Browse Items (95 total)

  • Tags: RAF Bardney

PWatsonC1704.jpg
Clifford Watson, initially, wanted to join the navy because of a high demand in pilots. After being rejected, he joined the RAF and was sent to Rhodesia for pilot training, but then re-mustered to become an air gunner. He flew 76 operations in total.…

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Sam Thompson grew up in Northern Ireland and volunteered for the Air Force. After training he completed two tours as an air gunner with 103 and 9 Squadrons. He took part in operations against the Tirpitz and served in Germany after the war. He was on…

YStavesME203137v1.pdf
Copy of a day by day diary kept by Malcolm Staves from 26th April 1943 to 6th January 1945. Covers training, lectures, gardening and cleaning tasks. Also covers his social life and home leave.

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Don MacIntosh was working as a policeman until he volunteered for the RAF. This was a Reserved Occupation and volunteering for aircrew was the only option available to him. He was posted to 9 Squadron at RAF Bardney and took part of the raid on the…

ALinakerJ150924.mp3
Jack Linaker was working in a reserved occupation as a steelworker before volunteering to join the RAF. He was originally told he would be trained as a flight engineer but, frustrated by delays, he began training as a rear gunner. He joined 9…

AHarrisIR-SW180324.mp3
Pat Harris’ brother John ‘Jack’ Harris joined the RAF straight from school as an apprentice. During the war he volunteered for aircrew and trained as a navigator. He was reported missing when Pat was serving in the Wrens. His death was finally…

ACrozierH180216.mp3
Hilary’s uncle, William Frederick Burkitt (known as John), was born in North London. He joined up in October 1943 and after training as a flight engineer, was sent to RAF Bardney. During their first operation they were badly hit and the rear…

EPayneMHWeeksD440711-0002.jpg
Thanks for letter and comb. No operations last night . No replies on accommodation for trip up north. Continues with love talk.

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Starts by mentioning he has many letters to write. Has had reply from Ambleside that no rooms available. Hoping for other replies soon. Commiserates over accident. No other news.

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Writes that he got back from Lincoln OK but was disappointed not to see her. Mentions they are standby crew but operations were scrubbed.

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Writes of frustrating day with flying on and off. Mentions going to the pictures and writing letters concerning upcoming trip to the Lakes.

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Thanks her for her letters. Today's operations were eventually scrubbed. States they are reserve crew tonight. Catches up on family news.

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Starts by complaining about weather. Writes about possible places to stay during trip with her and states the one he would prefer and plans for his upcoming leave, including talking to her mother. Mentions that he is going to the adjutant to fill in…

EPayneMHWeeksD440626-0002.jpg
Writes with frustration over on/off operations and that on a very long operation the night before last was a murder trip when they lost 22 pals. Writes that he is not getting tired of her and he will see her a soon as he can.

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Writes he is sorry he cannot see her tonight as he is very tired. Mentions the trip last night was fairly quiet but they had been engaged by friendly anti-aircraft artillery on return. Says today is stand down.

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Writes that he has been unable to write or phone as has been due to fly but it had been scrubbed. Says that he went on operation to Poitiers where they lost two engines and his turret was damaged. Writes they are off on tenth operation that night.

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Starts by encouraging her not to worry. Complains about the weather. Mentions he went to camp cinema and that their errant colleague had returned at last but having missed an operation was likely for court martial.

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Writes about a colleague who has not returned to camp and crew removed from operation as result. Could lead to court martial. Reports arrival of 600 cigarettes and that they still do not have their own aircraft. Finished with love talk.

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Short letter as pushed for time since started ops. Mentions going to Duisburg. Continues with banter about mates. Has one more op to do before possible seven days leave. Mentions argument they have had. Says time to ring if she wants to.

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Says he received three letters from her and tells her about flying last night and that he is flying again today. Concludes with mention of abortive phone call and endearments.

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Writes this will be short letter as they are flying and he is not now grounded. Mentions flying cancelled last night and continues with general banter. Mentions going to church and that she can ring him in the mess at specific times. Glad that…
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