Bert's Log Book now shows he transferred
to No 226 OCU Bentwaters (OCU = Operational Conversion Unit) on 28th
November 1947 he flew in an Oxford (No. XLG). The next 2 flights were in
the same aircraft which appear to have been used for training in twin
engine aircraft. This training amounted to only 1 Hour 45 minutes of
flying. Following this the Log shows Bert was now flying Meteor III
jets. His first Solo flight in a jet aircraft was on the 1st December 1947.
Various training maneuvers were completed, SE Flying is mentioned on
several occasions which may relate to
Single Engine flying; on one
occasion "(engine failure)" is recorded.
Was this failure real or a
training exercise? Unfortunately it would not be the only engine failure
that Bert would encounter. The aircraft flown at Bentwaters are detailed at
Appendix 190a.
Bert's training took him to No.41 Squadron at Church Fenton for Instrument
training. Here he flew Harvards details of which are detailed at the
following
Appendix 190b.
Having completed this training Bert completed a further course on Meteors
at Bentwaters.
Above photograph copied from the Log Book.
