Browse Items (190 total)

  • Spatial Coverage is exactly "England--Somerset"

EOCRAFWytonMackieRF430322.jpg
Deals with issues concerning Norman Mackie's car which he had left at a garage in Cambridge.

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EOC83SqnRAFMackieRF430325.jpg
Informs him that all personal effects found on the station when a person is reported missing are forwarded to the RAF central depository. They would eventually be disposed according to the owner's wishes.

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BRhodesG-KPayneAv1.pdf
A description of their time during the war, provided by their daughter. Her father joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in September 1940. He was captured by the Japanese in Singapore, 1942. He was released on 12 September 1945 and…

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BMayBJMayBJv10001.jpg
Ben May's life and service as a flight engineer on 420 Squadron flying Halifax from January 1945. He describes life before volunteering for aircrew and being called up for the RAF in February 1944. He provides a short description of training and…

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PHarrisonEW1903.jpg
Eric William Harrison joined the RAF in 1943 and trained as a flight engineer at RAF Locking, RAF St Athan, and RAF Chedburgh. He flew Stirlings and recollects that they were a terrifying aircraft compared to Lancasters. Harrison formed a crew at the…

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PCoxJJ18010003.jpg
A cartoon, published in a Bristol evening newspaper, depicting caricatures of the Knowle Cricket Club. Jack Cox is the wicket keeper.

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ACulkinJ170913.mp3
Jean Culkin grew up in Sunderland and worked as a tea girl and then a typist in a reserved occupation. She discusses her life and her wedding to her husband, John George Mackel Culkin who was an apprentice at RAF Halton before becoming a fitter…

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AMatthewsEH151013.mp3
Ted developed an interest in flying after experiencing Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus, and volunteered for aircrew. He went to the Air Crew Reception Centre at St John’s Wood, followed by RAF Newquay on the Initial Training Wing. Ted proceeded to RAF…

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ATylerEA171208.mp3
Elizabeth Anne Tyler talks about her family’s farmland, its history and when it was purchased by the Air Force for the construction of RAF North Luffenham. She mentions various episodes of wartime life around Edith Weston, as reported by family…

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AYeandleBA181229.mp3
After leaving school, Bertram Yeandle joined the RAF apprentice scheme and trained as an engine fitter at RAF Halton. After completing his apprenticeship at RAF Cosford, he was posted to 148 Squadron, RAF Harwell, where he serviced Wellingtons. In…

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SHarriganD[Ser#-DoB]v090002.mp3
Leading Aircraftsman Richard Moore joined up aged 18 and completed his basic training in Lincolnshire. He served as ground crew at RAF Locking, RAF Squires Gate and RAF Wickenby, working on several types of aircraft. He was able to take the controls…

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SWatsonC188489v1-1.pdf
A memoir written by Cliff Watson (divided into 20 chapters.) It covers his life events, from birth to his career in the RAF and beyond. It provides details of his family life in Yorkshire, before relocating to London. Having joined the RAF, he…

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PFirthJB1607.jpg
Head and shoulders portrait of John Firth in tunic and side cap. On the reverse 'AC1 Locking, 1943'.

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SBakerDA19210428v20014-0001.jpg
Writes that he received her latest letter. Mentions he had had some leave and managed to get to see relatives in Somerset. Provides a full description of journey and his activities while there and catches up with family news. Concludes by saying he…

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SBakerDA19210428v20030-0001.jpg
Writes on leave in Somerset. Finished course at Brough and had one and a half weeks leave before next course starts. Describes journey and activities. Mentions bombing of Bristol previous night and mentions plans for the day. Hope to hear from her…

SBakerDA19210428v20037-0001.jpg
Writes that he is now at new station (Upper Heyford) and recounts recent activities. Says he now a pilot officer and describes recent leave in London and Somerset as well as catching up with family news. Goes on to describe leave in Scotland and…

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SBakerDA19210428v20102-0001.jpg
Writes that he is well and that he had received no letters as yet. Writes that they had a merry Christmas as were allowed some beer. Mentions entertainment and seeing new year in. Says contact Red Cross or post office for most suitable writing paper.

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SBakerDA19210428v20172-0001.jpg
Writes that he would be leaving for Rhodesia in a couple of weeks and have option of sea or air. Mentions visiting relatives in Somerset and catches up with family news and tells of activities. Also mentions a visit to Torquay to see friends. Says…

SClydeSmithD39856v10011.pdf
Starts with joining on short service commission and covers, in great detail, his pilot training activities, including a crash landing during a cross country. After receiving his wings award, he moves to trials work, target towing and aircraft…

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EWilsonDELMackieRF430313.jpg
Explains that his son who had been reported missing was on an important mission against the enemy. He commented that large numbers of missing airman had safely baled out.

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PMayD24070003.jpg
A fireman stands next to a chimney with a ladder leaning against a thatched roof in Winsham, Somerset. Two further firemen stand on top of a fire engine alongside the house. Reverse annotated, ‘ Firemen on Mrs May’s roof.

BNashDCMNashDCMv1.pdf
Born in 1916, Dan spent his early childhood in Kent with his grandmother before moving back to his parents in Fulham. He left school aged 16 to undertake a job with the Hudson's Bay Fur Company, where he met Joyce, his future wife. At the outbreak of…

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AFerdinandoP151005.mp3
Pauline Fernando, widow of Harold William Fernando, reminisces about her late husband. His father was posted in Germany after the First world War, where he met his wife. During the war he was stationed at RAF Binbrook, RAF Bath and other stations,…

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BHorshamESHorshamESv2.pdf
Recollection of Eric Horsham from his early years in Plumstead, training at Lords, RAF Torquay, RAF St Athans, RAF Marston Moor then 102 Squadron at RAF Pocklington. Included is a photograph of the damage sustained to the Halifax's wing. He details…

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SBeckettG622136v10013-0001.jpg
Reflects on letter received from father. Relates details of journey to Bristol and sporting activities on arrival. Mentions going to church. Writes of mail received from granny asking what kind of cake he would like. Continues with other family…

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