2
25
106
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/727/14898/EBrooksHSBrooksW[Date]-040004.jpg
7134c7ffd9ed8aa37e7b11a98f646df6
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/727/14898/EBrooksHSBrooksW[Date]-040005.jpg
35c3b384109518a89c34dd4efc46076a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Brooks, Harry
Brooks, C H S
Brooks, Charles Harry Sidney
Description
An account of the resource
Collection contains 18 items concerning Sergeant Harry Sidney Brooks (1915 - 1942, 1357673, Royal Air Force) who was killed in an aircraft accident 20 December 1942 while serving as a wireless operator with 9 Squadron at RAF Waddington. Collection consists of pages from logbook, letters and telegrams to his wife from Harry Brooks, Brooks' father, official sources and others of condolence as well as photographs of him and family. <br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Pamela Tickner and catalogued by Nigel Huckins. <br /><br />Additional information on Harry Sidney Brooks is available via the <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/102784/">IBCC Losses Database</a>.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-10-02
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Brooks, HS
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[RAF Crest]
[underlined] 3 [/underlined]
tell you otherwise.
I went down to Lincoln last night and saw James Stewart & Hedy Lamaar [sic] in “Come live with me” and enjoyed it very much.
If I am not busy tonight I hope to go and see “Gone with the wind” as I do so want to see it.
Together with the cheque I am enclosing £5 which I said in Saturdays letter I was enclosing but could not register so I did not
[page break]
[underlined] 4 [/underlined]
send it, and please darling buy yourself I [sic] nice coat won’t you. We will see what other things you want darling when I come home and then we can put the rest of the money away.
Well dearest I will close now with all my love and may God bless you both & keep you safe for me always.
I’ll write again tomorrow Sweetheart.
Harry.
[twelve kisses]
To my darling daughter, see you soon
Daddy [six kisses]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Harry Brooks to his wife
Description
An account of the resource
Incomplete letter telling his wife about going to see one film and hoping to go and see 'Gone with the Wind'. He goes on to say he is enclosing £5 cheque for her to buy a coat. Concludes both sending love to her and daughter.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
H Brooks
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
David Bloomfield
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Format
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Two page handwritten letter
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
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EBrooksHSBrooksWM[date]-04
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
entertainment
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1970/33708/MWakefieldHE174040-171016-08.2.pdf
4fbf4d7fea45c1cdb580d1bbd74da36a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wakefield, Harold Ernest
H E Wakefield
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-10-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Wakefield, HE
Description
An account of the resource
93 items. The collection concerns Harold Ernest Wakefield DFC (1923 - 1986, 1582185 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, training publications, decorations and badges, training notebooks, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, photographs and parachute D ring.
He flew operations as a flight engineer with 51 and 617 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Jeremy Wakefield and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Transcriber Alan Pinchbeck
Web address of item or file identifier(s) MWakefieldHE174040-171016-08
Date completed 21/01/2024 (SB 07/03/2024)
Notes to reviewer (if any)
IBCC Digital Archive – Transcriber Worksheet
Transcription:
F/O H.E. WAKEFIELD F/E No. 13 COURSE
1332 H.C.U.
13/7/45
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Notebook for use in Schools.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[3 sketches]
Decrease in speed gives increase in pressure } or vice versa.
Increase in speed gives decrease in pressure } or vice versa.
Lift is 20 times the drag } approx.
Lift & fuselage etc. is 10 times drag } approx.
Optimum Angle of Attack = That angle of attack which gives greatest lift with minimum drag.
Speed & Angle of Attack considered in efficient results.
[sketch]
[page break]
SINGLE ENG. LAND.
[sketch]
[underlined] Absolute Ceiling [/underlined] is the max. height obtainable in a standard atmosphere under specified conditions.
[underlined] Service Ceiling [/underlined] is the height at which the rate of climb has fallen to 100ft. per minute.
[page break]
B.T.H.U. British Thermal Unit
The power to raise 1lb of water 1° F.
1 gal. of petrol contains 14000 to 20000 B.T.H.U
1 B.T.H.U. = 778 ft. lbs.
100% Heat Generated.
[sketch]
Thermal Efficiency = Output/Input x 100/1
Indicated Th. Eff. = Heat converted into work in cyl./Heat input x 100/1
Brake Th. Eff. = Heat converted into work at crankshaft/Heat input x 100/1
Fuel H.P. = Consump (lbs. per min) x Cal. Val. x 778/33000
Find fuel h.p. of engine consuming 10lbs per min when Cal Val = 19000 BTHUs?
[deleted] 33000 [/deleted] Work energy required to [inserted] lift [/inserted] 1lb 1ft in 1 min - 33000ft. lbs. per min = 1 H.P.
[page break]
An engine develops 1200 H.P. at 22000 ft. If it consumes fuel at 10 lbs. per min. calculated its Thermal Efficiency.
(Cal. Val. of fuel = 19.800 B.T.H.U.)
H.P. for cylinder. = P.L.A.N./33000
P = M.E.P.
L = length for Stroke
A = Area of piston
N = no. of power strokes
R.P.M./2
B.H.P. = 2 [symbol] TN/33,000 T = torque N = no. of power strokes per min.
Frictional H.P. = 1. H.P. - B.H.P.
Mech. Eff = B.H.P./1.H.P. X 100/1
[calculations]
[page break]
[calculations]
Comp. Ratio = Swept Volume + Clearance Volume/Clearance Volume.
[underlined] Carburetters :- [sic] [/underlined] S.R Rich 9 : 1 } Condensation in induction system. Cold induction system, [indecipherable word] scavenging giving weakening of [indecipherable word] in cyl. Diffuser gives correct strength for cruising only.
Cruising. Weak 16 : 1 } Diffuser gives correct strength for cruising only.
Climb Rich 12 : 1 } Diffuser gives correct strength for cruising only.
T.O. Rich 10 : 1 } Diffuser gives correct strength for cruising only.
[underlined] Prevents Icing by :- [/underlined] { Coolant round jacket
[underlined] Prevents Icing by :- [/underlined] { Hot oil through butterfly
[underlined] Prevents Icing by :- [/underlined] { Fuel entry above butterfly
[underlined] Prevents Icing by :- [/underlined] { Hot air.
[underlined] Prevents Icing by :- [/underlined] { Small plates on air intake.
[underlined] Has to give [/underlined] :- { Correct mixture strength at all eng. conditions
[underlined] Has to give [/underlined] :- { Atomise the fuel
[underlined] Has to give [/underlined] :- { Fully Automatic
[underlined] Has to give [/underlined] :- { Overcome flat spot
[2 sketches]
[page break]
[sketch]
Altitude Control gives correct constant mixture strenght [sic] up to all altitudes.
Boost Control gives richer mixture for increased boost.
[underlined] Balance Duct [/underlined] [deleted] communicates [/deleted] gives constant pressure difference between choke & float chamber at all altitudes. S.U. is Variable Jet System.
[underlined] Boost Reversal [/underlined] Exhaust gases going out through inlet valves.
[underlined] Boost Bias [/underlined] prevents this by giving slight boost pressure to conteract [sic] high exhaust gas pressure.
[underlined] Supercharger :- [/underlined]
Increased power at sea - level
Maintain sea - level power up to a certain altitude
[underlined] Rated Boost [/underlined] is boost at which engine can be run under International Figures.
[underlined] Rated Altitude [/underlined] Highest alt to which R.B. can be maintained
[underlined] H.P. increases at Alt with supercharger [/underlined] due to better scavenging, (less back pressure) less back pressure in crankcase.
Cooler charge.
[page break]
[underlined] Propellers [/underlined]
[underlined] Pitch [/underlined] Is then distance the airscrew would move forward in one revolution assuming the air to be a solid body
[underlined] Slip [/underlined] = [symbol] of attack
Advance per Rev = Practical distance moved in one revolution.
[underlined] States of Compressability [sic] [/underlined] layers of air formed in front of blade
[underlined] Cavitation [/underlined] vacuum at rear of blade. (When blade is travelling at over 90% of speed of sound) Speed of sound 746 m.p.h.
[underlined] A blade has a varying [symbol] along its length to equalise the load [/underlined]
[underlined] Centrifugal Turning Moment, [/underlined] tendancy [sic] for a free propeller blade to turn to a fine pitch when rotating. [sketch]
[underlined] RANGE FLYING [/underlined]
[formulae]
L = Lift in lbs.
D = Drag in lbs.
S = Max. Plan projected area in square feet
(RHO) P = Density od Atmosphere
V = Velocity of undisturbed airflow in feet per second.
[3 graphs]
[page break]
[calculations]
[page break]
1 Nautical Mile = [underlined] 6080 [/underlined]
1 Statute Mile = 5280
1 [deleted] Statute [/deleted] [inserted] Nautical [/inserted] Mile = 33/38 = 1.15 [deleted] Nautical [/deleted] [inserted] Statute [/inserted] Miles
[calculations]
1 [deleted] Nautical [/deleted] [inserted] Statute [/inserted] Mile = 33/38 = .868 Nautical Mile.
Power Required At Altitude = Power Required at S.L. / [symbol] Relative Air Density
Power at Sea-Level = 650 B.H.P.
Find power at 10,000’ given that [symbol] Rel. Density = .8594
[calculations]
[page break]
[underlined] Rules for Range Flying. [/underlined]
Reduce I.A.S. by 1/4 the % of the % reduction in weight Max. boost min revs gives full throttle, less h.p. to drive supercharger less frictional losses.
If I.A.S. is to [sic] high with min. revs climb higher until I.A.S drops off.
Take off in rich mixture climb & get to height quickly as possible. Lose height at no more than 300 ft. per minute.
[underlined] Max range climb [/underlined] climb at recommended cruising I.A.S. using boost obtainable in weak mixture, select R.P.M. to give rate of climb desired
[underlined] Max Rate of Climb in Weak mixture, [/underlined] use max. boost obtainable & I.A.S. approaching that for rich mixture climb.
[underlined] Cruising [/underlined] cruise at optimum altitude selecting R.P.M. to give recommended I.A.S. It is usually better to climb slightly above opt. height & descend to it letting I.A.S. increase slightly finally bringing it back to recommended by R.P.M.
[underlined] Power Descents [/underlined] Use max. boost obtainable in weak mixture, maintain recommended I.A.S. & control rate of descent by R.P.M. levers & altitude. When min. R.P.M. is reached then allow airspeed to increase up to about 10 m.p.h. thereafter reduce boost (regulation rate of descent 300 ft. per min.)
[underlined] Hot & Cold Air. [/underlined] if warm air is used we lose boost due to a) loss of ram effect b) increase in inlet air temp.
[page break]
Use warm air only if (a cold air intake is blocked due to icing or foreign matter) b) when descending if carburettor icing occurs
Gills if fitted or rad shutters. Reduction of drag (parasite drag) by closing all apertures & streamlining or protuberences [sic] will mean that less B.H.P. is required to maintain a given speed better A.M.P.G. figure will be obtained if gills are closed. If cyl. head or coolant temp rise to a figure approaching max. permissable [sic] during cruising due possible to high outside or an enforced low altitude it is advisable to increase I.A.S. up to approx 6% rather than to open gills. If temp continues to rise then open gills.
During economical climb cyl. temps. Should be controlled by altitude (I.A.S.) & not by the use of gills.
[underlined] High & Low Supercharger [/underlined] [indecipherable word] never use S if can obtained power in M.
[underlined] Head Wind [/underlined] Under 30 mph. no change in speed, increase I.A.S. 4% for increase of every 10 mph. over 30 mph
[underlined] Optimum Altitude [/underlined] on a given trip over a reasonable distance if the flight is at [inserted] any [/inserted] F.T. height the total fuel used will be approx. the same. The fuel used on a weak mixt. climb will be made up by that saved on power descent.
[underlined] Economic Ceiling [/underlined] this is a max. height at which cruising power can be obtained in weak mixture & M. gear. This height varies with the A.U.W. (when rate of climb drops to 50 ft. per min at cruising I.A.S. in weak mixt. = Economic ceiling) 4% decrease or increase ceiling alters 2500 ft.
[underlined] Automatic Pilot [/underlined] as much as possible.
[page break]
For Short Distances, fly at constant revs.
For Medium Distances, fly at constant I.A.S.
For extreme Distances, fly at extreme range conditions.
[underlined] FLIGHT PLANNING [/underlined]
Factors affecting the flight plan:-
Type of load being carried & destination.
Whether flying under one of the following conditions:-
in a given time carrying max. Payload
flying at leisure carrying max. payload
or is it possible to make a certain destination carrying a given load.
flying under weight a short distance.
3) Terrestrial topography.
4) Met. Forecast.
5) Alternative landing grounds if there is a possibility of destination aerodrome being unusable.
6) Max. take off & landing weights of various staging posts en route. (possibility of jettisoning cargo)
7) Handling of the a/c - I.A.S. altitude, bearings, etc.
8) Handling engs.
9) Basic weight of A/C with essential equipment al etc.
10) Fuel required & payload.
Transport fuel safety margin 25% extra
[page break]
[sketches]
[page break]
[sketch]
[calculations]
[page break]
[calculations]
[page break]
[sketch]
[calculations]
[underlined] Flemings R. Hand Rule [/underlined]
Point the thumb in direction of motion of conduction, point the first finger in the directions of the lines of force. Hold the second finger at [indecipherable] [symbol] to the first finger then second finger will indicate the direction of current.
[underlined] Wheatstone Bridge - [/underlined] is an electrical balance [formula] for measuring a voltage difference when the resistance is thrown off balance.
[page break]
[sketches]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[sketch]
ATOM OF HELIUM
ELECTRON
[circled N] NEUTRON
[circled +] PROTON
[underlined] ohm’s Law [/underlined] In any conductor at a uniform temperature the current is directly proportional to the potential difference between its end, & inversely proportional to the resistance.
[calculations]
746 Watts = 1 Elec. HP.
Power = Volts x Amperes
Power = Watts
Board of Trade Unit = 1 Kilowat [sic] Hour
[page break]
[blank page]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Harold Wakefield's notebook
Description
An account of the resource
Notes on theory of flight, thermodynamics, power calculations, engines and components, superchargers, propellers, range flying, velocity/speed calculations, rules for range flying, flight planning, electronic circuits and electrical theory.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
H E Wakefield
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-07-13
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945-07-13
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Printed notebook with handwritten notes
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MWakefieldHE174040-171016-08
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1970/33713/MWakefieldHE174040-171016-11.1.pdf
4f181739a6aa2b6e085c9dbf3d5bd3fd
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wakefield, Harold Ernest
H E Wakefield
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-10-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Wakefield, HE
Description
An account of the resource
93 items. The collection concerns Harold Ernest Wakefield DFC (1923 - 1986, 1582185 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, training publications, decorations and badges, training notebooks, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, photographs and parachute D ring.
He flew operations as a flight engineer with 51 and 617 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Jeremy Wakefield and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[front cover of notebook]
32 COURSE [underlined] F.T.I.C. [/underlined] WAKEFIELD P/O.
Form 619.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
Notebook for use in Schools.
91/5074. Wt. 2037. 200M. 6/43. P. & T.
[page break]
[inside front cover]
[underlined] P.L. [/underlined]
[underlined] 10 mins [/underlined]
Telephone System,
Thousand Isles,
Demobilisation
Punting
Motor - Cycle Trials.
Newspaper printing
Holiday in France.
Rabbiting
Cartridge Making
Journey across Africa
Ledrs. Sandtoft, Wickenby, Kershaw, Rook
[page break]
A Flight, Flying Training Command
Training Organisation 11 1/2 hrs
Law & Admin. 13
Organisation 12
Visiting Lecturers 4
Category
81% & over = ‘A’
71% to 80% = ‘B’
60% to 70% = ‘C’
59% & under = FAIL
A Excellent — B Very Good — C Avr. — D B. Avr. — E Very weak
B Flight. [underlined] Bomber Command. [/underlined]
[underlined] 1st day [/underlined] :- Summary by C.I. Preparation of Instruction, Preparing lectures. Practise Lectures, Use of Blackboard. Organisation.
[underlined] 2nd day [/underlined] :- Organisation, Admin. P.L. Organisation. Inst. Method. P.L. Critiscisms [sic] of lectures, & how to assess lectures.
[underlined] 3rd day [/underlined] :- I.M. Organisation. P.L. B.B. Inst. I.M. P.L.
[underlined] 4th day [/underlined] :- Training analysis I.M. P.L. Disc. groups. P.L. Law & Admin. Training Analysis.
[underlined] 5th day [/underlined] :- P.L. I.M. T.O. Admin. Visiting Lecturer. Law & Admin.
[underlined] 6th day [/underlined] :- T.O. I.M. P.L. B.B. ADMIN. I.M. T.O.
[underlined] 7th day [/underlined] :- ADMIN. I.M. org. I.M. P.L. ADMIN. ORG.
[underlined] 8th day [/underlined] :- ADMIN. Training [one indecipherable word] P.L. Unit Talks. Visiting Lecturer. Speech Training.
[underlined] 9th day [/underlined] :- P.L. Org. P.L. I.M. Court Martial
[underlined] 10th day [/underlined] :- Org. P.L. Org. I.M. Org. Ad. P.L.
[underlined] 11th day [/underlined] :- T.O. T.O. Exams. Exams. C.O’s address.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] R.A.F. SUBJECTS [/underlined]
Training Organisation
Organisation
Administration.
[underlined] TRAINING ORGANISATION [/underlined]
T.O. (1) [underlined] R.A.F. Organisation. [/underlined]
[underlined] Air Council [/underlined]
R.A.F. Governed by Air Council, founded 1917.
Sec. of State for Air.
[sketch]
[underlined] Sec. of State [/underlined] :- Responsible to the King for all R.A.F. affairs. His work is largely parliamentry. [sic] Presides over Air Council
[underlined] Parl. u/s of S [/underlined] :- Deputises for S & S in Parliament & Air Council, specialises in all training matters, personnel admin. accidents & civil aviations.
[underlined] Parl. u/s of S (L) [/underlined] :- Specialises in works, contracts, welfare,
[page break]
publicity, Royal Observer Corps, Met. Parl. S of S (C) is the senior.
[underlined] Chief of Air Staff [/underlined] :- Operations, Signals & intelligence. Serves on Chiefs of Staff committee.
[underlined] Vice Chief of Air Staff [/underlined] :- Merely understaff to C.A.S.
[underlined] Air Member to Personnel [/underlined] :- Responsible for manpower, recruitings, postings, chaplains, medical service, Provost Marshall & S.P’s.
[underlined] Air Marshall of Supplies & Organisations [/underlined] :- Supplies, works directorate, airfields, organisation & establishments.
[underlined] Air Marshall for Training [/underlined] :- Flying & Ground Training, O.T.U. & C.U. under him, also responsible for all Technical Training.
(All in charge of departments which are split into various directorates)
[underlined] Addisional [sic] Civilian Member [/underlined] :- Financial Adviser
[underlined] Permanent U/S of State [/underlined] :- Secretary to council, controls R.A.F. Accounting, Publicity & Met.
[underlined] HOME COMMANDS. [/underlined]
[underlined] A.E.A.F. [/underlined] Allied Expeditionary Air Force.
[underlined] BOMBER COMMAND [/underlined] - 8 ops. groups.
3 training units.
American Bombardment Divisions
[underlined] COASTAL COMMAND [/underlined] - 4 Reconnaisance [sic] Groups
1 Training Group.
[underlined] BALLOON COMMAND [/underlined] - 3 Barrages.
TRANSPORT COMMAND - 5 Groups (3 England, 1 Eygpt [sic] 1 India. 1 Canada.)
[page break]
[underlined] Maintenance Command [/underlined] - 4 Groups + 2 Wings.
Responsible for [deleted] shop keepers [/deleted] all crashed ‘planes
53 Wing Packed a/c pools
54 M.T. Companies.
[underlined] Flying Training Command [/underlined] - 7 Groups
[underlined] Technical Training Command [/underlined] - 4 Groups
[underlined] Works Directorate [/underlined] - comes under A.M.S.O.
(TO 2) [underlined] Scope of Aircrew Training [/underlined]
Estimates for aircrew are presented two years in advance
Variable’s affect estimates
Casualties
2) Shipping
3) Change of aircraft.
4) Availability of aircraft
5) Enemy interference
6) Changes in syllabus.
7) Shortage of airfields & groundstaff.
8) Course of War.
[page break]
[flow charts]
[page break]
[flow charts]
[page break]
[flow chart]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Org. 1 [underlined] TRAINING ANALYSIS I [/underlined]
1/ Object of Research is to ascertain the truth by scientific inquiry.
2/ To find out what is happening & why it happens.
3/ Research substitutes conclusions based on facts for personal opinions.
4/ Research enables correct decisions to be taken instead of relying on trial & error.
Department at Air Ministry called Department of Research, covering Flying Training & Technical Training.
[box of text]
Deductions must not be made from small samples.
[box of text and numbers] [calculations]
[underlined] TRAINING ANALYSIS II [/underlined]
The backbone of report on training is the statistical tabulation.
A tabulation is facts arranged in columnar form with top & side headings. 2 sets of facts can be arranged in 2 ways
3 sets of facts can be arranged in 12 ways
5 sets of facts can be arranged in 200 ways
[page break]
[underlined] Points to watch when tabulating facts. [/underlined]
1/ Every tabulation should have an explanatory heading or caption.
2/ The tabulation should be self explanatory.
3/ Headings to columns must be understandable.
4/ Give tabulation a number.
5/ Use double lines to indicate major divisions.
6/ State basis.
Charts have 2 uses 1/ a record 2/ to clarify tabulations
[chart]
[underlined] Pie chart [/underlined] (circle chart)
TITLE
[3 pie charts]
Bad for comparing different figures.
[page break]
2. [underlined] Pictogram [/underlined] (Do not use)
[pictogram]
3. [underlined] Bar Chart [/underlined] (Vertical or Horizontal)
[bar chart]
4. [underlined] Compound Bar Chart. [/underlined] (nearly always vertical)
[compound bar chart]
5. [underlined] Component Bar Chart [/underlined] (nearly always vertical)
[component bar chart]
[page break]
[circled 6] Histogram (or Distribution Charts)
7. LINE CHART (Historigram)
[line chart]
[circled 8)
[bar chart]
[page break]
[underlined] Timetable Compilation [/underlined]
1/ Obtain syllabus & master it, length of coarse in weeks Subject & hours on subject Total hours Frequency of intake No. of bodies.
2/ Prepare general plan consulting those affected C. I. & specialist instructors & messing officer & obtain agreement.
3/ Accommodation available
4/ Make a table of hours allowed on each subject
5/ Prepare time - table blank. Decide on layout Fix precise lecture hours. Leave gap between lectures & arrange break in 4 hr period. Days of the week Hours of the day Units
6/ Filling in blank form grid:-
Consider instructors with other duties (SMO, Met officers etc)
b) Alternate doing & listening periods. Last period am & pm. Should be active such as P.T.
c) consider instructors (day - off, common room)
d) accommodation
e) time - table for special [deleted] inter [/deleted] equipment.
f) evening instruction
g) reproductions (stencilled 10 letters to 1” [one indecipherable word] hectograph typewriter 12 letters to 1” (elite) handwritten photographed vertically 6 lines to 1”
[page break]
[underlined] PRINCIPLES OF ORGANISATION. [/underlined]
Organisation is a skill which can be acquired.
Organisation deals with the division of work & and its subsequent co-ordination.
Every undertaking has two divisions or aspects 1) LINE - PURPOSE.
2) STAFF - PROCESS.
PESDCOR
P = Prévoyance (forseeing [sic] your objective & laying plans to achieve it.)
E = (Establishing the structure of the undertaking)
Principle of span of control.
There are 2 forms (1) LINE (disciplinary)
(2) FUNCTIONAL (technical)
Principles of Relationship. LINE STAFF LIASON FUNCTIONAL LATERAL
5 Forms.
Organisation charts can show
Control
2. Relationship
3. What YOU do.
4. What OTHERS do.
S = Staffing. (Engagement & training)
D = Directing (making descisions [sic] & giving orders)
Co = Coordinating.
R = Reporting (keeping oneself informed - i.e. research.
Keeping ones superior informed.
Keeping ones subordinates informed.
[page break]
[underlined] ORGANISATION [/underlined]
[underlined] Servicing Wing [/underlined]
[underlined] Non - Routine [/underlined] - (I) Variable opportunity
(II) Fleeting opportunity
[underlined] Routine [/underlined] - O.T.U. Training Schools
Object of Servicing Wing - To get maximum flying from minimum servicing personnel & a/c.
Achieved by - 1/ Centralising all technical resources
2/ Relieving Flying personnel of [underlined] all [/underlined] responsibility for a/c & servicing personnel.
FORM 700 Servicing Wing
Daily Service
Daily inspection
2. Pre - flight & between flight
3. Petty u/s.
4. Refuelling. - re-arming etc TURN ROUND
5. All (S.) a/c.
FORM 701
Repair & Inspection
1/ Minor Inspections.
2/ Major Inspections.
3/ Modifications.
4/ Engine change.
5/ Repairs
[page break]
[underlined] Sequence of Inspections [/underlined] -
1/ Daily - Between flights - Pre-flights
2/ Minor - Minor*
Seven minors alternate M - M*
Followed by major I.e. on 50 hr. cycle 8 x 50 = 400 allowed latitude of + or - 10% on all inspections.
[underlined] Planning [/underlined] -
C.T.O. plans on.
1/ Unit Servicing Task
2/ Unit Servicing Statistics
Stage or Gang System of Inspections
[underlined] FLYING ACCIDENTS [/underlined]
Accident Rate :- no of accidents for 10000 hrs.
Accident Trend :- Rise & fall in the rate
MAF Metropolitan Air Force.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] ADMINISTRATION [/underlined]
Judge Advocate General:-
In charge of legal proceedings dealing with land etc. Sueing [sic] etc.
Also cheque summaries of evidence. Find out prosecutors & advisor to courts in difficult cases, e.g. against officers.
Defendant can hire [underlined] anyone, [/underlined] civilian, to defend him.
The Accused (no [sic] what is alleged against them before trial)
The Prosecutor (Does not know what accused will say until trial)
President
All three have summary of evidence
Court Martial cannot try for very serious offences unless there is no civil court for 100 miles E.g. Treason,
If chief witness [underlined] against [/underlined] defence is missing, accused cannot be tried.
1/ Either C.O. or accused can say whether summary is on oath. It is normally on oath.
2/ Officer taking summary must not be implicated
[underlined] Proceedure [sic] against Officers [/underlined]
Any officer must be dealt with by court martial or by A.O.C for minor charges NOT BY C.O.
[underlined] Must [/underlined] be in arrest to go before C.O for charge
[underlined] Must [/underlined] be in arrest for summary of evidence.
[underlined] Must [/underlined] be in arrest for court martial.
[page break]
Punishments:- Reprimand & Severe Reprimand & 12 months loss of seniority
Only Air Council or Court Martial can stop pay or make officer pay.
[underlined] Powers of A.O.C. in Relation to Junior Officers & W/O’s [/underlined]
Severe Reprimand
2. Reprimand
3. Loss of seniority up to 12 months. *
4. Deduction of Pay (W/O’s only) *
Carry the right for C. Martial.
[underlined] Court Marshall [/underlined]
Field Court Marshall :- Very uncommon
General Court Martial :- Deals with officers & very serious offences against airmen
District Court Marshall :- Max punishment 2 years for dealing with smaller charges against airmen. Cannot deal with officers & W/O’s
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Y Syndicate. [/underlined]
[underlined] INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD [/underlined]
[underlined] Basic Principles of Instruction. [/underlined]
Ends & Means :- Good instruction requires a thorough knowledge & the subject, ability to impart that knowledge & an understanding of the pupils.
Keep in touch with changing conditions & requirements. Invite suggestions e.g. Instructor Discussion Groups.
Help other instructors, treat them as friends. Commend swell as criticise them.
[underlined] Preparation of Instruction [/underlined]
Syllabus:- Assimilation - material collected, analysed, reflected upon systematised & then applied.
Time factor, the intellectual capacity of pupils, which regulates the rate at which they can assimilate the work. Provision of time for recapitulation, revision exercises & note-taking.
[underlined] Preparing & Lecture [/underlined]
Thorough & detailed preparation of every phase. A clear statement of aim - calls up revelant [sic] ideas, excludes irrevelant [sic] ideas & specifies a definite objective.
The instructor must in his own mind at least, if not on paper:-
Analyse the subject, break it up & rearrange it in proper sequence
(b) How to teach each step:- question & answer, model or apparatus diagrams, analogies, exercises, balance & timing.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[page on Instructional Method repeated]
[page break]
[underlined] 1st. 20 min Lecture [/underlined]
Pneumatics :- [underlined] The braking system of Halifax III [/underlined]
Draw each component on the board in correct order, explaining the function & purpose of the component, this will lead up to the next component required in the system, thus by drawing & explaining each component in turn & leading up to the next eventually the complete diagram will be on the board & the pupils will then understand the purpose & necessity of each component & will be able to follow the complete system through.
Components in the system,
Compressor,
Oil & Water trap,
External charging valve & regulator,
Dunlop air filter,
Relay Unit, governed by hand operated brake levers & rudder bar.
Brake units in u/c wheels.
[underlined] Diagram [/underlined]
[hand drawn sketch]
[page break]
[underlined] Use of Blackboard for Instruction [/underlined]
Try & use 3 boards.
1 for summary, one for diagrams & one for rough work.
For plotting & accurate work use chisel pointed chalk.
For uniform drawings use a thick blunt end.
For parallel lines us two pieces of chalk together.
For dotted lines use chalk flat, vertically, and for colouring use flat and horizontal
[underlined] Colour Strength [/underlined]
1. White 2. Yellow 3. Pink 4. Red 5. Green 6. Blue 7. TerraCott 8. Purple 9. Brown. (white & yellow most suitable)
[underlined] Writing [/underlined] :- no characteristics, copperplate, etc. Keep the same pressure all the time, make the letters [deleted] letter [/deleted] legible, simple, with no flourishes.
BLOCK for title.
Medium block sub-title.
Script for rest, except for emphasis when BLOCK can be used. Stand directly in front of word which you are writing to prevent writing curving downwards.
If board is greasy, repaint. If blackboard paint is unobtainable use vegetable black with a little carborundum or crocus powed [sic] mixed with it, to give chalk a grip enabling it to powder.
[underlined] Diagrams [/underlined]
Plot it first with faint lines middle of board. Thicken lines later. Prevent reference lines crossing each other as far as possible. Always move from top to bottom & left to right.
Colouring :- [one indecipherable word] large surfaces & block in small ones.
[page break]
[underlined] How to Learn [/underlined] :-
Wanting to learn - Motive & its value
How - imitation - impulsive or unconscious
Imitation - conscious & deliberate.
Conscious learning - contagious
Conscious learning - memorising facts
Conscious learning - reasoning.
For learning time is required.
Association of Ideas.
(Schgod, Gamed, Gantos, Sekmb,)
(River, Piano, Walk, Late, Eats, basket, flower, paper, house, (3 missed))
(Christmas mistletoes parties dancing games skating Hole danger ducking pneumonia, death, doctor)
[underlined] Lecture Criticisms. [/underlined]
[underlined] Introduction [/underlined]
Purpose apparent: interest value: linkage with previous knowledge
[underlined] Development [/underlined]
Sequence of ideas: explanations: illustrations
[underlined] Conclusion [/underlined]
Knowledge of subject.
2. [deleted] Subject [/deleted] questioning
3. Apparatus, models, diagrams
4. B.B. writing, drawing, arrangement.
[page break]
5. Simplicity of language, verbal mannerisms
6. Speech - clarity, loudness, variation.
7. Attitude to class.
8. Responsive class.
[underlined] Assessment of Instructional Ability [/underlined]
Through the medium of the class.
(II) By observations on the instructor.
[underlined] Attributes of instructor [/underlined] :-
Voice
Manner
Ability to explain
Knowledge of Subject
[underlined] The Astro Compass [/underlined] (Example Lecture)
[underlined] Aim [/underlined] :- [deleted] The [/deleted] To show the class that the direction of the north can be obtained on a heavenly body.
[underlined] Previous Relevant Knowledge of Pupils [/underlined]
Meaning of (1) altitude (2) azimuth (3) declination (4) local hour angle. Use of Air Almanac & A.N.T’s.
[underlined] Method [/underlined]
I Introduction - Atain [sic] from class definitions of azimuth & altitude. Show that the direction of true north can be obtained from an observation on a star by the application of az & alt at the time of the observation.
Emphasise that to obtain true north from Az & Alt both A.N.T’s & Air Almanac have to be used & a calculation used.
[page break]
[underlined] Development [/underlined]
Show that at the north Pole azimuth & alt. are equal to Dec. & L.H.A.*
(2) Show that Dec. & L.H.A.* are sufficient to find direction of true north, provided one can obtain [deleted] ed [/deleted] at the observers position a plane [symbol] to the horizontal at the N. Pole.
(3) Shows how to obtain a plane [symbol] to horizontal at N. Pole.
(4) Emphasise that Dec & L.H.A.* can be obtained from A.A. alone.
(5) Demonstrate the Astro-Compass.
[underlined] Revision [/underlined]
Stress main points by 2 & A.
Summarise on B.B.
[underlined] Exercise [/underlined]
(1) Find true north using the Astro Compass by the observation on the sun.
(2) Find the Dec. & L.H.A. from log observation on the sun & compare your results with those tabulated in the A.A.
[page break]
[two hand drawn sketches]
[page break]
[underlined] THE PRACTISE OF INSTRUCTION [/underlined]
[underlined] Learning by understanding, [/underlined] - never tell the pupil what he should understand.
Grasping an idea - Why & How.
[underlined Questioning Technique [/underlined] - Sequence, progress in little steps, clearcut unambiguous questions direct the questions to individuals not merely asked for the sake of asking.
Do not echo answers and generally deal with wrong answers.
[underlined] Giving Information [/underlined] e.g. certain formulae
Law & administration, the Signals area, Meteorology etc. The main concern is the atmosphere which is created around the subject matter.
[underlined] Conditions for clear & adequate reception. [/underlined]
1/ Sense organs in good working order
2/ Interest produces alertness
3/ Direct attention to essential details, otherwise they will be missed
4/ Create a correct & adequate “mental set.”
5/ Organise the necessary mental background.
6/ Appeal to the full complement of the senses e.g. by aids.
ie Blackboard
Printed & Wall diagrams.
Models. (Do not pass models round class)
Epidiascope
Films
Syncrophone
Synthetic Devices
[page break]
[underlined] Rates of Forgetting [/underlined]
[underlined] Nonsense Material [/underlined]
More than 1/3 in 20 mins.
More than 1/2 in 1 hr.
Nearly 2/3 in 9 hrs.
More than 2/3 in 24 hrs.
[underlined] Meaningful [/underlined]
1/3 in two days
1/2 in 7 days
3/4 in 30 days
The normal rate of forgetting is extremely rapid in the period immediately after learning.
[underlined] Development of a Skill or a Habit [/underlined]
e.g. Service drill, cockpit drill, Stripping & assembling a gun Morse transmission etc.
Facts to be considered :-
Take care the learner has no reason for wishing to forget.
2. Drill is essential, but not drudgery.
3. There is no drudgery when the drill enables the learner to achieve some end he desires.
4. Expect no improvment [sic] without knowledge of results.
5. Periods of no improvement occur though practice is maintained.
[page break]
[underlined] EFFECTIVE SPEAKING [/underlined]
[underlined] CHOICE OF WORDS. [/underlined] Three essentials for success
SIMPLICITY
WIDE VOCABULARY
USE PICTURE LANGUAGE
2. [underlined] USE OF VOICE [/underlined] Three hints :-
BE AUDIBLE
LOOK AFTER ARTICULATION
VARIETY OF PITCH, PACE & EMPHASIS.
[underlined] THE INSTRUCTOR [/underlined]
[underlined] Exercises two influences on his class [/underlined]
Witting - his attitude of authority which he consciously exerts
2. Unwitting - the force of his personality essentials include confidence, vitality, cheerfulness, sense of purpose, adaptability, patience
B [underlined] Manner & Attitude [/underlined]
Not supercilious, superior or condescending
2. Pleasant, friendly, dignified, tolerant, capable, calm
3. Judicious use of such qualities as sense of humour vitality a interest in subject
4. Proper sense of discipline (effective co-operation)
C [underlined] Choice of Language [/underlined]
Simple yet varied
2. Speech clear : attention to ends of words & to speed of delivery
3. Vary the tone, pace, pitch & intensity.
[page break]
4. Look at & speak to the class.
D [underlined] Characteristics of Pupils [/underlined]
Lack of self - assurance.
2. Hunger for self enhancement or self - asertion [sic]
3. Self respect
[underlined] 2nd 20 min Lecture [/underlined]
Messier Pump Circuit Hal II
[underlined] Introduction. [/underlined]
Need of a pump circuit - to have a continual supply of pressure ready at any moment to operate u/c, bomb - doors or flaps. Draw the main components, pressure line & return line.
[underlined] Development:- [/underlined] Explain other requirements needed & then draw in to complete the whole system.
[underlined] Conclusion :- [/underlined] Run through the system briefly again, revision of main points by questions, colour diagram & put in annotations.
[underlined] Diagram [/underlined]
[hand drawn sketch]
[page break]
[underlined] HINTS ON LECTURING [/underlined]
Use your common sense.
Moderation is power.
Voice cultivation.
Avoid coarse flattery.
Be earnest, humourous [sic] not flippant.
No fine talking & no affection.
No redundancy of expression.
Cultured language.
No grimaces.
Initial quiet confidence.
Order & arrangement.
Separate your points.
Use illustrations & stimulate.
End on a good note.
[underlined] EXAMINATIONS AND TESTING. [/underlined]
An examination is an attempt to pass [deleted] upon [/deleted] judgement upon a persons knowledge off, ability at, or aptitude for a particular subject.
[underlined] Subjective [/underlined] - personal whims of examiner come into play in marking.
[underlined] Objective [/underlined] - examiner does not count.
[underlined] OLD TYPE QUESTION [/underlined]
Give an account of A.S.I. & discuss how its readings are corrected for the height at which the a/c flies.
[page break]
[underlined] NEW TYPE TEST [/underlined]
What does the pitot head do?
2) What does the static head do?
3) What is R.A.S?
4) How is R.A.S. obtained from I.A.S?
5) How is T.A.S. obtained from R.A.S?
[page break]
[underlined] FLYING AT H.G.C.U. NORTH LUFFENHAM [/underlined]
6/9/44 WHITELY MK V 19 SGT FAYE GLIDER TOWING .30
6/9/44 WHITELY MK V 19 SGT FAYE GLIDER TOWING .30
6/9/44 HORSA GLIDER 30 W/O THOMPSON LOCAL FLYING .20
6/9/44 HORSA GLIDER 30 F/O FULLER LOCAL FLYING .10
TOTAL 1.30
[page break]
[rear cover]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Harold Wakefield's instructor training notebook
Description
An account of the resource
Covers RAF top level organisation, list of all home commands and scope of aircrew training. Continues with description of structure of air council, and detailed description of bomber command structure. Followed by two training analyses with diagrams, how to compile timetables, principles of organisation. administration, instructional method, example lectures, how to use blackboard and colour, how to learn, lecture criticisms, assessment of instructional ability and development. Continues with the practice of instruction, effective speaking, further example lecture and hints on lecture.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
H E Wakefield
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Multi-page notebook with handwritten entries
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MWakefieldHE174040-171016-11
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1970/33722/MWakefieldHE174040-171016-19.2.pdf
ed5c11086a13fc5b711d8b5b2820855a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wakefield, Harold Ernest
H E Wakefield
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-10-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Wakefield, HE
Description
An account of the resource
93 items. The collection concerns Harold Ernest Wakefield DFC (1923 - 1986, 1582185 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, training publications, decorations and badges, training notebooks, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, photographs and parachute D ring.
He flew operations as a flight engineer with 51 and 617 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Jeremy Wakefield and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[front cover of notebook]
Wed 1
thur 0
Frid 0
BAROMETRIC
[page break]
[underlined] HALIFAX MK. III [/underlined]
[underlined] Starting & Running Up. [/underlined] Gills fully open.
Test for hydraulicing after 1 hr. stand on ground
after 4 hrs. stationary in air.
Do not prime until engine is turning.
Run at 800 revs. then 1000 - 1200 revs. for warming up. Turn head to wind.
Before ground checking: - cylinder temp. min. 1000 C.
oil temp. min. 150 C.
oil press. min. 60 lb [symbol] “
oil temp. max. 900 C.
cyl. temp. max. 2700 C.
Check R.P.M. lever at 2200 revs. 2800 revs & 8 1/4 boost. throttle back to just under +6lbs. boost. & check mags. limit 50 revs. drop. Throttle back to 1500 revs. & check blower, temporary loss of 30lbs. oil press.
Do not run in S gear above 1500 revs. below 5000ft. [underlined] Stopping. [/underlined] Run at 1000 revs. until cyl. temp. finishes dropping, open up to [deleted] 12 [/deleted] [inserted] 1800 revs. [/inserted] for few seconds then throttle back & cut.
[page break]
[underlined] Handling & Climbing. [/underlined]
Climb at 2400 revs. & E.C.B. (+2) M gear at [underlined] 155 [/underlined] I.A.S. when boost falls to +1 (about 12000 ft.) change to S gear. Climb to 16000 ft. then advance throttle to mid-way position & climb at [underlined] 145 [/underlined] I.A.S. to 22,000 ft. then bring throttle back to E.C.B. position & fly at [underlined] 160 [/underlined] I.A.S. with 2400 revs. After releasing bombs climb to 24,000 ft. at 2400 revs. E.C.B. 160 I.A.S.
When descending leave throttle at E.C.B. position and progressively reduce revs. (Change back to M gear about 12,000 ft.) where revs. are down to 16,00 start closing throttle progressively.
For cruising throttle should be always left at E.C.B. position.
In emergency increase revs. to 2800 & open throttle until highest possible boost pressure is obtained.
