Confirms that her husband was missing believed interned in occupied France. Mentioned that his aircraft was believed to have force landed owing to engine failure.
Head and shoulders portrait of an RAF officer wearing tunic with wireless operator brevet, medal ribbons including DFC, pathfinder badge, and peaked cap.
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.
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…
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)'.
An airman wearing flying suit, parachute harness and flying helmet inside the fuselage of an aircraft. On the reverse 'Sgt Goldingay ("Goldy")(Observer).'
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…
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"'.
Describes in detail his first operation. Mentions plenty of anti-aircraft fire, making three runs over target and having his oxygen disconnected while winding in trailing aerial. Goes on to mention that he had been briefed for second operation and…
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…
H W Batley’s Flying Log Book covering the period from 06 August 1940 to 20 February 1945 detailing his flying training and operations flown as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. The log book includes a long account of how he evaded after being shot down…