Researching the service
of an Air Force member

So after many requests, I have decided to create a  new section to the site. Researching your family’s air force connection. If you are trying to find out about your family member participated in the second world war:

1. Family/ Personal Records
   • Your first step would be to find out if you have any personal documents from your relative. Documents like a flying log book provide many critical details that can be deciphered by yourself or others.
2. The Service File
   • The personal service file of your relative contains dates, locations, promotions and other personal information. This document makes any research easier. It also provides information to narrow your search. Please source this document before enlisting help from third parties as we are not able to procure this critical information easier than you.
   • RCAF Service Files:
     • service files for members that died during the war are available through the Library and Archives of Canada website as well as Ancestry.com. Fill out this Library and Archives of Canada web form to search for these files.
     • to request the service file of member that died after the war the process is a little more complicated. Use this wizard provided by the Library and Archives to work your way through the Access to Information Request process.
   • RAAF Service Files:
     • I have not requested the service files of Royal Australian Air Force Members but there is some information here:
       • https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/defence-and-war-service-records/royal-australian-air-force
   • RAF Service Files:
     • I have not requested the service files of Royal Air Force Members but there is some information here:
       • https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/royal-air-force-personnel/
   • RNZAF Service Files:
     • I have requested the service files of Royal New Zealand Air Force Members and their service for the records still held in the department of defence is top notch. This link will point you in the right direction:
       • https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/defence-and-whanau/service-records/
3. Unit / School Daily Diaries
   • Consult school or station daily diaries for information, unfortunately if your relative was not a commissioned officer your research may not result in any findings as these documents often neglect to mention non commissioned members or students.
4. Operational Record Books (ORB)
   • Operational Record books may also contain details of the operations your relative was involved in, these documents were rarely created at the training level as operations were rarely a thing prior to the Operational Training Unit (OTU) or Squadron level.
5. School or Unit Daily Routine Orders (DRO)
   • All units produced Daily routine orders that covered many of the activities at the unit. These are a separate document from the Daily Diary and Operational Record Book. These documents are not publicly available at this time but can be requested from the Library and Archives of Canada. More information can be found in this guide.
6. Station Magazines
   • Station Magazines may contain mention of courses or personal. RCAF.info is working on compiling the most complete collection of these documents on the internet.
7. Social Media
   • Join associated social media groups and ask questions… the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada group on facebook and others have many experts who are willing and able to provide advice, guidance and answers if you have worked to gather information on your relative.
8. Other websites
   • sites like:
     • Caspir – Canadian Aircraft Serials Personnel Information Resource (Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum),
       • A comprehensive web database of Military Aircraft, Personnel, and other information that belonged to or has ties to Canada
     • the Bomber Command Museum of Canada
     • MilitaryBruce
     • International Bomber Command Center
     • Aircrew Remembered
     • Commonwealth War Graves Commision
     • Canadian Virtual War Memorial – Veterans Affairs Canada
     • RAF Commands – Losses Database
     • The Royal Canadian Air Force Association
     • Canadiana
     • Wikipedia
9. Check out the information here at RCAF.info
   • There are no centralized sources to guide your research. So far as my research has found there is a ton of information available there but is is scattered, unorganized, and somewhat painful to navigate. I am working to change that.