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More tests.

On arrival at RAF Hornchurch we were allocated beds in a brick, pre-war style, two storey barrack block - luxury after a cold wooden hut. Better still, the latrines were in the same building. We quickly realised, also, that there were civilians staying downstairs. They were to undergo similar tests straight from civvy street and were mostly 'University Types' toying with the idea of becoming aircrew but, if they failed acceptance, they could opt out, because of their qualifications, or reserved occupations. These well-dressed lads looked up to us because we were in uniform!
Discipline on the camp was gentle but firm because of the civvy element present. We had originally thought we were going to be on a flying station and were disappointed when we found that houses and park land had taken the place of the airfield.
We went through stringent medical tests covering general fitness, hearing, eyesight, touch, breathing, manual dexterity, reaction speeds, and hand-eye coordination. We were interviewed as to our medical history, backgrounds, academic skills, and future plans. We also took aptitude and intelligence tests. I was fortunate and passed them all and was declared fit for any aircrew duty except that of Air Gunner because, at 6' 41/2" tall, I wouldn't fit into a turret. I wasn't sorry! For some reason I was one of the first in our group to finish the tests and to get my results, therefore, with time to spare, I was allocated to an office to work for a day. A kindly Sergeant was in charge and I passed the day folding paper and stuffing envelopes. All the time he was passing on hints and tips as to how I should deal with situations in my future RAF life.
Tests over, a check between ourselves revealed that only about half of us were passed fit for aircrew training in any category. Only four of us were passed for pilot training, the remainder of those who passed were to be trained as navigators.
We returned to Padgate and were split up; those who had failed were transferred straight away to square-bashing training in another Padgate Squadron or posted elsewhere. Those of us who had passed were put with others from other huts who had also passed, to await the next stage of our enlightenment. In the meantime we were all learning more about service life, what the different uniforms and badges meant, and how to address people who were senior to us, namely everyone else in the RAF at that time.
Within days our block posting came through.
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