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Bits and Pieces from a Long Career
Covers the period from joining as a Halton Apprentice in September 1932 for training as an Aircraft Fitter. Through the completion of his training and posting to 16 squadron, before being transferred to Egypt in 1937 and on to Iraq with No 4 Flying…
Before I was in the RAF by Reg Payne
An account by Reg Payne of his wartime experiences. Too young to sign up at the start of the war he spent two years in the Home Guard. Training started at age 18 and lasted for two years. He served at RAF Skellingthorpe and his brother served at RAF…
Aviation Memory
A detailed account of Reg Payne's service in the RAF. He starts with a list of 18 RAF bases where he served in his 5 years of service. He was 16 when war was declared but volunteered for the RAF at 17. After tests he was selected for training as a…
Arthur Woolf’s flying log book for navigator’s, air bomber’s and air gunner’s
Flying Officer Arthur Woolf’s RAF Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book, from 22nd June 1943 to 24th July 1944, detailing his training and operations as a wireless operator. He was stationed at RAF Yatesbury (No.2 Radio…
Arthur Woolf record of service
Details non-commissioned service. appointments and promotions and postings with dates for all.
Anne Doward nee Tansley
Biography of Ernest Tansley's daughter Anne. Writes of background and family. Gives service history of her father including joining, training in England and the United States and eventual posting to 57 Squadron at RAF Scampton. Writes of her memories…
An Airmans Tale
Geoff Payne's autobiography divided into five chapters.
Chapter 1. Under Training.
Having been assessed in Birmingham Geoff sets off to London in August 1942 for training, at Lords. Initial training was at Bridlington then gunnery school at…
Chapter 1. Under Training.
Having been assessed in Birmingham Geoff sets off to London in August 1942 for training, at Lords. Initial training was at Bridlington then gunnery school at…
Alma Leedham's memoir
Tells of early life in London, joining the Woman's Auxiliary Air Force in 1941 and training as a driver. Relates experiences at RAF Scampton and then with 57 Squadron as a tractor driver pulling bomb trolleys. Subsequently went to East Kirkby.…
Alan Payne’s South African Air Force observers or air gunners log book
South African Air Force observers or air gunners log book for Alan John Payne, navigator, covering the period from 7 November 1942 to 8 August 1946. Detailing his flying training, operations flown, instructor duties and post war squadron duties. He…
A Woolley’s navigator’s, air bomber’s and air gunner’s flying log book
Navigator’s, air bomber’s and air gunner’s flying log book for A Woolley, flight engineer. Covering the period from 6 July 1943 to 25 June 1945. Detailing his flying training, operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at 1654…
57 Squadron photograph
A large group of aircrew sitting and standing in four rows in front of a Lancaster. Seven men are are annotated 'x'. On the reverse '57 Squadron (No 55 Base), 5 Group, RAF Bomber Command, April 1944, East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, * members of my crew'.
'A Day at East Kirkby'
Poem by Bill Cooke prior to a visit to East Kirkby - contrasting the stress of operational flying on Lancasters to the forthcoming aircraft taxi ride.