HC Deb 27 November 1946 vol 430 cc1581-2
5. Brigadier Fitzroy Maclean

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will give particulars of all strikes and mutinies which have taken place in the R.A.F. since VJ-Day; and the action taken in respect to them.

Mr. de Freitas

With permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Brigadier Maclean

Without going into detail, can the hon. Gentleman give the number of R.A.F. stations in which incidents have taken place?

Mr. de Freitas

Under 30—in the twenties.

Following is the statement:

There were incidents at Jodhpur in India in October, 1945, on which a full report was given in answer to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member on 21st November, 1945. In January, 1946, there was disaffection at 22 stations, as follows:

Middle East.
Lydda 24.1.46–26.1.46
Almaza 24.1.46–26.1.46
Qastina 25.1.46–28.1.46
Cairo West 25.1.46–26.1.46
Aqir 25.1.46–26.1.46
India.
Drigh Road 19.1.46
Mauripur 22.1.46–25.1.46
Poona 23.1.46–24.1.46
Palam 25.1 46–26.1.46
Cawnpore 26.1.46–30.1.46
Pamrauli (Allahabad) 26.1.46–28.1.46
Dum Dum 25.1.46–28.1.46
Lahore 28.1.46
Yelahanka 26.1.46
Karachi 26.1.46
Kanchrapara 28.1.46
Vizagapatam 25.1.46–26.1.46
South East Asia.
Ceylon.
Negombo 23.1.46
Colombo 23.1.46
Burma
Mingaladon 29.1.46–30.1.46
Singapore Is.
Seletar 26.1.46–28.1.46
Kallang 27.1.46–28.1.46

As a result, four men were brought to trial on charges under Section 7 or Section 40 of the Air Force Act. In one case the proceedings were not confirmed; in two cases airmen were sentenced to 84 days and 90 days detention respectively; in the fourth case the airman is serving a sentence of five years' penal servitude. Twelve other airmen were arrested as a result of the incidents but were not brought to trial.

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