Browse Items (1086 total)

  • Tags: ground crew

PSearleROJ1709.jpg
Rex Searle joined the RAF in 1938 as an air frame fitter. He was based at RAF Hendon and then at RAF Biggin Hill with 601 Squadron before the squadron was split and he moved with them to France. He was evacuated back to the UK via Boulogne as the…

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PSearleROJ1709.jpg
While Rex Searle was an air frame fitter with 601 Squadron he was evacuated from France at the start of the war. He returned home for a short leave but, not wanting to wake the family, waited patiently from 4 a.m. until 6 a.m. when his mum started…

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AStapleyVA160802.mp3
Victor Stapley was born in Ilford in Essex, where he was fond of playing cricket. He left school at 15 and worked at a tobacco company. He then became a shipping manager, a job which involved shipping spaces whilst not having any telephones in his…

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ATownsleyH180314.mp3
Henry Townsley was born near Workington, left school aged 14 and started work as an apprentice vehicle fitter. After a spell as a junior engineer in the Merchant Navy, in April 1940 he volunteered for the RAF, rather than the Navy as he suffered from…

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AWilliamsVD170403.mp3
Vivian joined the Royal Air Force in July 1938 as a flight mechanic and served for seven and a half years. After square drills at RAF Uxbridge and a course at RAF Manston, he did a basic engineering course at RAF Henlow. After six months at RAF St…

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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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MHicksDK[Ser#-DoB]-151001-05.jpg
Personal details with dates, awards, promotions and conduct.

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AHardingV150520.mp3
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…

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MHalesARSA348737-200228-010001.jpg
A movement order detailing the transfer of 214 Squadron from Feltwell to Stradishall.
Personnel involved are listed in four Appendices.

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BReattigDWRaettigDWv10001.jpg
Wartime memoir covering Dennis Raettig's training at Blackpool and his posting to 104 Squadron at RAF Driffield in August 1941. He describes his work on Wellington aircraft and recalls his time at RAF Driffield including deployment to RAF Pocklington…

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AWallerT151027.mp3
Thomas Waller volunteered for the Royal Air Force and hoped to be a driver. However, he undertook training as an armourer and was based, initially, at the Special Operations Executive 138 Squadron. He was posted to RAF Stradishall, RAF Wyton and RAF…

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ACattyMA180822.mp3
Martin Catty grew up in London and was evacuated, with his school, to Westward Ho! at the beginning of the war. He completed a short training course at Cambridge University in 1942 and joined the Royal Air Force. After training, he flew 40…

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PStockerEE1601.jpg
Ted joined the Royal Air Force in January 1938 as an apprentice at RAF Halton, which was accelerated because of the war, and he was posted to RAF Boscombe Down. Although he wanted to be a pilot, Ted’s skills were needed as a flight engineer. He was…

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PBarnesR1701.jpg
Robert Barnes was working in a reserved occupation and knew the only way he could join the RAF was to volunteer for aircrew. Before he volunteered he was also a member of the ARP and Home Guard. Robert trained as a flight engineer and was posted to…

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ABeasleyDG180326.mp3
At the start of the war, Doug Beasley left school at 16 to start work. Initially a member of the Air Training Corps, he was sent for aircrew selection when he became 18. There was a 12-month wait to enlist as a pilot, so he opted to become a flight…

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MEvansD2-1593692-211115-09.jpg
This item is available only at the International Bomber Command Centre / University of Lincoln.

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AGoldstrawBJ160827.mp3
Basil Goldstraw was classed as medically unfit for aircrew and, following training as a fitter, he was posted to 75 Squadron at RAF Mepal. He discusses aspects of his work as a fitter, being bombed, and life on and off the station. He was posted to…

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ABoutcherFL180318.mp3
Frank Boutcher worked as a junior clerk for Southend Borough Council before the war. He wanted to join the Royal Navy but they only required able seamen on a long commission, so he joined the RAF instead, to train as an engine fitter. After…

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ALonghurstWJ180407.mp3
William Longhurst served as an engine mechanic throughout the Second World War. He was a member of the Hackney Wick Air Defence Cadet Corps before volunteering to enlist in the RAF after his 17th birthday. Following basic training at RAF Skegness,…

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BMooreDMooreDv1.pdf
Dennis Moore's autobiography, compiled and edited by his son, Terry Moore.

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MTerryD938465-170619-06.pdf
A note explaining the return of a Temporary Meal Permit Pass.

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BGrayDAGrayDAv10001.jpg
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.

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BBriggsDWBriggDWv1.pdf
Don recalls his wartime service from 1939 to 1945, having joined as an apprentice at RAF Halton in September 1939. He was first posted to RAF Wittering as fitter engineer working on Wellington, Hampden and Manchester aircraft, followed by a tour at…

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BFraserDKFraserDKv1.pdf
Memoir describing his life and service career in the RAF, listing 29 operations in which he participated, along with notes on specific operations, and recounting a brief history of the Lancaster.

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