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Interview with Sidney Borthwick
Sidney enlisted on 4th January 1944 at the Air Crew Reception Centre, Lord’s Cricket Ground. He was accepted, despite having a tumour on his left arm. Sidney was a rear gunner on Lancasters. After training at Blackpool, he served at RAF Bottesford,…
Interview with Eric William Harrison
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…
Interview with Sidney Bunce
Sid was working at a garage and a member of the local Air Training Corps when he volunteered for the Royal Air Force. At 18, he was kitted out at Padgate and trained as a flight mechanic on engines at Blackpool. Sid describes his 18-week training…
Interview with Alexander Charles Gilbert
Alexander Gilbert, DFC, joined the Royal Air Force in November 1940, and started service on the 7 April 1941. He had a long and varied career in the RAF, rising to the rank of squadron leader. On call up, he was trained as a flight engineer, air…
Interview with Margaret Helen Day
As her father was in the Royal Navy, Margaret attended school in Gibraltar, Portsmouth, and (after her mother’s death) Malta, before returning to Gosport in the UK when she was eleven. In 1939, she was fifteen and working for a company making soft…
Interview with Victor Harding
Victor volunteered to join the RAF aged 18. His first posting was to RAF Cottesmore where he trained to be a flight mechanic, air frames and worked on Antons and Oxfords. On completing his training, he moved to Bomber Command where he maintained…
Service documents
Permission for David to be absent from quarters and notes reading 'Douglas. 350' and 'Sgt. Tracy C. 68 Sandgate Blackpool'.
Interview with Jack Cook
Jack Cook was born in Mexborough, left school aged 14 and went to work at a Gentlemen’s Outfitters. Aged 16 he worked on the footplate for LNER and at the age of 18 volunteered for aircrew and trained as a wireless operator/air gunner; he joined 100…
Septimus Robinson service history
A brief history of Septimus Robinson's RAF career.
The Diary of a Flight Engineer in the Second World War (Don Gray)
Don's autobiography begins with him leaving school and starting a correspondence course in aeronautical engineering. Although he wanted to be a pilot, the RAF persuaded him that a flight engineer doubled as a second pilot.
The memories of LAC Fred Perkins
Fred's memoirs cover joining the RAF, training as an engineer and first posting to RAF Christchurch, which undertook radar research. He writes of life and flying as observer in Fairey Battle on radar measurement flights, before his unit moved to RAF…
Amendments to release leave
Following a clerical error James' final date of release is set back two days.
Michaels Woods' Service and Release Book
Service and Release Book (RAF Form 2520) issued to Leading Aircraftman Michael Woods (1875269) covering his service from 2 April 1943 to 13 March 1947.
John Derek Bailey’s Royal Canadian Air Force flying log book for aircrew other than pilot
Flying log book for aircrew other than pilot for John Derek Bailey, bomb aimer, covering the period from 6 July 1943 to 5 September 1945, detailing his flying training, operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at RAF Regents Park, RAF…
Leading Aircraftswoman Margaret Logan's Service and Release Book
Records Margaret Logan's service as between 25 May 1944 and 10 October 1947.
She is described by her commanding officer as:
'A very good conscientious airwoman. Has carried out her duties in a very capable manner. Keen, willing and uses…
She is described by her commanding officer as:
'A very good conscientious airwoman. Has carried out her duties in a very capable manner. Keen, willing and uses…
Peter Webb's Service and Release Book
Issued to Peter Webb covering his service from November 1943 to March 1947.
Raymond Barretts RAF form 2520A
1863228 LAC Barrett, R. Service and Release Book from RAF Kirkham. Serving in RAFVR from 11 November 1942 until 31 January 1947, as a Flight Mechanic Engines. Contains very brief details of his service.
Bill Garbett's F2520A Service and Release Book
Service Book was completed at the No 101 Personnel Dispersal Centre R.A.F. Kirkham. Bill joined the R.A.F. on 20 September 1943 and was discharged on the 8 August 1947 as a Flight Sergeant Navigator. He undertook his flying training in Canada between…
Robert Orton’s flying log book for navigator’s, air bomber’s, air gunners, flight engineers
Flying log book for navigator’s, air bomber’s, air gunners, flight engineers for R Orton, air gunner, covering the period from 27 May 1944 to 7 October 1945. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Stormey Down,…
Clifford Dayman's service and release book
Contains personnel details and notes service between 19 July 1943 and 4 June 1947.
War gratuity and credit
Issued to Sergeant David Hughes amounting to £45 17s 16d.
David Hughes' service and release book
Sergeant (AC) David James Hughes' service and release book from 7 February 1944 to 28 May 1947 including personal details.
Interview with John Derek "Bill" Bailey. One
Derek was in the Air Training Corps before enlisting at 18. He was given deferred service, eventually reporting to the Air Crew Reception Centre at Lord’s Cricket Ground. He proceeded to Ludlow and an Initial Training Wing at Paignton. Derek was…
General Memories
Herbert's service life in an autobiography. It includes training in London, RAF Bridlington, RAF Morpeth and RAF Wymeswold. Later training as a crew was at RAF Castle Donington, RAF Lindholme and RAF Hemswell and provides detailed descriptions of his…