This site is dedicated to the memory of all RAF entrants to the scheme, in appreciation of their service and sacrifice in defence of our freedom and way of life.

RAF ARNOLD SCHEME

1941 - 1943

Bases

Photographed by Norman Bate &  reproduced by kind permission of the Bate family

    During the dark days of World War II, the uncertain British weather and ever present threat of the German Luftwaffe meant that the skies over the UK were no place for eager young men to learn to fly.

   To overcome these problems the British Government sought to establish Aircrew Training Schemes in a number of locations both within, and outside, the British Empire (Commonwealth). The United States of America was one of the locations identified and negotiations commenced to enable British Airmen to undertake flying training in the (then) neutral USA.

    The negotiations were successful, and a number of schemes were established, amongst them the Arnold Scheme.

    Ran by USAAC (theUnited States Army Air Corps), the scheme took its name from its instigator, General "Hap" Arnold., and was based in the SEACTC area (Southeast Air Corps Training Centre),  one of three large geographical training centres established by the Americans.  Its aim was to train 4000 British pilots alongside USAAC cadets, and plans were swiftly put in place to send the first contingent of trainees over in time for the June 1941 intake, with subsequent contingents arriving every five weeks until March 1943.

Unfortunately nearly 50% of British cadets did not successfully complete pilot training under the scheme, being eliminated ("washed out"), usually without the right of appeal.

   Between 1941 and 1943, some 7,885 cadets¹ entered the scheme and of the 4493 who survived training, most were returned to the UK as Sergeant Pilots, with many being posted to Bomber Command.

However, 577 of the graduates were retained for a period of approximately one year as Instructors.¹ Although promised the posting of their choice on their return to the UK, most found themselves in Training Command, where they continued to pass on their skills and knowledge  to another generation of would be pilots.

This web site is currently  under development.

More information is regularly posted.

Thank You for your patience.

© Nicola J Bate and The RAF Arnold Scheme (1941-43) Register

Class 42F Montgomery, Alabama,  1941

Photograph reproduced by kind permission of the Bate family

Class Rolls
 

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Photo's & personal remembrances 

By kind permission of the Bate family.

Tree planted in memory of the scheme entrants by  members of  "The Arnold Scheme (1941-43) Register"™

Arnold Scheme Register