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'Our Legacy' - a tribute to Geoff by one of his daughters
A heartfelt poem on the legacy left by Geoff Shattock by his younger daughter following his death in 2002.
450628 Letter from Mrs Payne, mother of Flight Sergeant Malcolm Payne, to Doris Weeks
Relates arriving home to find that a package had been delivered by A Edwards RAAF. Says that Edwards had seen her husband and been invited to come for weekend. Thanks Doris for items in package which caused tears, Discusses some photographs and…
A bomber pilot’s journey through WWII
Biography of Squadron Leader David James Baikie Wilson, DSO, DFC and Bar (1917 - 1947). He flew operations as a pilot with 214, 196 and 617 Squadrons before becoming Head of Aerodynamic Development and Testing, and Test-Pilot at A V Roe & Co Ltd.…
A miraculous escape from certain death in WWII.
An account of operation as Pathfinder against German naval and submarine base at Kiel when his aircraft was shot down by a night-fighter, causing the aircraft to break in two. He and three other survivors were taken prisoners of war and sent to…
A W/OP's Lament
A poem about a wireless operator lying, dying. His body is full of aircraft parts. There is also a 'Chad' sketch and reference to Gremlins.
An airman to his mother
Letter found amongst the personal belongings of a Royal Air Force pilot recently reported missing believed killed, to be sent to his mother if he were killed. Letter talks about the importance of his role, admiration for his mother, sacrifice for…
An airman to his mother
Reprinted from The Times 18 June 1940.
The fight with evil and my earthly mission fulfilled. Letter found amongst the personal belongings of a Royal Air Force pilot recently reported missing believed killed, to be sent to his mother if he were…
The fight with evil and my earthly mission fulfilled. Letter found amongst the personal belongings of a Royal Air Force pilot recently reported missing believed killed, to be sent to his mother if he were…
Death is Nothing at all
A poem about remembrance after death.
Five year diary
Entries made by Harry during the period 24 March 1941 to 9 July 1944 and additional entries by Harry's wife Dot after he was killed. Describes training in Canada, part of a convoy to England, further training, postings, promotions and operations. He…
Flight Engineer's Lament
A verse about the crashing of a Stirling and loss of a crew member.
For the Heroes
A tribute to the men who flew but did not return home.
Forever
A poem for parents on the loss of a young man, and the longing to find his final resting place.
Frederick Caunter-Jackson Obituary
Transcript from news cutting, Kings Lynn paper 1941. Reports that Pilot Officer Frederick Arthur Caunter-Jackson lost his life as a result of air operations on night 11/12 June 1941. Other names of his crew were listed and it is assumed his was the…
Imagination
Poem about the effect of losing a friend.
Interview with Bill Lucas. One
W E (Bill) Lucas joined the Royal Air Force in 1940, where he trained as a fighter pilot flying Miles Magisters and Miles Masters, before being posted to RAF Lossiemouth and moving into Bomber Command where he flew the Vickers Wellington 1C. He flew…
Interview with Carla Baietti
Carla Baietti recalls her life as a young labourer in Olgiate Comasco. She tells of the hardships her family suffered during the war: fascist indoctrination; food shortage; her uncle's desertion and her brother's death, while serving in Russia. Carla…
Interview with Desmond Hawkins
Desmond Hawkins volunteered for the Royal Air Force and became a navigator. After training on Wellingtons and Manchesters, he flew Lancasters for 44 Squadron and completed a tour of operations. He was commissioned as flight lieutenant and, after the…
Interview with Jim Penny. One
Jim Penny joined the Air Force in July 1940, aged 18. He recalls his training prior to becoming a Bomber Command Pathfinder pilot for 97 Squadron at RAF Bourn. He explains the crewing up process and details those who were in his crew. He gives…
Interview with John Whitworth
John Leslie Whitworth was born in Sutton Coldfield. He signed up for the Royal Air Force in 1940, finally being called up for service in 1941, before starting his training at the Initial Training Wing in Torquay, followed by more training at RAF…
Interview with Margaret Horry
Margaret Horry was born in Spalding. She remembers aircraft taking off to take part in operations, and retells wartime stories of her relatives. Her husband, Arthur, served in Bomber Command as a bomb aimer and his brother, Frank, was also in Bomber…
Interview with Mary Ward. Two
Mary Ward joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in 1940. She served, briefly, at RAF Driffield but mostly at RAF Linton on Ouse. She trained as a cook before being moved to duties as a map officer, where she prepared maps for briefings and…
Interview with Penny Turner
Penny Turner’s father, Flight Sergeant Albin John Turner, pilot of a Wellington bomber, was killed in action during the first bombing operation on the 4th of September 1939. Years later, when she was five years old, her mother told her that her…