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Fleet Air Arm Wrens
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Air Mechanics
A few WRNS ratings trained as Air Mechanics of all branches in late 1942. A course of specially selected Maintenance Wrens trained as Air Mechanics in April 1943. These ratings replaced FAA personnel on a head for head basis.
The Air Mechanics (O) stripped, cleaned and tested, and re-assembled all parts of an aircraft's armament, testing for order and accuracy.
Air Mechanics (L) tested electrical fittings, detected faults, repaired minor faults, did daily and weekly overhauls, and assumed responsibility for signing Form 700 to certify that in this respect a plane was fit for service.
Air Mechanics (A) and (E) did the same service for air frames and engines respectively.
The Air Mechanics achieved a high standard of workmanship and reliability. Over 1500 were employed by August 1944.
HMS Fledgling opened as an air mechanic training centre in May 1943. It was the first purely WRNS technical training establishment.
New entrant trainees completed two weeks general service training. Then all trainees had specialised instruction in whichever branch of air mechanic work they had chosen, taking from 18 to 21 weeks.
Each branch had its own training but all included the use of tools, basic fitting and repairing and the general theory and practice of their special part of the aircraft, airframe, engines, ordnance or electrical fittings.
Ratings transferred to FAA stations on completion of the course. They continued training for a few more months before taking a final examination.
Look at the Image Gallery for sketches made by a Wren whilst on an aircraft maintenance training course
