Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    HN2/JBA3/2
  • Title
    Correspondence regarding employment at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire. Includes the following:
  • Date free text
    Aug - Dec 1927
  • Production date
    From: 1927 To: 1927
  • Scope and Content
    Copy letter from J B Allen to Sir Philip Game. States he was unaware that his wife had written on his behalf to the Civil Aviation Service ‘although I administered a somewhat severe admonition, I cannot but think that it was very noble her…does the decision preclude me from a Stores Commission? What are my chances of becoming a Civilian Adjutant? Or obtaining some post on the Ministry’s Civil side? [18 Aug 1927] Letter from Sir Philip Game, Air Ministry to J B Allen. ‘We all admire the way in which Mrs Allen behaved and should have been only too glad had we thought that we could do what she asked. I’m afraid the decision does preclude you from a Stores commission….I am also sending your case over to Sir Sefton Brancker in case there may be anything on the civil side.’ [23 Aug 1927] Letter of thanks from J B Allen to Philip Game [25 Aug 1927] Testimonial from C L Lambe, Air Vice Marshal, Air Officer Commanding, RAF Halton. States that Flight Lieut. Allen had served there under his command for 12 months. ‘He is leaving the Service on the termination of his short-service commission, He was strongly recommended for a permanent commission in the RAF , only unfortunately he did not attain the standard of physical fitness required for a permanent commission as he suffers from deafness. This physical disability, however, does not interfere in any way with his duties.’ [25 Aug 1927] Letter to C L Lambe from J B Allen stating that he was applying to Sir Vyell Vyvyan, Director of Imperial Airways and of the Wembley Stadium and Greyhound Racecourse Ltd, and asking if M Lambe would write in support of his application. [29 Aug 1928] Copy letter from J B Allen [addressee unknown] outlining his failure to be passed medically fit. ‘The Medical Board would not pass me and I was told of their decision on the afternoon that my Short Service Commission was due to expire, actually I had a little under two hours to get clear. From what I can gather the Medical people did their best but the Treasury asked them for a guarantee that my trouble would not get any worse; they very rightly said we cannot guarantee anything. What doctor would on any medical question? And so the Treasury said ‘no commission’ and out I had to come’ [29 Aug 1927] Application by J B Allen for employment as a Civilian Instructor for Aircraft Apprentices RAF Halton. States that in Feb 1917 transferred from Infantry to RFC as a rigger and served in that capacity until April 1917, attaining the rank of Corporal. My work in addition to ordinary rigging included complete machine overhauls and repairs. On being demobilised in 1919 I entered the Launceston Engineering Co Limited as a pupil and served in the shops until July 1920 when I returned to the RAF.[29 Aug 1927] Reference from R J Barton, Wing Commander, Royal Air Force [10 Feb 1927] Letter from R J Barton to James Bernard Allen ‘ I had heard of your Medical Board failure and I can assure you our hearts bled for you and Mrs Allen – it was really cruel to be rejected at the last moment…I am not only sorry for your sake but also for the Services at losing you – the Treasury seem to rule everyone. [1 Sep 1927] Copy letter from J B Allen to R J Barton.’ The suggestion you make re schoolmastering had not entirely slipped my memory but I have absolutely no qualifications to start. I really ran away from school when I was 17 and a bit to join up as a Tommy in Aug 1914 and have been in the Service ever since….I am really very sorry for Pobjoy…he is a brilliantly clever fellow but must have someone to look after him. Personally I am certain there is a very big future for an engine of the type and power he has designed.’ Letter from C L Lambe, Air Vice Marshal, RAF Halton, Bucks to J B Allen stating that he had been informed by Air Marshal Game that Allen had accepted another post. [30 Nov 1927]. Letter from J B Allen refuting the above. 'I decided to call at the Air Ministry and see Sir Philip Game, He informed me that only the previous day he had written you about me and added that he did not think my technical qualifications were good enough.’ [5 Dec 1927]
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