I think I can add a little to the debate re the use of the words selected.
Kurfurst is correct in sayinig that I first posted this paper. What he hasn't done is show you all the papers in the stream which will at least give everyone the whole picture.
First some backgrouind. The conversion of FC to 100 Octane had started at the end of 1939 and was dependent on the supply of 100 octane being available at the fighter stations. However the process was that the current fuel 87 octane would be used up and replaced with 100 octane. As a result the stations and squadrons actual conversion would differ.
By February from combat records, station records we know that about 18 squadrons had converted.
At the 5th Meeting of the Oil Committee held on 24th February in item 9 of the summary of conclusions, the ACAS (Assistant to the Chief of the Air Staff) requested that Fighters and Blenheims should use 100 Octane fuel. Paper attached. Note there is no limitation or selection involved. It also recognised that this would involve the active transfer of fuel
At the 6th Meeting held on the 6th April 1940 the magic word Certain is used. (Do I wish they had used something else, you bet.). This comes up in the actions from the 5th Meeting prepared for the 6th meeting. Paper attached.
However in the Summary for the minutes of the 6th meeting it clearly states 'That the policy will be that in the very near future all aircraft in operational units will be running on 100 Octane Fuel but that there is no intention to turn this fuel over to training units.. Paper attached.
In the 7th Meeting of the Oil Committee held on 18th May in the Summary of Conclusions is states Satisfaction was expressed that the fact that the units concerned had now been stocked with the necessary 100 Octane Fuel paper attached.
It is my belief that when they say concerned they are referring to the operational units that had not in February already been converted to 100 octane and excluded the training units.
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