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Ready to fly
Full length portrait of Thomas McMahon standing outside the wooden door of concrete block building. He is wearing sheepskin flying jacket and boots and is holding his flying helmet. On reverse, ‘Thomas McMahon' and 'To mum and pop, with lots of…
John Law, a sailor, and a woman
John, in sergeant's uniform, a naval rating and a woman. They are standing at the entrance to a house.
Memoirs of an Air Gunner
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'Ron Bedford volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was told he had the aptitude to be a pilot, but remustered as an air gunner to avoid waiting for call up. He reads the "Message of Welcome" letter he received in July 1942 from the Secretary of…
Photos
Labelled 'Photos' and 'Tom' an envelope containing images of Tom and his service life.
Photomontage
Montage showing various members of Bratley family with caption 'Happy Christmas 2000'. Includes photograph of Harold in uniform at the bottom.
Letter to Mrs Bratley
Informs her of news that Vichy government had made a statement that a twin engine landed in France the last Saturday and the crew who had set fire to their aircraft had been interned.
Man between two woman
A man wearing jacket and check jumper sitting on a bench between two women. Houses and buildings in the background.
Telegram to Mrs Bratley
Informs her that her husband was now safe.
Grainthorpe bride for Mablethorpe
Newspaper cutting with b/w photograph of wedding party for marriage of Harold Bratley to Miss Sally Borman.
Man climbing into rear cockpit
A man wearing white flying suit and helmet climbing into the rear cockpit of an aircraft. A man with glasses already sitting in front cockpit.
Harold Bratley
Head and shoulders portrait of an RAF officer wearing tunic with wireless operator brevet, medal ribbons including DFC, pathfinder badge, and peaked cap.
Path Finder badge award
Certifies that H W Bratley qualified for Path Finder force badge. Signed by Donald Bennett AOC Pathfinders.
Harold Bratley school report
School report from Louth Wesleyan Methodist Chapel School for April 1918. List all subjects and marks. Notes he was top of his class.
Citation for Distinguished Flying Cross for acting Flight Lieutenant Harold William Bratley
On second tour of operations had completed 45 sorties, 24 as Pathfinder. Describes his qualities and recounts his escape from interment after forced landing during his first tour and making his way back home.
Newspaper cutting - D.F.C for old Ludensian
Announces that his parents from Louth had received news that their son Flight Lieutenant Harold William Bratley had been awarded the DFC. Gives details of former employment. Mentions that on his first tour he and crew came down in occupied enemy…
H W Bratley - personnel documents
List promotions to flight lieutenant and award of DFC. Award of Path Finder badge at 7 Squadron. Some pay details and postings.
Sergeant Blaydon
An airman wearing flying suit, helmet, harness and life preserver sitting in the entrance to cockpit inside an aircraft. On the reverse 'Sgt Blaydon ("BB"), 2cd W/Op)'.
Sergeant Goldingay
An airman wearing flying suit, parachute harness and flying helmet inside the fuselage of an aircraft. On the reverse 'Sgt Goldingay ("Goldy")(Observer).'
Description of operation
Relates experience of pilot trying to get control of their Wellington which had iced up. Writes of trying to get front gunner out of his turret and putting his torch inside his clothing as he would need it to signal for assistance. Once pilot got…
Reunion Dinner
German language menu for reunion dinner Luftwaffe, 7 Squadron held July 25th 1984. Held at Flufhafenrestaurant Bonn-Hangelar.
Harold Bratley service record
Gives personal details and list of postings. Notes at one stage missing believed intered.
Six aircrew
Six airmen wearing uniform (one with flying jacket) standing by the rear fuselage of a Wellington. On the reverse '1. P/O Moody (rear gunner), 2 ? (W/Op) 3. [.....] (observer), 4 Sgt [....], 5. Sgt Hudson, 6 "Stu"'.
Wir fahren nach Engelland! Oder: Der Drang nach Osten
The leaflet observes that Hitler has attacked Russia on 22nd June 1941 despite a non-aggression pact. It outlines the consequences of this action in terms of civilian and military deaths. This move belies various claims from Hitler about the war in…
Harrold Bratley - biography
Relates early life and employment before the war. Was RAF reserve and was called up at beginning of the war. Mentions training including operational training unit before joining 9 Squadron. Includes letter describing in some detail his first…
Sergeant Thomas McMahon
A half portrait of Thomas McMahon wearing uniform and his air gunner's brevet. On reverse 'Thomas McMahon' and 'Do you know this Boy'.