[page break]
[chart of numbers in rows and columns]
[page break]
[underlined] LANCASTER [/underlined]
[underlined] FUEL [/underlined] :- 3 tanks. No1 INNER 580 GALS.
No2 CENTRE 383 GALS.
No3 OUTER 114 GALS.
[underlined] TOTAL CAPACITY. [/underlined] 2154 GALS.
Use 120 gals. from No.2
Turn on No. 1 & use 283 & pump 114 from No3. into No. 2.
Now No 1 & No 2 are level use alternatively for 1 hr.
[calculations]
Always turn on booster pumps & test before T.O. Always turn on booster pumps for T.O. LANDING. EVASIVE ACTION. & ABOVE 17,000 F.T. & WHEN WARNING LIGHT COMES ON.
Aways switch on booster pumps of appropriate tanks before turning on those tanks.
[page break]
To run all engines on 1 tank.
Turn on booster pump & then appropriate tank, turn on Main Balance & turn off necessary tanks.
Before landing run all 4 engines on each tank in turn to test pipelines.
[underlined] Oil. [/underlined]
Capacity 37 1/2 Gals + 4 1/2 Gals air space.
[underlined] COOLANT [/underlined] 12 1/4 gals. inboard.
11 gals. outboard.
[underlined] RAD FLAPS [/underlined] Two positions fully open or closed.
[underlined] EXTERNAL CHECKS [/underlined]
1/ PITOT HEAD COVER OFF.
2/ SECURITY OF LEADING EDGE & COWLINGS.
3/ CHECK WHEELS FOR CUTS & CREEPS & OLEO LEG EXTENSION (MIN. 2” LOADED)
4/ CHOCKS IN POSITION.
5/ STATIC VENT PLUGS OUT
6/ CHECK MASTER COCK FOR BOMB DOORS.
[page break]
[underlined] AUXILIARIES [/underlined]
[underlined] P.O. [/underlined]
REAR TURRET
ALTERNATOR (GEE)
[underlined] P.I. [/underlined]
MID-UNDER
HYDRAULIC PUMP
ELECTRIC GENERATOR
PESCOE PUMP
RAE COMPRESSOR
[underlined] S.I. [/underlined]
FRONT TURRET
HYDRAULIC PUMP
ELECTRIC GENERATOR
PESCOE PUMP
HAYWARD COMP.
[underlined] S.O. [/underlined]
MID-UPPER
H2S ALTERNATOR.
[underlined] MIN. TEMPS FOR RUN-UP. [/underlined] OIL 200 C.
COOLANT 600 C.
[underlined] MIN. OIL PRESSURE. [/underlined] 45 lbs. per [symbol] “.
[underlined] MAX. COOLANT. [/underlined] 1250. C. T.O. & CLIMBING (CONTINUOUS)
1350 C. (5 MINS)
[underlined] MAX. OIL. [/underlined] 950 C. CONTINUOUS
1050 C. 5 MINS.
[page break]
[underlined] MAX. LANDING WEIGHT. [/underlined] 55,000 lbs.
[underlined] NORMAL MIN. REVS. [/underlined] 1950 REVS.
1800 for 1/2 hrs then clear engines at 2650 +4.
[underlined] FEATHERING [/underlined] 1/ I.C.O. OFF
2/ PRESS FEATHERING BUTTON.
3/ PETROL MASTER COCK OFF
4/ ENGINE STOPS. ENSURE BUTTON RELEASED.
5/ SWITCHES OFF.
[underlined] UNFEATHERING [/underlined] 1/ PITCH C/U TO COARSE
2/ THROTTLE OPEN 1/2”
3/ MAG. SWITCHES ON.
4/ PRESS BUTTON (15-1800 revs)
5/ MASTER COCK ON.
6/ I.C.O. SWITCH UP.
7/ SYCHRONISE. [sic]
8/ RETRIM.
[page break]
[underlined] RUNAWAY PROP. [/underlined]
THROTTLE BACK.
HOLD NOSE UP.
PITCH FULLY FINE.
TRY FEATHERING.
[underlined] RUN-UP. [/underlined]
Idle at 1200 Revs.
Open throttles to 0 boost 24-2500 R.P.M.
Check C.S.U. fully coarse 17-1800 R.P.M.
Full fine 24-2500 R.P.M.
[page break]
Open throttle to +9 boost check 2850-3000 R.P.M. check mags 150 MAX.
Close to 0 boost check Supercharger S gear
1/ Flicher in revs & boost.
2/ Red warning light in cockpit.
Return to M. gear
Fully close throttle, check slow running
Line I 600 R.P.M.
Line III 800 R.P.M.
Idle at 1200 R.P.M.
[page break]
TAKE-OFF ON 1
USE 150 gals from 1
TURN ON 2 & PUMP OVERLOAD INTO 1. WHEN ENOUGH HAS BEEN USED FROM 2 TURN BACK ON TO 1 & PUMP 3 INTO 2 THEN USE 1 & 2 AS PLEASED
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Harold Wakefield's Halifax flight engineer notes
Description
An account of the resource
Covers Halifax Mk III, starting and running up, handling and climbing, cruising, and data tables. Continues with Lancaster fuel (capacity), oil, coolant, rad flaps, external checks, auxiliaries checks on turrets and engines, temperatures for run up, max landing weight, engine revs and drills (feathering and unfeathering, runaway prop as well as run-up, take off fuel pumps settings).
Creator
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H E Wakefield
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Format
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Notebook with handwritten entries
Identifier
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MWakefieldHE174040-171016-19
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Conforms To
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Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Halifax
Halifax Mk 3
Lancaster
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1970/33723/MWakefieldHE174040-171016-20.1.pdf
03d9a7992b8a2a887aef045c8b1afb99
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wakefield, Harold Ernest
H E Wakefield
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-10-16
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Wakefield, HE
Description
An account of the resource
93 items. The collection concerns Harold Ernest Wakefield DFC (1923 - 1986, 1582185 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents, training publications, decorations and badges, training notebooks, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, photographs and parachute D ring.
He flew operations as a flight engineer with 51 and 617 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Jeremy Wakefield and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[front cover of notebook]
1582185 A.C.2 WAKEFIELD, H.E.
123 ENTRY.
Form 714.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
Rough Notebook for use in Laboratories and Workshops.
T. 9686. Wt. 8930. 350,000 Bks 2/41. E.J. & S. Ltd.
[page break]
[inside front cover]
[underlined] Questions & Answers [/underlined]
1/ Is a compound of iron & carbon called ferric carbide.
2/ is a laminated structure of cementite & ferride [one indecipherable word] it is the eutectoid of steel.
Solid solution is an intimate mixture of one substance dissolved in another in the solid state.
Austerate is a solid solution of cementate [sic] in it is formed when steel is heated where the upper vertical points critical or change points are these temperatures at which structural changes take place in the solid metal. Lower critical points if the temp at which the change from [one indecipherable word] steel to austenite begins (also called A.C. 1)
Upper critical point is the temp. at which the above change is complete (also called A.C. 3)
Decealascent [sic] points are the change points observed on testing the metal which appears to glow less brightly at these temperatures.
Recealascent [sic] points are change points observed on cooling the metal which appears to glow more brightly at these temps.
E is that alloy which changes completely from solid solution to normal perlite [sic] solution (or vice versa) at a temp lower than any other carbon steel it has only one critical point for example 84% carbon steel or perlite. [sic]
[page break]
[underlined] FORCE:- [/underlined] is that which will cause a body to move faster or to move slower.
The unit of force in British engineering practise is the [underlined] pound weight. [/underlined]
The pound weight is the force exerted by gravity on a mass of 1lb.
[underlined] Moment of a force [/underlined]
[sketch]
It is required to find the value of x
Sum of clockwise moments = Sum of anti-clockwise moments.
[calculations]
[sketch]
Where must a 2lb weight be placed between B & C so that the lever is just kept horizontal.
[calculations]
[page break]
[sketch]
The weight of the lever is 5lbs. Find the reaction on each support.
[calculations]
[underlined] Work [/underlined] = force x distance. The unit of work in engineering practice is the foot pound.
A crane raises 650lbs. through 25 ft. How much work has been done?
WORK = FORCE x DISTANCE
= 650 x 25 ft. lbs.
= 16250 ft. lbs.
[underlined] Power:- [/underlined] is the rate of doing work, WORK DONE PER SECOND or WORK DONE/TIME.
An aeroplane weighing 5 tons rises through a vertical distance of 1000 ft. in 5 mins. What [inserted] extra [/inserted] power is the aircraft developing during ascent?
[calculations]
[underlined] Horse power:- [/underlined] is the rate of doing 550 ft. lbs. of work per second.
H.P. = WORK DONE/TIME x 550
1/ A crane raises 55 tons of cement thro’ 66 in 2 mins. What H.P. is developed?
[calculations]
[page break]
2/. A small engine of cyl. bore 3”.8 and stroke 4” has an average pressure 50 [missing word] and makes 1000 revs per min. What H.P. is developed?
[calculations]
3/ A loco. has a mass of 120 tons & maintains a speed of 30 mph. up a slope of 1 in 100. If one slope is 2 miles long what extra h.p. is required to make the ascent?
[calculations]
[page break]
N.B. Mechanical advantage = load/effort
Vel. ratio = distance moved by effort/distance moved by load
Efficiency = work done by load/work done by effort
N.B. The efficiency is always less than 1
Efficiency = Work got out/Work put in
[sketch]
[calculations]
[page break]
Density = Wt. of 1 cu.ft of substance
Specific gravity = wt. of substance/wt. of equal substance of water.
Pressure = Force per unit are (lbs. per sq. inch)
Pressure = Force (lb.)/Area (sq.in.).
Density = Weight (lb)./Volume (Cu.ft.)
Pressure = Ht. x Density (lbs./sq.ft.)
Degree of hotness = Temperature.
1. Heat to raise 1lb. Water through 1 Deg C.
= 1 Centigrade Heat Unit (CHU)
2. Heat to raise 1lb water through 1 deg F
= 1 British Thermal Unit (B. Th. U.)
[underlined] Fuels [/underlined]
Hydrocarbons
[underlined] Mixture Strength [/underlined] - ratio of air / fuel by weight.
A/ [underlined] Chemically correct [/underlined] - ideal, worked out from chemical equation (15 : 1 for petrol).
B/ [underlined] Rich Mixture [/underlined] - contains less air than A/ 12 : 1 = 20% rich.
C/ [underlined] Weak mixture [/underlined] - contains more air than A/ 18 : 1 20% weak.
Density of a gas varies with pressure & varies inversely with temperature.
[page break]
Cylinder temperature:-
Flame rate - 1/ rapid for rich or correct mixture.
2/ slow for weak mixture.
causes high cyl. temp in [circled 2].
[underlined] Detenation [/underlined] [sic] - spontaneous ignition of part of the charge - due to high cyl. temp. & pressure.
[underlined] Over. Rich [/underlined] - 1/ take - off. Extra fuel for cooling, to prevent detonation.
2/ [underlined] Rich [/underlined] (12-1) full power, normal running.
3/ Weak (16-1) cruising under small load. Gives fuel economy.
[underlined] Energy equation: [/underlined] Total energy in a gas is constant.
Pressure energy + kinetic energy = constant.
1/ [underlined] Volatility:- [/underlined] property of vaporising easily.
2/ [underlined] Calorific [deleted] heat [/deleted] [inserted] value [/inserted] :- [/underlined] heat produced in combustion of 1 lb. of fuel.
3/ [underlined] Latent heat of vaporisation:- [/underlined]
4/ [underlined] Freezing point:- [/underlined] should be as low as possible (about -500 C to -600 C)
5/ [underlined] High anti-knock value:- [/underlined] can be raised by
[circled 1] Blending (e.g. benzole)
[circled 2] Doping (with tetra-ethyl-lead)
[page break]
Requirements of A/C carburettor.
1/ the liquid fuel must be broken up as far as possible and thoroughly mixed with the air.
2/ in normal working conditions a constant mixture strenght [sic] must be maintained.
3/ a rich mixture must be supplied for idling.
4/ extra fuel must be supplied during acceleration.
5/ provision must be made for weakening the mixture when cruising at reduced power.
6/ provision must be made for enriching the mixture for max. power & take off.
7/ means must be provided for preventing the mixture from becoming richer with increase in altitude.
8/ ice must be prevented from forming within the carburettor.
9/ as far as possible the carb. should be automatic, simple to adjust, & robust enough to remain in adjustment under service conditions.
[underlined] Idling System:- [/underlined]
[page break]
[underlined] Volumetric Efficiency:- [/underlined] = Wt. of charge drawn in/Wt. of charge filling cyl. at S.T.P.
To increase power, we raise V.E. by increasing [underlined] density [/underlined] of charge by [underlined] supercharging. [/underlined]
[underlined] Reasons for supercharging [/underlined]
1/ To increase the power of an engine of given size & weight.
2/ To maintain the sea-level power up to a high altitude.
[underlined] Acceleration:- [/underlined] Sudden throttle opening causes fuel deposition & the mixture tends to become [underlined] weak. [/underlined] Prevented by small pump discharge of fuel.
[underlined] Rated Altitude - [/underlined] that [deleted] wh [/deleted] at which full power is obtained at full throttle, with climbing boost & standard R.P.M.
[underlined] Supercharger - [/underlined]
1/ Fixed gearing.
2/ Two - speed gearing
3/ Exhaust driven turbine.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] STRESS [/underlined] When a body is acted upon by a force These forces are called stress.
Stress is measured as internal force per unit [deleted] measure [/deleted] [inserted] area, [/inserted] & so measures the tendency to break.
[underlined] Measurements of stress:- [/underlined] Stress equals applied load/area transmitting load.
[underlined] Strain [/underlined] when a body is acted upon by a force it is deformed. This deformation is called strain.
Measurement of strain, tensile strain = extension/original lenght [sic]
compressive strain = contraction/original length.
[underlined] Elasticity. [/underlined] If strain dissappears [sic] when the force is removed the body is elastic.
[underlined] Relation between stress & strain. [/underlined] [deleted] W [/deleted] within the elastic limit, stress is proportional to strain. (Hookes law) Stress/Strain = Constant (E)
[2 sketches]
[underlined] Proof Stress:- [/underlined] the test piece is subjected to a specified stress for 15 secs. The stress is removed & if there is no permanent deformation the yield point must be higher than the applied stress.
[page break]
Heat treatment normally applies to high carbon steels.
Steel when heated undergoes several changes of internal structure which affect it properties. These changes in the reverse order take place on cooling only if a cooling is slow. The various changes take place at fairly well defined temps. Steel should be heated slowly. Do not insert directly into the furnace.
[underlined] Normalising:- [/underlined] object,
1/ To relieve the stresses set up by previous work, such as forging & bending &
2/ To produce a good internal structure.
[underlined] Method:- [/underlined] Heat to cherry red heat & allow to cool freely in air.
[underlined] Annealing:- [/underlined] object,
1/ To produce softest possible state when cold.
[underlined] Method:- [/underlined] heat to a cherry red heat & cool as slowly as possible N.B. The best way is to allow steel & fire to cool together, or to bury steel in the hot ashes.
[underlined] Hardening:- [/underlined] object:-
1/ To produce a maximum hardness.
[underlined] Method:- [/underlined] heat to a cherry red & cool very rapidly by quenching in water, or oil, which is less drastic.
The rapid quenching prevents the usual change of structure & traps the steel in a hard intermediate form. This form is only stable providing
[page break]
that the steel is not heated above 2000 C in use.
Tempering:- Object
1/ To relieve excessive brittleness consequent on hardening while retaining sufficient hardness.
[underlined] Method:- [/underlined] Reheat to the temp. appropriate to the purpose of the two & quench.
[underlined] Equilibrium Diagram of C-Steel. [/underlined]
[sketch]
If more than 1.8% carbon then you get cast iron. Cast iron used for piston rings, because of its high elasticity, good wearing, self-lubricating.
1/ Up to .25% carbon is always called low carbon or mild steel
2/ .25 to .7% carbon is always called medium carbon or mild steel
3/ .7 - 1.5% carbon is always called high carbon or mild steel
All known as straight steels as there is no alloy present in them.
[page break]
As the percentage of carbon increases the hardness & tensile strenght [sic] increases but the material becomes more & more brittle.
Impurities of carbon steel:- all classes of carbon steel contain small quantities of silicon sulphur & phosphorus. Sulphur causes brittleness & tensile strength. The ill-effects of sulphur eliminated by adding .5 to .7% manganese, which combines with the sulphur to form anon injurious product.
Phosphorous causes softness
[underlined] Silicon [/underlined] gives fatigue resisting properties
Silicon manganese [inserted] steel [/inserted] used for laminated springs.
Silicon chrome steels heat resisting.
[underlined] Alloy Steels [/underlined] Their strength depends more on their structure & composition than on the hardness produced by special heat treatments as in the case of carbon steels.
1/ Increased tensile strength (40 - 110 tons per [symbol] “ combined with greater ductility.
2/ Increased impact volume & greater resistance to fatigue
3/ Minimised mass effect giving increased uniformity in strength & toughness throughout large masses
4/ Anti-corrosive properties
5/ Large reduction in weight.
6/ Greater strength at high temps
7/ Less rapid quenching necessary, owing to slower critical changes consequently less risk of cracking.
8/ More difficult to produce needs special care & treatment
[page break]
during manufacture, thus more expensive.
[underlined] Alloying elements used:- [/underlined]
Nickel Ni Molybdenum Mb Vanadium V Cobalt Co Tungsten W Chromium Cr Manganese Mn Silicon Si
[underlined] Ni [/underlined] Increases tensile strenght. [sic] Lowers critical points & percentage carbon in the eutectoid. Anti-corrosive, reduces the crystal size increases the depth of hardening, gives a fine grain, no scaling (3.15% nickel gives .75% carbon in eutectoid.
[underlined] Invar [/underlined] Contains 36% nickel & is an austenitic steel i.e. critical points are below room temp. It has a low coefficient of expansion & is thus used for precision instruments.
[underlined] Non-magnetic steel [/underlined] contains 25% nickel. Is used for shafts of polar inductor magnetos.
[underlined] Perlitic Nickel Steels [/underlined] 3 to 4% nickel & .2 to .5% carbon used for core hardening (tough core, hard case)
[underlined] Chromium [/underlined] gives great strenght & hardness slows up the critical changes gives greater depth of hardness in large masses. Raises critical points & produces fine grain i.e. added strenght without loss of ductility
Chromium Steels.
1/ Less than 2% chromium if strenght & hardness & toughness required
2/ 2 to 4% chromium - for permanent magnets.
3/ 10 to 20% chromium - stainless steel.
[underlined] Nickel Chrome Steels [/underlined] When alloyed together they give increased strength & hardness combined with greater toughness & ductility. These steels must be quenched to avoid brittleness.
[page break]
[underlined] MARKING OUT EXS. [/underlined]
1/ [underlined] To disect an angle. [/underlined]
[2 sketches]
2/ [underlined] To draw a perpendicular to a line. [/underlined]
[sketch]
3/ [underlined] To disect a line. [/underlined]
[sketch]
b. [underlined] Quick method [/underlined]
[sketch]
[page break]
4/ [underlined] To draw a parallel to a given line [/underlined] (1 1/2” from it)
[sketch]
5/ [underlined] Bisection of angle - lines not meeting [/underlined]
[sketch]
6./ [underlined] Perp. [deleted] at [/deleted] [inserted] near [/inserted] end of line. [/underlined]
[sketch]
[page break]
7/ [underlined] To divide a line into 7 equal parts [/underlined]
[sketch]
8/ [underlined] To draw a square on given base line. [/underlined]
[sketch]
9/ [underlined] To contruct [sic] a regular hexagon. [/underlined] (2” across corners)
[sketch]
[page break]
10/ [underlined] Chamfer. [/underlined] Radius of chamfer 1/2”
[sketch]
11/ Draw circle of radius 3/4” In centre of circle, draw 1” [symbol]
[sketch]
[calculations]
[page break]
[calculations]
[underlined] Magnetism:- [/underlined] Natural magnet - lodestone
Artificial magnet - cobalt Steel, Nico & Alnico.
[underlined] Rule:- [/underlined] Like poles repel
Unlike poles attract each other.
A magnet is surrounded by
A [underlined] magnetic [deleted] flux [/deleted] field [/underlined]
A magnetic field is made up of a number of [underlined] lines [/underlined] of [underlined] magnetic force [/underlined] The closer together these lines of force lie the stronger is the magnetic field or flux.
Soft iron is easily magnetised & demagnetised & is more permeable to magnetic lines of force than air.
This means that when a piece of soft iron is placed in a magnetic field, the lines of force crowd into the iron increases the magnetic flux & the iron becomes a temporary magnet. The iron loses its magnetic properties on being removed from the field.
[underlined] Electricity [/underlined] An electric current is a flow of electrons.
All [inserted] material is [/inserted] made up of small particles called [underlined] atoms [/underlined]
Atoms have equal amounts of positive electricity (protons) & negative electricity (electrons)
Conductors of electricity e.g. metals.
Will lose electrons when a force is applied. This is called an Electro Motive Force (EMF) & is measured in volts.
[page break]
There must be a [underlined] potential difference [/underlined] or pressure difference between the terminals of a battery or a storage cell, before a current flows through a circuit.
This P.D. is also measured in volts.
Electric current is measured in [underlined] amperes [/underlined] (amps)
[underlined] Ohm’s Law [/underlined] EMF/current = constant
E/I = R (Resistance)
[underlined] Resistance is measured in Ohm’s. [/underlined]
If a current of 1 amp. flows through a conductor under a force of 1 volt the resistance of the resistance of the conductor is one Ohm.
[underlined] Resistance depends on [/underlined]
(1) The kind of metal
(2) Secondly on the lenght [sic] of conductor.
(3) on the thickness of conductor.
[sketch]
[page break]
[2 sketches]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
1582185 A.C.2 Wakefield, H.E.
Hut No1, A Line,
A Squadron, IT.T. Wing,
R.A.F. Cosford.
Nr. Wolverhampton.
Staffs.
Tuesday.
Dear Sheila,
Many thanks for your last letter. You’re nearly as bad as Den, it took him two weeks to reply to my letter it took you ten days. I thought you weren’t going to write back. Not that it worried me!
At the moment a Flt. Lieut. is giving us a lecture on something or other, I don’t know what because I’m not listening.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Two Score Steel High Cr non-corrodable [sic] steel.
Staybright (High chromium, high nickel steel) 188 Steel 18% chrome 8% nickel This is more resistant to corrosion, is austenetic [sic] & so can’t be hardened by quenching. Hardened by cold working. Non-magnetic. Very tough & difficult to machine. Resistant to sealing at high temperature & no tendency to harden on cooling. Is used for aero-engine valves. Chromium is key element in valve steels
Molydenum [sic] - small quantities .15 to .65% produce fine grain, it also induces a uniformly fine grain or structure in steel. Thus it increases impact value greatly, gives a tougher steel which is more resistant to vibration
Tungsten is the base of all high speed tool steels (i.e. steels which retain their cutting edge to a dull red heat & also permit of heavy rapid machining operations in which a straight carbon steel would be completely softened. Tungsten raises the critical points (almost double)
2% tungsten to straight carbon tool steel gives a finer grain, a tougher material & a much more durable cutting edge. 6% tungsten used for permanent magnet steels. 14% tungsten gives normal qualities of tungsten 22% tungsten gives better qualities
Silicon is not a metal but behaves as one in steel alloys. It is present in all steels up to .33% as an impurity, gives fatigue resisting properties This good quality is increased if alloyed with manganese Silver. manganese steels are used for laminated springs.
[page break]
Silico Chrome gives great heat resisting properties Nickel Molybdenum Chrome Steel. High expansion steel used for steel inserts for valve seats The valve seats are hardened by facing with
1/ [underlined] Stellite [/underlined] Co 65% — Cr 27% — W 4% — Si 2.75% — C 1.25%
2/ [underlined] Brightray [/underlined] 80% Ni 20% Chrome.
3/ Duro-chrome Si Cr Mb
These are also used for facing rockers, valves, [inserted] stems [/inserted] tappets, cams, etc.
Vanadium in small quantities up to .25% increases fatigue resistance usually alloyed with tungsten, cobalt & mb. are sometimes added. used in valve springs.
[underlined] Cobalt [/underlined] gives powerful magnetic properties
Alnico, 15 25 & 10%
Mn gives greater depth of hardness in large masses a tough non magnetic steel used for steel helmet.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[3 sketches]
[page break]
[3 sketches]
[page break]
[line graph]
[page break]
[line graph]
[page break]
[inside back cover]
[missing words] is third alloy which completely solidifies or melts at a [missing words] lower than any of metals of which the alloy is [missing words] used & lower than any other alloy of these metals.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Harold Wakefield's engineer/fitter course notebook
Description
An account of the resource
Contains: notes on physics of force and moments with formulae and calculations. Notes on chemistry of fuels, requirements for carburettor,. Continues with mechanics of stress and properties and chemistry of metals. Continues with geometry and drawing followed by physics of magnetism. Then is included part of a letter to Sheila followed by notes on metal alloys diagrams and graph.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
H E Wakefield
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Multi-page notebook with handwritten entries
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MWakefieldHE174040-171016-20
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/748/27302/YCollettHWA422260v1-a.1.pdf
c04dc4803112bac970b6db9008bd9808
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/748/27302/YCollettHWA422260v1-b.2.pdf
dd7c90e9e0b44154010e756c71ce0346
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Collett, H W A
Collett, Henry William Amner
Description
An account of the resource
One item. The collection concerns Sergeant <span>Henry William Amner</span> Collett (<span>412468 Royal New Zealand Air Force</span>) and contains his diary. He flew operations as an Observer with 101 Squadron and was killed 16 November 1942. <br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Max Collett and catalogued by IBCC digital archive staff.<br /><br /><span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-GB" lang="EN-GB" class="TextRun SCXW150328861 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW150328861 BCX0">Additional information on <span>Henry William Amner Collett</span></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW150328861 BCX0"> is available via the <a href="https://losses.internationalbcc.co.uk/loss/205472/">IBCC Losses Database</a></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW150328861 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":276}"> </span>
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
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2016-01-09
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Collett, HWA
Transcribed document
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Transcription
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Purchased at
Halifax,
Nova Scotia,
[underlined] Canada [/underlined]
Jan 2/41
[page break]
HWA Collett
Mc Greevy St.
Wiapawa
Hawkes Bay
New Zealand
[page break]
Five Year Diary
This Book is the Property of
Sgt. Obs. H.W.A. Collett
[inserted] NZ. 412468
℅ N.Z. House
415 The Strand
London
[page break]
[indecipherable word] JANUARY 1. Thursday
New Years Day and still in Halifax - Have been here now since Dec 16th. Got home at 3.30am after going to dance at “Y” Depot. Had our parade at 11am and were dismissed for the day. Slept till 1.30 then cleaned up and went with a NZ pilot to Sgt. “Ham.” Hamilton for new years tea arrived 4 and stayed till 12.15 played crib and had a jolly good time.
[page break]
JANUARY 2. Friday
Woke about 8 just in time to dress wash and make the parade. Were then marched to G & S and went to sleep during a gas lecture. Slept all through dinner - hour parade 1.15 and then went to the gym and listened to Such [indecipherable word] “Renfrew of the RCMP” quite a good show several shorts. Rumour of a draft of 4,00 to-morrow & we hope so as it is raining like Hell now. Went to town brought this diary tea, cheese, cigarettes.
Letter From Nova - good show Cable from Rosemary.
Cabled Rosemary.
[page break]
JANUARY 3. Saturday
Usual late rising but made parade O.K. Were marched to Gym and had a talk on the Attention Area etc. Then saw “In old Chicago” with Tyrone Power and Alice Faye had seen it still it passed the time. Draft of 400 called on 1.15 parade we waited till 3.30 were then marched to arena to see ice Hockey and were dismissed. Went to town with Cookie and brought some silk stockings, shirt.
Went to [indecipherable word] to Barracks and then to Jubilee - good show. To supper and then home.
[page break]
JANUARY 4. Sunday
Did not have to be on parade until 10 so got up about 9.45. As our names were called R.A.A.F. & RNZAF chaps fell out & went up to G/S to listen to the newsheet. Arranged a game of indoor cricket for Tuesday night so it looks as though we’ll be in Halifax for some time yet. Went to church at 11 with Dune Mac and then back to “Y” having bacon & eggs on the way. Went to bed for the afternoon. Up about 7.30 showered and felt a bit better snowing & raining intermittently
[page break]
JANUARY 5. Monday
Up early paraded at 8.30 drafts called but we still miss - its getting uncanny saw a show. Very little all day. Went to town with Dave & Biggs (R.C.A.F.) and then to Barracks for a couple then down to Jubilee Boat club to a dance. Met Rita M. a very nice girl. home about 1 with Phil Skinner
[page break]
JANUARY 6. Tuesday
On Parade in Morning but still no draft for us. Although several more flights were formed up. Saw a show in the morning and at the 1.30 parade it came at last we were called in no 19 flights at last. Had an F.F.I.P in the afternoon and all passed O.K. Mucked around all afternoon, mostly sleeping
Went to meet R.M at 11.30, went home & spent some time there finally camp at 2.
[page break]
JANUARY 7. [deleted] Thursday [/deleted] [inserted] Wednesday [/inserted]
8.30 parade everyone getting sorted out, and everything is at sixes & sevens. Finally got fixed up at 9.30 and have now another number No 15 of flight 19. Dismissed 9.40 and went to barracks to pack. Parade 1.30 some called for pay parade, rest dismissed till 3. Parade again at 5 and were paid received $25.90 and £3 English. Brought quite a bit of canned food sugar and the like. Packed & left 1 Kit Bag on Parade ground
Wrote to office.
[page break]
JANUARY 8. [deleted] Friday [/deleted] [inserted] Thursday [/inserted]
Up early and had first breakfast at “Y” depot Paraded on parade ground at 8.15. Mucked around and finally marched off with the Aussies about 10. Marched right down to wharf more waiting finally marched on to “Stratheden” at 11.45 quartered on “G” deck to port side. Crowded as hell like Rats in a trap thought we would leave that night.
Slept in hammocks as cold as ever I’ve been in my life A lot of talk about walking off in mass but no go
Posted a letter to the office as I left Y depot
[page break]
JANUARY 9. [deleted] Saturday [/deleted] [inserted] Friday [/inserted]
Up & awake early as it is cold as hell. Paraded for lifebelts - ship very cramped chaps all over the show. Pulled out into the harbour about midday. Snowing and very cold and wet. Dinner fair enough considering we are on a troop - ship and would be O.K if the boys would pull to - gether. To bed with more blankets and had a good nights sleep.
[page break]
JANUARY 10. Sat
Up about 10. Went up top and we pulled out about midday passing through the net and passed several corvettes. Had first boat drill which was a farce as there was no nominal role or any organisation at all. Received 50 cigarettes and it all helps.
From now on it will be the usual dull monotony of sea travel (I hope!)
[page break]
JANUARY 11. Sunday
Slept in till 10 and then got dressed and went up on deck - the old crate rolling & pitching pretty good. Inspection by C.O. & M.O. but they can’t do much with our quarters or general conditions. Went up to [deleted] sh [/deleted] Sgts room for a couple of drinks with La (IRAF) Up again in afternoon with Sunny & Mac. Up to Canteen at night and won $2 at Crown and Anchor back and to bed about 10.
[page break]
JANUARY 12. Mon
Up at 7 early for a change and on deck by [missing word] sea was very calm and only a slight roll chaps still sick - but so far no Aussies or N.Z.’s. Chaps had darn good clean up in our quarters, scrubbed the floors and it looks a lot better. Played Crown & Anchor and won $7 lost $3
[page break]
JANUARY 13. Tues
Dinner breakfast and all meals now working [deleted] under [/deleted] pretty good and the place is a lot cleaner. Spent quite a bit of time on deck, as it is nice & smooth and surprisingly enough its pretty warm I think we must be well south. Had a couple of goes at Crown & Anchor $4 in afternoon but ditched them again after tea. Lot of row and fun after tea all about 1 am when finally got to sleep.
[page break]
JANUARY 14. Wed
Missed breakfast as was jolly tired, slept till about 8 when I got up and went up on deck to get some fresh air, wind is rising and sea is getting choppy.
12 noon sea running high and wind a howling gale increasing all the time. Played a bit of Crown & A the usual up & down, plenty of all kinds of money changing hands, brought 2 lots of 200 Craven “A”. The ship rocking and rolling the worst yet but nobody down yet so here’s hoping.
[page break]
JANUARY 15. Thurs
Sea still running high and the wind is almost at gale force. Water in our section and it made hell of a mess. Sixth day out and as expected rumour running wild as to day of arrival, its marvellous how these things get around. The destroyers are pitching something awful would hate to be aboard. Felt a little groggy so went to bed early but could not get to sleep Lost a life - boat to day & when we woke there was water kit bags, broken dishes and rubbish galore rolling round the floor. Our K ship left but picked us up again about 4.
Rough!!
[page break]
JANUARY 16. Friday
7 days out to morrow at noon. Sea has calmed down & only a fair swell now, sky is clearer and the wind has dropped. Rumour as usual is hard at work and the latest has us landing at Liverpool on Sunday. We’ll see! My turn at getting the meals to day Food still pretty crook eatable and that’s about all, no breakfast. Orders in D.R.O. to sleep with clothes on at last the war is here. We had an air - raid alarm at 10 & boat warning at 10.30 The O.C Troops came around Our officer acted in such a manner to heighten that “Blasted Pommey” idea
Wrote to home
Wrote to Ray
[page break]
JANUARY 17. Sat
The whole gang slept in till 9.15 consequently nobody had breakfast this morning. A P/O and F/Sgt came down to pull us out but they had two shows.
Sea Smooth and wind practically nil, the four ships still in the same formation. Talk of [deleted] enemy [/deleted] a plane escort coming out but Same Rumour is still tops. We should see land to morrow, it is hard to know what direction we are going as we altering course often & sky is still overcast.
Went up on deck about 2 am (Sun) & saw two lights
Wrote to Nona
[page break]
JANUARY 18. Sun
Up about 9 missed breakfast as per usual. Up on deck and land ahoy! what a welcome sight, expect we’ll dock Sunday now. We are sailing north so expect the coast line is Wales. Up along the coast all day. 6 “Hurrys” came out in the morning and watched for a while. Sea calm and no wind. Only 1 destroyer now but suppose we are pretty safe. Had a medical parade by the M.O at 3 o’clock all our gang O.K. Packed all my gear and am all ready now
Wrote 11 pages to Clare.
[page break]
JANUARY 19. Mon
Land at last! Evidently the coast of Wales! We had the job of cleaning up, made a good job at least its cleaner than when we had. Sailed up the Clyde and berthed about 3. Ships everywhere, air balloons for the Balloon Barrage It is cold & snowing fairly hard. Disembarked about 9.10. Went by train & left about 9.40 First good home - like food, meat pies & cocoa for supper
Played cards but found it hard to get to sleep after, four of us in four seats.
[page break]
JANUARY 20. Tues
Saw the dawn break passing through heavily populated “Black” district. Mines and crowded houses all along the line, Nottingham York, Southampton towns every few miles, big. Towns too!
Not much to do & see all day. Meals we had were all O.K and R.A.F. chaps serving were all O.K - good chaps serving good food despite the rationing.
Arrived Bournemouth about 9.20 Stepped on to platform black as pitch. Were taken on buses to dinner and then to lodgings at Sea Lodge rooming with Harvey, Ferd & Curly.
Country-side covered in snow right from Glasgow to Bournemouth
[page break]
JANUARY 21. Wed
Up & on parade in time for 9.45 check up. Were dismissed and wandered about trying to look at the sights. B is very nice place and would like to see it in the Summer time. Paraded again at 2 pm but were dismissed after roll call. Went down to Lady Ryder’s filled in a form and had nice afternoon tea. Back to Prince of Wales. Then Curl Skin. Ferd Harvey & I went to Bobbys for supper but arrived too late.
Home safe even in blackout
[page break]
JANUARY 22. Thurs
Called at 8 but still did not get up until 8.30. Just in time for 9 parade. Were marched down Rochdale for particulars for 1250 - identification card. Were dismissed after 2pm parade so went down town took a bus & went out to Fishermans Walk, back & to tea.
Went to P of W and then went to Rink for a dance. Nice place, nice floor & English girls are good sports. (First opinion) met a nice girl but took another home. Luckily she lived behind the NAAFI so it was not far out of my way - made date for Sat. 2 pm.
Mail
Posted mum, Clare, Nona, Kay
Cabled Home
[page break]
JANUARY 23. Frid
Were woken up at 7 but did not get up until 8.15. Round to Parade were dismissed and went down town and walked around the shops.
After 2pm parade we went to a lecture by a N.Z. Fl/lt on pay, posting etc not much chance evidently.
Rainy as anything so lit fire & stayed in for the night
[page break]
JANUARY 24. Sat
After 9 parade we were paraded for stores. We are evidently going to be issued with shirts socks and the like. Were dismissed after that so went down town to have a meal, came back and went to the NAAFI. Collected - after and went to a picture show at the Regent Back & to tea.
Down to “Apples & Pears & then to Rink where danced till ten.
[page break]
JANUARY 25. Sun
Slept in & missed parade hurried round but were too late Came back and cleaned up. W.O. was round but let us off Curly & I went around and walked along the beach to the Hippodrome and got a bus to the Square.nWent around to the flat with G. J and then went around to the sing song and dance at the YMCA
Home 10.30
Good Show
[page break]
JANUARY 26. Mon
Up for parade - nothing doing so were dismissed. Took washing up to the “C.K.” laundry in Boscombe, back Wednesday I hope. Had tea at a little place and it was rather good too!
After noon parade went back to sea Lodge and slept till late. Missed tea and got up about 7 and went to Pavilion Nice place & nice dance
[page break]
JANUARY 27. Tues
Dismissed after 8.45 parade. Feeling rather seedy went for a ride out in the country - it was O.K cows, green paddocks, even the good old blackberry. Came back and it was raining so went to the N.A.A.F.I. for tea Still feeling crook so went to bed coughing like an old model “T” In bed all after noon & all night.
[page break]
JANUARY 28. Wed
Very little all day.
Went to Pavilion with Curl Sid Giff and had a good time
Went & Saw “Hold that Ghost” a darn good show
[page break]
JANUARY 29. Thursday
Were given the rest of our gear, flying suit helmet etc. Have now got quite a lot, 3 kit bags and a small suit case
Went to the Hippodrome and saw a dud show. Had my thoughts read & the woman [deleted word] said I would meet Chum inside of 4 months & receive from [indecipherable word]
Home & to Fish & Chip Supper.
[page break]
JANUARY 30. Friday
Up for parade and then went down to “Rochdale” for identification cards & leave passes - got mine O.K. Down town for meal. To Beales Restaurant for after noon tea good show good music. Went to Pav. with Curl Brad & Co & met a nurse who is a damned good sort! A nurse, she lives at Boscombe
Home about 1.
[page break]
JANUARY 31. Sat.
Curly Bunny & I played football V army a tank corps we won 17/0 I scored once
Curl & I went back to N.A.A.F.I. for tea with team then to Pavilion beer women out to Boscombe & Home about 1.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 1. Sun
Left from Bournemouth west Stn for London.
Arrived in the middle of a snow fall, snow, ice, slush everywhere could not get accommodation for a long while finally found the allied [indecipherable word] club a real hole - stayed one night
[page break]
FEBRUARY 2. Mon
Changed lodging to Victoria League a very nice place. To N.Z. house and got one letter from Rosemary dated July 29 also got cigarettes & Home Comforts parcels
Still Snow Ice & Cold
[page break]
FEBRUARY 3. Tues
Bed nearly all morning
Saw Gordon Harker in “Warn that Man”.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 4. Wednes
Wandering around London
And not very Impressed by its age.
Saw Show at Hippodrome
[page break]
FEBRUARY 5. Thurs
Went to “Phoenix” Vaudeville show on tickets from NZ Club
[page break]
FEBRUARY 6. Fri
Last day of stay at Victoria League. Went to Kings Cross get sleeper at 21 to picture till 4 - got sleeper - Back to NZ forces Club. Met Bunny Warren and were given tickets to Phoenix vaudeville show. From there to Kings Cross where had a sleeper with Major - Petty Officer & AC.
[underlined] Left 10.15 [/underlined]
FRIDAY
In 8.30 to Edinburgh, left 10.27 at Leuchars at 12.30 met Chum and the boys. Long talk and yarn.
Slept on Godfrey’s [missing word]
Was taken to a chap Gallon home nr Edinburgh for b’fst
[page break]
FEBRUARY 7. Sat
In about 8.30 met George Gallon and he took me out to his place for breakfast Missed first 1
Slept in till ten at Leuchars RAF station. Had all my meals in the mess. Chum & I started by bus to go to Dundee but it broke down so went by train only a 15 mins run. Have now passed over Forth & Tay Bridges. Had a meal & went to a show in Dundee - quite far had a sleeper on a through train which I caught at 7.45
[page break]
FEBRUARY 8. Sun
Very good trip! Woke feeling very fit. Arrived in London at Kings Cross Station about 8.00. Took underground [deleted] to Waterloo where I caught a train to Bournemouth which left at 8.37. Arrived Bournemouth about 12.30 so checked in at Rochdale and went round to Sea Lodge. Went to “Westover” picture show in afternoon fair show All the boys except Giff home that night
[page break]
FEBRUARY 9. Mon
Up at 8 and went on sick parade. Waited until 11.15 utterly fed up and only the usual aspirin.
Went to the “Westover” Cinema in afternoon after having gone to M.O. for second dose
Brought tickets for Vivien Leigh’s show for to-morrow
[page break]
FEBRUARY 10. Tues.
