#5 British Flying Training School (BFTS)

This Digital Archive is dedicated to the British RAF (Royal Air Force) and American USAAF (US Army Air Force) cadet pilots, and to their instructors and all the staff at Riddle-McKay Aero College, Clewiston, Florida, better known as #5BFTS or Riddle Field.

Part of the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in Miami, Number 5 British Flying Training School (#5BFTS) was one of six British Flying Training Schools set up in the southern states of America during 1941 under Lend Lease arrangements between the United States and British governments. Between July 1941 and August 1945, there were 26 courses and 1,434 young men (1,325 RAF and 109 USAAF) graduated as pilots at Riddle Field. The first 11 courses each had an intake of 50 cadets, but in late 1942, this was increased to 100 cadets. Courses 12 to 18 each included between 17 and 20 USAAF cadets. When Japan surrendered in August 1945 and the war ended, all Lend Lease arrangements, including pilot training at 5BFTS ceased and cadets on the last two courses (25 and 26) were unable to complete their training in Florida.

Some of the cadets learnt to fly a plane before they learnt to drive a car. Many had never left Britain before and for all of them, coming to America was a great adventure. From a war-torn Britain that could be cold and wet, they came to Riddle Field with its abundant palm trees, a swimming pool, soda fountain and hours of sunshine and where, in contrast to home, food was plentiful and fruit, especially oranges, easy to obtain. They had to work hard but enjoyed Florida life and made the most of the entertainment and hospitality arranged for them. They took the hurricanes, tropical storms, insects, gators and humidity in their stride and although they all missed their homes and families, none would have missed the experience.

They were young, many aged 20 or under, when they came to Florida and as one wrote in 1976; “By today’s standards, we were astonishingly very immature, and yet with this immaturity, we seemed to have a seriousness which is perhaps lacking today. Of course, we were at war, and this did provide a constant purpose to a young man’s life.”

Some sailed across the Atlantic in a convoy and some travelled in one of the transatlantic liners such as Queen Mary which had been converted into troopships. Their experiences shaped the rest of their lives and life-long friendships were made in Florida. Some of these friendships have endured down the generations so that the sons and daughters of the cadets remain in contact with the sons and daughters of those who looked after them so wonderfully well. Each and every cadet acknowledged the hospitality shown to them by the Americans they met.

Course 11 spoke for everyone; “We should like to tender our appreciation of everything which America and Americans have done to help us during our stay here. We have been received everywhere with the utmost cordiality and friendliness, and the hospitality