Unit History

Well, firstly, I know it has been some time since the first post on our first OC, so I thought I would start the second post with a small piece about our second OC Flt Lt Reeder. Reeder had obtained a wartime commission a few months before our first OC, at RAF Cosford in the late winter of 1942.

Prior to rejoining the RAF, his hobbies pointed to a keen interest in Engineering which stood him in good stead for his time on the Unit, both before he became OC and then in his time as OC after he took over from Rider.

It is important to understand the professional rigour and approach that Flt Lt Reeder would have brought to 591 SU after July 1953 when became Officer Commanding. He became responsible for ensuring not insignificant technical and scientific outputs by the Unit were achieved, which would have far reaching effects. This brings me to the image to the left, which is the “Qualifications for membership of the institution” of the Electronic and Radio Engineers (IERE), which was shared with us and is displayed with the courtesy of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Archive, by their Archivist.

The IET Archives holds the working papers concerning the activities of the IET since its foundation as the Society of Telegraph Engineers in 1871. These also include material from the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), Institution of Electronic and Radio Engineers (IERE), Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) and the Institution of Manufacturing Engineers (IMfgE). Further details can be found online at the IET Archives (theiet.org).

The IET Archives held information showing that Flt Lt Reeder became an Assocate of the IERE in 1953. To qualify as an Associate he would have evidenced that he had technical knowledge and responsibility in radio and electronic engineering, had at least five years experience of this and that he was working in an environment that included radio and electronic engineering.

Reeder became a Member of the IERE in 1958, having to show significant technical knowledge which was evidenced academically. This was backed by at least ten years work as a radio and electronics engineer, either having significant responsibility or carrying out work or research of importance in radio and electronic science. His time and tenure at 591 SU certainly provided evidence of both of these latter requirements, which he needed to qualify for this professional level. It's easy to always look back at history and forget that history is also about looking forward.

And so it is today that the Unit maintains its relationship with the Institute of Engineering and Technology, with the Cyberspace profession holding professional membership across the ranks within the IET. The same technical professionalism that was evidenced by Flt Lt Reeder is still clear to be seen today within the Unit. This also includes engagement with the organisation with attendance at and contributions to the wider Cyberspace trade, with regards to raising the profile of this important aspect of the art of the possible within an RAF career.  

Thanks must now go to the IET Archivist for their support, without which this piece would not have been possible.

Now, I have hinted here to more history to come of our proud Unit, and thus it will be so. It will include a beautiful window, our first OC, second OC and our contribution to early Cold War Communications technology. So..Wait. Out!