Up 7.45 and walked down to the hospital From there we walked along the beach to Boscombe where we had dinner, caught a bus back, shaved and went down to hosp & then to “Doctor’s dilema” [sic] with Vivien Leigh good show with Shaw’s weak ending very noticeable. To Bobby’s NAAFI & home
WIRED HOME
“Saw Chum Seeing MURIEL
ALL WELL
BILL Collett.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 11. Wedn
Up 7.45 and down to M.O. where had usual. Took a walk out to Boscombe along the sea shore, morning tea at Methuish’s. Then went out to ruins at Ch’ch Back to Sea Lodge & mucked about till 2 went down & took medicine. Out to Windbourne afternoon tea & then home.
To NAAFI to write
[page break]
FEBRUARY 12. Thurs
Missed parade by going to M.O. for gargle. Walked along sea front to Boscombe & our daily dozen. Caught a bus out to Christchurch again sat in Sun amongst the ruins had dinner out there & then came back. Went to Palais de Dance at Boscombe and met a very nice (?) young girl she lived away out in the cactus and took a long while to get her home.
Good Night
[page break]
FEBRUARY 13. Friday
Parades but with usual RAF efficiency there was nothing doing except the announcement of a pay parade at 1.45. To Methuish’s along the beach with Giff at 10.30.
Afternoon parade biggest ever received £9 which is not bad. Went to Pavilion and met Yanks had a good reunion and a rather wild night.
Home 11.30
Received £9
[page break]
FEBRUARY 14. Sat
Parade but as usual nothing doing. We went around the beach to Boscombe and then to “Mel’s” where toast and crumpets made a good morning tea. No [deleted] tea [/deleted] dinner but to parade and then out to football with Curly and Slump & Giff. We beat the Army 6 - 3 I played half & felt as much at home as a pork pie at a Jew’s picnic. To NAAFI for tea and had a gay time - Does drink make you do things through tinted glasses.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 15. Sun
Up late cause parade at 9.15. Some postings but still no observers - not even any good old Air Force Rumours. Caught a bus out to Swanage. lovely trip but we couldn’t get any lunch so came back on the 2.10 bus & lunched back in Bournemouth. Met Ginger at the Devon went to pictures at the Regent then to [indecipherable word] for supper then to old Pavilion where we downed quite a bit
Singapore Fallen
[page break]
FEBRUARY 16. Mon
Up late but caught parade only there was nothing doing. Dismissed and went back to Sea Lodge to collect washing & take my No. 1 to be cleaned up a bit took bus to Boscombe and left my washing at the “C.K.” and suit at the place up from the “Hippo” Had morning tea at Methuish’s back there for Dinner. Then to picture show at “Savoy” - back to NAAFI for [deleted] Lunch [/deleted] tea - Then to S. L. and to bath & bed.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 17. Tues
Called twice up finally about 7-45. On to parade but after roll call went down with Giff to town. Met Curl & out to Met’s. Back there for dinner. Had Kit Inspection in afternoon. Went for bus ride with Curl & Han Cold & dismal day. To NAAFI for tea. Then to picture show at Wests.
Posted letter to Mum
[page break]
FEBRUARY 18. Wednesday
Up O.K and was late for parade. They are lightening up. Divided us into squads & the F/lt marched the whole lot to “Sea Cliffe” where we had ship Recognition & went to the Regent theatre for a lecture on Balloon Barrages. Had dinner at Methuishes & back to Parade were marched up to P.I. & Signals. Went to “Central” and then to P de D met Peg home 2 am - Wow! Walking not so hot!
[page break]
FEBRUARY 19. Thurs
Went on to parade marshalled up and observer’s & D/Gs were advised of a shift to Hotel Metropole. Went out to Boscombe for morning tea. Back packed and round to Rochdale and were marched to Hotel Metropole in Lansdowne. Good show warmer & meals on premises Went to “Reluctant Dragon” at the Regent - good show. To Bed early.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 20. Friday
Parade at 8.45. Marched to Hotel Majestic and had a roll call were then dismissed and went out to Boscombe for our little snack Wrote to Alan McLeod & Clare over at the Queen’s. Did not do much At dinner time Sid Armory brought my mail which had been sent down from London. Went to central till 7.30 and then around to the Pavilion where I met Pat in the A.T.S. Good time rather happy
Mail from Clare, Barb. J.M., Ray, Rosemary, Max, Gwen, R.B. A. Uncle Tom & Alan McLeod
[page break]
FEBRUARY 21. Sat
Up in time for the 8.45 parade. Nothing doing and were dismissed. Went out for our crumpets and back to Hotel Metropole for lunch. Went to the Electric Theatre - saw “Santa Fe Trail” During the show there was an air raid alarm but nobody moved, the “all clear” was sounded about 20 mins later. Went to Mrs Jackley’s at San Remo Towers had a good meal, with N.Z. butter too! Home about 1.15.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 22. Sun
Slept in till 9.20 and were rudely awakened by Kin who wished to tell me that Pat would ring at 11, could have killed him. Up & had a good dinner. Wrote to Rosemary and then went to “Footsteps in the dark” with Errol Flynn good show. Back to “Met” and had tea went up to NAAFI and had tea met Carl Slump & G back to Met hot bath & bed.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 23. Mon
Up in time for parade but as about 15 RAF chaps were posted were walked off with them so missed any possible lectures ac dismissed us. Went out to Methuish’s for morning tea.
In the afternoon we pushed off again very uneventful day
[page break]
FEBRUARY 24. Tues
On parade but as usual the same old thing - nipped away on a Boscombe bus and had our crumpets A.P.U. Went and saw a couple of of fair shows one with the Dead end Kids in out at Boscombe. Supper at the Queens and home for an early night
[page break]
FEBRUARY 25. Wed
Had another row made out - about the third. Went to Eastcliff but as there was nobody about we went for a route march of 200 yds and then nipped out to morning tea, which is taking the place of breakfast.
Went to Tom Brown’s School days” and “Slave Ships” at Boscombe - home & to bed early.
[page break]
FEBRUARY 26. Thurs
Up & on 8.45 parade the Rumour of leave looks O.K. now, only hope it comes true, we’ll know to-morrow anyway.
[indecipherable word] marched us off after the parade and we went out for morning tea. Came back and went for a swim in the tepid baths at the “Hydro” with Phil Shin - water good but I am not fit.
Met Pat G. outside the “Metropole” at 6.30 and went to the Pavilion, supper at the Regent Theatre
[page break]
FEBRUARY 27. [deleted] Frid [/deleted] Thurs
Up early and down to parade everyone ready to go. Were marched to B. West but everyone got sick of walking so we caught a bus. Before we went we were paraded at Mayrick court and were paid £11. Having received warrant to Dundee & leave pass nipped back and drew my money from Lloyds, got my washing from C.K. and went to “Affectionately yours” at the Electric
To “Bettys” for Supper after
Received £11
Letter from Ted Jackson Cable from home
[page break]
FEBRUARY 28. [deleted] Sat [/deleted] Fri
Up bathed, packed and ready to go at 10.30
[page break]
FEBRUARY 29. [deleted] Sun [/deleted] Sat
“Ferdy” & I slept in and I got up about 9. Washed packed & left about 10.30 Dropped my boots in to get the heels filled in. Missed the train by about 2 mins so took a taxi to the station at Central & caught the train. Arrived in London about 2.30 and went to the N.Z. forces club for tea. Then went to see “Captains of the Sky” in Leicester Sq. - good! Then to Kings X and my sleeper to Leuchars.
[page break]
MARCH 1. [deleted] Mon [/deleted] Sun
Arrived in Edinburgh about 8 a.m and the Dundee train left about 11.25 so had 3 hours to wait. I could not get anything to eat so it was not so hot. Finally got on the train and all it was a lovely day had a pleasant trip through Scotland. Arrived Leuchars and found Chum O.K. There was a dance at the station so we went it was a good show and I had a good time. Slept with Chum, Buck, & [indecipherable word] in Sandy’s bed.
[page break]
MARCH 2. Mon
Slept in till 10.20 and then got up washed and went over to the hangar watching Hudson’s, Mosquitos, Blenheim’s & Beaufort’s muck about. Went up to Dundee with Chum & collected his photographs. Back and we adjourned to the mess where we celebrated 489’s transfer A lot of trouble including a gaol break with “Tweak” as the star. Cut Buck’s cake with a lot of tradition. Then cut MacPhearson’s throat a hell of a lot of fun which was broken up by the appearance pf 4 service P’s. Slept in Joness bed.
Good night
[page break]
MARCH 3. Tues
Up at 9 and went over to the observer’s crew-room where proceedings were livened up by some of the chaps selling off flares & Rockets. Said cheerio to Chum and went in to Dundee, had afternoon tea and then went to “Blossoms on the dust”
Caught the 8.37 & [deleted] arrived [/deleted] had good company in my sleeper - 2 capts and an L.A.C
[page break]
MARCH 4. Wed
Arrived in London about 9.30. Went to P.O in Agar St (Off Strand) and changed some of the boys addresses to Thorney Island. Then to N.Z. forces club for dinner. Caught the Bristol train by the skin of my teethe. Arrived in Bristol (worst bombing I’ve seen yet) and booked in at the hotel Chum suggested.
Tried to ring Muriel but couldn’t get her, so went to the pictures. Found my way home among the ruins
[page break]
MARCH 5. Thurs
Tried again to get Muriel and succeeded. We arranged to meet at the hospital at 2 pm. Went out and wandered all around the place but couldn’t find her was finally taken in tow by a young nurse and finally we had our happy reunion. We went to a place for afternoon tea and talked for 3 hours solid. Then I got a taxi and took Muriel back to the hotel and collected my silk stockings, & 400 cigarettes also my N.Z. handkerchiefs.
To a picture show & back to hotel
[page break]
MARCH 6. Friday
Up & washed and went down to breakfast. Paid my bill of £1.4.0 and went down to catch the 8.12 for Bournemouth. Was supposed to change at Salisbury but got “balled” up and went on to Southampton. Met a nice W.A.A.F which made the trip shorter. Went back on the train with Russ back at 3. A letter from I.G waiting so went to went to the Pav quite a good night when alls said & done.
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MARCH 7. Sat
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MARCH 12. Thur
Usual rise shine and parade. Lecture & then we were supposed to have P.T. but went to morning tea. Drill but we were dismissed, so nipped off and had a game of snooker Lectures all afternoon
Home early to write this up.
Bed Early
Letters from Dick Harwood
Aunty Kate
Alan Macleod
Enclosing Doc’s letter
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MARCH 16. Mon
Parade and to East Cliffe attended lecture and mosied off to Boscombe for morning tea Had a game of snooker at the Hydro. To dinner at the Hydro. To 1 lecture on air-craft Rec. and then down to “Betty’s” for afternoon tea. Had tea and went out for a game of billiards then back to bed
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MARCH 17. Tues
Went to Lectures at East Cliffe, Intelligence lecture very good. Usual Morning trip to Boscombe Went to tea & Crash told me George Nelson had arrived so popped down to see him. Went to pavilion met Audrey at Dance and had a good night.
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MARCH 18. Wed
Dodged lectures all morning on pretext of drawing football kit. Had a good meal and went to football at 3 o’clock.
Raining like the very dickens, but finally got on to the field about 3.15 “Baldy” Mac Alpine Refereed
We won a mud scramble by 6 - 3. Celebrated at the Salisbury at Boscombe Took Barbara home & it was 1.30 before bedded down
Mail From :-
Ray Addis
Clare Hawke.
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MARCH 19. Thurs
On parade and what a shock posted! Whacko. We are posted to a place called Millom. Mucked about all day - tea at Methuishs’s and I met Audrey at the Carlton Hotel at 6.5 walked down the sea shore to the Regent theatre, had tea and in to see “Sun Valley Serenade” good show - supper at the “Anglo-Swiss” and then home
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MARCH 20. Friday
Had my three bags packed and down in the hall at 9. Paraded and had an F.F.I all our gang O.K then to dinner.
Paraded at 2 o’clock with our bags started a march to the station but happened a bus arrived in London about 7, went to N.Z. forces club and then to the Old Sussex & in to Tartan Dive.
Very Happy but caught the 10.15 at Euston. They had no accommodation slept anywhere and everywhere
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MARCH 21. Sat
After one hell of a trip we landed at Millon about 7.15. Were taken in trucks out to the airport which is about 2 1/2 miles from the town which looks very scruffy.
They had a good breakfast for us and it was well appreciated. Were then taken to the hospital and had another F.F.I. Went to bed very early as I was jolly tired
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MARCH 22. Sun
No Sun. off here it’s going to be a 7 day week. Over to the class room where we had a talk by F/Sgt Furlonger our instructor. He let us go in the afternoon so we had a clean up of kit and another early night. I had my first flight flew out over the Irish sea up past the Isle of Man bombed a rock and I took a couple of photos with the F24.
Time of trip = 3.20.
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MARCH 23. Mon
Up & on parade and got a bit of a shock when we had an inspection by a Group Captain who is O.C.
Usual lectures and not a hell of a lot yo do.
Played billiards at night and went to bed.
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MARCH 24. Tues
On parade, inspection drill. To class room where we had lectures a.p.v.
Went in to town with Sid & Harvey to the Peel which looked as though it will be our rendezvous while we are here. Just caught the last bus home.
Posted letters to Chum.
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MARCH 25. Wed
Parade Inspection & were marched to class room. Lousy lectures all day & were briefed for flight at 4.15 to-morrow morning.
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MARCH 26. Thurs
Was called at 3.15am. Had breakfast and went to breakfast of peas, beef & potatoes - good meal. Over to ops room for briefing and then found that they didn’t want us, so back to bed.
Woke about 8 and decided to go to Barrow with Sid Slump & Co. Missed first train so lunched in Millon and then went [deleted] to [/deleted] at 1.15. Good time in Barrow back to the Peel & then to the dance
Home 1.30.
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MARCH 27. Fri
Up & on parade marched round and down to class room. Had armament lectures all morning on bombing vectoring & the like
Taken to plotting room and generally were shown all round the place. Saw a Botha, Gypsy Major, “Hurry”, spit Lysander & a lot of diff other types
Kicked a football around for a while and then had a shower & to bed.
Letter from Nona
Parcel from home Pullover
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MARCH 28. Sat.
On parade and had usual inspection and drill. Flew in the afternoon to Isle of Man, Mull of Gallows, Whitehaven. Took plenty of photographs, dive-bombed and had plenty of low hedge-hopping.
Home about 7.20 no tea so went in to the “Peel” - good night home on 10.30 Bus.
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MARCH 29. Sun
Up early and went to parade and then the usual lectures. Had a game of snooker at [indecipherable word] Went to bed early
Reported sick with a dirty cold.
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MARCH 30. Mon
On sick parade at 8 and then went to lectures. Flew with Jack Sheppard, & Sid Armory to Chicken Rock, Mull of Galloway, bombed scare Rock - Whitehaven home. Took photographs, dive bombed and shot up a train. J. S. Sick as the devil.
home & into the “Peel” about 8
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MARCH 31. Tues
Had first pop in D.R. Trainer which to my mind is a jolly good thing. Great Day mail from home.
Received Mail
Clare, Shirley, Rosemary, Nola Luxford, Max.
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APRIL 1. Wed
Our day off. And what a day. Were pulled out of bed at 3.15 am then to mess where they Finally finished had no [deleted] mach [/deleted] breakfast for us. To operation’s room where we found that the other crates wouldn’t be in till 6.40. Finally finished up no flying at all. Played snooker all morning and went in to the “Peel” at night
Played Station Team with with the Aussies and lost 6 - 3 scored our try
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APRIL 2. Thurs
Lectures on and off all day flying that was to have been was scrubbed as the weather has been particularly foul lately. To bed about 8.
Received Parcel from school
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Good Friday
APRIL 3. Friday
Good Friday - not that you’d notice it, no church services or anything not even a hot cross bun. Went down to “A” dispersal for “P.T.” in the morning. More N.Z. mail still trickling in. Knocked off early and went to sick-parade. Then to tea and hitched into Millom where we saw “Andy Hardy’s Private Secretary” and then to “Peel” and home.
Newspapers from Gwen & Jamie
Received £9:2:0
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Easter Sat.
APRIL 4. Saturday
Easter Saturday last year April 12th - I went into camp in Levin, N.Z.
On to sick parade and then to class-room. We did our first practice compass swing with F/sgt Beattie who is one of the Best!
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APRIL 5. Sun
Went down to the sick bay and got off my sick parades.
On the range with the V.G.O. all morning, fired 100 rounds and went back to the Armoury and had to fill 5 magazines. Had lectures on the bombing panel of the Wimpey, - switches & lights every where.
Had to Parade at 6.30 just for the pleasure of FL/LT Cotton - Boo! To him.
First day with the clocks on the extra hour.
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APRIL 6. Mon
Slept in until 8.15 as I didn’t fly then over to the class-room. Both morning details scrubbed. We had to calibrate a D/F loop in the rain and to say the least it was bally wet. Finished the job O.K. and was in for dinner about 12.20.
Nothing to do in the afternoon so had early tea at 3.30 and then the darn flight was scrubbed.
To bed about 12.
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APRIL 7. Tues.
Up & over to class room there was no parade. Had lectures in the morning and in the afternoon we were allowed to [indecipherable word] off which we did. Had a couple of hours sleep and then went in to town with Mick R. Mac & Sid had tea at Y.M.C.A. and then went on to “49th Parallel” which was not a bad show. Then to the “Peel” quite a good night, home on 10.30 bus.
Sent cable to W.D.H.S. - Head Prefect.
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APRIL 8. Wednes.
Pulled out at 12.45 and over to the ops. room at 1.15 - no breakfast. Flew with Les Winslow and we had quite a trip. Started off in good weather but after 1/2 an hours flight we struck dirty weather and it really was foul, bumpy, rain, snow & ice over 2500. We set course from [deleted] home [/deleted] furby for home and then the fun started - had to get QDM’s but finally got home O.K. Went in to Barrow at 11.30, tried to get my photo taken but no go, went to a picture “Kathleen” with Shirley Temple - not bad. Tea & home on 6.15 to Millom. Down to “Peel” with Les Tunstall home to camp on 10.15.
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APRIL 9. Thurs
Slept in until 7.30 up and in time for 8 o’clock parade could have had another 1/2 hour as the parade was called off.
Were on the Fraser-Nash turret all morning and in the Bomb Alley room all afternoon mainly on flares & their method of release
Wrote to Clare, Muriel Clark
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APRIL 10. Fri
Had to be in the Plotting [missing word] at 7.15 so it was hard to get [missing word] at 6.30. Ken McKenzie & went [missing word] for a weather test - it was [missing word] so we went on bombing. Weather [missing word] but very high wind which made bombing very difficult. Dropped 2 bombs & then came home as target [missing word] U/S. Went in to the A.M.B.T. and tried pinpointing on a [missing word] of the Ruhr Valley.
Wrote letter to home after [missing word] then to bed.
Received air mail from [missing word] dated Feb. 25th. [missing word] posted to Mam, Clare & Muriel
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APRIL 11. Sat.
Up at 6.30 and in to breakfast then over to the ops room but it was scrubbed as was the 1.15 detail. We just waited for flying all morning and played billiards. Had plotting in afternoon till 4.30 when we hopped away.
Went for a 6 mile walk came back and had supper and boiled some eggs in the barracks.
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APRIL 12. Sun
On to parade but there was not even a church parade armament all day. Played billiards in afternoon as after the boys were briefed we had the afternoon off. All the boys were flying so went to bed early.
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APRIL 13. Mon
Up at 6.30 and got ready to go to Barrow. To breakfast and we had mushrooms & bacon, met Dunc. Mac and he suggested going to Coniston. We walked into Millom and caught the train to Coniston. We walked from Coniston nearly to Ambleside a distance of 8 miles & it was through some of the most rugged country, lakes everywhere. Ambleside is on Lake Windermere then across the Lake on the ferry and climbed the hill & down to Hawkeshead - then to Ambleside & afternoon tea. Came back to the “Peel” and celebrated our 1st anniversary as a course although now we have only 13 out of 42. Good day and I am getting a better opinion of England as a countryside but not the people.
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APRIL 14. Tues.
On parade and had drill and then went to lectures. Armament all day. A big row in the mess because the WAAF’s had orders not to wait on us the whole mess refused to at the meals & so 250 meals went west. Quite a racket and we sent a representative to the mess treasurer, I think it will all come come out O.K. Down in the shadowgraph room and then to barrack’s for kit-inspection by Fl/lt. Gardner.
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APRIL 15. Wed
Up for breakfast and it is vastly improved. On parade and over to the classroom where we mucked about pretty near all day waiting to fly. All details were scrubbed and we had to hang round the ops room. Tried to have some clay - pigeon shooting but the turret was U/S. When the last detail was scrubbed Dune, MacAlpine, Harvey, Flower, Phil Skinner & I went in to drown our disgust in the “Peel” - which we did. Went to the dance home about 12.
Posted [inserted] mail [/inserted] to Max.
Opened a bank account with £10 at Millom Post office
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APRIL 16. Thurs
We were on armament all day. Went down to the 400 yard range firing from Bolton - Paul Fraser - Nash & Daimler turrets, good time marvellous weather. In after - noon we went to spot light and knocked off early.
Uneventful.
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APRIL 17. Friday
Up early and on parade. Here we got a real talking too because some chaps are not turning up at the plotting office at 7.15. Went on a route march. Pay parade at 12.30 and got our battle - dress in the morning. Briefed for our flights to-night & then dismissed for the afternoon. Played snooker
Posted mail to Shirley Todd - P.S.C.
Received £9 : 2 : 0
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APRIL 18. Sat
Pulled out at 3.15 am and over to the ops room to fly. Flew as first navigator to Harrogate, Dumfries, Isle of Man. Landed after a good trip we left at night and saw sunrise landed about 7.30. Changed and caught the 8 o’clock bus to Millom where met Duncan Mac and went to Coniston and caught a ride to Ambleside. Hired bikes and rode to Grasmere - Rydal Water saw Wordsworth’s grave & house, back to dinner and then got a rowing boat and went across the [inserted] Lake [/inserted] Windermere and saw an old castle. Back to have a look at the Waterfall and afternoon tea
Home after a very happy day.
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APRIL 19. Sun
On parade and we had a route march round the camp, back and were dismissed and went to the class - room.
Armament all day. Down on the 25yd range. Fired 100 rounds out of a Browning into the sand. On the bomb teacher and turrets all afternoon
Very quiet day
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APRIL 20. Mon
Armament and not a hell of a lot to do.
Went in to pictures at night and it was really quite a good show, then went with Sid Armory down to the “John Peel” where we celebrated the departure of the Aussies They wrecked the canteen and I think will get a good rap
We’ll see.
Home with Phil Skin.
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APRIL 21. Tues
In the D.R. trainer in the morning was pilot & Phil Skinner navigator. We had the after - noon off. Wandered down to the plotting office and went up for a trip with Fedirchyk came down & went to the Ops room at 10.15 but was washed out so to bed
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APRIL 22. Wed
Up & in the plotting office at 7.05. Flew with Sgt Mundy on Duddon target - error 92 yds at 10,000yds. One more trip before dinner with Sgt Cartwright good trip one direct hit and error was 85yds at 10,000ft. Late lunch and one more trip with Sgt Cart. again about 6.30 dropped my eggs on Duddon again and had an average of 117yds at 10.000’ Down and to bed
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APRIL 23. Thurs
Woke up at 8 o’clock and was met by a F.lt. who was rather annoyed because we were not on his parade. Finally arrived in the class room about 8.40.
Did a plot in the morning and hopped away in the afternoon. Flew about 5 out to Isle of Man but vis less than a mile heavy rain back about 6.20 and over for a game of snooker.
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APRIL 24. Fri
Up early to atone for yesterday’s effort on parade we did some good marching for a change as it was so cold
Had the afternoon off as we were on the night detail. Got my maps ready and played billiards in the afternoon. On 10.15 detail and a.p.u. was scrubbed so went back to bed
Received School Mag from W.D.H.S.
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APRIL 25. Sat
Pulled out at 3am. and this time I got away with F/Lt Viney and Skin as second. Trip was excellent down to Sherries, Coreswall Lt at 5000’ then hedge hopped to Whitehaven & home. Landed about 7.10 and pulled Sid Baldy & Co out of bed & just caught the 8 bus.
Train to Coniston, [deleted word} Taxi to Ambleside had dinner caught bus to Windemere. [sic] Hired bikes and rode down to the lakes where we got a boat each it was very pretty as the grass is green & the trees are just breaking out into leaf.
Taxi back to Coniston and so to bed after a lolly good day
Letter from Muriel C.
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APRIL 26. Sun
Up very tired after yesterdays effort. Told by flight Furlonger that we are posted to No110 O.T.U. Bassingbourne. Did very little all day. Went into the Peep Sat night and had a real show.
Harvey lost his false teeth coming home, and when Skin and I arrived back everybody came out of bed.
Received £4 : 10 : 0
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APRIL 27. Mon
Up about 9 o’clock and slowly started to clear up but oh what a job! Went over & got my clearances fixed up and paid my mess bill. Went back to the mess barrack block in the afternoon packed and had a good sleep
Went in to town about 5, had tea at the Y.M. and then went to “A woman’s face,” home on the after picture bus. Skin and Les were very happy
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APRIL 28. Tues
Called at 5.30 up dressed and down to the mess for an early breakfast. Went in on the bus and then the fun started - We changed trains at Barrow, Brentchley, Cambridge and finished our journey at Royston. Where we packed the luggage on a waggon and went out to get our first glimpse of Bassingbourne. [sic]
We went out to the camp and then came back to “Kneesworth Hall” a lovely old place about 400 yds off the main road -
Very glad to get to bed.
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APRIL 29. Wednes
Up about 7.20 & Sid Armory and I walked to camp which is quite a walk. Has to get our arrival chits filled in Had a lecture by the C.O. a Group Captain, also lectures on Met., Nav., P.T after tea and then had a game of cricket - home and had a good bath.
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APRIL 30. Thurs
Up very early and walked out to the main road where we caught a lift to camp in time for breakfast. Lectures all day but nothing unusual all day long. Back to bed about 10.30
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MAY 1. Frid
In time for breakfast ordinary routine of lectures all day. Gas alarm from 9 to 9.30 Received £8 on a pay parade in “B” hanger [sic] at 1.30. Posted some more snaps in & wrote to Chum. Had an exam to see who was going to be observers and who Bombardiers - heres hoping!
Wrote to Chum
Received £8
Posted letter to Chum
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MAY 2. Sat
Usual routine all day Learnt in the afternoon that Russ, KGM & L.B.W. were to be Bombardiers I passed with 86%. Had an hours drill after tea and then back to Kneadwood Hall.
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May 3. Sun
Slept in until about 10. and then got up and lay out in the sun and then walked slowly down to dinner. Mucked around in the afternoon putting photos in and sleeping in the sun.
Went down to the “Red Lion” after tea and met O. and went for a walk.
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MAY 4. Mon
Up with the lark good lectures on intelligence in the morning.
Saw first uncovered Wimpy in Airmanship Hall.
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MAY 5. Tues
Lectures all day nothing unusual.
Had a mock gas attack and it was funny. Went dashing for a shelter when a bomb exploded in front of me, and I dived smartly to earth. Several of the chaps were caught and decontaminated.
[page break]
MAY 6. Wednes
Lectures and PT last period but played cricket instead.
Went down to “Red Lion” after tea with Sid & Lofty
Letter from Chum
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MAY 7. Thurs
In DR Trainer nearly all day.
Went to “Red Lion” with Scotty and met a very nice W.A.A.F and then we went up to “Waggons & horses,” then to camp and home about 11.
Inserted Later :-
Night I met Sheila Styde - a jolly good Sort!
[page break]
MAY 8. Fri
Lectures
Nothing unusual.
Letters from Mum Hilary Russell
[page break]
MAY 9. Sat
DR Trainer in afternoon
Parcel from Gwen
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MAY 10. Sun
Up about 9 and was pulled out by Phil - Phil. He, Les, Russ and I caught a bus into Cambridge which is a very pretty place. It was a beautiful day and we had a pleasant time We went to an address Rus [sic] had, and Phil & I brought 2 push-bikes mine costing 50/-. We then went down and hired boats. Saw three boatloads tipped out. Rode the 15 miles home on our newly acquired bikes.
Home with a tired seat
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MAY 11. Mon
Heard this is our last day in Headquarters. Had a D/F exam by PO. Fryer. Heard a few good lines from F/O. Brown. A picture on Met after tea. Baldy, Sid and I went in to the “Green Plunge” and had a jolly good too.
Letter from W.D.R.S.A.
Posted } Letters to Mum
Rosemary
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MAY 12. Tues
Duly reported to “A” flight and had a pow - wow with our P.O. instructor. Then we went down and drew our parachute which are great contrivances. Then we drew watch, sextant, and all navigational equipment which seems O.K. Were to fly in the afternoon but weather was foul cloud height was only 600’ so whole flight was washed out
Went in to Royston at dinner time with Skin and bought some pencils & sent a cable to Jocelyn.
Home straight after tea
Banked £3
Cabled Jocelyn
Letter to Ted Jackson
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MAY 13. Wed
Fixed up all my maps very elaborately in the hope that we would fly but all to no avail. Down to the Lion after tea.
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MAY 14. Thurs
Had my first trip in the [deleted] afternoon [/deleted] morning up to Goole in the Hull estuary. We landed at Finningly [sic] and saw quite a few “wimps” and Manchesters. Landed at Base about 12.30. Quite a fair trip but it was pretty bumpy. Nothing of interest in rest of day
Saw “Underground” at the pictures in Royston.
Letters Chum [deleted] Mum Hilary Russell [/deleted]
[page break]
MAY 15. Fri.
On DR trainer nearly all day which wasn’t very interesting was pilot to Powley. Took some sun [missing word] in Afternoon. Went to the Rose with “Snow” my wireless operator
[page break]
MAY 16. Sat
Most of course flying but I missed again so had to hang around in the crew room nearly all day. Went in to tea & Pictures with Sid Mac & Skin, had a good meal at the Green Plunge.
Letter from WDRSA
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MAY 17. Sun
Was not on morning schedule so decided to calibrate my sextant - after a lot of mucking about I came to the momentous decision that I have an error of 3 1/2 A. Flew in afternoon to Horncastle - Mablethorpe and then to 60 miles out to sea which is the nearest I have been yet to the enemy. Was challenged by a convoy and had to a/c about 6 times. Home & Harvey & I biked to Cambridge. We had a W.A.A.F in the Plane on our trip. Met Sid & Stump at the Criterion and then looked in at the “Red LIon.” Good wild night with Williams & Co. Chasing ducks in a punt at midnight - lost our bikes chased by police
What a show!
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MAY 18. Mon
Up at “nine - ish” and had breakfast. Went shopping and brought a new tennis racquet costing £3:12:6. Had dinner and went punting on the Cam, it started to rain so we cut the trip short. Biked home via Granchester [sic] had tea there and after going a couple of miles we had to take refuge in a pub on account of the rain - this gave us cause to stop at about 6 more. Home - shifted all my gear into the huts am now in A2. Sleep pretty late
Posted Letter to [underlined] Clare Hawke [/underlined]
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MAY 19. Tues
Not on the morning detail so plotted in some D/F stations on my Mercator. Went to the mess early and had a fairish dinner. Was not on the afternoon detail either so went back to Kneesworth and got my tennis gear
Had 3 sets with Les Winsloe and slept before tea in the [deleted] of [/deleted] mess. Biked home with Les. Had a bath and wrote this up to date.
Cable from { Shirley Todd
{ Joan Hopper.
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MAY 20. Wednes.
Up early and over to the crew room, prepared my maps and as per usual the whole [deleted] usual [/deleted] show was scrubbed and instead we acted as a taxi & took a F/Sgt. up to York - ran into dirty weather up there but on the whole it was a good trip, Harvey dropped 4 bombs.
We were nabbed for the C.O.s parade and it was a big show as the whole she-bang was on parade. Got a late chit and had dinner about 2.30. Watched the cricket & tennis in the afternoon and then had tea & back to Kneesworth
Received letter From Mum. 6/3/42
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MAY 21. Thurs.
Upon with the lark for a change. Was not on the detail in the morning so went over to the Intelligence library to swot up on some new “Gen.” Was out of the detail again in the afternoon, but went for a ride with P/O “Sim Hayden. We landed at Feltwell picked up some log forms. We just map read and it was a change not to have to work. Landed about 4.45 and had tea and back to kneesworth - down to [deleted] (bed) [/deleted] the “Lion” with Sid A. Then we went to a dance at the camp, home about 12.
Letter from Ted Jackson
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MAY 22. Fri.
Slept in until 7 o’clock and then popped down but the weather closed in and it was scrubbed. So sat in the crew room until dinner time. Scrubbed again in the afternoon so went back to the mess. Home & to bed early
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MAY 23. Sat.
Shaved at camp and then went over to the crew room. Flew up towards Horncastle at 3,000’ above cloud, came down through the cloud and ceiling was only about 100 feet with vis less than 1 mile in rain. Back to camp about 1.45pm. and slept till 4. Then went back to Kneesworth and read till 9.
[page break]
MAY 24. Sun.
Over to the crew room and went for a flight with W/O Price, up to Polegate landed then up to Uphaven but turned before we were there as it started to rain. Home about 12.30. Got our discharge from “A” flight, saw my logs and they were O.K. Went back to Kneesworth and slept
Wrote home to Mum
[page break]
MAY 25. Mon
Duly caught the bus to Steeple Morden and found that I was crewed up with a Sgt. Brooks and crew who seem jolly decent chaps, but rather disappointed I am not with Harvey & Co. Went over to Bass for a “Grope” in the afternoon but there was not enough time so it was called off. Back in the “chattle” to tea and then back to Bass for a lecture by a navy man on Convoys. Back S.M. about 6 and had supper, afterwards writing to Ted Jackson
Shifted all kit to Steeple Morden
Wrote to Ted Jackson
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JUNE 3. Wed
Arrived in London about 12.11 so had dinner at the N.Z. Forces club. Went out to the [deleted word] Kew gardens in the afternoon the weather was wonderful and the Gardens were an unforgettable sight. We lay down under a tree and slept for a couple of hours. Back for tea. Met two [deleted] N.Z. [/deleted] American privates went to the Sussex and afterwards to the “Mazurka” Club - in all - one hell of a wild night
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JUNE 4. Thurs.
Got up about 9. and went to the New Zealand Forces club and had a game of snooker and had dinner there. Caught train from Kings Cross about 2.15 home after a very hot and uninteresting journey
So bed and not feeling very happy after last night’s effort
[page break]
JUNE 5. Fri.
No flying so went over to Bass to see Ted Jackson but had no luck as he was still in bed. Received two parcels from home, caught the 11.45 “shuttle” home to Steeple. Started to walk in with Harvey Flower when Ted & “Stevie” came out in the YMCA’S car. Went back with them to a dance at the Sgt’s Mess. Had a jolly fine reunion and the dance went with a swing. Met Sheila Hyde who I met in my first week at 11 O.T.U. Took her home to Kneesworth.
Jolly good night
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JUNE 6. Sat.
Went on our first cross country in a wimpy. Dual - with P/O Smith as stooge pilot a good exercise from every point of view. Landed rather late.
Went in to the green plunge for a swim in the afternoon as Bill Still on Circuits & Bumps.
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JUNE 8. Mon
Went up but there was nothing doing as Bill was still doing circuits and bumps. There was no wireless in the Kite he was in so decided to take up a map and go for a trip. Went up for 2 hours and went to Cambridge Hitchin Letchworth Luton & just stooged around
[page break]
JUNE 12. Friday
A five hour country lined up but the weather is duff with low cloud. Over to Bass in the afternoon and had a test in the decompression chamber - went up to 25,000 feet no ill effects experienced but because of a slight cold had a little ear - trouble on the way down but no harm done - thank goodness.
Had a pay parade and evidently our pay has not come through from Millom yet.
Took Sheila to pictures in Royston
Received £8/0/0.
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JUNE 13. Sat.
Due for a cross - country but because of adverse weather it was called off so just hung around. Went over to Bass. about 10.30 and had my inter-com changed. Had dinner their [sic] and then came back nothing doing but circuits and bumps so went to bed early
Papers from Janie
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JUNE 14. Sunday
Our day off so made the most of it & stayed in Bed until 12 then got up for dinner. Lay in the sun all afternoon reading and sleeping. Over for a shower shave and tea at 5.
Wrote to { Chum
{ Ray Addis
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JUNE 20.
Harvey Flower missing on ops!
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JUNE 29. Mon
Sid & Stump burn to Death in a crash at 4.30 am.
P/O Callander went for Burton.
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JUNE 30. Tues
Have Received Mail from Mum (2) Clare (2) Shirley Todd, Gwen
Parcels from home Gwen
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JULY 1. Wed.
Went for a bike Ride with Sheila
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July 2. Thurs.
Lay I and missed breakfast as per usual. Went up with Bill Spinney to get my maps ready for our night trip. Rode in and saw Sheila and had to cancel our picture date
Flew Base - Henlow - Aberystywth [sic] - Helmswell [sic] Base back about 10 past 3.
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JULY 10. Frid
Went to Dance at Coco - nut Grove with Crew
What a night
Received £13:0:0.
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JULY 11. Sat
Celebrated our Departure with Mick Moon
Hell afloat!
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JULY 14. Tues
Left No 11 OTU Bass. - Caught the 9.36 with Bill Spinney my pilot. Decided to hitch hike so got off at Hitchin it wasn’t so hot but got their [sic] at last. Met Chum, Chris & Mick and celebrated finishing up at Covent Garden. Caught the 10.55 to Barrow.
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JULY 15. Wed
Arrived in Barrow about 8 had breakfast and went out to Conishead Priory to see G.J.F. but he has gone. Had my photo taken and caught a bus to Windermere arrived OK and was lucky enough to get board. Had a walk around met Dunc Mac - to Bed early
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JULY 16. Thurs
Up 9 and went to Keswick - lovely scenery but unfortunately bad weather still had a good day
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JULY 17. Fri
Wandered leisurely down to Bowness had dinner and sat down by the lakes edge. To pictures & an early night
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JULY 18. Sat
Got up fairly early but missed the first train to Barrow caught the 11.15. and it was very packed
Arrived at Euston about 8.30 booked in at the Victoria League cleaned up and then went to Covent Garden but it was full and so had supper & home.
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JULY 19. Sun
Had a lovely hot bath & went round to the NZ [inserted] Club [/inserted] for dinner. Met Alan Russell so went for a walk to Hyde Park to listen to the hecklers - went to a show and back to the club for dinner. Then met old Snow who is back in the crew! Went to the Mazurka and got fairly happy so decided to go to Covent Garden before it got too bad. Met a nice girl and took her home arranging to meet her to-morrow night
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JULY 20. Mon
Slept in pretty late and ambled round to the Forces club for lunch. Then strolled round Oxford St. Regent St. just going where pleased. Went to “Son of Fury” - met Snow, Mick & Chris in the Club and then went round to meet J.M. at C.G. Station. Went to the Regent palace Hotel for tea and to the show at the Hippodrome after having supper at a flash restaurant
Mail { Clare (29th May)
{ Mum.
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No 101 SQUADRON - BOURN.
JULY 21. Tues.
Met Mick & Snow and caught the 10.10 for Cambridge. After a whole of a lot of trouble got all our kit ready at Bass. and got a shuttle into Royston. Met Bill Spinney on the train and went to Cambridge. Finally got to Long Stanton and a shuttle to Oakington. Nobody knew us so we bedded in the same room as Burgess & Co.
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JULY 22. Wed
Up earliest for a long time and down and had a look over a Stirling.
Got a truck to Bourn where we are going to be on MK III’s. Had a good tea and early to bed.
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[underlined] JULY 23. [/underlined] Thurs.
Up & saw the C.O. of our squadron - got all our arrival chits filled in all of us got clean sheets
Could not get a ride to Oakington so played snooker
To tea & to write letters
Posted letters to Mum, Sheila, Doc Turnbull & Photo people in Barrow at 20 Paxton St, Barrow in Furness.
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JULY 24. Friday
Reported to the flight at 9 o’clock but there was no one about on a/c of ops last night. Went to Oakington to draw flying kit - got underwear but no Irvin. Received my nav kit, parachute & harness and had a chat by the navigation officer who showed me round the station
Went to an ENSA concert at night which was not bad.
Rec. £9:2:0
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JULY 25. Sat.
Received som instruction on G.B. and tried to use my [indecipherable] sextant very good but heavy. Mucked around and went to tea about 4.15.
Went to “Red Lion” with Snow bed 11.15.
Spin went on a raid to Duisberg [sic]
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JULY 26. Sun
Went up to flights but as there was ops last night no one was about, so went around with Snow while he did his DI’s. Then spent the rest of the morning on “Q6”. Had morning tea at the NAAFI but nothing doing in the afternoon as it is the big do [deleted] the [/deleted] to-night 16 kites - looks like another 1000 bomber “do”. With Chris & Bill going
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JULY [deleted] 27. [/deleted] [inserted] 29. [/inserted] [deleted] Mon [/deleted]
Chris came in
Nothing interesting rained all day!
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JULY 28. Tues
Chris woke [inserted] us [/inserted] up after [deleted] he [/deleted] 7 to know the time - I could have killed him. We went up to the drome and had a good morning tea. Then fooled around with my sextant and popped back to have a game of snooker.
Up in the after-noon and spent a couple of hours on the T.R.
Received a letter from Sheila. Wrote Rosemary. Doc Turnbull, Shirley Judd.
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JULY [deleted] 29. [/deleted] [inserted] 27. [/inserted] [deleted] Wednes [/deleted] [inserted] Mon [/inserted]
Was awake when Chris and Bill came back from Hamburg - Chris dropped a 4,000lb bomb - good show.
There was nothing doing as all personnel had been on last night and as it rained I stayed behind and wrote letters.
Went up in afternoon, was supposed to go up for a trip with the T.R. but it was scrubbed
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JULY 30. Thurs
As there was ops last night. Had breakfast and came back to the billets it started to rain but cleared before dinner and went on an air - firing trip up to the Wash with Nobby Clarke Played with the T.R. for a while but unfortunately the set packed up.
