About Us

The initial intake of the 78th Entry was Three hundred & six personnel of whom one hundred & fifty original members eventually passed out on 31st July 1957. Of the one hundred & fifty-six lost to us, some were "down entried", others ceased training. Of the latter, most were released into the adult Airforce as Leading Aircraftsmen & Senior Aircraftsmen. Of these, almost all continued in the R.A.F. and enjoyed similar careers as those of their friends who were fortunate (lucky!) enough to complete the three years training.

Whilst this attrition seems excessive, our numbers were reinforced in some small degree by forty-five apprentices who were "down entried" to us. Thus the actual number on our Passing-Out Parade was One hundred & ninety-five. It should be noted that completion of the Apprentice training is not the criteria for joining either the RAFHAAA or The 78th Entry Association; all our former members are very welcome.

The majority of us graduating on 31st July 1957 attained the rank of Junior Technician. Three gained cadetships; Reg Hallam to Cranwell, Jim Maude and Theo Proctor to Henlow. Six graduated as substantive Corporals and eight would qualify for accelerated promotion to Corporal Technician after twelve months adult service.