History of Aviation at Cosford - Part 2

Dispersed aircraft were often three miles away from the airfield and the technical support required to service this vast array of aircraft was enormous. The MU also modified aircraft to be despatched overseas and constructed Horsa gliders from prefabricated components. These gliders played a vital role in the invasion of Europe in June 1944. The RAF had a pool of glider pilots who ferried the Horsas away.

The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) also played a vital role in ferrying the other aircraft away from Cosford to their operational units. No 12 Ferry Pilots' Pool, based at Cosford, was one of only two such pools staffed entirely by women.

The post-war reduction of the Service led initially to a decrease in the training task at Cosford. Engine and airframe instruction was given to National Service trainees and the School of PT returned for the period 1946-1954. As the Cold War deepened a re-examination of Britain's defences was made and it recognised a need for modern jet aircraft along with the personnel to service them.

Youth training again became the task of Cosford and the Boy Entrants' Scheme was started. This continued until the 1964 change to the RAF Trade Structure and the Boy Entrants' Scheme was phased out with the last entry leaving in July 1965.