Durn of flight 1hr 30
Received letters from Mum & Dick Harwood
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JULY 31. Fri
Heard in the morning that we were to be pall bearers at the funeral at P/O Stubbings, Sgts Webster & Comber. Had an early dinner and went in to Cambridge on a shuttle with S/L Watts. Acted as pall bearers to Eric Webster and Bob Stubbings. Then went and got a punt with Spin, Mick and Snow. Had tea and went to the pictures then to the Criterion, from there to dance at Rex arriving home by taxi about 1 o’clock
They were killed when a wimpey collided with a Stirling off the Oakington Circuit.
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AUGUST 1. Sat.
Up rather late as I was pretty tired after last night. Went up to the drome but there was nothing doing. Biked into [deleted] Cambr [/deleted] Bassingbourne [sic] & took Sheila & Beryl to the [deleted] pictures [/deleted] green plunge & had a steak then went to the “Waggon & Horses” and then went to the dance at the sergeant’s mess Rode back with Bill Spinney & Gordon Otter.
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AUGUST 2. Sun
Big Day as a crew we at last got off the deck for 1 1/4 hrs. I played with the T.R. & it worked great. Nothing in the afternoon. Down to soldiers mess for supper & then Dance.
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AUGUST 3. Mon
Up to the flights but as the boys had been on ops there was nothing doing. Weather very duff. Ops scrubbed at night so went in to Cambridge on the bus Went to the pictures and had a good supper of chicken (?) after
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AUGUST 4. Tues
Nothing doing - weather is still pretty duff. Walked down to supper.
Had a chat by the Group Captain
Papers & Truth but no letters inside.
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AUGUST 5. Wed
Went up to the flights and was supposed to fly but it was cancelled.
Went up in the afternoon and flew with F/S Brown for a couple of hour on the T.R. then had [deleted] dinner [/deleted] [inserted] tea [/inserted] and flew again at 6.30 with Bill Spinney and crew & did local flying on fixes & homing, home to supper and bed
Letters { Mum
{ Gwen
Cable from Home re Birthday
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AUGUST 6. Thurs.
Woke up early and cleaned the room out for a change. Had [inserted] morn [/inserted] tea at the NAAFI and then went on a cross-country with the crew arriving back about 2 o’clock. Had a late dinner and came back for pay parade. Bill on C & L’s and I’m not going. Had supper at the Army canteen and Home
Had the old Jerry over but no bombs close.
Received parcel from Clare
Received £9:2:0
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AUGUST 7. Fri
A very dirty miserable day. Went down to the canteen for supper and then to the golden Lion and got a bit happy. Home about 11.30
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AUGUST 8. Sat.
Supposed to swing a loop but everything went wrong so will do it to-morrow morning. Had a lecture on Hun fighter tactics and a couple of illustrative films. Had a game of billiards after tea and went to the ENSA concert which was quite a good show.
Home & to [inserted] do [/inserted] letter writing
Wrote to Clare.
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AUGUST 9. Sun
Went up to the flights and was “Joed” for a compass swing in the morning before lunch. Went to dinner and when we came back there was nothing doing, was just ready to bus off when I was caught again at 4.15. Swing “R” for Robert and it rained just to make matters worse.
Went to bed early.
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AUGUST 10. Mon
As Mick & Snow had been flying last night I got up quietly. Up to the flights but was nothing much doing. Came home early and started to write a letter. Came back from the drome about 3 and played Snow at Snooker. Went for a ride down to the soldiers barracks for supper and came back to pack for our shift to Stradishall to - morrow.
Wrote to Nona.
Wrote to Mum.
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No 101 Squadron STRADISHALL
AUGUST 11. Tues
Snow & Mick went up to fly and I got up quickly & packed. Carried my kit over to the Airman’s mess. Had dinner and up to the flights had a talk by Sq. Ldr. Watts. Took off about 4 and went over to have a look at Cambridge landing at Stradishall about 4.30.
Went to the pictures and to bed
A funny trip bags gas masks, bombsight, chute Mae Wests all piled in the kite
Mail from Mum, Jocelyn, R.S.A., Max, Clare, Chum.
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AUGUST 12. Wedn
Slept in all day nearly as rest of squadron has not yet arrived. Went to NAAFI for supper then to bed
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AUGUST 13. Thurs.
Were to report to flights at 9.30. nothing doing so lay on the grass and then went to dinner. Had all the fuel system explained by Bill S.
Got a shuttle and went out to “Edward” and got our kit bringing it back to the hut.
Went to the mess with Snow and then went to the dance. Had a pretty good time.
Cables Janice Gwen
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AUGUST 14. Fri
Nearly missed breakfast and was glad I didn’t as we had bacon & eggs. Came back and all the boys were still asleep so popped out and down to the hangar but everything in pretty much of a mess. Heard that we were “on” to-night. Went for a trip in the after-noon around Cambridge testing the T.R. Came down to hear that ops had been scrubbed.
Went to “Arizona”
Letter from Sheila Hyde
Cable from Home
Wrote to Sheila.
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AUGUST [deleted] 15 [/deleted] [inserted] 16 [/inserted] Sat
Just mucked around cleaning up the navigation room. Went to the pictures which I had seen before
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AUGUST [deleted] 16 [/deleted] [inserted] 15 [/inserted] Sun
Up to the flights and we are on the battle order at last! Did our N.F.T. and were all ready to go Target was Dusseldorf. On our turn to take off but we went off the runway with 4000lbs (6 x 500 & 1 x 1000) so the trip was scrubbed
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AUGUST 17. Mon
Saw two “Typhoons” in the morning they look very nice kites. N.F.T. unnecessary as our kite “X” was tested in the morning. Briefed and were out at the kite in plenty of time. Target - Osnabruck. Airborne 2154 on target 0023, medium & plenty light flak, fair trip - time 5 hrs 40 mins, load 1 x 4000lb.
F/Sgt Brown & Crew missing
Sgt. Foderingham - pulled out after 11 hours in drink
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AUGUST 18. Tues
Slept in until 12.30 and then went to dinner. Nothing doing in afternoon. Put our names down to go to Cambridge. Went in a 5.30 with the crew Stayed in the “Criterion” till 10 and then went to the Kex till 11. Home on the 12 bus.
Letter from Sheila.
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AUGUST 19. Wed.
What a night! Not feeling so good so slept in till about 10 and then wandered down to the Nav. office. Went on a bombing trip up by Honington and dropped a few 11 1/2 lbs. Came back and it was a big day on the station. All personnel had the day off. Sports all afternoon and a dance at night. Went to the dance to bed
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AUGUST 20. Thurs.
Up & cleaned up as we thought the C.O. was coming but he let us down as he didn’t turn up. Went up for a trip in the morning about 1 1/2 hours bombing. Came back had dinner. There was nothing doing in the afternoon so stooged over to “G” & shifted my kit
Flew on a cross country at night of 3 1/2 hours and had a good nights astro & “G” practice
Bed 2.30
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AUGUST 21. Fri.
Slept in till 11 o’clock. Went over to the flights but there was nothing doing, a group stand down to night Handed in my maps at the intelligence store
Were payed [sic] at at 3.15
Went over to the Sgts. Mess until 9.15 then down to the dance for the B.A.T. boys.
Received £9:2:0
Banked £12:0:0
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AUGUST 22. Sat
Not feeling so hot at all this morning. Down to the hangar and went out to our kite to miss compass swinging. Did an N.F.T in “Edward” and then went in to the pictures and to the NAAFI for supper
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AUGUST 23. Sun
“Stand - by” for daylights. Were all ready to go at 11 o’c but were put off till 3 o’clock. Swing “K” Kitty in the morning and when we finished we heard that the daylights were scrubbed. “V” victor & “O” Orange went and bombed Emden from 4,500 feet. Shooting down 1 Me110 on the way back Went on a T.R. stooge in the afternoon with P/O Hill
Received my birthday cake
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AUGUST 24. Mon
Got my ration of 4 bars of chocolate. Did an N.F.T. in the afternoon and the “G” was not too good so reported to the Spec. signals. Went to Frankfurt - bags of flak, attacked by a nightfighter off the French coast - hit by shrapnel over [inserted] Target [/inserted] Total - 6 hrs 15. landed 03.20 - very tired
“C” charlie missing
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AUGUST 25. Tues
Woke up at 12.00 and went to dinner. Went to “Edward” and took my charts to the Intelligence. Did an N.F.T. in “L” London and then went to briefing at 16.45. Ops were scrubbed at the Last minute
So went to the pictures
Letters from { Clare
{ Mum
{ Ray Addis
Good Show!
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AUGUST 26. Wed
Up to the flights in the morning and was lucky enough to get out of several compass swings. Did our N.F.T. in “L” London for ops to-night. Briefed at usual time and were already and over at the crew room at 11.30 when it started to rain cats & dogs so the whole show was scrubbed.
To bed about 12
Post - card from Sheila
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What a day.
AUGUST 27. Thurs
Taking “Q” “Queenie” to-night. Went to do an air test in the afternoon but the kite was U/S so did a ground test after tea. Target - [underlined] KASSEL [/underlined] At last we get away at 8.50. No trouble over the Dutch coast - passed north of Amsterdam and had quite a bit of flak light and intense. Arrived at the target 20 mins early so stooged around and watched the fireworks, let the bombs go at 11.47. - Bright moonlight and intense ground haze. Coming home the fun started. Flak & S/L from Hamm, then got caught in the S/L’s over Essen and were hit several times by heavy flak, diving from 16,000 to 3,500 & finally got clear, then we climbed to height and crossed Over [indecipherable word] at 12,000, were 30 miles out to sea when we were attacked by a night fighter. Rear gunner severely injured, hydraulics shot up,
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AUGUST 28. Fri
no H.S.I. wheels down, bomb doors open, T.R & wireless U/S, crossed English coast at 3,500, called darky and immediately got a reply - drome lit up by S/L and we crash - landed - got Mick out & about 1 min later the kite burst into flames. Landed at Martlesham Heath - at about 0220 on Aug 28th.
28/8/42
Feeling a little shaky this morning. Up & had bacon & eggs. The boys came over for us and we got back about 12. Saw the C.O. and the M.O. and saw Pilky. The only thing saved was 2 pencils and my Nav log. Supper at NAAFI & to bed
Good Show!
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AUGUST 29. Sat
Still feeling a bit tired nothing doing in the morning. Swung all the compasses on “J” Johnnie in the afternoon and then went in to Cambridge about 4.30.
Went to the “Popular” had tea then to the “Barron [sic] of Beef” and to the Dorothy getting back about 1.30
Paddy Colhoun in “A” } Missing from Numburg [sic]
Beale & Rowles in “U” } Missing from Numburg [sic]
Ayres in “X” } Missing from Numburg [sic]
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AUGUST 30. Sun
Slept in and missed breakfast. Went down to the hangar and got a new Irvin suit, went back and had an hours sleep. No ops to-night so went to the picture and then to the NAAFI for supper.
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AUGUST 31. Mon
Slept in again and missed breakfast. Went down to the flights but there was nothing doing so went back to clean up and write a letter.
Posted letter to Mum 1800
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SEPTEMBER 1. Tues
Did an N.F.T. in the afternoon in “K” Kittie. Left about 12 o’clock for Saarbruken with Sgt. Crawley replacing Mick. Tested gun over Thames estuary - two guns in rear turret U/S so decided to return to base. Bombs jettisoned in wash and on return to Base cloud found at 200’ - hang of a job finding a drome but finally landed O.K.
Letter from Sheila
Truths (4) Received
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SEPTEMBER 2. Wed
Down to the flights and “ops” to-night. Tested “H” Harry it is a good kite. Briefed 8 o’clock and airborne 2300. S/C for English coast immediately 10/10 cloud. Climbed to 15,000 and crossed French coast where there was some heavy flak. Fairly quiet in to target, at target experienced heavy & intense light flak, no S/L’s - large Fires & big bomb bursts seen - home [missing words] - Target was [underlined] Karlsruhe [/underlined]
Durn 6 hrs 30 mins
Received Mail Mum W.D.R.S.A.
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SEPTEMBER 3. Thurs.
Woke up at about 12.30 and went to dinner. Stand - down to-night. Went to pictures at night & to Bed.
Wrote to Sheila
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SEPTEMBER 4. Fri
Had a good nights sleep. And went and swung the compasses on “J” they were all O.K and did not need any adjusting.
Did our N.F.T. in the afternoon in “E” Edward Went to Bremen. Hundreds of S/L’s and intense flak, quite a hot spot. Came back OK. landing 0500.
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SEPTEMBER 5. Sat.
Woke about 1300 and had dinner. There was a “Stand-down” so went in to Cambridge at 5 o’clock.
Went to the “Boar’s Head.” at night and stayed till the bitter end. Home about 1 o’clock.
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SEPTEMBER 6. Sun
Woke very tired & wandered down to the flights. Air tested “E” Edward and she is still as good as ever.
Left for Duisberg, [sic] not much in the way in. With bomb doors open we turned in to the target when bang the port motor cut we jettisoned our bombs and made for home. Could not track as the starboard motor pulled us to port a very shaky do! Had to get a QDM - shaky do.
P/O Gill & Crew Missing
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SEPTEMBER 7. Mon
Woke up 12 to hear that they had put overload tanks in. First target was Stettin 60 miles NE of Berlin. Then we were going to Warnemunde were in the kites ready for take-off when they scrubbed it - I was jolly glad as I am not partial to swimming the north sea
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SEPTEMBER 8. Tues
Slept in till 9 and got down to the flights late. Did an N.F.T. in “D” Donald and everything was O.K.
Went to Frankfurt Taking off at 9 o’clock, crossed Fr. coast bags of flak & S/L’s fairly quiet to target where there were hundreds of S/L’s and much heavy flak. Load 1 x 4000 lb.
Target well alight [inserted] with [/inserted] incendiaries attacked by a Me110. got rid of hime O.K. more flak on Fr. coast. Landed very short of juice about 0300
Letter from Clare
Poor old Williams & Joe [indecipherable word] & Pinky Reame missing
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SEPTEMBER 9. Wednes.
Woke up very tired about 11 o’clock we sure aren’t getting much sleep lately. Down to flights and Pilky said leave to-day. Got paid - £11:18:0 a jolly good sum. Hitch hiked to Newmarket and caught the train for Bury had to stay the night there as no train to Ipswich
Stayed at the Suffolk hotel and turned in early
Cabled Mum
Clare
Sheila
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SEPTEMBER 10. Thurs
Up & had breakfast at 7 caught the train to Ipswich arriving there about 9.40. Went straight up & saw Mick who looks very pale & washed out
Caught the 11.30 train to London. Booked in at the Victoria League till Monday. Met Sheila by good luck. Saw Sam Brydon, Tony Taylor and Ross Buckley. Went to a show with Sheila
A Jolly good night!
Nice thing this leave
Whacko!
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SEPTEMBER 11. Friday
Wake about 11, had a hot bath and went to the NZ Forces club where I met Sheila and took her to dinner. Then saw her off on the 2.05 train to Cambridge. Back and saw a show meeting the boys at the NZ F.C. and then to a club where we got pretty tight. Spin & I went to the Covent Garden where I met Irene who took me to Kensington South arriving home at 12.45.
Another Good Day.
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SEPTEMBER 12. Sat
Woke pretty late so ambled round to the forces club for dinner. Met Bob Stevenson and went to a show in the Afternoon. Met Norm Picton in the evening so went to the Sussex and then back to the N.Z.F.C. where we met 2 WAAFs Took them to supper and hitched a ride in a van to Fleet Street. Back to the Strand where we had a very wild night -
“Bonnee” - I’ll say Bonny Berry
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SEPTEMBER 13. Sun
Went for a walk along the Embankment till 10 o’clock then saw the girls off at Trafalgar St., station. Went to the Milkay Club with Snow back about 6 met Steve went to the Sussex, too hot so went to a show. Left Steve in Piccadilly and meet P. fair time home 0200
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 14. Mon
With Steve all day not doing much.
Saw a couple of Shows
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Wed. the 16
SEPTEMBER [deleted] 15 Tues. [/deleted]
Woke about 8.30 & so Steve & Co missed their train. Had breakfast down at Lyons on Strand. Back to NZ. Forces Club & then back to the Strand Palace Hotel. Saw Steve & co off, and then caught the 11.55 for Cambridge. Arriving about 1.40. Booked in at the Red Lion and then went to the Flix and home to an early bed very very tired
[page break]
[inserted] Tues 15th [/inserted] SEPTEMBER [Deleted] 16. Wed [/deleted]
Steve & I met Ted Grey & celebrated at the Sussex. Then to Covent Garden met three nurses and saw them to London Bridge.
5 of us slept in a three roomed bed, Steve, his pilot, a Canuck P/O, Grey [indecipherable] & myself
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 17. Thurs
Woke about 8.30 and went down town for breakfast. Then walked slowly down to the train. Caught the 10.8 for Newmarket then hitch hiked out to the camp arriving about 12. Down to the flights in the afternoon and went for a height test with the Aussie - Hawkins - reached 21,000 temperature was minus 20 centigrade - above 10/10 cloud landed 6.20. Home to an early bed.
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SEPTEMBER 18. Fri
A Good night’s sleep and was it welcome - I’ll say. Down to the flights and there was nothing doing Cloud 10/10 weather was not too good. Went up on a height test with Hawkins. We went up to 21,000 feet and “G” packed up and we did not know where we were finally pinpointed at Colchester got back about 6. Tea and went to the [deleted] pictures [/deleted] Three Tuns and got pretty well oiled
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 19. Sat.
Not feeling so good this morning. Went up on an N.F.T. in good old “E” Edward pretty good everything OK for ops tonight.
Took off at 8.10 with Andy Gould and a new rear gunner. No trouble over Fr coast quiet to target and then quite a bit of difficulty locating it. Home with bags of flak over Fr coast.
Trip 5hrs 40.
No 8. SAARBRUCKEN 72 x 30lb incendiaries
1 Kite missing - P/O De Bartok & Drury.
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SEPTEMBER 20. Sun
Woke up about 11.30. To a lecture on last nights do. 7 photos within 5 miles in all a pretty good show.
Nothing on tonight to-night so went to NAAFI for supper then to Hellzappopin [sic]
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SEPTEMBER 21. [underlined] Mon [/underlined]
Up feeling fresh & fit. Nothing doing in the morning but ops to-night. Did an N.F.T. in “E” - weather awful ceiling 150 feet in rain. Kite all O.K. back about 3.30. Target Mining 5 mile from mouth of Kiel Harbour. Made landfall at Mandoss OK after a 330 mile [inserted] sea [/inserted] crossing Map - read into the target OK saw a flak ship or two but very quiet really. Had “George” in all across the Sea. Saw a single ME 110
Durn - 6.30
Trip 9.
Hawkins the Aussie & S/Ldr Patterson (Patrick) Missing Bad Show!
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SEPTEMBER 22. Tues
Woke about 11pm had a bath and went down to the flights - Stand down. Had a lecture on the photographs taken at SBKN. [indecipherable] within 5 miles. Went to the mess to celebrate Brads flight. Then to waaf’s dance and got pretty happy.
Wrote 10 pages to Mum
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SEPTEMBER 23. Wedn
Woke feeling good after last nights do. Down to the flights and then shifted upstairs in “D” block. Down after lunch and watched a football match with a station crew. Standdown to-night
Wrote { Sheila
{ Steve
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SEPTEMBER 24. Thurs
Nothing doing in the morning. No ops tonight Watched a football match in afternoon - weather shocking
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SEPTEMBER 25. Fri
Woke pretty early & standing by for day flights but they were scrubbed as the cloud dispersed very quickly. Ops to-night but we are not on - played Chris a couple of of sets of tennis and then went to the pictures - Ops scrubbed.
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 26. Sat
Nothing doing again to-day - ops to-night but we are not on again. Ops were scrubbed at the last minute. Played Chris tennis and then went to the “Three Tuns” with Smithy & Brad - a good sing song & quite a good night
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 27. Sun
Down to the flights at 9 o’clock and everybody getting ready to shift. Went up for an Air Test in “C” with Spin - swung the compasses first - Kite O.K. Checked harnesses in the afternoon and had a talk by the Group Captain on leaving naafi - [indecipherable word] & bed
Posted mail { Chum
{ Snow
[page break]
SEPTEMBER 28. Mon
Took off about 10.20 for Holme. Chris navigated and I map - read arrived O.K. and had a good dinner. Settled in at billets well away from the ‘drome. Went to the Waafs welcome in the Sgts mess and boy was it a “Boozeroo.” Bags of drinking hours everyone very happy.
[page break]
OCTOBER 8. Thurs
No lectures except 1 by S/ldr Ruth on ops, pretty fair.
Mail Mum (2) Jocelyn, Rosemary, Doc J, Nona, Chum
[page break]
OCTOBER 9. Friday
Supposed to fly kites all U/S.
Mail from Chum & Sheila
Wrote to Nona, Florrie, Chum, Shiela, Rosemary.
[page break]
OCTOBER 10. Sat
Had lectures on “ops” & tactics - a bit late but good for the birds from O.T.U.’s
Went to town on the 5.30 bus with Spin & Andy - To Saracens Head for tea and to Crown for a few drinks then to “Montana” dance hall
Posted my photo home
[page break]
OCTOBER 11. Sun
Bacon & eggs for breakfast About the best thing thats happened since we’ve been here. Nothing doing in the morning but got off in a Manchester for two hours in the afternoon Spin did a couple of landings and when we were going solo the brake - pressure gave out.
Wrote to { Clare 8 pages
{ G.P.O. about Bank Book.
[page break]
OCTOBER 12. Mon
Up 7.15 and down to breakfast. Lectures on Astro - it is surprising how much I don’t know about navigation - still we live & learn. Lecture by S/LDR Ruth on evasive action his experiences tally with ours.
Same in afternoon, home to barracks and lit the fire, it overbalanced and darn near set the place on fire.
Letter Aug 10 from home.
2 [inserted] lots [/inserted] Papers from Janie
[page break]
OCCTOBER 21. Wed
Flew in Morning & 2 1/2 hours at night too.
Wrote to Chum
Telegram from Chum
[page break]
OCTOBER 24. Sat
Woke up early but stayed in Bed went up to Parade but was to [sic] late
No flying home to Write Letters
Letters from { Gwen
{ Mum.
Wrote to Mum, Shiela, Steve, Colchester, Muriel [indecipherable]
[page break]
[underlined] 22/3/41 [/underlined] Anson 930 Sgt Sansom AB 1400 1720 [underlined] 3hrs 20 [/underlined]
STATIONS I HAVE
I.T.W. LEVIN NEW ZEALAND APRIL 13th 1941.
No 6 A.O.S. PRINCE ALBERT SASKATCHEWAN CANADA.
No 3 B&G MACDONALD MANITOBA. CANADA.
No. 1 ANS RIVERS MANITOBA. CANADA.
No “IY” Depot HALIFAX NOVA SCOTIA CANADA.
No 3 P.R.C. BOURNEMOUTH ENGLAND.
No 2 AFU MILLOM. CUMBERLAND ENGLAND.
No 11 OTU BASSINGBOURNE [sic] HERTS. ENGLAND.
No 11 OTU STEEPLE MORDEN Herts. ENGLAND.
No 101 SQUADRON BOURN. Cambs. ENGLAND.
No 101 SQUADRON. STRADISHALL (Trans 11/8) ENGLAND
No 101 SQUADRON. HOLME YORKSHIRE Trans. 28/ [missing date]
No 1654 CON FLIGHT WIGSLEY - NOTTS Trans. 29/9
Dublin Core
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Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Description
An account of the resource
The entries proceed from 1 January 1942 to 24 October 1942.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YCollettHWA422260v1
Title
A name given to the resource
Henry William Amner Collett's diary
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
H W A Collett
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
101 Squadron
aircrew
killed in action
observer
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/886/22709/EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420602-0001.2.jpg
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Hudson, Douglas
James Douglas Hudson
J D Hudson
Description
An account of the resource
529 items. Collection concerns Pilot Officer James Douglas Hudson, DFC (755052 Royal Air Force) who joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in June 1939 and trained as an observer. While on route to Malta in August 1940 his Blenheim crashed in Tunisia and he was subsequently interned for two and a half years by Vichy French in Tunisia and Algeria. After being freed he returned to Great Britain and after navigator retraining completed a tour of 30 operations on 100 Squadron. The collection contains letters to and from his parents and from French penfriends while interned in Tunisia and Algeria, newspaper cuttings of various events, logbooks and lists of operations, official documents and photographs. A further 23 items are in two sub-collections with details of navigator examinations and postcards of Laghouat Algeria.<br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Elizabeth Smith and Yvonne Puncher and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br />
<p>This collection also contains items concerning Louis Murray and Harry Bowers. Additional information on <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/202827/">Harry Bowers</a> and <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/220410/">Louis Murray</a> is available via the IBCC Losses Database.</p>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-06-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Hudson, JD
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Royal Air Force. 755052. Sgt. J.D. Hudson.
℅. Consul Général des États Unis.
Rue Michelet.
Alger. Algérie.
2-6-42. Afrique du Nord.
My Dear Mother & Dad,
When last I wrote to you it was to acknowledge receipt of your letters Nos. 37 & 38 which arrived on May 28th and also advise the dispatch of a cable I sent on the same day advising you of the letters I had received etc. I am now awaiting your next cable which is about due. Since your birthday telegram arrived informing me that you had received seven letters, I have sent two to you, one a pre-paid reply & the other I sent off my own bat as the spirit moved me. There [sic] very little news for you because nothing has occurred since I sent my last letter. The weather now is getting hot. After 10am it is too hot really to be outside until nearly 5pm, and the nights are fairly warm. To-day there is a slight breeze blowing which makes a difference. When you write and tell of the greenish Spring countryside and say that your lake is rippling in the wind, it makes me realise more than ever what I have left behind when I contemplate the sand and bareness surrounding this spot. Oh to be in England now that spring is here! Last night we caught a tarantula in our room. It had a body about the size of a shilling and hairy legs each about three inches or more long. It is the first I have seen and I did not realise that they thrived in this part of the world. It is just over a year since we left Médéa for [one indecipherable word] We came here the third week in October which means
[page break]
in about a fortnight’s time we shall have spent as long at Laghauat as we did in [one indecipherable word] It will not be very long before we shall have reached our two years stay in North Africa. Thank God I did not know at the time [inserted] what [/inserted] was ahead of me. You will probably recall at the time I did not wish to leave England. I remember so clearly the first morning I was on African rail. The Arab crowd which seemed to gather so quickly and from nowhere and our feeble efforts to try and make ourselves understood in French which even the French themselves found difficulty with. I remember how hot it seemed with all our gear on, yet actually how cool it was then to this present June day. The flies, red wine and smell of garlic which seemed to be everywhere, and which since we have begun to take so much for granted. How indignant we were at the thought of having a guard in French North Africa, and now how lonely we should be without [underlined] them. [/underlined] I suppose one begins to feel that in them we have protection. When I get home I shall charter my own constable to look after me. Poor old George Formby, or whoever it was, in whose Window Cleaning “Song” the line occurs “Always on the outside looking in” That man surely didn’t know just how lucky he was. I’ll tell you the whole story one day and I can assure you it will make good telling and maybe even better listening. So for the present let us continue with our chatty conversation as it was in the past. My thoughts are over with you both, and no matter how difficult the mail may be in arriving you can & must rest assured that I am keeping well and only waiting for that day when we meet again. All my love.
[underlined] Douglas [/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents
Description
An account of the resource
Acknowledges receipt of their latest letters and mentions sending them a able and expecting their next one. No news of note but writes about the weather. Contemplates life in England and mentions catching a tarantula. Comments he has spent as much time in Laghouat as at El Kef and it is coming up to two years in North Africa. Remembers first days in North Africa and comments on interment by the French. Catches up with home news.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J D Hudson
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-06-02
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420602
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Algeria
Algeria--Laghouat (Province)
Algeria--Algiers
North Africa
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-06-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
prisoner of war
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/886/22710/EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420605-0003.1.jpg
dd1c3fcc06fd95eedf20e20a995da108
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/886/22710/EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420605-0004.1.jpg
7aa79df751cb06c15d057e83912f2d5e
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/886/22710/EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420605-0001.1.jpg
cbfb1d3bea3a908d14a88ac0a2959e2f
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/886/22710/EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420605-0002.1.jpg
ce39e8178b914f8999658cba6ba855be
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Hudson, Douglas
James Douglas Hudson
J D Hudson
Description
An account of the resource
529 items. Collection concerns Pilot Officer James Douglas Hudson, DFC (755052 Royal Air Force) who joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in June 1939 and trained as an observer. While on route to Malta in August 1940 his Blenheim crashed in Tunisia and he was subsequently interned for two and a half years by Vichy French in Tunisia and Algeria. After being freed he returned to Great Britain and after navigator retraining completed a tour of 30 operations on 100 Squadron. The collection contains letters to and from his parents and from French penfriends while interned in Tunisia and Algeria, newspaper cuttings of various events, logbooks and lists of operations, official documents and photographs. A further 23 items are in two sub-collections with details of navigator examinations and postcards of Laghouat Algeria.<br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Elizabeth Smith and Yvonne Puncher and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br />
<p>This collection also contains items concerning Louis Murray and Harry Bowers. Additional information on <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/202827/">Harry Bowers</a> and <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/220410/">Louis Murray</a> is available via the IBCC Losses Database.</p>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-06-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Hudson, JD
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[front of envelope]
F.M.
[postmark]
June 5th/42
MR & MRS. H. E. HUDSON.
191. HALIFAX ROAD.
NELSON.
LANCASHIRE.
ANGLETERRE.
EXAMINER 500
[page break]
[rear of envelope]
FROM. SGT. J. D. HUDSON. 755052.
BRITISH INTERNED AIRMAN.
CAMP DES INTERNES BRITANNIQUES
LAGHOUAT.
ALGÉRIE.
AFRIQUE DU NORD.
[postmark]
P.C.90
OPENED BY
[page break]
Royal Air Force. 755052. Sgt. J.D. Hudson.
℅. Consul Général des États Unis.
Rue Michelet.
Alger. Algérie.
Afrique du Nord.
5-6-42.
My Dear Mother & Dad,
Yesterday I was very pleased to receive two letters from you dated May 3rd & 7th, Nos. 40 & 41. The arrival of letters from England is very good and I have received all the first 41 letters written by you this year up to May 7th with the exception of No. 11. I keep repeating that I do wish my mail reached you as regularly because I have always written to you twice weekly. Do not worry, as you appear to be doing, about me spending my allowance on stamps. There is so very little else I can spend it on these days and the cost incurred by postage is negligible. I do not stamp the letters myself, the envelopes leave me plain, and whatever stamps are later attached are affixed by outside authorities. Why the postage should vary I am at a loss to understand, neither can see why some letters should arrive without any stamps at all. Your parcel of cigarettes and Mrs. Clayton’s book have not arrived, but I am still faithfully optimistic. According to the receipt of cigarettes here I imagine that your parcel is just about due. I am eagerly awaiting your parcel of socks, soap, towels etc, sent via the Red Cross. Quite a lot of parcels containing similar items, also grey flannels & white shorts, shoes etc, have been & are still being received, fairly well intact. It is ages since we received any food parcels from the Red X
[page break]
perhaps they think that we are no longer in need of the extra nourishment and small luxuries they have provided in the past and for which we have always been so grateful. But on the other hand, probably the difficulties of transport are responsible, this is more probable. Then again we have to bear in mind that our family has increased enormously of late. You ask if we have had storms here as in the Libyan desert. We have had storms during the past few weeks but I doubt if they compare with those further East. Of course it is rather difficult to gauge their magnitude from within our enclosure. You mention not having had rain for three weeks and you wonder if we suffer from drought. With the exception of one shower we have not had any rain for five months and the water is ridiculously limited at this time of the year. The supply does come to the town from the river which is dependent on the winter rain and snows from the distant mountains. I believe the river is [inserted] practically [/inserted] dried up now, & will doubtless remain in this state until autumn. The weather has been reasonably cool for a few days and it makes a great deal of difference. The heat is quite strength sapping, but I find the flies the greatest menace. I, like you, hope most sincerely that May 21st would mark the final birthday I should spend in Africa. It does become wearisome waiting. I always think that in the end we shall have a lot to reap, and the harvesting will be one worth while. Things just dont [sic] stay wrong all the time and I find that when they appear blackest it is the unexpected that turns up opportunely. And on that note I must say good-bye until next letter. I am thinking about you always and I send all my love & best wishes to you both. Keep smiling & chins up.
Douglas.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents
Description
An account of the resource
Catches up on mail received and tells them not to worry about him spending all his allowance on mail, there was little else to spend it on anyway. Mentions stamps applied by authorities not him and does not know why cost varies. Writes that the cigarette and book parcels have still not arrived but is also eagerly awaiting the parcels with soap. socks and towels via the Red Cross. List some other similar items that others have received. Mentions that they had not received any Red Cross food parcels for some time and this was possibly due to transport problems. In addition, there were many more internees now. Discusses the weather and sand storms.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J D Hudson
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-06-05
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter and envelope
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420605
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Algeria--Algiers
Algeria--Laghouat (Province)
Great Britain
England--Lancashire
England--Nelson
North Africa
Algeria
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-06-05
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
prisoner of war
Red Cross
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1490/27548/MMitchellJEF550261-160125-010001.2.jpg
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Mitchell, Mitch
John Ernest Francis Mitchell
J E F Mitchell
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-02-27
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Mitchell, JEF
Description
An account of the resource
59 items. Flight Lieutenant John Ernest Francis 'Mitch' Mitchell. Joined the RAF as a boy entrant in 1934 and trained as a wireless operator. Flew on Vickers Virginia, Handley Page Heyford and Whitley before the war. Completed an operational tour on Whitley 1939-41. After being rested he flew a second tour of operations as a wireless operator with 207 Squadron before retraining as a pilot post war. Collection contains his flying logbooks, memoires of his air force career and first operations, lists of his operations, correspondence and photographs.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by C A Wood and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
MITCHELL J.E.F. F/SGT 550261 W/OP.
“A” FLIGHT 58 SQUADRON LINTON-ON-OUZE [sic] YORKS
WHITLEY lll
3-9-39 K8969 F/O O’NEILL F/O RUSSELL 2 CREW & SELF
LEAFLETS TO THE RUHR - ESSEN - DUSSELDORF - FORCED LANDING IN FIELD NEAR DORMAN ALL CREW SURVIVED.
WHITLEY V [underlined] HOURS [/underlined]
12.10.39 — K8999 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 3.40 — CONVOY PATROL — [underlined] DAY [/underlined]
12.10.39 — K8999 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 3.00 — CONVOY PATROL — [underlined] NIGHT [/underlined]
16.10.39 — K8999 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 6.15 — CONVOY PATROL — [underlined] DAY [/underlined]
8.11.39 — K8999 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 4.30 — STRIKE
8.11.39 — K9007 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 4.25 — CONVOY PATROL
4.12.39 — K8975 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 6.20 — CONVOY PATROL
17.12.39 — K9004 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 7.10 — CONVOY PATROL
30.12.39 — K9004 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 4.15 — CONVOY PATROL
13.1.40 — K8999 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 2.30 — CONVOY PATROL
17.1.40 — K8973 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 6.00 — CONVOY PATROL
3.1.40 — K8974 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 1.25 — CONVOY PATROL [underlined] ENGINE FAILURE [/underlined]
3.1.40 — K9000 — P/O O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 5.15 — CONVOY PATROL
17.4.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — F/O CRIBB — 9.15 — OPS — NORWAY - FORNEBO - OSLO - DRAMMEN
30.4.40 — N1436 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O PIKE — 7.40 — OPS — STAVANGER AIRFIELD
13.5.40 — N1436 — F/LT O’NEILL— P/O RUSSELL — 6.45 — OPS — HOLLAND MAASTRICHT
15.5.40 — N1436 — F/LT O’NEILL— P/O RUSSELL — 6.15 — OPS — GERMANY GELSTEM KIRCHEM DUSSELDORF
19.5.40 — N1424 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 7.15 — OPS — GERMANY GELSTEM KIRCHEM DUSSELDORF
21.5.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 5.35 — OPS — JULICH
23.5.40 — N1436 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 6.25 — OPS — FRANCE LA CAPELLE — FORCED LANDING
1.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 3.50 — OPS — GERMANY - HAMM
[page break]
3.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 6.20 — GERMANY - ESSEN
4.6.40 — N1470 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O RUSSELL — 6.00 — GERMANY - BUER
7.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT TERANEAU — 7.20 — FRANCE - BRIDGES & CONVOYS
8.6.40 — N1459 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT TERANEAU — 6.05 — FRANCE - BRIDGES & CONVOYS
10.6.40 — N14 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT TERANEAU — 6.30 — FRANCE - AMEIN
11.6.40 — N1434 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT TERANEAU — 8.00 — ITALY - TURIN
13.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT TERANEAU — 7.40 — FRANCE - ABBEVILLE
14.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT TERANEAU — 4.50 — FRANCE - RECALLED
27.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — SGT CORNISH P/O WELTE SGT DREW — 5.55 — RUHR GERMANY
18.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O CLEMENTS SGT DREW A.C. HOGG — 5.55 — RUHR GERMA-NY
20.6.40 — N1469 — F/LT O’NEILL — P/O CLEMENTS SGT DREW A.C. HOGG — 6.25 — RUHR GERMA-NY
26.6.40 — N1469 — F/O ESPLEY — P/O CLEMENTS — 7.00 — RUHR GERMANY
28.6.40 — N1469 — F/O ESPLEY — P/O CLEMENTS — 7.50 — RUHR GERMANY
1.7.40 — N1469 — F/LT RUSSELL — P/O THOMPSON SGT DREW SGT COUSINS — 7.10 — KEIL CANAL (BATTERED TO HELL)
[underlined] SQUADRON LEADER J.E.F. MITCHELL DFC [/underlined]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
John Mitchell - list of operations 1939-1940
Description
An account of the resource
Flight Sergeant wireless operator on 58 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouze flying Whitley III. First operation to Ruhr to drop leaflets and crash landed in France on the way back. Other operations were convoy patrol and bombing in France, Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J E F Mitchell
Format
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Two page handwritten document
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
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Text
Identifier
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MMitchellJEF550261-160125-01
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Yorkshire
Norway
Norway--Stavanger
Netherlands
Netherlands--Maastricht
Germany
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Jülich
France
Germany--Essen
France--Amiens
Italy
Italy--Turin
France--Abbeville
Germany--Kiel Canal
Germany--Hamm (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1939-09-03
1939-10-12
1939-10-16
1939-11-08
1939-12-04
1939-12-17
1939-12-30
1940-01-13
1940-01-17
1940-01-03
1940-04-17
1940-04-30
1940-05-13
1940-05-15
1940-05-19
1940-05-21
1940-05-23
1940-06-01
1940-06-03
1940-06-04
1940-06-07
1940-06-08
1940-06-10
1940-06-11
1940-06-13
1940-06-14
1940-06-17
1940-06-18
1940-06-20
1940-06-26
1940-06-28
1940-07-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
58 Squadron
aircrew
bombing
forced landing
RAF Linton on Ouse
Whitley
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19234/EValentineJRMValentineUM421203-0001.2.jpg
b9a7a0b006d89f6d218ce2b6ace2bd4d
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19234/EValentineJRMValentineUM421203-0002.2.jpg
c7acc627c32c8982670765eeea9d3613
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Start of transcription
[underlined] NUMBER 32. [/underlined] 3-12-42.
My Dearest Ursula - (I mean that too!) two most welcome letters of yours arrived today dated 31st Oct & 6th Nov. I have nothing of Floyds, nor is it possible for me to get anything that may have survived the crash. I tried to get official recognition of Philips gallantry sent through from here but that sort of thing is all too common & nobody would listen. Glad to hear of your new garments. Wish I could see you in them. Please convey my condolences to the surviving Miss [one indecipherable word] - a nasty blow for her. Many thanks for bowing tip. I am all too conscious of the incredible stiffness of both my wrists & fear that I’ll never be even a moderate violinist. You can tell MR Tait politely but firmly that I don’t want any professional literature (say there’s plenty here) I simply haven’t a spare second to take on any fresh studies or reading. Time does not (definitely not) hang heavily on my hands. I’m fully occupied all my waking hours & I haven’t started Agric. yet. Where I’m going to get the time to do that when the books arrive I haven’t the slightest idea. Thank him for his letter of good wishes (which are heartily reciprocated) & for his news of [one indecipherable word] parcel. I’m grateful to Myra Hess for her kindly interest & also for the Gunns efforts to get stuff from U.S.A. Please thank your Aunt Margaret for her gift. I’ll write myself whenever I get a chance. By all means keep up your political scrap book. Please thank Auntie Horace [inserted] MRS Harris [/inserted] & Angus Milligan for their letter. My Fathers medical comforts parcel has arrived & is very welcome. My tastelessness has arrived with its full force once more despite my efforts despite my efforts with the Argotone. I’m certain that the wretched weather of recent weeks has much to do with it. Irenes [sic] romances leave me gasping. To whom is she really finally engaged? Tell her if she wants to explore any fresh avenues I could put her in touch with some nice “Kriegys” as we call ourselves. I’m still playing away at the fiddle & also “Rudiments of Music” which I find absolutely fascinating. I’ve started Dutch because I hear it spoken much more than German & think I ought to make more progression in it. I haven’t dropped German entirely but devote [inserted] to it [/inserted] what free time (if any) that I have. The trouble is the incredible amount of time taken up by dull domestic chores eg. cooking, keeping room clean, washing clothes (how I loathe it) washing up, darning & mending. In any future parcels please send new or nearly new socks. Two pairs that came in your first parcel were more or less full of holes & I just can’t darn - yet. My longing for you grows daily - I’d love to see Frances too.
Fondest love, for ever John.
