Letter from John Slater recording his wartime experiences, post war thoughts.

Letter from John Slater recording his wartime experiences, post war thoughts.

Joined the RAF in February 1939 and was eventually selected for training as an air gunner. Writes of training and crewing up at OTU where he flew some operational leaflet and mining operations on Whitleys. Follows a time on Coastal Command and eventually posted to 102 Squadron flying Halifaxes. Flew operations against German targets including Essen. Covers attacks on Hamburg during the second of which his aircraft was shot down by night fighter. Gives account of this operation, parachuting, capture, interrogation, journey through Hamburg and time at prisoner of war camp (Stalag Luft 3). Mentions great escape. Comments on American aircrew prisoners. Eventually liberated by Russians. Continues with post-war experiences and comments on Germany, treatment of prisoners of war, including story of navigator Peter Thorne who escaped several times. Relates story of his repatriation. Follows several photographs of prisoner of war camps and his ID card. Ends with information on the Stalag Luft 3 war crimes trial.

2006-04-15

Eleven page printed document

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ESlaterWJ[Recipient]R20060415