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My War Story
A memoir written by Dick Curnock, covering his wartime service and his service for the RAF after the war. It talks of his brother Sam and his accident as a pilot. Dick started his training at Lords in London, RAF Bridlington then RAF Bridgnorth and…
WO Donald Keith Fraser
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.
Isn't it about time we touched down?
Drawing with a view along runway. In the distance a bomber just above runway with two voice bubbles. 'Isn't it about time we touched down?' and 'Air speed 130 any minute'. Service and emergency vehicles in the foreground are chasing after the…
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…
Lorries in front of building and man watching Hurricane
Top - view of two story building with lorries parked in front including two bowsers. Captioned 'Top: No 213 Squadron's transports lined up prior to departure for foreign service 3rd March 1940. The line up includes two fuel bowsers and servicing…
Letter from George Judd to Mr Bint
Acknowledges receipt of his letter with new address. Says he sometimes feels homesick for Canada as they made him feel at home when he was with them. Mentions he would like to tell them what he was doing but the censor would not like it. Comments on…
Interview with Don Watson
Donald Watson joined the Royal Air Force in 1941, having previously worked in the print industry. After training he served as an armourer with 61 Squadron at RAF Skellingthorpe.
He wishes that the ground crew, without whom the aircrew could not…
He wishes that the ground crew, without whom the aircrew could not…
Marion Clarke Interview
Marion Clarke served as an mechanical transport driver during the Second World War, her main duties were on Bomber Command stations, primarily driving crew buses. She talks about the conditions she experienced, such as her accommodation, uniform,…
Save me an Egg (William Fisher Martin)
An operation undertaken to attack Wesseling, near Cologne. The aircraft suffered engine and fuel line damage and ditched in the North Sea. The crew survived the ditching and were rescued by a launch.
Tales of 463 Squadron RAAF
The document begins with a foreword by Geoffrey Raebel to his son, Shaun. There then follows an introduction to Bob Raebel's early life and his joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 in a ground trade. He left Australia in 1941 as a member of…
Interview with Harold Beech. One
Harold Beech was born in Middle Rasen, Lincolnshire. He was six when war was declared and saw the construction of many airfields near his home. As a schoolboy, he also watched aircraft being transported on the back of Queen Marys. The family housed a…
Eight thousand pound bomb
Five airmen and ground crew manoeuvring an eight thousand pound bomb on a bomb trolley. The letters 'EXP/MD are painted on the end of the bomb and 'RA2/1636B' on the side. A description is typed on the back of the image.
Hamilcar gliders and Halifax tow aircraft
A row of Hamilcar gliders, chocks in and tow lines attached with five airmen alongside. Opposite is a row of Halifax aircraft. Reverse is printed, 'A.M. Crown copyright reserved'.
Identification card for mechanical transport driver
Made out by war office for driver Smith G A, includes basic physical features. Valid from 14 December 1943 to 13 December 1944.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his night flying duties and a taxiing accident.
Interview with Vera Willis
Vera Willis volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force because she wanted to be a driver. Her driving career in the RAF involved driving driving aircrew to dispersal.This content is available as embedded video:
Interview with Alma Leedham
Alma Leedham grew up in London and worked for Hawker aircraft on the Hurricane at the start of the war. She later trained as a driver in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and served at RAF Scampton driving tractors taking bombs to the aircraft. Alma…
Interview with Vera Willis
Vera Willis nee Tomlinson volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force because she wanted to be a driver. Her driving career in the RAF involved driving long distances as well as driving aircrew to dispersal. Some crew gave her letters for…
Interview with Ralph Alfrado Ottey. One
Ralph Ottey was born in Jamaica in 1924. Raised by his grandparents, he describes his education and the family hopes that he would become a teacher. He left school at 16 and a half but was too young to attend teaching college so worked for his uncle…
War Service Career
A letter to Bethany School from an old boy, Henry, describing his time as a pupil, participation in the scout movement and service in the Royal Air Force including training, diagnosis of colour blindness and becoming a flight mechanic. He describes…
Stirling paintings
Painting 1 is an air-to-air view of two Stirlings flying in formation.
Painting 2 is a Stirling on the ground with two aircraft flying overhead.
Painting 2 is a Stirling on the ground with two aircraft flying overhead.
Interview with Cecil Harry Chandler
Cecil ‘Chick’ Chandler trained as a flight engineer and was posted to 622 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall. On his first flight the undercarriage failed. He was horrified to find that it was different to the model he had been trained on and he had to have…
Jill Nicholl's MT course notebook
Includes don'ts for MT drivers, technical terms, notes on vehicle chassis and drive shafts, brakes, bearings, care and maintenance, inspections, controls and engines. Goes on with using maps and routes. Continues with lubricating systems, accident…
Memories of RAF Elvington
Posted to motor transport section of 77 Squadron at RAF Elvington in November 1942. Writes of duties, location and social activities. Mentions commanders and feeling part of the squadron. Posted to RAF Sandtoft in 1944. Gives dates of service June…
Interview with Eric Peel
Eric Peel worked in the Cotton Exchange in Liverpool before he volunteered for the RAF. He trained as an armourer and was, initially, posted to 56 Squadron at RAF Sutton Bridge where he worked on Hurricanes. He was then posted to 103 Squadron at…