[page break]
EXAMINER 9517
[post mark]
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
An MRS U M. VALENTINE
“LIDO”
Empfangsort: TENTERDEN GROVE
Straße: HENDON
Kreis: LONDON N.W.4
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
P.C. 90
OPENED BY
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt J.R.M VALENTINE
Gefangenennummer: 450
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 3
Deutschland (Germany)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 32. Notes letters received. States he has no objects belonging to his pilot (Floyd) and that he also tried to get recognition of his gallantry without success. Catches up with news. Writes he is fully occupied but has not stated his agricultural studies yet. Thanks various people for letters and parcels. mentions his health and weather. Writes that domestic chores take up much time and requests she send socks.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-12-03
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
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Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
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EValentineJRMValentineUM421203
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Poland
Poland--Żagań
Great Britain
England--London
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-12-03
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J R M Valentine
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 3
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1414/28269/EWareingJWareingR440804.1.pdf
652088df3dc204f18e696bacd673fa99
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Wareing, Robert
R Wareing
Description
An account of the resource
258 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Robert Wareing DFC* (86325 Royal Air Force) and contains his flying logbooks, prisoner of war log book, memoirs, photographs, extensive personal and official correspondence, official documents, pilots/handling notes, decorations, mementos, uniform badges and buttons. He flew operations as a pilot with 106 Squadron. After a period of instructing he returned to operations on 582 Squadron but was shot down and became a prisoner of war.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Andrew Wareing and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-10-05
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Wareing, R
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[front of envelope]
Return to Sender on Air Ministry Instructions
[postmark] SCUNTHORPE 11-AM 5 AUG 1944 LINCS.
[3 postage stamps]
Squadron Leader Robert Wareing. D.F.C,
[label pasted over address] REASON FOR REDIRECTION
Air Ministry Instruction
SIGNATURE OF POSTAL CLERK [signature]
[postmark] HUNTINGDON 14 AU 44
NOTE
PLEASE INFORM YOUR CORRESPONDENTS OF YOUR CORRECT POSTAL ADDRESS
R.A.F. FORM 1674.
NEW ADDRESS HERE
TO Air Ministry
(S.7.(B))
London
V.P. Co. 51-7771.
[page break]
56, West Common Gardens,
Old Brumby,
Scunthorpe,
Lincolnshire.
August 4th 1944.
My Darling [underlined] Bob. [/underlined]
Alas! dear, there is no letter for me again today. I am feeling very disappointed too, but possibly you have been unable to find time so I will forgive you.
I have had a very busy day helping ‘AJ’ all the afternoon with his personal stuff etc, and typing most of the morning.
Eileen returned my mail today & a long letter saying how much happier she feels now she is a married woman!!!
[page break]
ii
She said they had heavenly few hours together, even if only in Leicester - I don’t suppose it would matter much where they went. She enclosed the local paper with press photo and full detailed account including the veil was ….. and lent by the bride’s friend - Mrs Robert Wareing - I will take care of the contents dear.
A.J. was asking if I played tennis, golf or anything. She thinks it would do me good for health etc. She plays at Lindsay Tennis Club. Holme Hall Golf Club & recommended both as good sensible folk. We shall be
[page break]
iii
able to do [underlined] our sport [/underlined] etc. together after the war. I explained, I feel somewhat lost without you around. She seems to understand my feelings & is very helpful to me indeed. I feel quite happy there and I know am better in health since I started working again.
Nothing terribly exciting seems to have happened around here. How are you doing among the spare parts??
Well dearest one. Cheers for now and God Bless You for Ever [underlined] Yours [/underlined]
[signature]
xxxxxxxx
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joan Wareing, to Robert Wareing
Description
An account of the resource
Sent via the air ministry. Writes that she had had no letter from him that day and then goes on to describe her activities and that she was missing him.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J Wareing
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-08-04
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Front of envelope and 3 page hand written letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EWareingJWareingR440804
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--London
England--Lincolnshire
England--Scunthorpe
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-08-04
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/654/10670/BWarnerJWarnerJv1.1.pdf
ad7dcfe9fd6e9f68b29b76a8d03246fa
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Warner, Jack
J Warner
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Warner, J
Description
An account of the resource
Ten items. An oral history interview with Flying Officer Jack Warner DFM (b. 1923, 183090, 1623709 Royal Air Force) his log book, his memoir, a newspaper cutting and photographs. He completed a tour of 37 operations as a flight engineer with 428 Squadron.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Jack Warner and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
15-9- [indecipherable number torn page]
1
[underlined] Montlucon [/underlined] - was our first target and we were briefed by W/C Smith who’d done countless numbers of ‘ops’. We were given to understand that the trip would be easy with little or no opposition in the form of fighters and a little light flak en route and occasional positions of heavy stuff. We took off at [underlined] 20.00 [/underlined] and being our first trip, didn’t know what the hell to expect. We crossed the French coast at about 17 thou to clear the light flak & flak ships and stooged all the way down France and and saw very little flak except for the defended areas. We arrived over the target area [deleted] at [/deleted] a few minutes ahead of time and stooged around waiting for
[page break]
P.F.F. to start the show. They dropped the G.T.I’s and in we went at about 8,000ft. and we could hear the M.C. bawling over R.T. for us to get down lower (we were ordered to bomb at 5,000) The place was bright as the devil and there were only about 4 heavy guns over the T.A. and the flak was not predicted. We dropped our load and scooted and saw very little flak en route out and the usual light stuff over the French coast. We dived across and stooged back to base. Trip lasted [deleted] 9.55. [/deleted] [inserted] 8.30 [/inserted] Everything went smoothly - engines etc. W/C Smith was missing from this op. Found out later he’d been hit by one or more bombs
[page break]
16-9-43
2
[underlined] MODANE [/underlined] We were given much the same briefing as for the Montlucon and were briefed by S/L Suggit (53 ops). We took off at [underlined] 19.03 [/underlined] and crossed the French coast at 17 thou to miss the light stuff. (which is all the colours of the rainbow) then stooged down France meeting little opposition and passed quite near several heavy defended areas which were indicated by searchlights. At ET.A. target we couldn’t see — all and Norman started checking up and couldn’t find anything wrong and we looked again and saw bags of searchlights and quite a bit of heavy flak in a concentration about 40 miles away but we couldn’t say what it was.
[page break]
Sinc, saw the lake of Geneva and yelled out “Jesus Christ!, I think were [sic] over the Mediterranean!“ - any idea where we are Norman?! Norman said “No”! upon which silence brooded over the flying machine for a space of ten minutes. This was no good, we were running short of gas with our load still on and at the time we were icing up pretty bad so we jettisoned our load over the Alps and Norman pulled his finger out and found our track again. We landed away after this op and George cracked his head whilst in circuit & we left him there in dock. Everything went smoothly - engines etc. 9.00
[page break]
[underlined] 1st HANOVER [/underlined]
3
22.9.43.
Well this was our first real [inserted] “J” [/inserted] trip and were briefed by S/L. Suggitt. We took off at [underlined] 18.30 [/underlined] and crossed the [deleted] french [/deleted] coast at 17,000. Jock Crossaw was flying with us as M.U.G in place of George. Far too much ‘binding’ was going on over the intercom and someone wouldn’t turn their mike off. I bet Jock took a pretty dim view of our crew! he’d done 18 ops. As we went into the T.A. area it was pretty well lit up and there were bags of searchlights and it was a very clear night. There seemed a hell of a lot of light flak going up to about 16T. with bursts of heavy up to 22 in barrage form and it seemed fairly thick. I looked below and could see the old Wimps and Stirlings way
[page break]
below us catching all the light stuff. We dropped our load and beat it. A couple of Halys just missed us. The target was one huge mass of orange flame and smoke visible for about 200 miles away. Sinc saw some heavy flak positions ahead so he altered course to evade [inserted] S. Guy coned. [/inserted] them which wasn’t the right thing to do because we were isolated now from the stream. Out of nowhere a master beam picked us up and we were coned in no time … Then the shit came! and how it came! every godammed gun near Hanover must have fired into the top of the cone where we were. We had some near misses and I was giving Sinc a running commentary on it as he wanted me to do. A piece of flak came thru the nose and made a gaping hole and blew Normans charts etc all over the kite - we bunged it up with a cushion. We were coned on & off
[page break]
For about 10 minutes and Sinc threw the old kite all over the sky. How we got thru it to tell the tale I don’t know to this day and the rest of the crew are of the same opinion. Vic cut his thumb and I dressed it for him. We stooged back to base then and curiously never saw a fighter during the whole trip.
Everything went smoothly in my ‘department’. Fitted a new nose on .J. Johnny.
P.S. We lectured old Sinc about the object of keeping on track ! …. which needless to say he has done ever since! ….. 7.30.
[page break]
4 J.C.
[underlined] Kassel [/underlined] 3.10.43 We were briefed by S.L. Suggitt and took off at [underlined] 18.30. [/underlined] We expected the trip to be just normal. Crossed the French coast at about 17T. and saw the usual light flak with a few scattered heavy bursts. The route was quite good and passed near to the few inevitable defended areas and saw quite a bit of heavy stuff coming up but we were in no danger. When we arrived at target P.F.F. were busy dropping their stuff and there were [deleted] abou [/deleted] quite a number of S.L’s in T.A. Usual light flak and quite a bit of heavy. Saw a kite go down in flames when we made our run up.
[page break]
Dropped our load and beat it. Passed between 2 heavily defended areas on way back. Jack saw a F.W. 190. - gave evasive action and we lost him. The T.A. seemed well lit up but not so good as first raid. Passed heavily defended area on Pt. side crossing coast. Usual dive across coast and stooged back to base.
Everything O.K. in my dept.
Joe Armour had half a rudder chopped off by a Lanc! 7.15.
[page break]
5 C.N
8.10.43
[underlined] 2ND HANOVER. [/underlined] Briefed by S.L. Suggitt and took off at [underlined] 22.54. Jock was still flying with us as M.U.G (damn his luck!) Crossed coast at usual height and saw usual flak coming up. Route was fairly good and we passed the usual heavily defended areas. Reached T.A. and once again on our run up saw a kite go down in flames. As before there seemed to be hundreds of S.L’s all wavering around anywhere just to light the place up for fighters. Seemed to be more heavy flak than previous raid usual light stuff. Hell of a lot a [sic] Lancs crossed our path. Probably given wrong heading to bomb on. Saw quite a lot
[page break]
of big bombs going down sillhoueted [sic] against the fires on the ground.
[page break]
We dropped our load and beat it fast. The T.A. was well alight and it seemed a successful effort. On the route back we passed Bonne on our stbd side and sinc and I saw a kite coned and the usual stuff was pumped up at him (poor sod). The flak stopped and 2 fighters went in and finished the job before he new [sic] where he was. Went down in flames and saw him hit the deck with a huge yellow flash. We stooged back. Were diverted down Sth. Missed B. Balloons by about 50ft. Jock yelled “Get up them stairs Sinc!” 2H.
Everything smooth in my dept.
5.55.
[page break]
6
3.11.43.
[underlined] DUSSELDORF. [/underlined] Briefed by S.L. Suggitt and took off at [underlined] 16.34 [/underlined] Expected it to be rather a stiff trip tonight. George was back with us as M.U.G. Crossed coast at usual height and passed several heavily defended areas en route. Saw quite a few fighter flares which are used to light up the sky so the fighters can pounce on your sillhouete. [sic] Saw fighter but he didn’t attack. Saw T.A. with a good number of S.L’s wavering around, quite a bit of light flak and surprisingly little heavy. Made our run up and dropped load. Raid had only just started and
[page break]
so I couldn’t form much of an opinion of the target area. The fires seemed to be going pretty well though. George saw 2 J.U. 88’s on way back but they were below us and never bothered us. S. Kept turning kite over so George could keep an eye on them - just in case. Route out was good. Usual dive over coast and a few bursts of light flak to cheer us on our weary way.
Everything O.K. in my dept.
Joe Moss’s kite got shot up by fighter over French coast. Crashed down South all crew killed. (22 ops!) Hard lines.
6.55.
[page break]
DURATION - 8.15.
[underlined] BERLIN [/underlined]
7
22.11.43
T.O. @ 16.37. This was 1st. trip to the Big City and I can’t say we were happy about it although we did want to go (speaking for myself) “to see what it was like” The route was pretty good and not too much flak was about. Hanover was lit up as we passed, on the stbd. side but 10/10 cloud prevented the S/L’s from being effective. Saw what were later known (notoriously) as fighter flares which were fired from the ground. They were pretty effective but none troubled us. Approaching Berlin — Saw the 1st T.I. going down and the defences were just beginning to open up - light at first then we made our run up - S.L’s inneffective [sic] due to 10/10 cloud but we were sillhoueted [sic] against bright cloud, from above. Bomb doors open - flak pretty hot - right underneath us and on stbd side - dropped load and stuck
[page break]
2
nose down to get out - quick! After about 6 or seven minutes we were out of danger of the guns of the T.A. Made turn to stbd and headed out for coast. Whole place was lit up - huge glow but couldn’t see clearly for cloud. P.F.F. were bang on with their track marking. Usual flak on way out. Hanover hot - went away round it! Landed at base had interogation, [sic] meal, wash & change and went home on leave straight away!! - bit of a record.
Everything O.K. in my dept.
[page break]
[underlined] LEIPZIG [/underlined]
DURATION - 8.26.
8
[underlined] 3.12.43. [/underlined]
20 BIRTHDAY!
T.O. @ 23.59 - Dark night and low cloud - raining when we T.O. Surprised we got off. Soon got above cloud. Crossed coast at usual height and encountered the usual flak. Route was reasonably good and saw usual flak en route - barrage form. Course took us right for Berlin then turned down to Leipzig. P.F.F. were fooling about over Big City and Mossy’s were around. Saw quite a bit of trace in sky and several fighter flares (red & yellow.) P.F.F. were bang on with track marking the T.M.s dropping just in front of us throughout the whole trip. Making run up - sky marking due to 10/10 cloud. Wizard sight just like fairy land! Whole sky was lit up by reflection of markers on cloud, saw kites all around us. Dropped load, made lovely run - up - then beat it. Didn’t see anything
[page break]
really exciting on way out, except a kite was coned and the [sic] were shooting the day lights out of him - he got away. Good show.
Everything O.K. in my dept.
Today the 4th is my birthday (20)
[page break]
[underlined] FRANKFURT [/underlined] DURATION - 8.30.
9
[underlined] 20.12.43. [/underlined] T.O. @ 16.00. - early T.O. Took a sprog pilot with us to let him see what it is like before he takes his own crew out. He sat or stood most of the way up by Sinc. Crossed coast @ usual height and encountered usual flak - light stuff, nowhere near us. Red tracer stuff coming up like hell, could watch it for hours! Then explodes like a tiny star - at a distance! Route was good approached T.A. and saw the attack on Manheim [sic] which seemed very near. T.I’s were dropping, could see ground quite clearly, about 3/10 cloud. Several fighter flares were about and dozens of S.L’s (mostly to port) wavering about. Decent amount of flak. Made a lousy run up - dropped load and beat it - like a “bat outa hell” Hundreds of fighter flares lighting up the sky all around us. Fighter came in at us from
[page break]
stbd quarter. George gave evasion action and fighter never opened up. Arty fired 200 rounds at him. Beat it fast! Quite a bit of flak and S.L’s on way out saw a chap coned but he got away. Landed at base O.K.
Everything O.K. in my dept.
[page break]
[underlined] BERLIN [/underlined] 10 DURATION - 7.55
[underlined] 20-1-44 [/underlined] T.O. @ 23.55 - Early T.O. Took another sprog pilot “Mac” along with us to get the gen. Nice guy. Crossed enemy coast and greeted by usual opposition, Route good - usual defences Several fighter flares - almost 10/10 cloud Made run up. Decent amount of flak over T.A. - very bright over T.A. despite cloud and could see several kites sillhoueted [sic] against sky below us. Saw a “scare-crow” over T.A. were heading straight for where it burst - huge ball of red fire and oily smoke whizzing round and round. Quite a sight. Bomb doors, open. George yelled “Stbd go”, a fighter was on our tail. Vic dropped load and Sinc whipped the Hally round (with B.D’s still open) and if the designers could have seen that manoevre, [sic] I think they would have said a silent prayer!
[page break]
Sinc is really hot on evasive action fighter broke away and we beat it.
Everything OK. In my dept.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jack Warner's account of first ten operations
Description
An account of the resource
First operation to Montluçon 15 September 1943. Briefed as easy trip with little opposition. Arrived early and waited for Pathfinders, bombed from 8000 ft. Wing Commander Smith missing from operation reported hit by bombs. Operation 2, Mondane 16 September 1943. On arrival at ETA no target in sight. Saw anti-aircraft fire 40 miles away, saw Lake Geneva, one crew though they were over Mediterranean, no idea where they were. Short of fuel and icing up they jettisoned bombs over the Alps diverted on return. Mid upper gunner banged his head and was left at diversion airfield. Operation 3, first to Hannover 22 September 1943. Flew with replacement mid upper gunner. Lots of searchlights and anti-aircraft fire over target, saw Wellington and Stirling below catching light anti-aircraft fire. Target was mass of orange flame visible from 200 miles away. Altered course on return to avoid coned aircraft and was isolated from stream and subsequently illuminated by master searchlight for 10 minutes and engaged by heavy anti-aircraft fire. Hit in nose leaving hole which blew navigators charts all over. Operation 4 Kassel. Pathfinders marked target, saw aircraft go down, released bombs, saw FW 190 on return. Reported that another aircraft had had half its rudder chopped off by a Lancaster, Operation five, 2nd Hannover on 8 November 1943. Still with replacement mid upper gunner, saw aircraft go down while on the run in to target. Lots of searchlights to illuminate for fighters and saws lots of aircraft crossing their run in. On return saw aircraft coned, engaged by anti-aircraft fire and then finished off by two fighters. Operation 6, Düsseldorf on 3 November 1943. Regular mid upper gunner back. Reports many fighter flares and saw a fighter but it did not attack. Searchlights in target area and dropped load. Saw Ju 88 on way back. Another aircraft was shot up over French coast and crashed down south with all crew killed. Operation seven, Berlin 22 November 1943. First trip to big city. Searchlights ineffective due to 10/10 cloud. Saw fighter flares. Saw target indicators going down and defences then opened up. Dropped load and dived out, took seven minutes to clear. Pathfinders dropped good route markets. Operation eight , Leipzig on 3 December 1943 (20th birthday). Saw fighter flares, Mosquito pathfinders, bombed on sky markers due to 10/10 cloud. Operation nine, Frankfurt on 20 December 1943. Took along sprog pilot for familiarisation. Describes anti-aircraft fire bursting, saw attack on Mannheim nearby. Dropped load and beat it but engage by fighter from starboard quarter, mid upper gunner called evasive action and fighter did not open up. Gunners fire 200 rounds at him. Operation ten, Berlin on 20 January 1944. Took along sprog pilot. Saw fighter flares and anti-aircraft fire over target. saw aircraft silhouetted by cloud below. Saw scarecrow over target, huge fireball with oily smoke whirling round. Fighter attacked them on the bomb run, evasive action called by gunner, jettisoned bombs and pilot whirled Halifax around with bomb doors still open. Fighter broke away and they returned to base.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Montluçon
Germany
Germany--Hannover
Germany--Kassel
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Leipzig
Germany--Frankfurt am Main
Alps
France--Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-09-15
1943-09-16
1943-09-22
1943-10-08
1943-11-03
1943-11-22
1943-12-03
1943-12-20
1944-01-20
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Jack Warner
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Twenty-two page handwritten document
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Memoir
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BWarnerJWarnerJv1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
David Bloomfield
air gunner
aircrew
anti-aircraft fire
bomb struck
bombing
Fw 190
Halifax
Ju 88
Lancaster
Master Bomber
Mosquito
Pathfinders
Scarecrow
searchlight
Stirling
target indicator
Wellington
-
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0ea2653d3d419328709b18838ad3bb91
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efdb4e668b7610a53da2cdbf07f12aa7
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Hudson, Douglas
James Douglas Hudson
J D Hudson
Description
An account of the resource
529 items. Collection concerns Pilot Officer James Douglas Hudson, DFC (755052 Royal Air Force) who joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in June 1939 and trained as an observer. While on route to Malta in August 1940 his Blenheim crashed in Tunisia and he was subsequently interned for two and a half years by Vichy French in Tunisia and Algeria. After being freed he returned to Great Britain and after navigator retraining completed a tour of 30 operations on 100 Squadron. The collection contains letters to and from his parents and from French penfriends while interned in Tunisia and Algeria, newspaper cuttings of various events, logbooks and lists of operations, official documents and photographs. A further 23 items are in two sub-collections with details of navigator examinations and postcards of Laghouat Algeria.<br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Elizabeth Smith and Yvonne Puncher and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br />
<p>This collection also contains items concerning Louis Murray and Harry Bowers. Additional information on <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/202827/">Harry Bowers</a> and <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/220410/">Louis Murray</a> is available via the IBCC Losses Database.</p>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-06-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Hudson, JD
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Royal Air Force. 755052. Sgt. J.D. Hudson.
℅. Consul Général des États Unis.
Rue Michelet.
Alger. Algérie
26-2-42. Afrique du Nord.
My Dear Mother & Dad,
I was very pleased to receive four letters from you to-day and one from Dorothy. Your letters were dated as follows :- Jan. 10th & 28th, Feb. 2nd & 4th and Dorothy’s Jan. 26th. The numbers of your letters were 4; 28th not marked but presumably 10; 12 & 13. This means that of the thirteen letters you have written this year, ie, up to Feb. 4th, all have been received except No. 8, which is not bad going. I am glad you have received ten letters from Laghouat, latest November 25th, at last you must now [sic] something about my present situation. I am glad that Mrs. Baggaley wrote to you at Christmas and I thank her for her wishes. How I should like to be able to spend a fortnight there, and I hope the time will arrive where we shall be able to carry out that wish again. The last two books I read were “Malice of Men” by Warwick Deeping and “Sylvia Scarlett” by Compton MacKenzie. At present I am reading “Twenty years a-growing” by Maurice O’Sullivan. Translated from the original Irish. I have not read Farnol’s “John o’the Green” and fear it is not in our “library”. I always appreciated his books and have read two or three during my sojourn in North Africa. The book Mrs. Clayton sent has not arrived yet. Incidentally, I wrote another letter to John about three days ago. I gave you the addresses of three of Eric Pickles relatives, but it appears that a letter he wrote to his sister arrived first. I naturally don’t know anything about his people, but Eric is a very intelligent “lad” with a lot of experience, because he has done about twelve years service with the Navy. However, I note
[page break]
your remarks. I don’t know which photo she showed you but I gather it would be a group picture (I have since forwarded one to you) taken when I had a “goatee”. I explained at the time that I appeared very thin with an elongated face due to the beard which appeared on my chin. I can assure you that I am not going thin bodily, on the contrary, and I should imagine that if I were to meet you now you would think I had toughened up quite a bit. I was very touched to hear about the parcel you were trying to send via Air Mail, but sorry to hear of the great inconvenience at appears to cause. Where I learned that 12/5d was required as postage I was sorry I ever made the request. I wish to insist most firmly, that unless something can be done in future to reduce this fee, you do not trouble to send any thing else. As the Red Cross have been fairly constant with their supplies of tea, chocolate and cigarettes recently the shortage has practically ceased to exist, and as these articles are so necessary for you under the rationing emergencies, I would rather you kept these. If you were to see me [deleted] to [/deleted] now - weather beaten as a result of the January & February winds - you would think I was well looked after. The diet here - granted a war time diet - is very different in character from what I have been used to, but provided we can cope with vegetables and rice and macaroni body & soul remain together. The Red Cross is never far behind. Enclosed a photo, in dismal mood and [inserted] with [/inserted] slightly unshaven chin, but compensated for by quantities of wavy hair. I bet it will make Dad a bit envious. Note the position of the belt fastened in peg number 1. I’ll send these photos along as and where they are taken. This was taken just after the New Year when it was very cold. It is possible to get extra prints from these if you require them. The negative is not necessary. Well, goodbye until next letter. All my love and thoughts for you both. Keep mailing and chins up. Douglas.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents
Description
An account of the resource
Reports arrival of mail and notes all sent up to 4 February apart from one had now arrived. Glad his letters had also gotten to them. Writes about books he is reading. Mentions correspondence with family of Eric Pickles a navy man in the camp. Discusses photographs and talks a little about himself. Was surprised at cost of air mail parcel they tried to send and says not to bother in future as it was too much and the supply situation was now improved, with less shortages, from when he originally requested they send him parcels. Mentions the weather and talks of their diet and that he was enclosing photographs.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-02-26
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420226
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Algeria
Algeria--Laghouat (Province)
Algeria--Algiers
North Africa
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-02-26
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
James Douglas Hudson
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
prisoner of war
Red Cross
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Hudson, Douglas
James Douglas Hudson
J D Hudson
Description
An account of the resource
529 items. Collection concerns Pilot Officer James Douglas Hudson, DFC (755052 Royal Air Force) who joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in June 1939 and trained as an observer. While on route to Malta in August 1940 his Blenheim crashed in Tunisia and he was subsequently interned for two and a half years by Vichy French in Tunisia and Algeria. After being freed he returned to Great Britain and after navigator retraining completed a tour of 30 operations on 100 Squadron. The collection contains letters to and from his parents and from French penfriends while interned in Tunisia and Algeria, newspaper cuttings of various events, logbooks and lists of operations, official documents and photographs. A further 23 items are in two sub-collections with details of navigator examinations and postcards of Laghouat Algeria.<br /><br />The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Elizabeth Smith and Yvonne Puncher and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.<br />
<p>This collection also contains items concerning Louis Murray and Harry Bowers. Additional information on <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/202827/">Harry Bowers</a> and <a href="https://internationalbcc.co.uk/losses/220410/">Louis Murray</a> is available via the IBCC Losses Database.</p>
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-06-16
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Hudson, JD
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[Front of envelope]
[PAR AVION]
[3 postmarks]
[postage stamp]
[underlined] JUSQU A MARSEILLES. [/underlined]
F.M.
[inserted] March 1st/42 [/inserted]
MR. & MRS. H.E. HUDSON.
191 HALIFAX ROAD.
NELSON.
LANCASHIRE.
ANGLETERRE.
CONTROLÉ CONTROLÉ
[page break]
[rear of envelope]
CONTROLÉ CONTROLÉ
[postmark]
FROM. SGT. J.D. HUDSON. 755052
BRITISH INTERNED AIRMAN
CAMP DES INTERNÉS BRITANNIQUES.
LAGHOUAT.
ALGÉRIE.
AFRIQUE DU NORD.
[page break]
Royal Air Force. 755052. Sgt. J.D. Hudson.
℅. Consul Général des États Unis.
Rue Michelet.
Alger. Algérie.
1-3-42. Afrique du Nord.
My Dear Mother & Dad,
I wrote to you three days ago acknowledging receipt of four of your letters numbers 4, 10, 12, & 13 dated Jan. 10th 28th, Feb. 2nd & 4th, also one from Dorothy dated Jan. 26th. The only letters I have not received from you are numbers 8 & 11 out of the first thirteen written. In my last letter I made a mistake and said I had received all except number 8. This is not at all bad going. I hope you will continue to receive the mail from me more regularly and I am pleased that up to the end of January two letters from Laghouat reached you. I do appreciate the letters I receive from Mary & Dorothy and as they are very regular writers I shall send replies in the near future to them both. It is a fortnight since your last telegram arrived so I expect the next one any time now. As I said in my last two letters I think it very kind of you to send me a parcel by Air Mail and I thank you very much. However, [inserted] Red Cross [/inserted] supplies of tea and English cigarettes are now arriving quite regularly, and as the situation has improved regarding the purchasing of Algerian cigarettes I can say quite frankly at the moment that there is no scarcity in these two items. As you appear to be rationed in these things and as I appreciate the value they are to you, also taking into consideration the prohibitive Air Mail fee of postage, I don’t consider it worth while the trouble of sending either of these items in future. What I should still welcome would be soap & perhaps a few late books. I was very pleased to get my petrol lighter back from Alger this week.
[page break]
• Pause to light cigarette - It (the one you bought me for Christmas in 1935) had been in Alger since Padre Cummins visit over nine weeks ago, undergoing repairs, and thanks to this gentleman is in working order again. I treasure my lighter very dearly because it is one of the few personal belongings I still retain. Petrol is practically non existent & I began using Eau de Cologne. This was not very successful, but I managed to get some methylated spirits and am now enjoying better results. I am reading Warwick Deeping’s “Exile” at the moment and find it good. During the days when the “Camp Echo” goes to press I don’t get much time for reading. Recently we decided to publish it once a fortnight it allows more time and we can produce 32 pages fairly easily. I have written a short article (400 words) for next fortnights issue which I have decided to call “Sartorial Satire”. The varied “fashions” of [one indecipherable word] dress prompted this. Its a lot nonsense which can only be appreciated by those in our midst acquainted with the conditions. You appear to have experienced another severe winter with lots of snow. I believe it has been a fairly rough season in this part of the world - although I am not in a position to judge. Laghouat I am told has had it wetter than usual with about three days rain all told. The nights still remain very chilly and the day temperature has been low during the last few days. It was warmer at Kup. during the corresponding period last year. In spite of the miles that separate us my thoughts are always with you both at home. With the passing of time they seem to be even more so - if possible. This is one channel where my memory does not become dim. I cannot say how much I am pining for the day we shall be together again. Being confined is about one of the worst things that can happen to anybody. I often think of “Chatterer the Red Squirrel”. Well goodbye until next letter. All my love & best wishes. Douglas.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents
Description
An account of the resource
Catches up with mail received and notes two of sequence have still not arrived. Pleased that they now have his letters written up to the end of January. Writes that there was no need now to send parcels as regular Red Cross parcels were now arriving. In addition, there was the prohibitive costs of air mail and the fact that some of the items requested were rationed anyway. He would still welcome soap. He was glad to get his cigarette lighter back from repair in Algiers as this was one of his few personal possessions. There was a lack of petrol so he was using mentholated spirit as fuel. Mentions production of camp newspaper. Comments on their bad winter as well as his own weather.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-03-01
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter and envelope
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE420301
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Algeria
Algeria--Laghouat (Province)
Algeria--Algiers
Great Britain
England--Lancashire
England--Nelson
North Africa
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-03-01
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
James Douglas Hudson
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
prisoner of war
Red Cross
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Harrison, Joe
Joe S Harrison
J S Harrison
Description
An account of the resource
26 items. The collection concerns Joe Harrison DFC (646488 Royal Air Force) and contains a brief memoir, documents, photographs and memorabilia. It also includes copies of The Marker, the Pathfinder Association magazine.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Joe Harrison and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-09-11
Rights
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Harrison, JS
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Ops are on. Maximum effort.
September 27th, 1943. 156 Squadron Path Finder Force, Warboy’s, [sic] Huntington. All aircrew on duty to be at briefing at 1400 hrs, meals 1440 hrs, and take off 1545hrs. In the briefing room, all crews were now assembled, awaiting the entrance of the Station and Squadron flight commanders.
On their entry, we all stood, and were told “Sit down gentleman.”
The Station commander stood at the small raised platform, and drew the curtain covering the target, opening the briefing with the words, “The targets tonight are the factories and railway yards in Brunswick, Germany.” We all looked at the target, with me and other gunners taking note of where the fighter attacks en route would likely take place. Specialists took over the briefing, showing the routes into, and away from the targets. The route, into and out of the target being marked by the ac-tual routes shown from base, to the target, and return, with dog legs shown. These route briefings showed where the main searchlight and gun batteries were to be encountered, with known enemy fighter stations marked, and followed with details of how the actual marking of the target would be undertaken, firstly by primary marking crews, dropping red target indicators, with backers up drop-ping green and or yellow markers. Our role in this attack was as a supporter to the primary marker crews, to try and draw the night fighters, and flak away from them as they marked the aiming points for main force to hit, carrying only some markers, and bombs.
After the main briefing, the pilots and navigators, and nav/bomb aimers attended separate briefings, with the wireless operators, flight engineers and gunners being briefed by our various leaders.
We were all given a hefty meal of eggs and bacon, and went to our hut for a lie down, and maybe a short nap. O.k. boy’s wakey-wakey, and it is off to our lockers to get dressed in our flying kit. I had an electrically heated suit to wriggle into, and then into my other flying clothes, with wool lined boots, warm jacket, and then parachute harness, topped off with my helmet, goggles, and fur lined gloves. Contrary to some reports my gloves were not heated. Fully dressed at last, with some ribald com-ments as one tried to make oneself comfortable in certain places. All dressed, and it is pick up your parachutes, and, for me, a shuffle to the outside and all to get picked up by the crew bus, with some other crews, and taken to dispersal.
Arriving at our aircraft, it was with a few catcalls aimed at the other crews on the bus, such as “Don’t get lost”, or “Make sure that heap of yours gets you there and back”
Before take-off, Bob our pilot chatted to us all as we stood at the base of the ladder before climbing on board “Y: Yorker our Lancaster bomber. We had all had a look into the bomb bay, and had seen our 4000lb bomb, and others all neatly arrayed side by side, waiting for the doors to be closed. He stressed to us that we relied on each other, and to put into practice the tactical planning we had done together.
This was our first crossing into Germany, and as it was our very first op., and never having been on operations before joining Pathfinders! It was with a sense of apprehension that we approached the target area. The area was swarming with enemy fighters, and the flak was intense. Fighters were pick-ing out their targets, and I saw a fighter converging onto our tail.
“Rear gunner to skipper, fighter coming in on our port side, dive port GO!” Cannon shells hit our air-craft, and I opened up on him with my guns. He veered away, and I shouted to Monty, our mid-upper gunner, “Breaking to starboard Monty” and he opened up with his guns as the fighter climbed away. He soon had another target, as a Lancaster careened to earth as a flaming ball of fire, a short distance away.
Lancaster’s were being shot down very close to us, and in my rear turret I was keeping up a barrage of gun fire to try and keep the fighters away, with the mid-upper joining in when the fighters entered his area of control. I could not believe my eyes, as I saw so many of our aircraft shot down, and thought “what have we let ourselves into?” We were hit many times with cannon shells, and our aircraft was badly damaged. The cannon shells hitting our aircraft sounded like a lot of thumps and bangs, and I was flung about in my turret as I called to Bob to dive, or corkscrew, and at times was standing up in my turret, and trying to get sight on a fighter as it climbed towards us. Spraying the area he was fly-ing into.
[page break]
During a brief lull, Bob called each member of the crew to ascertain if they were o.k. sending Mick, our wireless operator down the fuselage to assess the damage, and to see if I was o.k. He said I had sounded funny on the intercom, and Mick discovered that my oxygen hose had been severed. Bob dropped us down to about 12000 ft, and I was soon feeling better. Fortunately we were in a lull, and were soon heading for home.
Searchlights had been constantly searching the sky looking for us and other bombers, and all in all it seemed so unreal. There was considerable damage done to us from the fighter and ack ack guns, and on landing back at base we all realized [sic] how lucky we had been. The cannon shells had luckily missed our vital controls, but my turret doors were peppered with shrapnel pieces, and the side pan-els were damaged. The tail units were holed in a few places with canon shells. One stream of shells had ripped through the aircraft missing the Mid-upper turret by inches, causing the mid-upper to comment that he was obviously the target, being so important! Luckily the shells had not exploded, going straight through.
Landing back at base, and getting to our dispersal point, we managed to force the damaged rear door open, with the help of ground staff, to enable us to get out. Engines off, and repairs were under way almost immediately.
I was at a loss as to why we had been hit so many times by fighter cannon shells, and wondered whether our tactics were working, and where I had gone wrong. Talking things over with the crew, after we were through interrogation, it emerged that maybe we gunners were opening fire too late on the enemy, through trying to get them in our sights, as this was extremely difficult, especially with the target aircraft being so small, and their speed, and darkness, and with our aircraft twisting and diving as I called the skipper to take evasive action. The next day, we all got together in our room, to discuss what had happened during this our first operation. Studying our graphs, Bob and I devised a new tactic of spraying the area the fighter would fly into, and hoping for more hits on the enemy. The enemy fighters with fixed guns had to fly straight and level to get us in their sights that made them such a small target for our guns. The rest of the crew went through their various recollections of what had happened, and it was with renewed spirits that we looked at each other, and were indeed a crew. On the 7th of October I was admitted to Ely hospital suffering from the after effects of bruises, and lack of oxygen. I had found it painful to take deep breaths, and was quite sore bodily. I should have reported sick earlier on, but as bad weather set in, we were attending lectures etc. I spent from the 7th of October, until the 2nd of November 1943 in hospital recovering.
Bob had insisted with the Squadron commander that he would not accept another permanent rear gunner take my place, but would wait my return from hospital.
On my discharge from hospital, I was pronounced fit to fly, and I re-joined my crew on November the 2nd. 1943.
I spent a couple of hours that afternoon checking, and sitting in my turret and getting the feel of things again, as I admit I was feeling quite nervous. “Y” Yorker had been extensively repaired, and had been air tested the day before my return. My crew had done a few sorties during my absence with different rear-gunners, on different aircraft, causing me a lot of anxiety, and were all delighted at my return, bantering me and accusing me of sneaking off for a holiday, and deserting the crew, with the stern admonishment from Fred, the nav/bomb aimer, that a repeat would not be tolerated.
We are on ops. on November the 3rd. 1943. But that is another story. Cologne was the target.
The crew comprised of,
Pilot. Sgt Mclean, Navigator, P.O. Hunting. Nav/Bomb aimer, Sgt Whybrow. Flight Engineer Sgt Burn. Wireless Operator, Sgt Wenham. Mid-upper gunner Sgt Mortimer. Rear Gunner, Sgt Harrison.
Copy right. Joseph Stanley Harrison D.F.C. Lo Honour.
[signature of Joseph Harrison, DFC. LoH]
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Title
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Ops are on. Maximum effort
Description
An account of the resource
A memoir by Joe Harrison of his first operation in 1943. He describes the initial briefing, the events during the bombing run, the damage to their aircraft and his subsequent illness. Includes descriptions of the post-op analysis and good crew relationship.
Creator
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Joe Harrison
Date
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1943-09-27
Format
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Two typewritten sheets
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Memoir
Identifier
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BHarrisonJSHarrisonJSv10001,
BHarrisonJSHarrisonJSv10002
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
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Great Britain
Germany
England--Cambridgeshire
Germany--Braunschweig
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
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1943-09-27
Contributor
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Alan Pinchbeck
156 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
anti-aircraft fire
bombing
briefing
Distinguished Flying Cross
Lancaster
military ethos
military service conditions
Pathfinders
RAF Warboys
target indicator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/579/31574/MHarrisonJC1590954-180706-02.2.pdf
881ccae0a7e3251fc43fce3d440d3286
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Harrison, John
J Harrison
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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Harrison, J
Description
An account of the resource
11 items. An oral history interview with John Harrison (1924 - 2017), his log book, correspondence, documents and photographs. He flew operations as a mid-upper gunner with 106 Squadron from RAF Metheringham before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by John Harrison and catalogued by Trevor Hardcastle.
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Date
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2015-08-09
Transcribed document
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Transcription
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[Front cover of book]
[page break]
7/4 [indecipherable word or character]
1590954 Harrison J.C.
“V” SQUAD 56 COURSE,
SUBJECT. PAGE No.
SIGHTING & RANGE ESTIMATION 1 - 30
ARMAMENTS 31 - 60
B.P. TURRETS No longer on syllabus. 61 - 90
(Pages 70 -85 missing
F.N. TURRETS. 91 - 120
AMMUNITION 121 - 130
PYROTECHNICS 131 - 140
LOG BOOK 189
PALMER HYDRAULIC FIRING GEAR 150
15 - 29.
40 - 59.
[page break]
1
[underlined] SIGHTS [/underlined]
[underlined] Mk. III Reflector Sight [/underlined]
Provides (1) Bead indicating where guns are pointing (2) a ring by means of which range is estimated (3) The radius of the ring subtends 10’ in every 100 yds., and is the correct deflection allowance for a crossing speed of 50 mph.
[underlined] Daily Inspection [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Check for security of mounting.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Test bulb and 3 spares. Inspect for signs of [deleted] [underlined] 3 [/underlined] [deleted] blackness. If present exchange bulb, and in any case change after 50 hrs. or on each 40 hr. minor turret inspection.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Clean Sun Screen, Reflector Panel and lense. Anti Dim may be used to prevent condensation.
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] Check spare 5 amp. fuses.
[underlined] 5 [/underlined] Check electrical leads for faulty connections. When replacing bulb, black line on bulb should be to white line on holder. If put in wrong way round will result in fusing of the bulb on day switch and no light on night switch.
[page break]
2
[underlined] 30’ Class of Single Engined fighters [/underlined]
[table of ranges for guns]
[underlined] 50’ Class of Twin Engined Fighters [/underlined]
[table of ranges for guns]
[underlined] 60’ Class of Twin Engined Bombers [/underlined]
[table of ranges for guns]
[underlined] The Three Key Ranges [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] 600 yds. Limiting Range. Short Searing Bursts.
400 yds. Effective Range. Reasonable amount of ammo, may be used.
150 yds. Point blank range
Range estimation is essential when using tracer as an aid to sighting.
[page break]
3
[underlined] Bullet Pattern [/underlined]
[diagram of bullet patterns for a four gun turret]
Guns pointing at corner of a 7’-6” square at range of 400 yds.
[diagram of a bullet pattern for a two gun turret]
[underlined] Cone of Fire [/underlined] Spread of Bullets caused by vibration on gun. Cone of fire at 400 yds., 15ft. More than one Cone of Fire is called [underlined] Bullet Pattern. [/underlined]
[underlined] Gravity Pull on Bullets [/underlined]
At a height of 10,000’, Range 400 yds., a bullet will fall 5 ft. At a range of 600 yds. the bullet will fall 13 ft. For other ranges the bullet will
[page break]
[underlined] 4 [/underlined]
fall as follows:-
[table showing amount of fall of a bullet for a given range]
[underlined] Object of Harmonization [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] To aline [sic] the guns so that they form the appropriate bullet pattern.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] To position the sight in the centre of the 4 guns.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] To bring the sight down 5 ft. below the guns at 400 yds to allow for gravity drop.
