetime exercises essential to prepare for war. Operational RAF Commands role – Bomber, Fighter, Transport, Coastal.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: AMY 308
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions:
  • Featured Period: 1946-1975
  • Production Date: 1955
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: AIR MINISTRY (Production sponsor) Gee Films (Production company)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics:
  • Technical Details:
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    AMY 308

  • Related IWM Collections Objects:
Register