G-AFZW (K3237) of 32 ERFTS, 1939

The Elementary and Reserve Flying Training Schools (ERFTS) were set up in early 1939, contracting civilian companies to provide basic flying training to prospective RAF Aircrew, at the onset of WW2 in Sept 1939 , these schools were disbanded and absorbed into RAF training organisation as Elementary Flying Schools.

Between April and Sept 1939 Portsmouth,Southsea and IOW Aviation Ltd of Portsmouth, operated No. 32 ERFTS at Greatham, Hartlepool on behalf of RAF. Greatham airfield, was later to be known as RAF Greatham, a satellite of RAF Thornaby.

K3237 was registered as G-AFZW to Portsmouth,Southsea and IOW Aviation Ltd in 1939, presumably 'loaned' from the RAF, and is seen wearing combined civil and military colours and marks typical of the Civilian ERFTS establishments. A change of ownership is recorded in Nov 1940 and it is later recorded as being back with RAF at Upavon on strength of Central Flying School. CFS itself was disbanded in 1942, no record for the aeroplane exists after CFS, so was probably another tail that did not survive WW2


ttfn

Pete