[underlined] Use of short range Harmonization Boards [/underlined]
These boards are used as a matter of convenience for a range of 25 yds. The gunner must be careful to see that he uses the correct board for turret in use.
[page break]
[underlined] 5 [/underlined]
[underlined] BULLET TRAIL [/underlined]
Bullet trail is the distance the bullet lags behind the axis of the gun barrel due to air resistance set up by the forward speed of the gunners aircraft. The bullet always trails towards the tail of the gunners aircraft. This is allowed for by moving the guns towards the nose of the aircraft.
[underlined] Factors affecting Bullet Trail [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] [underlined] Range [/underlined] Increased - Bullet Trail Increased
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] [underlined] Angle of Gun. [/underlined] Maximum Bullet Trail on Beam. Minimum Bullet Trail Ahead or Astern.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] [underlined] Speed [/underlined] Increased - Bullet Trail Increased.
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] [underlined] Height [/underlined] Increased - Bullet Trail Decreased.
[deleted] [underlined] 5 [/underlined] [/deleted] Code Word to remember these factors by RASH.
[underlined] Bullet Trail Lag [/underlined]
[table of bullet lag by range]
Make these allowances when the gun is at any angle within 450 of the beam. At any other angle ignore.
[page break]
6
[underlined] ZONE METHOD [/underlined]
Only applicable when dealing with an attack by a fixed gun fighter flying along a curve of pursuit.
[underlined] Curve of Pursuit. [/underlined] The path [deleted] of [/deleted] a fixed gun fighter [double underlined] must [/double underlined] take to keep take to keep its guns bearing. (To hold its deflection).
[diagram showing curve of pursuit]
Whenever a fighter is flying along a Curve of Pursuit, irrespective of where it is coming from, its direction of movement will always be towards the prolongation of the gunners axis.
[underlined] EVASIVE ACTION. [/underlined]
Evasive action of a Bomber is to turn into the attack, thus increasing deflection and forcing attacking aircraft to fly on a
[page break]
7
much tighter curve. A Diving Turn is usually adopted followed by Corkscrew evasive action. Evasive action is generally taken as soon as fighter makes his second dip of wings to start his Curve of Pursuit.
[underlined] [one deleted word] ONE METHOD FOR DEALING WITH FIXED GUN FIGHTER ON CURVE OF PURSUIT [/underlined]
[table showing deflection allowance]
The Zone Method is used for burst, after that check with tracer.
[underlined] TRACER [/underlined]
[underlined] Types in Use [/underlined]
G. IV — G. V — G. VI All burn from gun to 600 yds.
[underlined] G. IV. [/underlined] Bright daytime tracer. Colour Red.
[underlined] G. V. [/underlined] Dull night trace. Colour Yellow.
[underlined] G. VI. [/underlined] Bright daytime trace. Colour Red. Same
[page break]
8
as G IV, but a more perfect bullet.
[underlined] Point Blank Pattern [/underlined] (Check Harmonization).
[diagram of point blank angle]
Produced when firing a stationary gun on the ground or dead ahead or astern from an aircraft. Pattern produced by gun movement will show correct amount of deflection and bullet trail at 600 yds (ie the end point of tracer). It also shows the direction [deleted] the [/deleted] in which deflection must be made.
[three diagrams showing bullet angle]
[page break]
9
[underlined] The most important rules to use Tracer Correctly [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Accurate Range Estimation
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Maintain a constant deflection when firing sighter burst
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Watch End Point of Tracer.
[underlined] Accurate Placing of Target on Trace [/underlined]
Can only be done when target holds off at a constant range. The gunner then has plenty of time to place the target on that part of the trace which corresponds to the range, i.e. 600 yds end of trace, 400 yds 2/3 along trace, and 200 yds 1/3 along trace.
On a Curve of Pursuit the range and deflection allowance is decreasing rapidly, and there is insufficient time for correct placing of target on trace therefore after firing sighter burst, place and keep target halfway along trace until range drops to 150 yds then fire point blank.
[page break]
10
[underlined] TACTICS [/underlined]
[plan view diagram of aircraft and turrets showing angles of fire]
[side view diagram of aircraft showing angles of fire from rear turret]
[page break]
11
[underlined] OPPORTUNITIES NOT TO BE MISSED [/underlined]
[underlined] Breakaway [/underlined]
Usually downwards to gain speed. Rear and Mid Upper Gunners advise other members of crew directions of breakaway, and at the same time firing continuously allowing one Radius deflection, until target has passed through the sight. Should the target be missed, the front gunner will give a 2 Radii deflection and [deleted] force [/deleted] fire on target.
[underlined] Downward Breakaway to Port. [/underlined]
[two diagrams of rear and front gunners view through sight]
[page break]
12
[underlined] Point Blank Pattern [/underlined] (Decisions when seen in sight)
[diagram of Point Blank Pattern.]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] When firing dead astern or ahead
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] When firing on beam at a slower target when Bullet Trail and Deflection cancel each other out
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] When Target changes from approach to Curve of Pursuit.
[underlined] Combined Rules of Aiming [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Identify aircraft.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Estimate Correct Range
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Determine angle of attack and at 600 yds. fire sighter burst giving and maintaining the required zone allowance. Watch end of trace and re position target halfway along trace, and keep it there until range drops to 150 yds. Then fire point blank until breakaway.
[underlined] note. [/underlined] If paralell [sic] course target it should be positioned on trace according to range.
[page break]
13
[underlined] GENERAL NOTES [/underlined]
1. When on night operations always keep keen search on dark sky away from moon.
2 When on day operations always keep keen search on sky area around sun.
3. Search should be carried out so that M.U.G. is searching port side while R.G. is searching starboard. The rear gunner should search horizon down and Mid Upper horizon up.
4. It is advisable where possible for M.U. to give running commentary, as he has wider search view.
[page break]
14
[blank page]
[page break]
15
[underlined] M.T.M. NOTES. [/underlined]
[underlined] BASIC [/underlined]
[underlined] HAMMERS [/underlined]
[underlined] Head [/underlined] High Carbon Steel, hardened on bases
[underlined] Shaft [/underlined] Straight grained ash. Classified by weight of head.
[underlined] DRAWING [/underlined [underlined] DESCRIPTION [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] BALL PANE for ordinary jobs riveting etc.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] STRAIGHT PANE.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] CROSS PANE
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] HIDE FACED where damage to job must be avoided as on all engine parts.
[underlined] FILES [/underlined] Material - High Carbon Steel.
[underlined] Cut [/underlined] Different arrangement of teeth are used for filing different materials.
[underlined] SINGLE CUT [/underlined] For soft materials. Teeth less likely to get clogged.
[page break]
16
[underlined] Double Cut [/underlined] For general engineering use most common cut.
[underlined] Dreadnought [/underlined] For heavy cutting.
[underlined] Rasp [/underlined] For very soft materials (wood, lead, etc)
[underlined] Rough [/underlined] For rough work only - to remove metal quickly.
[underlined] Bastard [/underlined] For ordinary engineering.
[underlined] Second Cut [/underlined] For good finish without too much time taken
[underlined] Smooth [/underlined] For good finish slower cutting
[underlined] Dead Smooth [/underlined]
For very fine finishing - use for final finishing only.
In describing a file state grade, Section, Length. eg. Bastard, Square, 8”, or Smooth Hard, Safe edge, 6”.
[underlined] Hints on Filing [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Never use a file without a handle.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Remember files cut a forward stroke.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Keep files clean of chips by use of file card.
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] Use chalk for final finish, it prevents
[page break]
17
scratches
[underlined] 5 [/underlined] New files should be used on brass and similar metals. [deleted] New [/deleted] used ones on steel.
[underlined] CHISELS [/underlined]
[underlined] FLAT [/underlined] for general chiseling
[underlined] CROSS CUT [/underlined] for narrow grooves.
[underlined] DIAMOND POINT [/underlined] for cutting in corners and rectifying incorrect start when drilling.
[underlined] ROUND NOSE [/underlined] for cutting oil grooves and and rectifying incorrect start when drilling Chisels are forged from high carbon steel bars [deleted word] with cutting edge hardened and tempered. The rest is left soft and tough. The edge is ground to correct cutting angle for material to be cut. 75% for hard steel, 60% for ordinary steel, 40% soft materials.
[underlined] PUNCHES [/underlined] made from high carbon steel. Hardened and tempered at the business end.
[page break]
18
[underlined] CENTRE PUNCH [/underlined]
Right type.
Straight type for heavy work.
[underlined] PARRALLEL [sic] PIN PUNCH [/underlined]
Used to drive out Shackle pins, tight bolts etc.
[underlined] HOLLOW PUNCH [/underlined]
Used to punch definite sized holes in soft materials (leather, etc) Punch on end grain of wood to avoid damage.
[underlined] HACKSAWS [/underlined]
[underlined] COURSE TEETH [/underlined] Wide job cuts well correct
[underlined] FINE TEETH [/underlined] Wide job teeth clog incorrect
[underlined] COURSE TEETH [/underlined] [deleted] whole [/deleted] light job teeth straddle work in brake
[underlined] FINE TEETH [/underlined] light job several teeth in action cuts well correct.
[underlined] FRAME [/underlined] (Fixed or adjustable) Mild steel with wooden handle or composition
[underlined] BLADES [/underlined] High carbon or alloy steel, hardened and tempered.
[page break]
19
[underlined] FINE TEETH [/underlined] 22 - 32 teeth per inch - for thin metal
[underlined] COURSE TEETH [/underlined] 14 - 18 teeth per inch for thick metal
[underlined] DRILLS [/underlined]
[underlined] Material. [/underlined] High carbon steel or alloy steels. High speed steel drills can cut quicker than plain carbon steel drills - say twice as fast.
[underlined] Flat drills [/underlined] Simple to make drills inaccurate holes, slow cutting. wasteful of power.
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] [underlined] FLAT DRILL. [/underlined] [underlined] 2 [/underlined] [underlined] BOTTOMING DRILL. [/underlined] to finish bottom of blind hole.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] [underlined] PEG DRILL. [/underlined] To machine surface around a drilled hole. To provide a good seat for a nut or a bolt.
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] [underlined] TWIST DRILL [/underlined] Designed as an efficient cutting tool. Must be correctly ground to operate well
[underlined] GRINDING [/underlined] Cutting edges must be of equal length and equal angle (590) to ensure
[page break]
20
that each does its fair share of work.
[underlined] REAMERS [/underlined]
[page break]
21
[blank page]
[page break]
30
[blank page]
[page break]
31
[underlined] BROWNING .303 MACHINE GUN. [/underlined]
[underlined] Mechanism [/underlined]
[underlined] Backward Movement [/underlined]
When round is fired recoil action takes place, continued expansion of gases drives recoiling portions to the rear. The Breech Block being locked to the Barrel Extension by means of the locking piece cam. Further rear movement of the barrel causes the locking piece pin to strike the slanting surface of the lock frame prongs, thus forcing the locking piece down the locking piece cam. The Breech Block then being unlocked is allowed to go further to the rear.
During the recoil action the barrel extension bears against the front of the accelerator causing the accelerator to rotate backwards as far as the stop. During this movement the ramps of the accelerator engage infront [sic] of the T shaped projection thus holding the barrel and extension to the rear. As the accelerator rotates backward the horns bear against the bent of the Breech Block, thus driving the breech block to the rear and compressing the return spring.
[underlined] Backward Action of Transporter [/underlined]
The claw of the transporter is engaged [underlined] infront [/underlined] [sic]
[page break]
32
of the rim of the Cartridge, lying against the Cartridge and Bullet Stops, and as the Breech Block goes to the rear this round is withdrawn from the belt and carried back being supported by the ejector. The transporter plunger rides along top of the front cam onto the rear cam and on reaching the champhered [sic] surface the plunger is depressed. The transporter ramp on the cover thus forces the transporter down and live round is placed on the face of the Breech Block.
[underlined] Extraction and Ejection [/underlined]
The empty case in the chamber is held by the Cartridge Rim Guides and as the Breech Block goes to the rear, [deleted] the round is withdrawn from the belt and carried back [/deleted] the case is withdrawn from the chamber, and being unsupported, it is free to fall off when clear of the barrel, if it does not then the downward movement of the transporter with the live round bears on it and forces it off. [deleted] whe clear [/deleted] In the case of the last round this is forced off by the ejector.
[underlined] Cocking Action [/underlined]
As the Breech Block moves to the rear, the Cocking lever is rotated on its axis and the nose withdraws the firing pin from the firing pin
[page break]
33
hole thus compressing the firing pin spring. The Point of the firing pin bears against the Sear compressing the Sear spring. The Sear under the influence of its spring returns ready to engage the bent when the cocking lever rotates on the forward movement.
[underlined] First Action of Belt Feed [/underlined]
The Stud of the Feed Lever is in the cam grove on top of the breech block, and as the Beech Block travels backwards the Feed Lever is rotated on its axis. The nose of the Feed Lever being engaged in the feed slide across the belt. The feed pawl rides over the round held by the returning pawl, and engages it ready for feeding. (The Belt during this action is prevented from leaving the gun by the retaining pawl and spring.
[underlined] FORWARD MOVEMENT [/underlined]
[underlined] Action of Return Spring [/underlined]
After recoil expands itself, the Return Spring re aserts [sic] itself and drives the Breech Block forward.
[underlined] Second action of Belt Feed [/underlined]
As the Breech Block moves forward the stud of the feed lever rides in the Cam Grove, and
[page break]
34
rotates the lever thus causing the feed slide to feed in [deleted] the [/deleted] a round which is brought against the cartridge and bullet stops.
[underlined] Forward Action of the Transporter [/underlined]
As the Breech Block rides forward the transporter plunger rides down the sloping surface, the round is still supported by the ejector, and further forward movement carries it into the chamber.
[underlined] Raising of the Transporter [/underlined]
When the spring and [deleted] one character [/deleted] plunger reach the front cam, they ride up the sloping surface at the same time the ejector is able to leave the cartridge (side ejector clearance). The transporter when it reaches the top engages the next round and rests on the [deleted] car [/deleted] top clearances.
[underlined] Forward Rotation of the Accelerator. [/underlined]
The Accelerator is rotated forward when the horns are struck by the bent of the Breech Block. This causes the ramps to disengage from the “T” shaped projection of the barrel extension, and Barrel and Barrel Extension are free to be driven forward by the Barrel Return Spring.
[underlined] Return of the Cocking Lever [/underlined]
As the Breech Block moves forward the
[page break]
35
the lever engages in the lever bracket and is rotated. This rotation engages the bent of the rear and firing pin, and the pin is thus free to travel forward when [deleted] returned [/deleted] released. At the same time the Cocking Lever is reset for cocking.
[underlined] Locking of the Breech Block [/underlined]
The Locking Piece Pin rides up the Locking Piece Cam and engages in the Lock Piece Recess in the Breech Block, thus locking the Breech Block in the forward position.
[underlined] Firing of the Cartridge [/underlined]
When the Breech Block is locked the lower lug of the sear is in line with the sear end of the fire and safe slot, and unit plunger is thus able to strike the sear which disengages from the firing pin bent. The Firing Pin is then carried forward by its spring and strikes the cap of the cartridge.
[deleted] Opert [/deleted] [underlined] Operation of Rear Sear [/underlined]
On ceasing to operate the controls the Rear Sear Lever is released and allows the sear to rise. The rear of the Breech Block depresses the Rear Sear which is forced upwards again by its spring when clear of the bent. The Breech
[page break]
36
Block on being forced forward by the return spring is arrested by the Rear Sear engaging the bent. The shock of the engagement is absorbed by the Rear Sear [deleted] engaging the Bent [/deleted] Buffer Spring through the medium of the Rear Sear Cradle. Should the Breech Block strike the Rear Sear before it was fully risen, resulting in partial engagement of the bent, as the sear is carried forward in this position, the sear projection strikes an inclosed ramp and forces the bent into full engagement.
[underlined] Barrel Fouling. [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Powder Fouling
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Chemical Fouling
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Metallic Fouling
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] [underlined] Powder Fouling [/underlined] In the bore caused by solid products combustion
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] [underlined] Chemical Fouling [/underlined] Caused by forcing of the products combustion into the pores of the barrel. Dark colouration on a polished surface.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] [underlined] Metallic Fouling. [/underlined] Caused by deposit of cupro nickel envelope being left in the bore. Whitish streak on the lands or roughness in the groves.
[page break]
37
[underlined] Removal [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] [underlined] Powder Fouling [/underlined] Type A cleaning oil on a 4 x 1 1/2.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] [underlined] Chemical Fouling [/underlined] Requires 30 to 40 strands of 26 S.W.G. hard brass wire, soaked well in Type A. Used on a clean rod, and the effected parts [underlined] only [/underlined] are [deleted] cleaned. [/deleted] rubbed. Dry Barrel.
3. [underlined] Metallic Fouling [/underlined] Carefully watch Barrel for Metallic Fouling because this is the cause of inaccuracy and if excessive may lead to a blocked or burst Barrel.
Dissolve 2 K.N.N.S. Tablets (crushed in 40 c.c.s. liquid ammonia Specific Gravity .950 (Mixture is enough for on barrel only). Plug one end and leave standing for 30 mins. If nickel present colour dark greenish blue. Continue treatment until clear. Clean bore with flannelette and cleaning oil.
[underlined] Gauges [/underlined]
[underlined] .303 [/underlined] To ascertain wether [sic] fouling is present should pass through freely.
[underlined] .307 [/underlined] To indicate wether [sic] bore ware [sic] should not pass right through. If it does barrel U/S.
[underlined] .308 [/underlined] To indicate cord ware. [sic] Insert muzzle end, and it should not enter passed line on gauge, 1/4” from working end.
[page break]
38
[underlined] No. 2 Plug Lead [/underlined] Indicates barrel breech end ware [sic]
[underlined] Gun Loading [/underlined]
[underlined] F.N. 4 [/underlined] Bullets point outwards in tanks.
[underlined] L.H. Gun [/underlined] Double link to tank. Single link to gun.
[underlined] R.H. Gun [/underlined] Single link to tank Double link to gun.
[underlined] Note [/underlined] Tanks to be left in place when loading.
[underlined] F.N. 5. F.N. 13 F.N. 50 [/underlined]
Bullets point inwards in tanks
[underlined] LH Gun. [/underlined] Single link to tank, double link to gun
[underlined] RH Gun [/underlined] Double link to tank, single link to gun
[underlined] Note [/underlined] Tanks to be removed for filling
[underlined] F.N. 64 [/underlined]
As for F.N. 5 but tanks are to be left in place.
[underlined] F.N. 20 [/underlined]
Bullets nose outwards in tanks.
[underlined] LH Gun [/underlined] Double link to tank Single link to Gun
[underlined] RH Gun [/underlined] Single link to tank Double link to Gun.
[underlined] Note [/underlined] Tanks to be removed for loading.
[page break]
39
[blank page]
[page break]
60
[blank page]
[page break]
61
[underlined] BOLTON [sic] PAUL TURRET [/underlined]
[underlined] LAYOUT [/underlined]
[Hand drawn circuit diagram]
[underlined] Electric Driven Generator [/underlined] Dynamo supplying electricity the accumulator a 1000 Watt motor.
[underlined] Accumulator [/underlined] A resvoir [sic] containing electrical supply for whole of aircraft.
[underlined] Electric Distributor [/underlined] Means of conveying electricity from a fixed part of the aircraft to a moving part.
[underlined] Electric Motor [/underlined] A 24 volt, 40 amp. Motor. Normal revs 3000 per minute. High speed revs 5400 per minute
[page break]
62
[underlined] Epicyclic Reduction Gear [/underlined] Cuts down the revs from the Electric Motor to the Hydraulic Generator at a ratio of 5 to 3.
[underlined] Hydraulic Generator [/underlined] Consists of two banks of cylinders five in each bank, which generates pressure oil to work the rotational circuit.
[underlined] Hydraulic Jack [/underlined] This is a balanced type of Jack, that in it contains an equal volume each side of the piston head.
[underlined] Hydraulic Motor [/underlined] Means of rotating the turret.
[underlined] FUSES [/underlined]
[page break]
63
[underlined] ARMING AND LOADING [/underlined]
[underlined] HYDRAULIC GENERATOR [/underlined]
Driven by the electric motor through the epicyclic
[page break]
64
reduction gear, its function is to circulate oil under pressure to provide the power for rotating the turret or elevating or depressing the guns. It consists of two separate pumps, one for the rotational circuit and one for the elevation and depression circuit. The control column is connected to the guide ring of each pump, and according to the displacement of [deleted] oil [/deleted] the control column, the guide rings are set off centre to the pump imparting a stroke to the pistons, causing a suction of oil on one side and an output of pressure on the other side, which is passed to the Hydraulic Jack or the Hydraulic Motor. Reverse action of the control column reverses the direction of the pressure oil and consequently the direction of movement. The control column is so connected to the guide rings, that movement to right or left controls the rotational circuit and movement fore or aft the elevation or depression circuit. With the control column central the guide rings are concentric. Therefore no delivery of oil takes place and the turret is stationary. Speed of operation is governed by movement of the control column which in turn controls the volumetric output of each pump. For [sic] relief valves are connected
[page break]
65
with the distributor, 2 at 1200 lbs. for rotation and 2 at 750 lbs. for Elevation and Depression of the guns. Four gravity loaded ball valves are also connected to the distributor, 2 for each circuit. The hydraulic generator has a filler cap through which the complete system is filled. In the bottom of the generator is formed a sump.
[underlined] HYDRAULIC MOTOR [/underlined]
Converts energy into mechanical power to rotate the turret. Consists of a bank of 6 or 7 cylinders containing spring loaded [deleted] valves [/deleted] roller bearing [deleted] valves [/deleted] pistons which rotate about a central distributor inside an eliptical [sic] cam. The distributor has two inlet ports each connected to outlet ports, at an angle of 180% to each other. Oil forced into the cylinder force the pistons outwards causing the rollers to move towards the larger radius of the cam, thereby rotating
[page break]
66
which is the central part. If the flow is reversed the direction of the motor is also reversed.
[underlined] PRESSURE REGULATOR BOX [/underlined]
[underlined] Function [/underlined] Firstly to maintain a pressure on both sides of the Hydraulic Jack, [underlined] when the system is in operation [/underlined]
[page break]
67
[blank page]
[page break]
90
[blank page]
[page break]
91
[underlined] FRAZER NASH TURRET. [/underlined]
[underlined] LAYOUT (BLOCK) [/underlined]
[hand drawn diagram of a hydraulic system]
[underlined] RECURERATOR [sic] [/underlined]
Consists of a metal cylinder divided into 2 compartments by a fixed seal. The top compartment is called a reservoir and has a filler hole and cap. The lower compartment is called The Chamber of Variable Volume. A piston goes thru’ top of the Recuperator and is known as the Indicating Spindle. The main exhaust pipe only enters the bottom of the Chamber of Variable Volume. Attached to the base is a Release Valve, principle and operation being the same as the Relief Valve. Naturally both pipes enter into the Release Valve. Secured round the barrel is a strap (metal) which
[page break]
92
secures the pump, a hole communicating from the cylinder to the chamber. Underneath the strap are fifteen weep holes and two to three port holes.
[underlined] Function of [deleted] Pressure Regulator Box [/deleted] Recuperator [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] The only means of Filling and Bleeding the System
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Maintain a static pressure of approx 16 lbs. per sq. inch through out the whole system when at rest. (To keep the air out)
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Maintain a pressure of 12 - 20 lbs. per sq inch on the suction side of the pump when the system is in operation. (To ensure a constant supply of oil and prevent starvation)
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] To allow for variation in the capacity of the Hyd Ram due to its unbalanced piston.
[underlined] 5 [/underlined] To allow for variations in the volume of liquid due to change in temperature.
[underlined] E.D.P. [/underlined]
Consists of two cog wheels, one fixed and one free, rotating in different directions thus forcing oil under pressure through the teeth.
[underlined] Rotating Service Joint [/underlined]
There are two kinds of Joints Semi rotating, always fitted to the top of the turret, and Fully Rotating, always fitted to the bottom of the turret.
[page break]
93
[underlined] VALVE BOX [/underlined]
[hand drawn diagram of a valve box]
[underlined] Functions. [/underlined] To control operation of turret and elevation and depression of guns.
[underlined] V.O.M. [/underlined]
[two hand drawn diagrams of hydraulic pumps]
V.O.M. is the means of rotating the turret in either direction
[underlined] VOKES FILTER [/underlined] Fitted on exhaust pipe and cleans oil before [deleted] working [/deleted] it enters working parts.
[page break]
94
SAFETY DEVICES
1 Release Valve
2 Relief Valve
3. Shearing Spindle on E.D.P.
4. Vokes Filter
[underlined] FILLING AND BLEEDING - FILLING [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Gun rams at half stroke
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Loosen union nuts on E.D.P, Exhaust first and then Pressure.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Remove filler cap and gauge filter on Recuperator, and clean. Fill Reservoir operating hand pump at same time. Pump slowly.
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] When clear oil appears at exhaust union, tighten union. Continue pumping until clear oil appears at pressure union then tighten union, but before tightening pump Recuperator Spindle up to 2”.
[underlined] 5 [/underlined] Continue pumping until spindle is fully extended. When it is fully extended pump for a further brief period to expel any air under the plunger.
6. Operate controls in all directions so as to fill up Valve Box and Slave Unions.
[underlined] BLEEDING [/underlined]
[underlined] 1st. [/underlined] Static [underlined] 2nd [/underlined] Pressure [underlined] 3rd [/underlined] Static.
[page break]
95
[underlined] 1st. Static [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Unfasten bleed screw at top of ram body and operate controls for extension. Tighten screw when clear oil flows.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Unfasten screw on Ram Piston and operate controls for depression. Tighten screw when clear oil flows.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] Check recuperator Spindle and pump until Spindle is extended to 4 1/2”.
[underlined] 2nd Power [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] Work turret for rotation and guns for elevation and depression, (Pumping as and when necessary) to displace air from units. Leave gun rams fully contracted and stop engine.
[underlined] 3rd Static [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] With Motor Valve released, operate triggers to discharge accumulator.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] Disconnect rear sear hydraulic release
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] With trigger released slacken off bleed screws and bleed Palmer Firing Gear.
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] Pump until Recuperator Spindle is fully extended and continue pumping to expel all air.
[underlined] 5 [/underlined] With Gun Rams fully contracted bleed at all points until Spindle falls to 4”
6. Replace Filler Cap.
[page break]
120
[blank page]
[page break]
121
[underlined] AMMUNITION [/underlined]
[underlined] BALL [/underlined]
[underlined] Base Markings [/underlined]
Makers Name
Date
Roman Numerals
Purple Annulus
[two hand drawn diagrams of ammunition, base and side profile]
Ball ammunition can be recognised by [underlined] 1 [/underlined] Purple Annulus [underlined] 2 [/underlined] Roman Numerals VII on base of cartridge. [underlined] 3 [/underlined] Three indentations securing bullet to cartridge case
[underlined] ARMOUR PIERCING [/underlined]
[underlined] Base Markings [/underlined]
Makers Name
Date
Mark W.1.
Green Annulus
[two hand drawn diagrams of ammunition, base and side profile]
Armour Piercing ammunition can be recognised by [underlined] 1 [/underlined] Green Annulus [underlined] 2 [/underlined] Letter W on base of cartridge [underlined] 3 [/underlined] Three centre punch marks securing bullet case.
[underlined] INCENDARY [sic] [/underlined]
[underlined] Base Markings [/underlined] Makers Name. Mark IV, V, VI, VII
Date Blue Annulus.
[page break]
122
[three hand drawn diagrams of side view of different marks of ammunition]
Incendary [sic] ammunition can be recognised by [underlined] 1 [/underlined] Blue Annulus [underlined] 2 [/underlined] Letter B followed by respective mark. Marks are B.IV (obsolete) BVI and BVII (Explosive Incendary [sic]
[underlined] TRACER [/underlined] Base Markings
Makers Name
year
Mark G. followed by respective mark.
Red Annulus.
[two hand drawn diagrams of ammunition, base and side profile]
Tracer can be recognised by [underlined] 1 [/underlined] Red Annulus [underlined] 2 [/underlined] Letter G. Followed by respective marks. [underlined] 3 [/underlined] Milled waist around base. [underlined] 4 [/underlined] Colour of tip of bullet is White for day and Grey for night trace.
[underlined] G.IV [/underlined] Is a [deleted] night [/deleted] day trace, has a white tip and burns from 0.600 yds
[underlined] GV [/underlined] Is a night trace, has a grey tip and
[page break]
123
burns dimly from 0.200 yds and then brightly from 2.600 yds
[underlined] GVI [/underlined] Is a day trace and has a white tip. It replaces GIV, the reason being that is a more perfect bullet.
[underlined] General Notes [/underlined]
If any bullet mark is followed by the letter Z it means that it is charged with Nitro - Cellulose instead of Cordite
[page break]
130
[blank page]
[page break]
131
[underlined] PYROTECHNICS [/underlined]
[underlined] PYROS USED [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] [underlined] 1 1/2” Signal Cartridges [/underlined] fired from a number three Very Pistol. Colours Red, Green, Yellow, or Red & Green etc. Used for giving colours of day or as distress signals from Dinghy.
If the cartridge case has colours denoted by triangles, it means that one colour comes out first followed by other. If [deleted] coll [/deleted] colours are banded together it means they come out together and change colour in the air. First colour burns for 5 secs and second for 4 secs. Single colour cartridges last for approx 7 secs.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] [underlined] Eliminating Cartridge [/underlined] fired from No. 3 Very Pistol last approx 9 secs and is used as a preliminary to 4.5”. Rear Flare.
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] 4.5” Rear Flare
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] 42 Fuse and 848 Fuse used for launching 4.5 Rear Flare
[underlined] 5 [/underlined] Aluminium [one indecipherable word] Marker
[underlined] 6 [/underlined] Flame Flare
[underlined] 7 [/underlined] Signal Marine Distress Mk III
[underlined] 8 [/underlined] 1 lb. signal Rocket.
[underlined] 9 [/underlined] Smoke Generator
[page break]
150
[underlined] PALMER HYDRAULIC FIRING GEAR [/underlined]
[hand drawn diagram of a hydraulic circuit]
When the turret Motor Valve is operated the Accumulator is charged. When the triggers are pressed the valve cuts off the exhaust pipe and connects pressure pipe to the guns. On [deleted[ ral [/deleted] releasing triggers the valve is returned by the spring. The pressure pipe is cut off and the guns are connected to the exhaust.
The accumulator ensures instantaneous firing, by keeping a reservoir of oil at a pressure of 240 lbs per sq inch.
[page break]
151
[blank page]
[page break]
188
[blank page
[page break]
189
FLYING LOG BOOK
[table listing flights, dates, aircraft etc.]
Dublin Core
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Title
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John Harrison's course notes from his gunnery course
Description
An account of the resource
Hard back notebook with hand written and drawn notes and diagrams compiled when he was at No 2 A.G.S. at R.A.F. Dalcross in 1943. Twenty nine pages containing the theory behind gunnery, ammunition and the turret.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Harrison
Format
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Hard back notebook, twenty nine pages of handwritten notes and diagrams
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Training material
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MHarrisonJC1590954-180706-02
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Scotland--Inverness
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Temporal Coverage
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1943
Conforms To
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Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
air gunner
Air Gunnery School
aircrew
RAF Dalcross
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19110/EValentineJRMValentineUM401130-010002.2.jpg
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https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19110/EValentineJRMValentineUM401130-010001.2.jpg
14adf463bb69299ee3e710291bbda93a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Start of transcription
[post mark]
[postage stamp]
Mrs Valentine
Lido
Tenterden Grove
Hendon
London.
NW4
[page break]
R.A.F. Station
Grantham
30-11-40
Darling Ursula
Sorry I can’t let you have my permanent address. We have discovered
that our present quarters are only temporary. I am in the middle of writing a letter giving a little more detail of my activities & it should reach you shortly after this. I feel very dubious about the possibility of being able to arrange anything for Mon - Wed. We are still [underlined] completely [/underlined] in the dark about our duties & times therof. [sic] Will let you know everything as soon as I can.
Fondest love John
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Postcard from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
A postcard from John Valentine to his wife Ursula written from RAF Grantham. He tells her that this is not his permanent address and that they are still in the dark about future duties.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1940-11-30
Format
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One page handwritten postcard
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM401130-01
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
England--Grantham
England--London
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1940-11-30
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
military service conditions
-
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https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19232/EValentineJRMValentineUM421124-0002.1.jpg
6fc48759630005e9499f1bef09c8938a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Start of transcription
[front of postcard]
[underlined] NUMBER 30 [/underlined]
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Datum: 24-11-42
Still no further mail from you or anyone else. The “medical comforts” parcel arrived today containing 1 bottle Argotone & 1 packet of Magnesia tablets. [underlined] More of the former might be useful. [/underlined] My fathers 3rd tobacco parcel also come today for which please thank him. Have been reading a few books about the country & intend discussing our future home in my next letter. Life is as uneventful here as ever, heavy snow being the only new feature. Our “Red X” Xmas parcels have arrived on the camp but will not of course be distributed until the appropriate time, which will be before you get this. Hope you all had a good time & that Frances enjoyed her 2nd Xmas. Did she recognise anything special about the occasion. [underlined] Very glad to have Argotone as I am having a spot of bother in that direction. [/underlined]
Love to all John.
[page break]
[rear of postcard]
Kriegsgefangenenpost
[postmark]
Postkarte
An
Gebührenfrei!
MRS U M VALENTINE
Empfangsort: LIDO
TENTERDEN GROVE
Straße: HENDON, LONDON
NW4
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
Absender:
Vor- and Zuname:
Sgt JRM VALENTINE
Gefangenennummer: 450
Lager-Bezeichnung:
M,-Stammlager Luft 3
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Postcard from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 30. Writes that medical comforts parcel (lists contents) and tobacco from father had arrived. Writes of his activities and weather. Christmas Red Cross parcels have arrived. Hopes daughter Frances had good Christmas.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-11-24
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two sided handwritten postcard
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM421124
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Poland
Poland--Żagań
Great Britain
England--London
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-11-24
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
prisoner of war
Red Cross
Stalag Luft 3
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19233/EValentineJRMValentineUM421129-0001.1.jpg
2c29951a82852cf123f9c70382215abb
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19233/EValentineJRMValentineUM421129-0002.1.jpg
75d296d62d41faac42492c9cfceb2fb2
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
NUMBER 31. 29-11-42.
Darling Ursula. No further mail from you yet & how sadly I miss it! My only mail this month was the flood released by the lifting of the ban. Two further tobacco parcels (making 4 in all) have come 3 are certainly from A.S.Y. & 1 I think from you containing 1/2lb Cut Gild Bar & 200 Gold Flake - A grand present & much appreciated. An invalid food parcel is also here from Father I think. Please thank him for everything & say I’m truly grateful. Now as to our future. I haven’t started swotting Agric yet but have read 1 or 2 books about the country & suggest that you get a copy for yourself of “Glory Hill Farm” Clifton Reynolds. He does what I want to do & writes of the difficulties as well as the joys of farming - the book gave me a lot of encouragement. I think you might well start looking around for a house. Well in the country but within easy reach of a good train service to London. It would really be much better for you to choose it for you have to live in it more than I. 40 miles out wouldn’t be too far if trains are good enough (even further at a pinch). The best idea would be to get one with say 50 acres & sub let the land until we want it. Don’t buy the house, rent it. I would suggest taking say 5/10 acres with the house to play about with to gain experience eg. cows, pigs, hay, grain. As to rent, I’m rather ignorant but I should put £100 pa. for rent, rates & taxes as the absolute maximum. Requirements for house are 1 Electricity 2 indoor sanitation 3 Water laid on 4 Good view of countryside preferably not too flat. 5 Plenty of Room for expanding family (?) ; all these apart from a good state of repair. Out houses would be useful too. I would like you to get a house & move into it as soon as possible but I imagine you wouldn’t be willing to do that on account of Ba & Lido although I don’t think your parents would object. When choosing the house always bear in mind the possibility of expanding the acreage farmed so that a district of relatively small holdings would be best. I don’t suppose for a minute that you will succeed in doing anything in this line but it’s food for pleasant contemplation on my part. I think a reliable agent is your best method of setting about it & you would certainly lose nothing by approaching one & studying any offers he might submit. You’d certainly gain experience anyway. I shall eagerly look forward to your reply to this. The Argotone arrived very conveniently for the 1st bout of really cold weather aggravated my tastelessness which has definitely receded since I first took a dose. I’m quite fit nowdays [sic] but have had no further chance of violent exercise. Violin study continues but German has slackened owing to lack time. I intend giving the fiddle precedence over all claims on my time for I’ll never have another chance like this. Longing for you always - fondest love, John.
[page break]
EXAMINER 4449
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[post mark]
An MRS U M. VALENTINE
“LIDO”
Empfangsort: TENTERDEN GROVE
Straße: HENDON
Kreis: LONDON NW4
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
P.C. 90
OPENED BY
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt JRM VALENTINE
Gefangenennummer: 450
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 3
Deutschland (Germany)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 31. Reports no new mail received. Mentions parcels that have arrived. Writes of reading about agriculture and plans for future and where and in what sort of house they might live. Encourages her to approach an estate agent. Mentions weather, health and medicine issues.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-11-29
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM421129
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Poland
Poland--Żagań
Great Britain
England--London
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-11-29
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 3
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19331/EValentineJRMValentineUM430609-0001.1.jpg
71f85bd52d2a97f8936d48fff61c8df0
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19331/EValentineJRMValentineUM430609-0002.1.jpg
84c76150d22e94bfa032a7e82e16b61a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Start of transcription
9th June 1943
My Dearest Ursula. I was delighted to have your 57/58 today & feel much refreshed by them. As we leave tomorrow I shall probably not hear from you for weeks. You too will suffer delay in mail from me, I fear. I hope Ba enjoyed her holiday in Wales. What part of Wales did she go to. I have sat the 3rd music Exam but fared poorly. I expect to pass 1 of them (Grammar) 1 of the Harmony papers is [inserted] a [/inserted] doubtful pass & one a certain failure. I don’t intend carrying on with the study of Harmony. Sorry to hear that you were worried about my foot - you certainly need not have done so. I’m very sorry too, to hear of that wretched thumb of yours. I wish you could get it properly healed. I note your remarks about study & heartily agree with them. My intentions at present are as follows. My fiddle I shall keep going at all costs & devote [insert] to it [/insert] as much time as I can afford without sickening myself. Agriculture as a subject for abstract study I find, frankly, boring although I like reading books of a general or descriptive nature I therefore don’t intend swotting regularly. I would like to make Dutch my second subject for I am really keen (but oh so shy) to master a foreign tongue & if I can secure a grammar I’ll bully Louis ben Boer into giving me regular help. That will take all my time but there is a possibility that our Harmony Instructor will branch out into musical history at the next place & I’ll follow that for amusement only for it fascinates me. As for my changed outlook, I don’t think I am any more cynical than I was nor, I hope, am I less cheerful but I feel changed more resigned, given to moods (fortunately not often) & possibly a little soured. However I don’t think you need worry. I always keep myself very busy I make a point of doing so even if the effort is great & I’m sure my outlook will revert to normal just as soon as I become a free man again. I am so proud of Frances judging by her photos & your description & I love you both
Always your John.
[page break]
106 (49)
Gable End
Priors Marston
Nr Rugby
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[post mark]
An MRS U M. VALENTINE
[deleted] LIDO [/deleted]
Empfangsort: [deleted] TENTERDEN GROVE [/deleted]
Straße: [deleted] HENDON [/deleted]
Kreis: LONDON N.W.4
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
[post mark]
[underlined] Gebührenfreil [/underlined]
[post mark]
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt John Valentine
Gefangenennummer: 449
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 3
Deutschland (Germany)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 106(49). Reports arrival of two of her letters and that she will not hear from him for a while as they leave the next day. Mentions music exams he taken. Says he will keep up his violin, his study of agriculture and Dutch. He writes that he is often moody but he keeps himself busy.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-06-09
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM430609
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Poland
Poland--Żagań
Great Britain
England--Warwickshire
England--Rugby
England--London
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-06-09
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 3
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19332/EValentineJRMValentineUM430621-0001.2.jpg
b7fe3e91180f60f65ddce3046111cb22
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19332/EValentineJRMValentineUM430621-0002.2.jpg
a74b09c1cf8046c6bdd5f797dbff4d42
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Start of transcription
51 1108
21st June 1943
My Dearest Ursula: We are slowly settling down here but a lot has to be done before the camp reaches the standard of the last. As yet we have no sports field, theatre, [deleted] or [/deleted] facilities for organised education or library. These things normally fill in the time for most of the fellows who at present are mooning about like list [sic] souls. In addition we don’t cook our own food as we did before so the days are long almost to the point of distraction. However, we hope in time to get some of the things we need to help the time along. Deprived of facilities for playing my fiddle I spent a miserable & inactive week until yesterday when in desperation I went into the tiny little box like shambles leading off the barrack room which serves as a [several censored words] I fitted a mute to my violin & struck up. There is only a flimsy door to keep the sound out of the barrack where the fellows live but with the aid of the mute I have [inserted] been [/inserted] able so to muffle the hideous strains as to excite only good natured leg pulling from the unwilling listeners. It isn’t good for a learner to play with a mute & the room is so small that [one sentence censored] subject to the continued tolerance of the audience, I intend struggling on. Mail of course is at a discount & will be until the camp has been going for some weeks but Red X parcels are here - not direct from Geneva but from the stock at Luft III. I am still tasteless
[several words censored] longest ever & there seems to be little sign of improvement. I like the barrack rooms & surroundings of this camp much better that the last [inserted] while [/inserted] the train journey & change has acted as a real mental tonic to me & everyone else. The sight of women on roads & stations caused the greatest excitement for they are phenomena quite unknown to prison life. We are all hoping that our next move will be homewards but I personally don’t expect to make that for more than a year at least. Don’t forget your holiday. Keep well & look after Frances. My love for ever
John.
