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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Parking is available100 metres to the East of the cache site.
Wheelchair access is possible to within 2 metres of the cache.(across mown grass). Please re-hide cache carefully. Entry to field is at Weston end on both road. There is no need to push through the hedge.
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
The Apprenticeship Scheme was launched in October 1919, when selection examinations were held around the country. In January 1920, the 1st Entry of 235 recruits began their three-year apprenticeship at Cranwell, whilst permanent accommodation was being completed at Halton. The Boys were signed on for 12 years' service from the age of 18 and assigned to the trade of Carpenter, Sheet Metal Worker, Fitter or Electrical. The Schools at Halton and Cranwell were renamed No 1 and No 2 School of Technical Training, respectively, in March 1920 and Halton’s first Apprentice Entry, No 5, arrived in January 1922, at which time the rank of Aircraft Apprentice replaced the earlier term Boy Mechanic.
The Aircraft Apprentice, a boy of around 15, spent 20 hours a week on technical training in the workshops, 9 hours on physical training, drill and games, and 8 hours on education. Other time was spent on barrack duties, ‘homework’, inspections and recreational activities, including sports, a model aircraft club and a debating society. The marks gained in the final examination in skill-of-hand and trade knowledge determined the graduating rank and rate of pay of the new airman. No 5 Entry graduated on the 17 December 1924 when, aptly, the reviewing officer was Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). As planned by the CAS, those scoring most highly were considered for Cadetships to Cranwell, where up to 20 % of the officer cadets were ex-apprentices.
In 1922, the School of Electrical Engineering was moved to Flowerdown and subsequently moved to Cranwell. With the development of electronics, No 1 Radio School was opened at Cranwell and apprentices were trained in Radio Communications and Radar. In 1950 the School moved to Locking and continued with the training of Apprentices until 1966 when the apprentice scheme closed.
The Apprenticeship Scheme had remained as the only method of regular entry into the Royal Air Force throughout the War. Attempts to expand the Scheme from 1945 were hampered by a lack of interest among potential recruits with 3 intakes a year each averaging around 150, against a planned capacity of 500. With the continuation of National Service, these apprentices graduated into a largely conscript Royal Air Force, where their skills were more important than ever.
Over the 71 years of Apprentice Training 35,114 Aircraft Apprentices graduated. Many have gone on to great deeds and among them, to date, are a holder of the Victoria Cross, 4 recipients of the George Cross, 220 who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 249 who have won the Distinguished Flying Medal. Twenty per cent have been commissioned and 50 have achieved Air rank. Moreover, the strength of character, resourcefulness and the esprit de corps engendered by the scheme has been central to the success of the Royal Air Force and has provided a model to be aspired to by all those currently serving and, indeed, those undergoing training at No 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Cosford.
The Apprentice Badge or ‘Wheel’. In planning the Apprenticeship Scheme, the Air Ministry clearly felt their responsibilities towards the young boys keenly and it was considered necessary to provide some insignia to distinguish them from adult airmen "so as to check smoking and the forgathering of boys with men". The four-bladed propeller within a circlet, to be manufactured in brass, was approved on 17 April 1919 and worn on the sleeve of the left arm, being, of course, highly polished at all times.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qba'g snyy va gur furrc qvc!
[It is not advised to approach the cache from the main road. Easier and safer from the sports field]