Filming is now underway at Buckinghamshire New University for a new oral history documentary that shines a light on one of the RAF’s most celebrated institutions, its apprentice training programme at RAF Halton, just outside Wendover.
The film, entitled ‘Lord Trenchard’s Brats’, sets out to capture the spirit, discipline, and enduring legacy of the young men who trained at Halton under the pioneering leadership of Lord Hugh Trenchard, widely regarded as the founding father of the Royal Air Force.
The project is being led by Associate Professor in Film at BNU, Tom McGorrian, who brings with him many years experience in documentary and oral history filmmaking. It’s also providing a fantastic hands-on opportunity for students, with his MA Filmmaking students Shiwani Rai and Hussam Daoud forming part of the core film crew. Their involvement reflects BNU’s strong focus on giving students practical, real-world experience as part of their studies.
“It was honestly a great experience. Getting stuck into the filming side of things was brilliant, but what really stood out was hearing the stories from these incredible men. They’ve lived through so much, and learning about the legacy of RAF Halton from them was something I’ll never forget.” says Hussam Daoud.
“The film shoot was really enjoyable and a big step forward for my professional development. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It really showed me how important a warm, positive approach is when looking after interviewees.” says Shiwani Rai.
The first stage of filming took place last week in BNU’s video studio and involved interviewing 12 former RAF apprentices, aged between 55 and 92. Their stories were powerful and provided rare personal insights into life as a “Halton Brat”, a nickname proudly adopted by generations of apprentices.
Across two packed days of filming, stories of tough training, lifelong friendships, and transformative life journeys emerged, painting a vivid picture of an RAF institution that’s shaped thousands of lives.
Reflecting on the project, Tom McGorrian said:
“RAF Halton and its apprentice scheme represent an important but often overlooked part of British military and social history. These young men joined at such formative ages, and many went on to remarkable career, not just in the RAF, but in fields like engineering, education and across civilian life. This film is about recognising and preserving that legacy.”
Filming will continue throughout the coming months and will include location shoots, archive material, and coverage of the unveiling of a new memorial to Lord Trenchard at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in early July.
Once completed, Lord Trenchard’s Brats will be screened at several RAF museums and will also be made available for educational use.
This production is a wonderful example of BNU’s creative energy and it also shows how storytelling can connect generations, bridging the past with the present, and individual memories with our shared history.