[page break]
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[post mark]
An MRS U M. VALENTINE
Felmersham
Bottrells Lane
Chalfont St Giles
Bucks
[deleted] LIDO [/deleted]
Empfangsort: [deleted] TENTERDEN GROVE [/deleted]
Straße: [deleted] HENDON [/deleted]
Kreis: [deleted] LONDON N.W.4 [/deleted]
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
[post mark]
[underlined] Gebührenfreil [/underlined]
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt John Valentine
Gefangenennummer: 451
STALAG LUFT VI
Lager-Bezeichnung: [underlined] VIA [/underlined] M.-Stammlager Luft 3
Deutschland (Allemagne)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 51. Describes conditions in new camp. Mentions they no longer cook their own food therefore little distraction from monotony. Mentions difficulties in continuing with his violin. States that mail will be slow for a few weeks, comments favourably on new camp and how the train journey to new location proved a tonic.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-06-21
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM430621
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Lithuania
Lithuania--Šilutė
Great Britain
England--Buckinghamshire
England--Chalfont St. Giles
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-06-21
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
prisoner of war
Red Cross
Stalag Luft 6
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19463/EValentineJRMValentineUM440827-0001.2.jpg
429993764c7648b6b878cb0e7edf0cd0
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19463/EValentineJRMValentineUM440827-0002.2.jpg
aa6c92dc7047e3245ce21ee2906aaae3
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Start of transcription
Stalag Luft III
27th August 1944
My Darling Ursula. Another week without mail - we are also without food parcels now but are hoping daily for fresh arrivals from Geneva. Our stock was exhausted this week with an issue of half a parcel per man. I am still very idle & am loathing it too. Since we came here I’ve done only 1 hours practice & I find the days very long & boring without the pre occupation of my fiddle. The weather has been glorious, though, & I’ve managed to get quite sun tanned. My malaise which I mentioned last week has entirely disappeared but there is quite an epidemic of it in the camp. Flies in their thousands are the cause. The war news gets better each day & optimism abounds in the camp. I steadfastly refuse to believe in an early end for fear of bitter disappointment later. I yearn for news of you. Your Heaven sent letters are complete up to the end of March - 5 months ago - since when I have had only 1 written at the end of May. What particularly worries me are the alarming possibilities of the new weapon. I’ve no idea if they penetrate to your part of the world or to that of my parents. I’d give a lot to get mail of as recent a date as the Army boys in the camp get as a matter of course.
[several censored sentences]
I hope you are [inserted] still [/inserted] keeping the scrap book of newspaper cuttings which you mentioned a long while ago. We get very little news as you may imagine & for all I know of the days happenings I might as well be in the grave. I wonder if we shall be together before the year is out? Most people here think so but to me it sounds too good to be true. Frank P. thinks his wife has left the A.T.S. so you know if its time & if so why? Louis den Boer, my Dutch friend had the sad news last week of the death of his fiancé. A terrible blow at this stage of the war. He was very upset at first. I wonder how our large daughter is - some recent snaps would be so welcome. You live on always in my thoughts - keep well & beautiful - both of you. Love John
[page break]
171 28
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[2 post marks]
An MRS U M VALENTINE
FELMERSHAM
Empfangsort: BOTTRELLS LANE
Straße: CHALFONT ST GILES
Kreis: BUCKS
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
[underlined] Gebührenfreil [/underlined]
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt John Valentine
Gefangenennummer: 450
Lager-Bezeichnung: Kriegsgefangenenlager der Luftwaffe Nr. 3
Deutschland (Allemagne)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 121-28. Still no mail or food parcels. No chance to practise violin and therefore bored. Good weather and suntan. Reports on health and flies. Mentions war news getting better and optimism abounds but not him. Still worried over new weapons. Hopes she is keeping scrap book of news as they have little in camp. Speculates on future before years out but sad at news of death of Dutch colleague's fiance.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-08-27
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
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Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM440827
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Buckinghamshire
England--Chalfont St. Giles
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-08-27
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
prisoner of war
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1281/19464/EValentineJRMValentineUM440903-0001.1.jpg
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Valentine, John
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
J R M Valentine
Description
An account of the resource
674 Items. Collection concerns navigator Warrant Officer J R McKenzie Valentine (1251404 Royal Air Force). The collection contains over 600 letters between JRM Valentine and his wife Ursula. It also contains his log book, family/official documents, a book of violin music studies and other correspondence. Sub-collections contain family photographs, prisoner of war photographs and a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings of events from 1942 to 1945.
He joined 49 Squadron in April 1942 and flew 10 operations on Hampdens. The squadron converted to Manchester in May when he completed two further operations. His aircraft was shot down on the Thousand Bomber raid of 30/31 May 1942. Five crew, including him bailed out successfully and became prisoners of war. The pilot and one air gunner were killed when the aircraft rolled over and crashed.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Frances Zagni and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-09-06
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
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Valentine, JRM
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
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Start of transcription
3rd Sept 1944.
My Darling Ursula. I was absolutely delighted to have 2 letters from you this week written 23rd & 30th April. I was really thrilled to hear of your birthday gift for me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the thought although when I consider my present state of inefficiency I can’t help thinking that your kindness be wasted. I hope you’re not nurturing false hopes that you’ve become the wife of a virtuoso. I’m awful, bloody awful to be more exact. I’m afraid that nature made me a plodder & that even if I stick at it I’ll never be anything else at the fiddle. Anyway, I know that I’ll treasure your instrument more that any other I may own. The Red X fiddle hasn’t arrived yet but my own (a German one) has been repaired quite well & I’ll try to bring it home together with the bow so kindly sent for Sweden.
[several censored sentences]
I’m so glad to hear of Anns visit. I hope my parents come some time. Am eagerly looking forward to the photos of you, F & the house. I wish with all my heart that I could oblige you as the matter of “caring for” you & helping you in all your worries & anxieties. I wonder if the parcel will ever arrive - you definitely haven’t “boobed” in your choice of contents. With the current news, I often get quite optimistic but such spells don’t last long & I relapse into my usual passive resignation. I can see that we have a difference of opinion regarding one major aspect of life - the religious one. I’m convinced that Christianity is one one vast edifice of superstition - with possibly one fundamental truth but you seem to be a true believer which I never was & never will be nor do I now wish to be having seen the light. However I love you more than ever, which is almost impossible. Keep well & beautiful. Love to Frances. Ever your John.
[page break]
172 29
EXAMINER 5,858
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
An MRS U M. VALENTINE
FELMERSHAM
Empfangsort: BOTTRELLS LANE
Straße: CHALFONT ST. GILES
Kreis: BUCKS
Land: ENGLAND
Landesteil (Provinz usw.)
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname: Sgt. J. R. M. Valentine
Gefangenennummer: 450
Lager-Bezeichnung: M. - Stammlager [deleted] 357 [/deleted] LUFT III
Deutschland (Allemagne)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Description
An account of the resource
Number 172-29. Delighted to get two letters from her and thrilled to hear of birthday gift although he states he is not a virtuoso on the violin. Red cross violin has not arrived but German one has been repaired. Catches up with family friends news and comments on his religious opinions.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-09-03
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EValentineJRMValentineUM440903
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Buckinghamshire
England--Chalfont St. Giles
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-09-03
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ross Mckenzie Valentine
faith
prisoner of war
-
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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Brittain, John Taylor
J T Brittain
Description
An account of the resource
42 items. The collection concerns Sergeant John Taylor Brittain (2227748, Royal Air Force). After training as an air gunner at Morpeth and conversion and training at Silverston, North Luffenham and Feltwell, he was posted to 195 Squadron at RAF Wratting Common in February 1945 and flew on operations as a mid upper gunner on Lancaster. The collection consists of his flying logbook; official documents; letters to colleagues and his mother; photographs of people, events, places and aircraft; as well as an album concerning his boat.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Andrew Whitehouse and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-25
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Brittain, JT
Access Rights
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Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Sgt. Brittain J.T.
Sgts Mess
195 Squadron
RAF. Wratting Common
near Cambridge
Cambs.
Tuesday. 1/5/45.
Dearest Boss!!
Go - what a letter!!
Now for your questions your Highness :-
Sorry about our letters crossing. - Sorry about Bruce - Sorry that Joyce can’t come - Sorry about the tyre - Sorry about the petrol - Sad about Uncle Bert.
As far as I know we are still getting leave on the 8th - it is pretty certain, so I
[page break]
think that you can organise things for the 12th without worrying unduly. If - however - there is a last minute change - and I think it unlikely - i’ll send a telegram immediately. Don’t bother about Joyce Barratt as it would be very hard for them to get home anyway.
Jack will be staying on [deleted] for [/deleted] Saturday and Sunday nights I think. Bob and Brownie will be staying for the Saturday night only, but Jack may go with the [one indecipherable word] on Sunday and stay that night with him. They will all be staying for the Saturday night anyway.
As for the petrol
[page break]
situation - don’t worry - everything is under control.
Up to date I have done 13 2/3 trips - the others have done 16 2/3 - I was ill for 3 trips with that synovitis business. We haven’t done any more bombing since that Bremen do, but we’ve been on this supply dropping thing twice. We flew over Rotterdam at 500 feet and dropped the stuff on an airport. There were thousands of people waving like mad and running towards the dropping area to get at the food - it was really pathetic to see them. Everywhere you looked you could see people waving - all over
[page break]
the roads and house tops. You could pick out the Jerrys quite easily for the fact that they were the only ones not waving - It must have been a great temptation for them [deleted] one indecipherable word [/deleted] to open fire on us, but as the agreement with the German Government stated that we were to be left unmolested they couldn’t do anything. Yesterday we went again and took a newspaper reporter with us - Mr Proctor of the Daily Mail - he was quite excited about the whole thing, particularly when I told him the time by a clock in the middle of
[page break]
Rotterdam town!! Try to get a Mail [deleted] one indecipherable word [/deleted] for May 1st and see what he says - He took our names and addresses - what for I don’t know. If you get anything from the “Mail” keep it until I get leave.
Bruce sends an apologetic cough and says that he may have to come home as his master can’t find anyone to keep him - Grrrr Grrrr, Grrrr.!!!
I don’t think that I shall be able to get anything else in the ration line, but will try, although you say you can manage - they’ll always be useful
[page break]
No more time now for anything else.
I am, madam, your obedient servant
John. T. Brittain. (Sgt)
[underlined] P.S. [/underlined] The supply dropping trips only count as 1/3 of an op. each!!!
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from John Brittain to 'Boss'
Description
An account of the resource
Starts with apologies and arrangements for upcoming events. Mentions no operations since Bremen but is now doing supply drops in the Netherlands. States he has done 13 2/3 operations but missed his crews last three due to illness. Talks of taking a Daily Mail reporter on a supply sortie and that these only count for 1/3 of an operation. Concludes with talk of rations.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05-01
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Six page handwritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EBrittainJT[Recipient]450501
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
Atlantic Ocean--North Sea
Netherlands
England--Cambridgeshire
Netherlands--Rotterdam
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945-05-01
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
David Bloomfield
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Taylor Brittain
Operation Manna (29 Apr – 8 May 1945)
RAF Wratting Common
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/168/2224/SRutherfordRL146342v1.2.pdf
31f3fffa8b158091d3eea3fd06b57b91
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Rutherford, Les
R L Rutherford
Robert Leslie Rutherford
Description
An account of the resource
Ten items. The collection contains four oral history interviews with bomb aimer Robert Leslie "Les" Rutherford (1918 - 2019, 146263 Royal Air Force), his prisoner of war diary, material about entertainment in the Stalag Luft 3 Belaria compound and a photograph. Les Rutherford served as a despatch rider in the army, he was evacuated from Dunkirk and volunteered to transfer to the RAF. He became a bomb aimer with 50 Squadron and completed 24 operations. He was shot down over Germany on 20th December 1943 and became a prisoner of war.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Les Rutherford and catalogued by IBCC Digital Archive staff.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-12-09
2015-10-05
2015-06-05
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Rutherford, RL
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[front cover]
[picture of a red maple leaf]
A WARTIME LOG
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
R. L. Rutherford.
P.O.W. 3276
Captured 20.12.43
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
A WARTIME LOG
A REMEMBRANCE FROM HOME THROUGH THE CANADIAN Y.M.C.A.
[underlined] F/O R.L. RUTHERFORD. R.A.F. 146342 P.O.W. 3276 [/underlined]
Published by
THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A.
37 Quai Wilson
GENEVA - SWITZERLAND
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
CONTENTS
[underlined] PAGE [/underlined]
1 SAGEN CREST BY SELF
3 ALL TALK-NO FLY “ “
5 P/O PRUNE “ “
7 I WANTED WINGS “ “
9 LANCASTER “ “
11 SPITFIRE “ “
13 HALIFAX “ “
15 WELLINGTON “ “
17 GOON UP “ “
19 KITCHEN TROUBLE “ “
21 TUNNELLING “ “
23 GERMAN FILM ACTRESS “ A. E.ADAMS
27 BOMBER COMMAND “ SELF
29 MUSTANG 1. “ M. WILSON
31 CANNY TOON “ SELF
33 KRIEGIE VISION BY BOB HAMILTON
35 KRIEGIE’S ON THE LOOSE? “ D. CODD
37 NO REST FOR THE DEVIL “ T. HUGHES
39 ESCAPE “ SELF
41 COTTAGE NEAR DORCHESTER “ J. RUSSELL
43 IN MEMORIAM “ SELF
45 SQUADRON CREST “ “
47 THE CAMP “ J. RILEY
49 SWING IT “ SELF
53 WATER COLOUR “ D ATTWOOD
PAGE
55 PRISONER OF WAR BY SELF.
58 LUCKENWALDE “ REV BENNETT
60 CAPTAIN OH MY CAPTAIN - GLAN EVANS
63 ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS. J.D.HILL
65 PORTRAIT “ KAWALERSKI
67 CARICATURE “ A.L. ROSS.
97 HEBREWS 13X8 J. REID V.C.
110 DIARY
106 SBO’S LETTER TO RUSSIANS
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[row of leaves] 1 [row of leaves]
[hand drawn picture of the Sagan crest]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
3
[hand drawn picture of the Stalag Luft 111 Belaria crest]
[underlined] RLR 9/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
5
[hand drawn picture of a prisoner of war, P/O Prune}
By Les. Rutherford.8/44
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
7
[hand drawn picture of Donald Duck in flying gear behind a barred window.]
[underlined] I WANTED WINGS
RLR 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
9
_ _ _ _ OUT OF THE NIGHT _ _ _ _ _
[hand drawn picture of a Lancaster bomber]
[underlined] LANCASTER
RLR 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
11
_ _ _ INTO THE SUN _ _ _ _ _
[hand drawn picture of a Spitfire]
[underlined] SPITFIRE
RLR 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
13
[hand drawn picture of a Halifax bomber]
[underlined] HALIFAX RLR 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
15
[hand drawn picture of a Wellington bomber]
[underlined] WELLINGTON] RLR 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
16
[underlined] GOON :- [/underlined] was the P.O.W. slang for a German. Some of the guards used to walk round the camp looking for trouble - trying to catch P.O.Ws. doing things they shouldn’t i.e. making tunnels, forging passports, listening to radio etc.etc.
[page break]
17
[hand drawn picture of a P.O.W. at an open window holding a piece of wood with a nail in it, whilst a prison guard lies on the floor below him.
[underlined] GOON UP!!
RLR 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
18
[underlined] The Kitchen [/underlined] was a small room at the end of each hut containing a stove and a washing - up sink. Each room was allowed two periods of half - an - hour each day to be shared with another room. In other words room 18 shared with our room (17) and we cooked our grub at 11.30 - 1200 and 6.30 - 7.00 PM each day normally the stove was always rather crowded especially when we made to have 18 to a room instead of [underlined] 12. [/underlined]
[page break]
19
[hand drawn picture of a P.O.W. at a very overused stove}
[underlined] KITCHEN TROUBLE
RLR {/underlined] 8/44
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
21
[hand drawn picture of a prison guard walking in the rain whilst under his feet a prisoner is tunnelling.
[underlined RLR [/underlined] 8/44
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
23
[hand drawn picture of a German actress]
WINNIE MARKUS
A GERMAN FILM ACTRESS
[underlined] A E Adams [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
27
[underlined] BOMBER COMMAND [/underlined]
[Various R.A.F. sketches around the poem “Lie In the dark and listen” by Noel Coward.]
Lie in the dark and listen,
It's clear tonight so they're flying high
Hundreds of them, thousands perhaps
Riding the icy, moonlight sky
Men, machinery, bombs and maps
Coffee, sandwiches, fleece lined boots
Bones and muscles and minds and hearts
English saplings with English roots
Deep in the earth they've left behind
Lie in the dark and let them go
Lie in the dark and listen…..
Lie in the dark and listen
They're going over in waves and waves
High above villages, hills and streams
Country churches and little graves
And little citizens worried dreams
Very soon they'll have reached the sea
And far below them will lie the bays
And cliffs and sands where they used to be
Taken for summer holidays
Lie in the dark and let them go
Their’s is a world you’ll never know
Lie in the dark and listen…..
Lie in the dark and listen
City magnates and steel contractors
Factory workers and politicians
Soft hysterical little actors
Ballet dancers, reserved musicians
Safe in your warm civilian beds
Count your profits and count your sheep
Life is passing above your heads
Just turn over and try to sleep
Lie in the dark and let them go
Theirs is a debt you’ll forever owe
Lie in the dark and listen….
Noel Coward
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
29
[hand drawn picture of a Mustang aircraft]
[underlined] MUSTANG 1 [/underlined]
With best wishes to R.L.R.
[underlined] from Maurice Wilson [/underlined]
11 AUG 44
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
31
[hand drawn Newcastle coat of arms]
[underlined] CANNY TOON [/underlined]
[hand drawn picture of the Tyne bridge in Newcastle]
NEW TYNE BRIDGE. NEWCASTLE - ON - TYNE
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
33
[hand drawn picture of a young lady in a seductive pose]
All the best Ginger - Bob Hamilton
Bilaria [sic] 1944
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
35
[had drawn picture of two bloodhounds on a leash]
[underlined] KRIEGIES ON THE LOOSE? [/underlined]
All the luck & keep those guitar strings twanging! [underlined] David A Codd 8/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
37
[hand drawn sketch of two men with one recklessly clearing a table of pots while the other has a speech bubble saying “CLEAR THE TABLE GINGER”]
[underlined] NO REST FOR THE DEVIL [/underlined]
Best of luck Ginger.
Tommy Hughes
Belaria
Aug 1944.
[page break]
[blank page]
39
[underlined] ESCAPE [/underlined]
[drawing of a lookout tower]
[drawing of a lorry]
IF YOU CAN LEAVE THE COMPOUND UNDETECTED AND CLEAR YOUR TRACKS NOR [sic] LEAVE THE SLIGHTEST TRACE AND FOLLOW OUT THE PROGRAMME YOU’VE SELECTED NOR LOSE YOUR GRASP OF DISTANCE, TIME AND PLACE…
[drawing of train carriages]
IF YOU CAN WALK AT NIGHT BY COMPASS BEARING AND RIDE THE RAILWAYS IN THE LIGHT OF DAY AND TEMPER YOUR ELUSIVENESS WITH DARING TRUSTING THAT SOMETIMES BLUFF WILL FIND A WAY…
[drawing of an escape attempt]
IF YOU CAN SWALLOW SUDDEN SOUR FRUSTRATION AND GAZE UNMOVED AT FAILURE’S UGLY SHAPE REMEMBER AS FURTHER INSPIRATION IT WAS AND IS YOUR DUTY TO ESCAPE…
[drawing of a German officer]
IF YOU CAN KEEP THE GREAT GESTAPO GUESSING WITH EXPLANATIONS ONLY PARTLY TRUE AND LEAVE THEM IN THEIR HEART OF HEARTS CONFESSING THEY DIDN’T GET THE WHOLE TRUTH OUT OF YOU…
[drawing of a prison cell]
IF YOU CAN USE YOUR “COOLER” [SIC] FORTNIGHT CLEARLY FOR PLANNING METHODS WISER THAN BEFORE AND TREAT YOUR FIRST CALCULATIONS MERELY AS HINTS LET FALL BY FATE TO TEACH YOU MORE…
[drawing of a sign pointing to England]
IF YOU SCHEME ON WITH PATIENCE AND PRECISION IT WASN’T IN A DAY THEY BUILDED [sic] AND MAKE ESCAPE YOUR SINGLE SOLE AMBITION [underlined] THE NEXT TIME YOU ATTEMPT IT YOU’LL GET HOME. [/underlined]
COMPOSED BY: - FLIGHT LIEUTENANT E. GORDON BRETTEL R.A.F. WHILST IN DETENTION AT GROS HARTSMANNDORF THIS OFFICER WAS ONE OF THE 52 RAF OFFICERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES AFTER ESCAPING FROM STALAG-LUFT III (SAGAN) IN APRIL 1944.
[underlined] RLR [/underlined]
[underlined] 9/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
41
[hand drawn picture of a thatched cottage by a stream with a man with bicycle looking on]
Cottage near Dorchester
Best wishes Les - Jim Russell.
[page break]
42
DESIGNED BY R. L. RUTHERFORD.
IN MEMORY OF THE R.A.F. OFFICERS WHO WERE SHOT AFTER ESCAPING FROM NORTH COMPOUND, STALAG LUFT 111, SAGAN, ON MARCH 24 1944. 4 OTHERS WERE KILLED LATER.
[page break]
43
[an elaborately decorated, colourful page including the R.A.F. crest]
ihs
He giveth them wings that they might fly on high and breathe a purer air.
St Francis
In Memoriam
BERKLAND P/O CAN — BRETEL E.G. F/L ENG — BULL L.G. F/L ENG — BUSHEL R.J. S/L ENG — CASEY M.J. F/L ENG — CATANACH J. S/L AUS — CHRISTENSEN P/O N.Z. — COCHRAN D.H. P/O ENG — CROSS T.H.D. S/L ENG — ESPELICH H P/O NOR — EVANS B. P/O WELSH — FUGLESANG P/O NOR — GOUWS LT. S. A. — GRISMAN F/L WELSH — GINN A. P/O SCOTS — MADE A.M. P/O AUS — MAYTER M. F/L ENG — HUMPHRIES P/O CAN — KIERATH R.V. F/O AUS — KIRWNARSKI F/O POL — KIRBY-GREEN S/L ENG — KOLANDOSKI F/O POL — LANGFORD F/L CAN HALL C. P. LEIGH T.B. P/O ENG — Mc FARR C. LT. S.A. — Mc TILL G. P/L CAN — MARCINKAS F/L LITH — MILFORD H. P/O ENG — MONDSHEIN J. P/O POL — PICARD H. P/O BEL. — POKE P.P.J. P/O MAORI — SHEIDHAVER P/O FR — SKOMSYIKAS P/O GR — SWAN C.D. F/L ENG — STEVENS R. L.T. S.A. — STOWERS G. F/O ARG — STEWART C. P/O ENG — STREET O. F/O ENG — VALENTA E. F/L CZECH — WALENN G. F/O ENG — WILEY G. F/O ENG — WERNHAM J. F/O CAN — WILLIAMS S/L AUS — WILLIAMS J. F/O ENG
[underlined] RLR 10/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
45
[hand drawn picture of R.A.F. 50 squadron crest]
[underlined] RLR [/underlined] 1944
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
47
“THE CAMP”
[hand drawn picture of the P.O.W. camp]
“All the Best Kid - Hoping this does not revive to many bad memories J. W. REILLY. 11/11/44
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
49
[hand drawn sketch of a couple dancing with music notes around them]
SWING IT
TO LEN WHITELEY AND HIS BELARIA ORCHESTRA
50
[sketch]
[page break]
[missing pages]
53
[hand drawn coloured drawing of coast road with church in the background]
D. Attwood
[page break]
55
[underlined] Prisoner of War [/underlined]
IT IS A MELANCHOLY STATE. YOU ARE IN THE POWER OF YOUR ENEMIES. YOU OWE YOUR LIFE TO HIS HUMANITY, YOUR DAILY BREAD TO HIS COMPASSION. YOU MUST OBEY HIS ORDERS, AWAIT HIS PLEASURES, POSSESS YOUR SOUL IN PATIENCE. THE DAYS ARE LONG, HOURS CRAWL BY LIKE PARALYTIC CENTIPEDES. MOREOVER, THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE OF PRISON, EVEN THE BEST AND MOST REGULATE OF PRISONS, IS ODIOUS. COMPANIONS QUARREL ABOUT NOTHING AT ALL AND GET THE LEAST POSSIBLE ENJOYMENT FROM
[page break]
54
EACH OTHER’S COMPANY. YOU FEEL A CONSTANT HUMILIATION AT BEING FENCED IN BY RAILINGS AND WIRE, WATCHED BY ARMED GUARDS AND WEBBED BY A TRIANGLE OF REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS.
WINSTON CHURCHILL
Written by Winston Churchill while P.O.W. in Boer hands during Boer War.
[Page break]]
[Missing pages]
58
[underlined] LUCKENWALDE [/underlined]
WERE EDGAR ALLEN POE ALIVE TO SEE THAT GRUESOME PLACE
WERE [sic] NOUGHT BUT EVIL VERMIN THRIVE
AND BREED AT FEARFUL PACE.
THEN EDGAR WOULD, WITH AWFULL [sic] SKILL
DESCRIBE THE FILTH THAT HAUNTS ME STILL
[underlined]
THE SORDID REEK AND STENCH THAT SEEPS
INTO ONES VERY SOUL
THE LOATHSOME BUGS THAT NIGHTLY CREEP.
FROM EVERY LITTLE HOLE
‘NEATH EDGARS PEN AND EDGARS BRAIN
WOULD COME TO LIFE AND LIVE AGAIN
[underlined]
THE SORDID REEK AND STENCH THAT SEEPS
INTO ONES VERY SOUL
THE LOATHSOME BUGS THAT NIGHTLY CREEP.
FROM EVERY LITTLE HOLE
‘NEATH EDGARS PEN AND EDGARS BRAIN
WOULD COME TO LIFE AND LIVE AGAIN
[underlined]
[underlined] AG LANG. [/underlined]
AND YET MUSIC THRIVED. THANKS FOR THE GIT’ GEN GINGER. KEEP JUMPING WHERE EVER YOU ARE. ALL THE BEST
[underlined] REX. [inserted] musical note [/inserted] BENNETT [/underlined]
[page break]
59
[transferred ink from page 58]
[page break]
60
[underlined] WITH APOLOGIES TO WALT WHITMAN AND OF COURSE [/underlined] R. RIPLEY.
OH CAPTAIN, OH MY CAPTAIN OUR FEARFUL TRIP IS DONE,
WE’VE STALLED AND DIVED, TURNED AND CLIMBED,
BUT I THINK THE FLAK HAS WON.
THEY’VE HIT US LEFT AND CENTRE,
AND I THINK YOU’LL SEE OUR PLIGHT
IF WE KEEP ON FLYING LONGER, THEY’LL HIT US IN THE RIGHT
THE PORT ENGINE’S BURNING BRIGHTLY,
THE STARBOARD’S POPPING LOUD,
THE TAILPLANE LOOKS LIKE FALLING OFF,
AND WE’RE DOWN BELOW THE CLOUD.
THERE ARE SEARCHLIGHTS ALL AROUND US,
FLAK, BOTH FRONT AND REAR,
AND EVEN WHEN THEY MISS US
THEY’RE STILL TOO BLOODY NEAR.
TWO FIGHTERS COMING AT US,
ONE ON EITHER BEAM.
AND IF THIS IS NOT A NIGHTMARE,
IT’S A BLOODY AWFUL DREAM!
By D. R. Greig
[inserted] All the best Ginger Glam Evans. F. A. [indecipherable letters] Luckenwalde March 30 th ’45 [/inserted]
[page break]
61
[blank page]
62
[blank page]
63
[sketch of a prisoner of war pulling a sledge in the snow]
“Onward Christian Soldier – The March, Jan. 1945”
James [indecipherable word] – Luckenswalde – March. ‘45
76
[double underlined] THE BAND [/underlined]
[underlined] LEADER [/underlined] - - - [underlined] F/O LEN WHITELEY [/underlined]
[double underlined] DANCE AND THEATRE ORCHESTRA [/underlined]
[underlined] 1ST TRUMPET F/O L. WHITELEY [/underlined] [underlined 1ST ALTO SAX. F/O R. RYDER [/underlined
[underlined] 2ND “ F/O MCPHERSON [/underlined] [underlined] 2ND “ “ F/O J. HUNT [/underlined]
[underlined] 3RD “ F/O W. GROGAN [/underlined] [underlined] 1ST TENOR SAX F/O J. MOSS [/underlined]
[underlined] 4TH “ F/O SMITH [/underlined] [underlined] 2ND “ “ F/LT P. VALLIANCE [/underlined]
[underlined] 1ST GUITAR F/O R.L. RUTHERFORD [/underlined] [underlined] BASS. F/LT H. HANLON [/underlined]
[underlined] 2ND GUITAR W/O A.E. ADAMS. [/underlined] [underlined] PIANO F/LT D. CODD [/underlined]
[underlined] DRUMS J. JAGGER. [/underlined]
[double underlined] CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA [/underlined]
[underlined] 1ST VIOLINN [sic] F/O P. PADDOCK [/underlined] [underlined] 1ST CLARINET F/L D. MILMINE [/underlined]
[underlined] 2ND “ F/O E. DOBIE. [/underlined] [underlined] 2ND “ F/O J. MOSS. [/underlined]
[underlined] 3RD “ F/L J. BATTLE [/underlined] [underlined] CELLO F/L J. HILL [/underlined]
[underlined] 4TH “ F/O R. RYDER [/underlined] [underlined] FLUTE F/O G MACCRAE. [/underlined]
[underlined] 5TH “ F/LT. J. HALL [/underlined] [underlined] BASS F/L H. HANLON [/underlined]
[underlined] TRUMPET F/O L. WHITELEY [/underlined] [underlined] PIANO F/L D. CODD [/underlined]
[double underlined] SWING OCTETTE [/underlined]
[underlined] TRUMPET F/O LEN WHITELEY [/underlined] [underlined] PIANO F/L J. HILL [/underlined]
[underlined] CLARINET F/O REG RYDER [/underlined] [underlined] TENOR SAX F/O J. MOSS [/underlined]
[underlined] GUITARS F/O R.L. RUTHERFORD [/underlined] [underlined] & [/underlined] [underlined] W/O A.E ADAMS [/underlined]
[underlined] BASS F/L H. HANLON [/underlined] [underlined] DRUMS F/O J. JAGGER [/underlined]
[double underlined] TANGO SECTION [/underlined]
[underlined] ACCORDION. F/O REG RYDER [/underlined] [underlined] TENOR SAX. F/O J. MOSS [/underlined]
[underlined] GUITARS. F/O R.L. RUTHERFORD [/underlined] & [underlined] W/O A.E. ADAMS [/underlined]
[underlined] BASS. F/L H. HANLON [/underlined] [underlined] DRUMS F/O J. JAGGER. [/underlined]
[page break]
77
[double underlined] THE THEATRE. [/underlined]
[diagram showing theatre layout]
[underlined] ENTERTAINMENTS OFFICER [/underlined] [underlined] WING COMMANDER W.B. MEHARG. [/underlined]
[underlined] SETS DESIGNED BY [/underlined] [underlined] F/O D. BLACK AND F/O F. ALLEN. [/underlined]
[underlined] SETS BUILT BY [/underlined] [underlined] F/0 T.W.E. HUGHES AND [blank] [/underlined]
[underlined] LIGHTING BY [/underlined] [underlined] S/L DESTERIDGE [/underlined]
[underlined] MUSICAL DIRECTOR [/underlined] [underlined] F/O L. WHITELEY [/underlined]
[underlined] MAKE-UP BY [/underlined] [underlined] F/LT. C. BUCKLEY. [/underlined]
[line]
[underlined] MARCH. 24TH [/underlined] [underlined] PRODUCTIONS [/underlined]
[underlined] “SPRINGTIME FOR HENRY” [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY [/underlined] [underlined] F/O P. JACOBS AND W/O LAWRENCE [/underlined]
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O P. JACOBS. [/underlined] [underlined] F/O J. FREEMANTLE [/underlined]
[underlined] W/O W. LAWRENCE [/underlined] [underlined] F/O R. ENGLAND. [/underlined]
[5 lines]
[underlined] 27TH MARCH. 44. [/underlined] [double underlined] “ROPE” [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCER [/underlined] [underlined] F/L J. HALL. [/underlined]
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] F/L J. HALL. [/underlined] [underlined] S/L PESTERIDGE [/underlined]
[underlined] W/O LEES. [/underlined] [underlined] F/L P. VALLIANCE [/underlined]
[underlined] D. BLACK. [/underlined] [line]
[7 lines]
[underlined] 2ND MAY. [/underlined] [double underlined] “HAYFEVER” [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY :- [/underlined] - - - - - - [underlined] W/O. LAWRENCE. [/underlined]
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] B. KENNEDY [/underlined] [underlined] S/L PESTERIDGE [/underlined]
[underlined] F/L G. SPROATES [/underlined] [underlined] J. FREEMANTLE. [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O P. CORYTON. [/underlined] [underlined] LT. T. MAYS.
[underlined] S/L ANDERSON [/underlined] [underlined] F/O J. JAGGER [/underlined]
[underlined] W/O H. THORNE [/underlined]
[page break]
78
[underlined] 24TH MAY [/underlined] [underlined] ARSENIC AND OLD LACE [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY [/underlined] [underlined] F/L J. HALL.
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] F/L C. BUCKLEY [/underlined] [underlined] F/L NICHOLSON [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O P. DAULBY [/underlined] [underlined] S/L BELL [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O J. RUSSELL [/underlined] [underlined] S/L HUGHES. [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O S. GRAHAM [/underlined] [underlined] F/O J. LAUNDER [/underlined]
[2 lines]
[2 lines]
[underlined] 12TH JUNE [/underlined] [double underlined] REVUE [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY [/underlined] [underlined] F/L J. HILL. [/underlined]
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] S/L ANDERSON. [/underlined] [underlined] F/O B. KENNEDDY. [sic] [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O WHITELEY [/underlined] [underlined] F/O R. RYDER [/underlined]
[underlined] W/O WAINWRIGHT [/underlined] [underlined] F/L C. BUCKLEY. [/underlined]
[underlined] W/O T. LAWRENCE [/underlined] [underlined] F/O J. FREEMANTLE. [/underlined]
[underlined] F/L D. BLACK. [/underlined] AND [underlined] F/L A. LONGILLE. [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O C. PITCHFORD [/underlined] CHORUS [underlined] W/O R WAGSTAFFE. [/underlined]
[underlined] 28TH AUGUST [/underlined] [double underlined] SOMEONE AT THE DOOR [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY :- [/underlined] [underlined] F/O. P JACOBS. & W/O T. LAWRENCE [/underlined]
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O P. JACOBS. [/underlined] [underlined] F/O T. GRIFFITHS [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O P. DAULBY [/underlined] [underlined] F/L C. BUCKLEY [/underlined]
[underlined] T. LAWRENCE [/underlined] [underlined] W/O RYDER [/underlined]
[line]
[underlined] 11TH SEPTEMBER [/underlined] [double underlined] BAND SHOW [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY :- [/underlined] [underlined] LEN WHITELEY. [/underlined]
[underlined] WITH [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O P. JACOBS. [/underlined] [underlined] F/O J. ROSS [/underlined] [underlined] W/O R. WAGSTAFFE [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O J KENNEDY [/underlined] [underlined] F/O R. RYDER [/underlined] [underlined] F/L A. LONGILLE. [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O A. DARLOW. [/underlined] [underlined] F/O L. WHITELEY. [/underlined] [blank line]
[underlined] 3RD OCTOBER [/underlined] [double underlined] FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS. [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY:- [/underlined] [blank line]
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
[underlined] F/O J. FREEMANTLE [/underlined] [underlined] S/L ANDERSON [/underlined]
[underlined] S/L J. PESTERIDGE [/underlined] [underlined] F/O J. LAUNDER [/underlined]
[underlined] F/L J. AYR [/underlined] [blank line]
[2 blank lines]
[double underlined] MAJOR BARBARA [/underlined]
[underlined] PRODUCED BY:- [/underlined] [underlined] F/L P. VALLIANCE [/underlined]
[blank line] [underlined] 21ST OCTOBER [/underlined] [blank line]
[3 blank lines]
[3 blank lines]
[page break]
79
[underlined] RECORDS [/underlined]
[page divided into two columns]
[first column] [underlined] HEARD [/underlined]
RECORD SESSION. BY HARRY JAMES.
PRINCE CHARMING. BY HARRY JAMES.
ANVIL CHORUS BY GLENN MILLER.
YES INDEED “ TOMMY DORSEY.
STRING OF PEARLS “ GLENN MILLER.
THE WORLD IS WAITING “ GOODMAN QUARTETTE
AFTER YOU’VE GONE “ BENNY GOODMAN
WHY DON’T YOU DO RIGHT “ BENNY GOODMAN
STORY OF A STARRY NIGHT “ GLENN MILLER
[second column] [underlined] RECOMMENDED [/underlined]
LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME BY GOODMAN [deleted] QUARTETTE [/deleted]
ST LOUIS BLUES. BY GLENN MILLER
MOONLIGHT SONATA BY GLENN MILLER
ROYAL GARDEN BLUES “ GOODMAN [deleted] QUAR [/deleted] SEXTETTE
JAZZ ME BLUES “ KRUPA’S ALL STAR BAND
TRUMPET CONCERTO “ HARRY JAMES
SLIPHORN JIVE “ GLENN MILLER
CLARINET CONCERTO “ ARTIE SHAW
BENNY RIDES AGAIN “ GOODMAN ORCHESTRA
SMO-O-O-TH ONE “ GOODMAN SEXTETTE
THINGS AREN’T WHAT “ JOHNNY HODGES
WHERE OR WHEN “ GOODMAN 6 WITH PEGGY LEE.
SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET “ LIONEL HAMPTON
YOU’R’E [sic] BLASÈ [sic] “ SUNNY DUNHAM
LET’S DO IT. “ GOODMAN WITH PEGGY LEE
IF I HAD YOU “ GOODMAN SEXTETTE
[page divided into 4 columns]
[underlined] THE THEATRE (CTD.) [/underlined]
[across first and second columns] THE ASTONISHED OSTRICH
PRODUCED BY F/O P. JACOBS & W/O LAWRENCE
[underlined] CAST [/underlined]
F/O T. GRIFFITHS F/O B. KENNEDY
W/O T. LAWRENCE F/O J. NORMANDALE
F/O J. FREEMANTLE.
[line]
GEORGE AND MARGARET.
[line]
MR. CORN COMES TO TOWN
[line]
THE FIRST MRS FRASER
[line]
[underlined] DEC 26TH [/underlined] FANFARE.
[line]
TONY DRAWS A HORSE
[line]
[across third and fourth columns] [underlined] FILMS. [/underlined]
DIXIE DUGAN
80
[underlined]RED CROSS PARCELS CONTENTS[/underlined]
[underlined]BRITISH[/underlined]
1 tin CORNED BEEF 1/2Lb
1 tin MEAT GALANTINE
1 tin POWDERED EGG EQUIVALENT 2 EGGS
1 tin NESTLES CONDENSED MILK
1 TIN MARGARINE 1/4Lb
1 PKT SUGAR 1/2Lb
1 BAR CHOCOLATE 1/4Lb
1 tin BISCUITS
1 tin PROCESSED CHEESE 2ozs
1 tin COCOA
1 tin SALMON
1 tin JAM
1 PKT TEA 2ozs
[underlined]CANADIAN[/underlined]
1 TIN POWDERED MILK
1 tin SPAM
1 tin CORNED BEEF 1/2Lb
1 tin [deleted]BUTTER[/deleted]JAM 1/2Lb
1 PKT COFFEE
1 PKT SUGAR 1/2Lb
1 tin SALMON
1 tin SARDINES
1 tin BUTTER 1/2Lb
1 PKT BISCUITS
1 PKT CHOCOLATE 1/4Lb
1 PKT CHEESE 2ozs
[underlined]AMERICAN[/underlined]
1 tin POWDERED MILK
1 tin CORNED BEEF 1/2Lb
1 tin MEAT PATÉ
1 tin MARGARINE 1/2Lb
1 PKT BISCUITS
1 tin JAM 1/4Lb
1 PKT CHEESE 1/2Lb
1 tin SPAM
1 tin SALMON
1 tin SOLUBLE COFFEE
1 PKT SUGAR 1/2Lb
1 BAR CHOCOLATE 1/4Lb
60 CIGARETTES
[underlined]NEW ZEALAND[/underlined]
1 tin CONDENSED MILK
1 tin HONEY
1 PKT PEAS
1 PKT SUGAR 1/2Lb
1 tin CHEESE 1/2Lb
1 tin CORNED BEEF.
1 tin BUTTER 1/2Lb
1 tin JAM 1/2Lb
1 tin CAFÉ-AU-LAIT
1 PKT TEA. 1/4Lb
1 BAR CHOCOLATE 1/4Lb
[underlined]GERMAN RATIONS FOR 1 WEEK[/underlined]
1/4Lb SUGAR
2ozs JAM
2ozs CHEESE
2ozs MEAT
1oz. SAUSAGE
POTATOES
VEGETABLES
1/4LB BARLEY
1/4Lb MARGARINE
1 1/5 LVS. BREAD
[page break]
81
[underlined]TYPICAL P.O.W. RECIPES: SWEETS.[/underlined]
[underlined]CAKE[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
4 tins ENGLISH BISCUITS
1 tin 1/2Lb MARGARINE
1 tin EGG POWDER
5 TABLESPOONS SUGAR
SALT
Crush BISCUITS to a fine powder and place into a bowl. MELT MARGARINE and mix into flour adding SUGAR and a pinch of SALT. MIX the powdered egg and add to mixture. KNEAD thoroughly Line baking tin [deleted]and[/deleted] with greased paper and place mixture INSIDE BAKE in a moderate OVEN for 25-30 mins. RAISINS may be included in mixture if required. When cool, ICE with a mixture of 1 BAR CHOCOLATE and 1 TABLESPOON MARGARINE WHICH has been melted to a smooth paste.
[underlined]PANCAKES[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
1 PKT CANADIAN BISCUITS
1 tin POWDERED EGG.
MILK.
Crush BISCUITS to a fine powder and place into a bowl. ADD MILK [deleted]and mix[/deleted] gradually, stirring until you have a fine paste. MIX EGG and add to mixture. Place a little cooking fat in a frying pan and melt. Pour in 3 Tablespoons of mixture. FRY UNTIL Golden brown. ENOUGH FOR 20 PANCAKES.
[underlined]FRIED BISCUITS[/underlined]
Place Canadian biscuits (one biscuit per man0 into a bowl of water and soak for 10-11 hours. WHen[sic] thoroughly SOAKED slice[deleted]d[/deleted] biscuits and spread inside with jam. Place in a well greased tin and bake in moderate oven for 20 mins. Serve with milk sauce. The biscuits can also be fried individually as for PANCAKES.
[underlined]BREAD PUDDING[/underlined]
There are many varieties of this dish but the following is most common:- GRATE GERMAN BREAD into crumbs and place into a bowl. Melt 1/2 of MARGARINE and add to crumbs. ADD 1/2 PKT RAISINS or Prunes (or both) and 2 or 3 tablespoons SUGAR. Mix thoroughly. IF MIXTURE is still too dry add MILK. Place into a grease tin and bake for 25-20 mins in a a moderate oven. SERVE with MILK SAUCE.
82
[underlined]TYPICAL P.O.W. RECIPES: SPREADS.[/underlined]
[underlined]CHEESE SPREAD[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
1 PKT AMERICAN CHEESE
1/4Lb MARGARINE
MILK
CUT Cheese into small pieces and place into saucepan with a small amount of milk. Heat until cheese is melted. then[sic] add MARGARINE. STIR continuously until mixture is nicely smooth. Add more milk making mixture fairly liquid. Empty into a tin to cool and set. IF tomatoes are available skin about 4 or 5 and add to mixture before adding MARGARINE.
[underlined]MEAT SPREAD[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
1 tin Rose Mill Pate.
1 tin MEAT GALANTINE.
1 CHOPPED ONION.
1 TABLESPOON MARGARINE
CHOP the PATÉ and GALANTINE into small pieces and place together with ONIONS and MARGARINE INTO SAUCE PAN. HEAT UNTIL a think paste is made. Stirring continuously. PLACE INTO A Tin to cool or serve hot as required.
[underlined]PRUNE SPREAD[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
BOILED PRUNES
SUGAR
MILK.
Stone PRUNES AND PLACE INTO A SAUCEPAN. ADD Sugar and a little MILK. IF ORANGE POWDER IS AVAILABLE THIS MAY BE ADDED TOO. BOIL FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THEN LEAVE TO COOL.
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83
[underlined]TYPICAL P.O.W. RECIPES.[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
POTATOES
CORNED BEEF
BOIL and Mash the potatoes. Add 3 tablespoons of POWDERED MILK and a little MARGARINE. TURN INTO A Greased baking dish and mould into shape of a box. Shred the corned beef and mix with a little milk tomatoes may be added if available. Place meat with potatoes and bake in a moderate oven until potatoes are golden brown.
[underlined]HOT-POT[/underlined]
INGREDIENTS:-
POTATOES
MEAT (SPAM or CORNED BEEF
Cut the meat into small pieces and lay in the bottom of a baking tin. Peel potatoes and slice into thin Fritters and lay over the meat. Poor in enough water to cover the meat and place on top of stove unit water boils then place in oven for about 30 mins until potatoes are browned.
84
[underlined] Menu for Christmas Dinner
Belaria 1944
Room 17 Block 15. [/underlined]
[missing] inserted menu is missing [/missing]
[page break]
[two missing pages]
87
[double underlined] Christmas Day Belaria 1944. [/double underlined]
For some two or three months before Christmas food was laid aside so that on Christmas day we could have a day of reasonably good meals. Unfortunately on November 17 the Germans ordered that all food stores must be liquidated and so we were given three days to eat our existing store. They allowed us however to keep a large Red Cross box (Container for 8 ordinary Red Cross parcels) in the Vorlager, to be drawn out 1 week before Christmas. The issue 51 Christmas parcels (American) came on 23RD DEC. and a list of contents the [sic] recipes for the cakes and puddings, and menu for the day follows.
[double underlined] American Christmas Parcel [/double underlined]
[underlined] Issue:- 2/3 of Parcel per Man
Contents [/underlined]
1 Tin Christmas Pudding 16oz
1 Pkt Dates 16oz
50 Cigarettes
1 Tin Turkey 14 oz
1 Tin Cherries 9 oz
1 Pkt Playing Cards
1 Tin Vienna Sausages 4oz
1 Tin Salted Nuts 7oz
1 Game (Chess, Checkers, etc.)
1 Tin Chopped Ham 4ox
1 Tin Mixed Sweets 12oz
1 Face Cloth.
1 Tin Cheese 4oz
4 Pkts Chewing Gum
1 Tin Jam 6oz
1 Pkt Tea 1 1/2 oz
2 Fruit Bars
1 Tin Honey 8oz.
12 Soup Cubes
1 Pipe + 2oz Tobacco
1 Tin Butter 4oz.
[double underlined] Recipes [/double underlined]
[underlined] Christmas Cake
Ingredients:- [/underlined]
10 Pkts American Biscuits
1/2 Loaf German Bread
1 Lb Sugar
1/2 Lb Turkish Fruit
1/2 Lb Prunes
1 Lb Raisins
Nuts from Prune Stones
Milk : Salt
1/2 Lb Margarine
[underlined] Directions: [/underlined]
CRUSH the biscuits into a fine flour and grate up the bread. Place into mixing bowl. Melt the margarine and add to flour. Mix thoroughly. Add the sugar, fruit, and raisins. The prunes should be boiled beforehand, chopped and stoned. The stones should then be cracked and the nut taken from inside. These should be chopped and added to the cake mixture. Add a pinch of salt and if the mixture is too dry, add milk. Mix thoroughly. Grease two large baking tins of equal size and turn mixture into them. Bake in a moderate oven for 1 hour – 1 1/2 hours. Make an icing by melting down 1/4 chocolate and 1/2 tablespoon of margarine, and a little water. Ice one of the cakes with this icing and when almost set, place the other cake on top. Make a white icing by taking 1/2 sugar, and enough very thick klim to cover the cake. Mix up into a very thick paste and boil for a short while. (2-3 minutes) Lay the icing smoothly over the cake.
WEIGHT approx 12-14 lbs.
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88
[underlined] Christmas Pudding
Ingredients:- [/underlined]
10 Pkts American Biscuits
1 Loaf German Bread
1 Lb Sugar
1/2 Lb Margarine
1 Lb Raisins
1/2 Lb Prunes
Salt : Klim.
[underlined] Directions:- [/underlined]
Crush the biscuits and grate up the loaf and place in mixing bowl. Melt down margarine and add to flour. Add sugar and mix well. Boil the prunes and stone and chop finely. Add Raisins and Prunes and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If mixture is too dry add fairly thick Klim. Mix thoroughly. Grease 4 bowls and turn mixture into these. Cover with cloth and boil for 4 1/2 – 5 hours.
[underlined] Angel Cakes
Ingredients:- [/underlined]
4 Pkts American Biscuits
1/4 Lb Margarine
1/4 Lb Sugar
Salt : Klim
[underlined] Directions:- [/underlined]
Crush the biscuits down to a fine flour and place in mixing bowl. Melt margarine and add to flour. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly. Grease an individual cake tin and turn mixture into [indecipherable word]. Bake in moderate oven for 30 minutes. When finished allow to cool. Make a mixture of very thick Klim and sugar. Slice the top off each cake in such a manner as to leave a hollow in the cake. Fill the hollow with the Klim mixture. Cut the top into two pieces and stick into the Klim so that it gives the appearance of wings. Enough for 12 cakes.
[underlined] Mince Pies [/underlined]
Make the same mixture as for Angel cakes, but bake in the form of a cup. Bake in moderate oven for 15-20 mins. Make the filling from Chopped date, Chopped Prunes, raisins, a little [deleted] chop [/deleted] grated carrot and sugar.
Boil in a saucepan with a little water and fill up cakes. Makes 12 pies.
[page break]
89
[blank page]
90
[underlined] A TYPICAL DAY AT BELARIA [/underlined]
[underlined] 9.00 AM [/underlined] First hot water issue. Hot brew in bed by cooks.
[underlined] 10.00 AM [/underlined] Appell. Parade outside to be counted by Goons. Usually lasts 15-20 mins. After Appell, the room was cleaned out generally and the cooks began to prepare lunch or peel potatoes in readiness for dinner. The rest of the chaps did odd jobs that needed doing. Usually spent reading or arguing. Hot water for “dobie” issued as 10.50. Usually wait for this water As shave.
[underlined] 12.30 P.M [/underlined] Hot brew water issue. Lunch (3 slices of toast, spreads & coffee). Afternoons usually spent in visiting libraries or visiting different people, or once again just sitting around reading or arguing.
[underlined] 4.00 P.M. [/underlined] Afternoon Appell. Immediately after appell, there was a hot water issue for tea. Tea was usually just that, although sometimes we had a slice of toast.
[underlined] 7.00 P.M. [/underlined] Evening period on above. Dinner prepared. Usually consisted of:- Potatoes, whatever vegetables the goons gave us, and either Spam or Corned Beef. A sweet was usually served – either barley or something prepared from biscuits.
[underlined] 10.00 P.M. [/underlined] Time on stove to boil water for evening brew. This was usually followed by a game of bridge. Lock-up was at 10.00 too.
[underlined] 12.00. [,underlined] Lights out.
[line]
[underlined] REVIEW OF LIFE AT BELARIA [/underlined]
As can be seen, the most of the day was spent reading, arguing, or doing odd jobs such as washing, shaving, bed-making, darning and sewing etc. I usually had band rehearsals for 1 hour during some part of the day, and immediately before a show sometimes four or even five times a day, (playing with different sections). The Red Cross parcels were issued on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, then when the goons brought in the order prohibiting stores of food, they were issued one each day. The food had to be turned out of the tins and the empty tins returned immediately. Bread was issued on Tuesday and Friday. Barley was issued already cooked on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The rest of the rations, sugar, jam, cheese etc came in on Saturday afternoon.
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91
[underlined] LIFE AT BELARIA CTD. [/underlined]
During the summer months, the weather was unusually good and there was lots of sunbathing. Sports played were, Cricket, basketball, hockey and six-a-side soccer. There were also a volley-ball court and two deck tennis courts.
During the winter months, the weather was very miserable and cold and most of the time was spent indoors. The main sport was skating and ice hockey.
A certain percentage of each officer’s pay was deducted each month, equivalent to what was paid us by the Goons. This money was used for canteen issues (tooth paste, soap, brushes, etc. bought from the Goon canteen. It was also used to buy theatrical equipment and hire costumes for the different plays. In the early spring a large amount of seeds were bought and a plot of ground allotted to each mess to be used as a garden. The resulting crop of tomatoes, onions, lettuce, parsnips, carrots etc. was most surprisingly good.
The food question was always very ticklish, no-one ever having food enough to say that he was happily satisfied, especially when the parcel issue was cut by half. The method of cooking and messing was as follows:- When we first arrived we were placed in rooms of eight. This later went up to 10 and later again to 12. Two of the mess did the cooking and everything concerned with cooking, (washing-up, preparing etc) for 2 days at a time. Two periods were allotted on the stove which was in the kitchen at the end of the block. Due particulars periods were 2.00 P.M - 2-45 P.M and 7.00 P.M. – 7.45 P.M. A light meal was served for lunch and the main meal was dinner at 7.45.
On the whole life at Belaria, although monotonous and boring could have been very much worse.
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92
[underlined] A TYPICAL DAY AT LUCKENWALDE [/underlined]
8.15 AM Hot mint tea. Rise, wash and breakfast (cup of mint tea and 1 slice of bread)
9.00 AM Appell. After appell there was nothing to do except be on our beds and talk, (usually of food).
1.00 P.M. Soup and Potatoes issue. 1 Cup of soup and about 4 medium potatoes.
4.30 P.M. Appell. Immediately following appell. another issue of mint tea.
7.00 P.M. Supper. Four slices of bread & butter.
10.00 P.M. Lights out.
[underlined] REVIEW OF LIFE AT LUCKENWALDE [/underlined]
Life at Luckenwalde was just one long, boring, miserable time. Food was short, quarters were bad & conditions were bad. Most of our time was spent lying on our beds playing cards or talking of what we would do and what we would eat when we got home. The food issue consisted of 1/5 of a loaf of bread per man 1 cup of soup, 4 medium sized potatoes, 2 cups of mint tea (one at 8.15 AM and the other at 4.45 P.M) approximately 1 oz of margarine [underlined] or [/underlined] a spread of some description and sugar and salt. It was a big day when the Norwegians from another compound sent us 250 parcels, enough for 1/5 of a parcel per man. The M.O. from across the wire (where the N.C.O’s from a camp on the Polish frontier are stationed} raised a scream and said that he had men dying on their feet over there. We offered him 30 parcels for his sick to which he replied that the sick couldn’t eat anyway that it was the others he was worried about, and he thought that all the parcels should go over there. After careful enquiries the Group Captain decided that they were no worse off than we were and so the parcels were issued to us. Each parcel contained 1/2 lb rolled oats, 1/2 lb sausage, 1/2 lb syrup, 50 biscuits; 1 lb sugar, 1/2 lb butter, 1/2 lb cheese.
This had to be shared among 5 men. It wasn’t much but it seemed terrific to us on the present rations.
There were very, very few books and these had to be carefully issued. The method was to give one book to 10 chaps to read. It had to be returned in 5 days so usually about 3-4 chaps read it and the rest did without.
We lived in a barrack block, containing 150 men. These were divided into messes of 20. There was very little room for moving about, and everything including eating was done on our beds.
Then came the great day. On March 7th a train-load of parcels arrived at the station and on the 8th we secured a full American parcel each. It was a terrific day. Chaps didn’t make allowance for the
[page break]
fact that they had been on such short rations and made themselves sick. It was really surprising for the first few days how little it took to fill us. However we soon settled down to it. Then came the Rhine crossing, and the terrific advances which followed. Optimism reached a new high in the camp as the Allies came nearer, and everyone waited expectantly for the expected Russian offensive to start.
On March 9th a rumour came in from a reliable source stating that we were moving to Munich on the 11th. We prepared to move. The rumour was confirmed the next day and we actually marched to the station and entrained on the 12th.. However the goons told us on the night of the 13th that we should be returning to camp the next day. They said that owing to the repeated objections of the SBO they had decided not to move us. We ourselves could think of lots of other reasons. However the experience was quite enjoyable. Most of the boys had brought along their blowers and smokies and cooking went on all along the siding. One chap in our box car kept a fire going all day with continuous supply of hot water for brews. A good effort. We moved on the morning after we arrived there to another siding along side a road, and despite the goon attempts to stop it, trading started immediately. Of course after a while, we had the usual set of fools who offered more cigarettes than anyone else and sent the prices rocketing. A loaf of bread was being bought for 100 cigarettes. (When we arrived we could get it for 20.)
On returning to camp we found most of the bed-boards missing but luckily I had slung my bed and had no bed board worries. Terrific rumours of how far the Americans were from us. During the week following everyone was tense & hanging on every
Ctd. on PAGE 98.
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94
[underlined] EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS RECEIVED BY P.O.W.’s. [/underlined]
1st Letter from Fianceè [sic] --- Dear Jack, - You were posted missing for a month so I got married –
- First party of repatriated prisoners arrived home badly maimed, praying you will be among the next -
- I hope you are not being extravagant with the pocket money you get –
Prisoner received a Red + sweater with name & address of donor. He wrote thanking donor. Following is part of reply – I am sorry that it went to you. I meant it for some-one [sic] on Active Service. –
We had 2 repatriated prisoners home last week --- At 8.30 they were under the table --- they were revived but were under another table at 9.30.
- I hope you are [crossed out] enjoying [/crossed out] behaving yourself at the dances and not drinking too much beer.
- P.O.W a year – received a letter congratulating him on joining the armed forces.
- Darling – I just had a baby, but don’t worry, the American officer is sending you cigarettes each week.
- Letter from mother of Canadian P.O.W. – “German P.O.W.’s in Canada are issued with flannels to play tennis – are you?
- Letter from fiancée of Air Crew P.O.W – “I would rather marry a 1943 hero that [sic] a 1940 coward.
- Take care of Andy when you are out drinking – He is so wild.
- Are the German girls good dancers.
- From fiancée to P.O.W:- “Darling – I married your father [symbol] mother.
- When your brother heard you were P.O.W he rushed right out and joined the Home Guard.
- Please do not write to Bill any more, he’s been dead 2 years.
- I wonder if you are as tired as I am of this war.
- On Jap war “You chaps will have plenty of opportunity to make up for wasted time.
- From nurse in M.E. “I am hoping to go on leave in March if this whole thing has blown over by then.
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95
- You were smart to get yourself parked in Germany for the duration. Look what wonderful stories you will have to tell your children
- You must n’t forget there’s a war on –
- From Fiancee [sic] to P.O.W. “Although I am now married I want you to know that I think the world of you and you will always be near and dear to me.
- By the way I am now a fully-blown engaged girl.
- I hope you are keeping fighting fit dear. I am saving some mistletoe and a couch for you so please come quick.
- It is very good of the Germans allowing their prisoners to correspond with their relatives. By the way, do you want me to send you any money or anything.
- Twinkle, Twinkle little star
Went for a ride in a motor car,
What I did, I aint admittin’
What I’m knittin’ aint for Britain.
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96
[blank page]
97
[double underlined] HEBREWS 13 v 8. [/underlined]
[picture of man with bowl, spoon and fork]
Best of luck – [underlined] ‘Ginge’ [/underlined]
Yours ‘Jock’
F/Lt. William Reid V.C.
Belaria Stalag Luft III
[underlined] Germany [/underlined] 25.1.45
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98
news item. Then came the big day. APRIL 21. At about 1.00 PM. All the guards left the camp, and the Russian prisoners just ran riot. They were running along outside with sacks of potatoes, clothing and all sorts of odds and ends. One defence scheme went into operation and was soon running smoothly. On the morning of the 22nd we saw our first Russian forces when tanks and lorries entered the camp and took away the Russian prisoners. Everyone was in high spirits and, of course, rumours were rife. The Americans were reported to be only 7 Kms away. However, on the 23rd we were told that we were to remain here until the Americans arrived which should be in about 4-5 days. The link up took longer than they expected however and in the meantime a terrific reaction set in. The chaps were all keen to be home and could talk of nothing else. The food situation improved tremendously and we received personal parcels from the unclaimed store. Wireless sets were requisitioned from town and every block had its own wireless set. Everything possible was done for our comfort during the remainder of our period at Luckenwalde.
The link up took place after what seemed like months of waiting on the 24th. We received the news on the 26th – 5 days which seemed as many months, after our liberation. 5 days of [indecipherable word], rumours, excitement and most important better food.
The Repatriation Committee, all Russian, arrived on the night of 28th. They brought with them 50 lorries, full of food, and on the staff were 20 women. This staff had handled other camps which had been freed but when they arrived here, they said that our position was unique, in that we were the first they had handled who may go home. West instead of by Odessa. They didn’t know when they arrived just how we would go, but they promised that there would be transport from the moment we left the camp, in other words, no more marching.
The on 3rd May two American War correspondents showed up in the camp and they said that they didn’t know we were here until some of our boys arrived at their H.Q. This browned us off no end. We were all sick of sitting around waiting to go home. Here we were two weeks after liberation and as far as we could see, no nearer home. Spirits in the camp were lower than ever they had been before. After the visit of the correspondents there was an
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99
almost mass evacuation of the camp. Everywhere chaps could be seen getting ready to leave the camp to make their own way to the American lines. It was so boring at the camp that this attitude of “anything to get out of here” was quite understandable. There was so much to lose by going that Frank & I decided not to go but to see the thing through to the end. Fortunately on the afternoon of the day following the Yank’s visit, two armoured cars and 3 jeeps came to the camp and told us we were to be taken out unofficially the day after and preparations were made to move out! Unfortunately the Russians refused to allow us to move as they had been given no authority to allow us to go. The SBO resigned his post as Officer 1/2 the whole camp and said that he would command the British troops only. (A copy of his letter will be found on Page 106). Stirring scenes were witnessed when the lorries left empty on the morning of May 7. The Russians refused to allow anyone to board the lorries and the few chaps who managed to get abroad as the lorries were passing were unloaded further down the road and brought back to camp. It was announced later in the day that when actually asked to show the official permission to evacuate us, the American officer admitted that they were doing it unofficially so once again we had to swallow our disappointment and settle down again to wait. The VE. day celebrations were heard over the wireless all day and we listened in silence broken occasionally by some caustic comment. We were a bunch of very disappointed ex-Kriegies. The war was over officially but from our point of view we were still prisoners.
On May 12 we were told we were to move to the [indecipherable word] the following day. We moved into a hut which had no beds, but managed to find enough double tier bunks for our room. It was certainly much brighter than our other accomodation [sic], but we had to put in quite a lot of work to get it cleaned up after the Frenchmen.
The at last came the great day, MAY 20th when we were taken out to the American lines across the River Elbe. On the night of the 19th the siren sounded the recall signal at 8.30 and it was announced that our repatriation papers had been signed and that we would probably move off the next day. The next day (which was Whit Sunday) saw the arrival of the lorries. We boarded the lorries at 12.30 and after a troublesome journey owing to road demolitions etc. we arrived at the Elbe and were transferred to American lorries and taken to a camp near HALLE.
And so ended a period of Kriegie life full of events. We experienced all the emotions of sheer misery, joy, expectancy, frustration, disappointment as never before. I have never, repeat never, been so glad to leave any place as I was to leave Luckenwalde.
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100
[underlined] Highlights of Belaria [/underlined]
[sketches of camp life]
[underlined] “Lousy Communique [/underlined] [sketch of a large man and a small man walking away]
[underlined]’Shoot’ [/underlined] [sketch of man throwing a basketball at a basket behind the SBO’s back]
[underlined] Circuit Bashing [/underlined] [sketch of a soldier marching under a cloud in the rain]
[underlined] ‘Water Up’ [/underlined] [sketch of men walking towards a building with pitchers and pails of water]
[underlined] “The Cooler” [/underlined] [sketch of a guard pointing towards a door while a man with a bowed head walks towards a second guard]
[underlined] Belaria Air [/underlined] [sketch of a man with a sewage tank]
[underlined] SIX A-SIDE SOCCER?[/underlined] [sketch of a football match with a brawl in the centre of the pitch]
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101
[underlined] Highlights of Belaria Ctd[/underlined]
[sketches of camp life]
[underlined] Abort Equipment [/underlined] [sketch of man with a peg on his nose]
[underlined] Bed-time [/underlined] [sketch of man climbing into top bunk stepping on the head of the occupant of the bottom bunk]
[sketch of man asleep in bed dreaming of food]
[underlined] Bath-day [/underlined] [man singing in in bath tub]
[underlined] Wash-up Time [/underlined] [man standing at table full of crockery]
[underlined] “I’m only half the man I was – ruddy half parcels. [/underlined] [sketch of half a soldier]
[underlined] New Purge Arrival[/underlined] [sketch of rows of men]
[underlined] Two Hours Later [/underlined] [sketch of group of men gathered around asking questions of a seated man]
[page break]
102 Highlights of Belaria [underlined] Ctd [/underlined]
[sketches of camp life]
[underlined] APPEL THROUGH THE YEAR. [/underlined] [sketch of a man and the climate for each month of the year]
[underlined] RUMOURS [/underlined] [sketch of five men and the sequence of a rumour]
[underlined] Night School [/underlined] [sketch of three men at a table playing cards while another looks on]
[underlined] The Abort Serenaders [/underlined] [sketch of three men playing bagpipes, saxophone and clarinet]
[page break]
103
[blank page]
[page break]
[pages 104 and 105 missing]
106
Copy of the letter sent by the Senior British Officer to the Russian Commandant on the occasion of the latter refusing to allow the British and American Prisoners of War to be evacuated by American [indecipherable word].
FROM: Senior British Officer Stalag III A.
TO: Russian Commandant 1/2 Repatriation. Stalag III A.
MAY 7 1945.
In order to avoid misunderstanding I am putting into writing the principle statements which I made at our conference last night.
The situation of the British at this camp is now as follows. From 22nd of April, I, at the request of the Russian authorities, have been responsible for the administration and security of the entire camp of 16,000 mixed nationalities. The work of the camp during this time has been carried out mainly by British and American officers and men. It should however, be appreciated that owing to Russian orders, confinement to camp etc., we have had to continue to all intents and purposes, as prisoners. That these orders were a military necessity is, of course clear, but nevertheless, the result has been a lowering of the spirits of all ranks. It is important to understand and make allowances for the mental attitude of prisoners of war who have been liberated but are still denied their freedom.
The food situation up to yesterday, was precarious and the daily ration, even though assisted by American supplies, is still grossly inadequate. It is realized that the Russian authorities overcame great difficulties in providing food at all under harassing circumstances, but it will also be agreed that the supply organisation of this camp performed most of the work. Furthermore, the camp has become even more [inserted] over [/inserted] crowded owing to the influx of Italian refugees. The problems of sanitation are considerable and the general health is threatened.
In spite of all this, the Russian orders were obeyed, and control was maintained up to the 5th of May. On that day, an American officer representing supreme allied H.Q. arrived with instructions to evacuate the Americans and British in that order. His credentials were not accepted by the Russian authorities here, who stated that they could not allow such an evacuation to proceed since they had no order on the subject. An ambulance convoy which also arrived on this day was allowed to evacuate all American and a few British sick.
Yesterday, the American representative from Supreme Allied H.Q. returned with a convoy to carry out his orders. Capt Tehekarov, acting as deputy for Cap Medvedev, who was sick, refused to allow him to proceed with his duties. Later, when an attempt was made to proceed with the evacuation, armed force was used against American troops to prevent their leaving the camp.
No doubt this whole affair is due to a misunderstanding, but the situation created is extremely serious. In spite of continual assurances that we were to be repatriated with the least possible delay, we now see the Russians actively preventing such repatriation. It is impossible for me to explain or justify such action in the eyes of my officers and men. I warned Capt Medvedev on May 4th that such a situation was likely to arise, and that if it did, I could not be responsible for the circumstances.
Last night I was informed for the first time that the chief obstacle to our repatriation was that the registration was not complete. I have repeatedly offered to undertake the whole task of registration. I could have completed it by now if my offer had been accepted. In any case, I cannot believe that the Russians intend that vital interests should be threatened for the sake of a mere formality.
As SBO here, I am responsible above all else for the welfare of my officers and men. This welfare is seriously endangered by the present situation. I therefore demand that the position may be clarified without delay, and that our repatriation may be proceeded with immediately. Failing this I must ask to be enabled to communicate with my Government. Finally I must point out that the present situation renders my position as S.A.O. untenable. I therefore resign that position and from now on must be regarded as responsible only for the British [line]
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110
[Underlined] DIARY [/underlined]
[Underlined] 1943 DEC 20TH [/underlined] Shot down over target (Frankfurt-on-Main) at 7.35 by J.U.88. Aircraft exploded and nose was blown off. I lost consciousness for a short while and came to, to find myself in the nose on my own. Only one hook of parachute fastened but no time to fasten up second, so just pushed clear and pulled ripcord. Only in chute for about 1/2 minute so estimate that I fell from 20,000 to 2 – 3,000 feet before getting clear. Narrow squeak. Knee injured by explosion. Had no control over chute and landed in a wood, backwards. Damaged knee a little more. Lay for a short while to get breath back and then buried my equipment and parachute beneath some bushes. The raid was still in progress and incendiaries and shrapnel were falling all around. I could hear the “cookies” rushing down too. After burying everything I set out walking West. Walked all night without incident, passing through several small towns. Just as dawn was breaking found myself in fairly large town. Several people around but no-one took any notice of me. Wandered round for some time trying to find my way out of the town. One person spoke to me as he passed and I just grunted back “Guten Morgen”. Found my way out at last and found myself on the banks of a very large river. Lay down beneath some bushes and pulled branches over to cover myself. Camouflage effective. Several people passed close by and didn’t see me.
[Underlined] DEC 21ST [/underlined] Lay up all day. Took out my escape maps and discovered that the river was the Rhine and decided on my route for escape from Germany. Ate a Horlicks tablet every four hours. Few exciting moments when party of Germans came along with a dog and dog began sniffing around my hide-out, but some-one called it and it ran off.
When darkness fell, began to walk again. Walked until about 2.20 AM and then began to look for a barn or a haystack to sleep. Challenged suddenly by two sentries. Said Guten Morgen” [sic] and tried to pass. They let me go for a short while until one of them shouted something else. I didn’t know what he said so just carried on. They ran after me and shone a torch on me. After jabbering a few questions they realised suddenly that I was R.A.F. They shot back the bolts of their rifles and ordered me to put my hands up. I did so and they took me to their headquarters. I had been wondering what sentries were doing away out in the country. It transpired later that they were guarding a Halifax which had crashed there. After close questioning and a glass of beer and two slices of bread and cheese, my knee was bandaged and I was taken to bed, with an armed guard in the room beside me.
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[Underlined] DEC 22ND [/underlined] Wakened at about 7 A.M. and taken to “Gulag Luft” at Frankfurt-on-Main. Only incident en route was an old civilian who recognised me as R.A.F. and very kindly came up and spat in my face. There was nothing I could do so I just smiled and said “Danke” at which he flew into a terrific rage. I thought he would hit me but the guards moved him on. I didn’t blame this chap when I saw Frankfurt. It was a shambles. Arrived at “Gulag Luft” and placed in a small cell. 8 feet by 6 feet. Had to undress while all my clothes were searched. Had escape money tucked into toe of flying boot and it was not found. At 12.30 was given a bowl of soup. At 4.30 was given two slices of bread and butter and a cup of mint tea. Terrible stuff. Nothing further
[Underlined] DEC 23RD [/underlined] Wakened at 9. AM by guards and given 2 slices of bread and butter and a cup of mint tea. Bowl of soup at 12.30. Bread and butter and mint tea at 4.30. [deleted word]
Civilian came in during afternoon and said he was from the Red Cross and gave me a form to fill in saying that if I filled it in right away it would be sent off and the folks at home would receive news that I was a P.O.W. so much soon. [sic] The form required to know details such as target, squadron, station etc. so I just refused to fill it in. I signed my name, number and rank, and crossed the rest out.
[Underlined] DEC 24TH [/underlined] Wakened with the usual two slices of bread and mint tea at 9 AM. Soup at 12.30. Bread & mint tea at 4.30. German officer (I think) came in during [deleted word] [inserted] morning [/inserted] to ask for details of squadron and the raid etc. Told him my name and number and refused to say anything else. He almost pleaded with me saying that if I told him, I would be sent to another camp among my comrades for Christmas Day. In the afternoon was taken out to a big office to be interrogated. Chap there asked me for details again and once more I refused, upon which he said that they knew my squadron etc but just wanted to check that I wasn’t a spy. He asked me how Squadron Leader Parks was getting along on his second tour and why we were called the bullseye squadron and lots of other questions which I refused to answer. He then told me that our c.o. had been shot down the same night as I had and that some of the crew were there. I still said nothing. He said that if I would give them just a little information I would go into a camp where I would be among my own friends but I still kept quiet, and was eventually taken back to Cell 61. Brought
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From my cell at about 7.00 P.M and taken to a corridor where there were a lot of other chaps among them Tommy Hughes who I knew well and his “second dicky”, Peter Boyle Personal belongings were returned and we were taken to a separate place through the barbed wire. We went into a barrack block there and found places to sleep. Tommy and I slept together on the top of a double tier bed.
[Underlined] DEC 25. [/underlined] Taken this morning to the transit camp on the other side of Frankfurt. Christmas dinner waiting for us when we get there. A lovely meal including a small portion of Christmas Pudding and biscuits. Sing-song in the dining hall at night.
[Underlined] DEC 26. [/underlined] Reported sick after breakfast and admitted to hospital with water-on-the knee
[Underlined] DEC 31 [/underlined Saw New Year in on my own. Could hear the sing-song in the blocks but no-one in hospital.
[Underlined] 1944 [/underlined]
[Underlined] JAN 8 [/underlined] Left Frankfurt in cattle trucks en-route to Sagan. Stalag Luft III
[Underlined] JAN 10 [/underlined] Arrived Sagan. Taken to Belaria camp. Moved straight into hospital. The rest of the boys are saving my place in the room, Three of us from our room of eight in hospital.
[Underlined] MARCH 22. [/underlined] Left Hospital.
[Underlined] MARCH 29. [/underlined] First Bandshow. Played with Tango Section and swing section
[Underlined] MARCH [/underlined] 24 Big escape from North Camp. 81 escaped.
[Underlined] APRIL 10TH [/underlined] Germans announced that 50% of the officers who escaped had been shot. Intense indignation in camp. Germans sent to Coventry.
[Underlined] APRIL 13TH [/underlined] Memorial service for officers who were shot. Great excitement immediately following service when British tommies were seen to be patrolling the wire and manning sentry boxes. Union Jack flying in Vorlager. Turned out to be film show. Lots of fun messing up one of the scenes at main gate.
[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined] Received first mail from home.
[Underlined] [Deleted] MAY [/deleted] JUNE 4TH [/underlined] Leon and [indecipherable word] left the mess and Frank and Ken arrived.
[Underlined] JUNE 6TH [/underlined] Allied invasion of North France.
[Underlined] JUNE 7TH [/underlined] Room numbers went up to 10 with arrival of Ham and Chuck in new purge.
[Underlined] JUNE 30TH [/underlined] Room number up to 12 with arrival of Peter and Henry
News that Montgomery forecasts end of war in autumn and Churchill promises, lights in London for Christmas.
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[Underlined] JULY 20TH [/underlined] Attempted assassination of Hitler. Germans withheld news from Camp until 22ND. All Germans adopted “Heil Hitler” salute in place of military salute.
[Underlined] AUGUST 12TH [/underlined] First film in camp. “[indecipherable words]” – a third rate film. Heat terrific, though wearing only shorts.
New purge arrived in evening including Jock Reid V.C.
[Underlined] AUGUST 13TH [/underlined] Goon guard shot at one of boys who accidentally touched warning wire while walking round circuit. Bullet passed through his hand.
[Underlined] AUGUST 15TH [/underlined] New allied landings in South of France between TOULON and CANNES.
[Underlined] AUGUST 17TH [/underlined] Weighed on kitchen scales. Weight 11st 10lbs.
[Underlined] AUGUST 21ST [/underlined] New purge arrived and Jack Meek came into room to replace Peter Pearson who moved to Room 7.
[Underlined] AUGUST 24TH [/underlined] Weighed on kitchen scales. Weight 11st 8lbs.
[Underlined] AUGUST 30TH [/underlined] Saw Comedy thriller “The Man at the Door”. Very good acting.
[Underlined] AUGUST 31ST [/underlined] Weighed on kitchen scales. Weight 11st 7lbs.
[Underlined] SEPTEMBER 2ND [/underlined] Frank and I commenced messing on our own.
[Underlined] SEPTEMBER 11TH [/underlined] Owing to difficulties in supplying Red Cross parcels from Geneva, existing stock being issued at 1/2 parcel per man per week, instead of whole parcel.
Sports field closed from today. Extension to camp being built on it. Walks outside camp starting today. 30 men at 8 AM, 30 at 10.15, 30 at 2.15. Length of walk approx. 1 1/2 hours.
[Underlined] SEPTEMBER 12TH [/underlined] Chaps on one of todays [sic] walks raided orchard. Terrific “stink” kicked up by Goon farmer.
[Underlined] SEPTEMBER 13TH [/underlined] Another walk incident!! Note found addressed to Group Captain after afternoon walk had left saying that one of chaps intended to commit suicide, while on the walk. Goons chased after the walk on bicycles and recalled them before threatened suicide took place. Culprit taken to hospital.
[Underlined] OCTOBER 5TH [/underlined] “French Without Tears” at camp theatre in evening. Very good.
[Underlined] OCTOBER 18TH [/underlined] Received first personal parcel together with Steve & Pat. Lots of Chocolate. Couldn’t be better.
[Underlined] OCTOBER 27TH [/underlined] Birthday. Had a two tier cake. Saved 1lb chocolate
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from personal parcel to make icing. “Wizard” bash!
[Underlined] OCTOBER 29. [/underlined] New purge – general opinion that war will last till spring.
[Underlined] OCTOBER 31 [/underlined] “The Astonished Ostrich” at theatre in evening. – very good.
Jack Normandale astonished camp with his impersonation of a woman.
Extension to compound opened today.
[Underlined] NOVEMBER 4 [/underlined] First meeting of “The Music Society of Lower Silesia”. First performance of “Stringing Along”.
[Underlined] NOVEMBER 5 [/underlined] Received second personal parcel. Lots more chocolate. Big bash.
[Underlined] NOVEMBER 12. [/underlined] Second meeting of “Music Society”. No fires in theatre. Could hardly play for the cold.
[Underlined] NOVEMBER 17 [/underlined] Goons ordered that all food held in store by people in the camp must be eaten by 20TH otherwise it will be confiscated. Terrific meals with lovely “brews”
“George and Margaret” at theatre in evening – excellent.
[Underlined] NOVEMBER 18 [/underlined] Largest new purge in camp to date, mostly Americans, the first in Belaria. 72 Americans; 22 R.A.F. “Ham” went to new extension. Gordon arrived.
[Underlined] NOVEMBER 22. [/underlined] New purge – mostly American. Steve left room to work in hospital. Bill arrived.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 1 [/underlined] “Mr Corn comes to Town” – Canadian revue in theatre, good.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 7. [/underlined] Second film show in camp. Marlene Dietrich and Randolph Scott in “The Spoilers”.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 14. [/underlined] Frank’s wedding anniversary. He made a super cake consisting of a layer of cake, a layer of raisins, another layer of cake, layer of chocolate, layer of cake and chocolate and raisins on the top. A “Wizard” effort.
4 [indecipherable word deleted] three tier bunks in room to replace six two tiers.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 19 [/underlined] A new Christmas hamper of food from Vorlager. This hamper was food which we were allowed to store from the ‘bash’ of NOV 17. Made the Christmas Cake.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 20 [/underlined] Made one dozen Angel Cakes and one dozen mince pies.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 21 [/underlined] Made large tart to be filled later with chocolate.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 22. [/underlined] Iced the Christmas Cake.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 25. [/underlined] Breakfast before Appell. Porridge, bacon and sausages. Christmas Cake with tea. No-one ate their full portion. Much too large. Dinner at 7.30. Soup, Turkey, potatoes (roast and creamed) carrots, peas
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Christmas pudding with thick Klim sauce. The Christmas parcels (American were issued on the 23RD and contents will be found on page 80) “Fanfare” the Christmas show should have opened at 9.30. but owing to a misunderstanding we were locked in the barracks at the normal time (10.00) and so the show was postponed until tomorrow evening.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 26 [/underlined] Opening night of “Fanfare” 2 1/2 hour show.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 28 [/underlined] New Year’s Eve is to be a special night for the show with the start at 9.30 and finishing with the entry of the New Year. Three invitation seats given to each member of the band. Group Captain and Senior Officers decided that these should be withdrawn in favour of a list drawn up by them and so band say that if this happens, the show will go on at the normal time (7.00PM).
[Underlined] DECEMBER 30 [/underlined] Theatre now cleared up. Everyone will go and the band win their point.
[Underlined] DECEMBER 31 [/underlined] Fanfare at 9.30 carried on until 12.00. Not locked in barracks until 2.00 AM. Lots of fun and games, as far as possible.
[Underlined] 1945[/underlined]
[Underlined] JANUARY 1ST [/underlined] Last night of ‘Fanfare’.
[Underlined] JANUARY 17 [/underlined] “Tony draws a Horse” in theatre. Very Good.
[Underlined] JANUARY 20 [/underlined] Terrific surge in optimism in camp. New Russian offensive brings them today within 100 miles of Sagan. Lorries containing civilian refugees and luggage beginning to pass camp.
[Underlined] JANUARY 23 [/underlined] Refugees passing camp all day long. mostly [sic] in horse drawn carts.
Red Cross parcel issue back to one full parcel per man per week. Future supply of Goon rations-doubtful. Preparation for march in full swing in case we are moved out. Kit bags being converted to haversacks and packs. Special cake made from barley. Klim cocoa and sugar.
[Underlined] JANUARY 25 [/underlined] Nearest point of Russian advance now only 50 miles from us. Gunfire heard at frequent intervals during the day. Refugees still pouring along the road.
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[Underlined] JANUARY 26. [/underlined] 20 R.A.F. N.C.O.s arrived at 11 P.M. from camp on the Polish Czech frontier. They were among 1500 evacuated from there 8 days ago - had been on road since. Tonight’s [deleted] sick [/deleted] arrivals were sick who did last two days of trip to Belaria by rail. Rest of party still on road somewhere living on infrequent Goon rations and finding rough going through snow and ice.
[Underlined] JANUARY 27 [/underlined] At 9 P.M. given 1/2 hour’s notice to move. Packed all kit, available food (very little) change of clothing, shaving kit. 3 blankets. Paraded about 10 P.M. hung around in snow for nearly an hour then sent back to barracks. Big industrial effort on sleigh making. Surplus cigarettes burnt, gramophone records broken so that the Germans couldn’t use them.
[Underlined] JANUARY 28 [/underlined Paraded again at about 5.30 – snowing – finally moved out of camp at about 7 AM. – about 1100 of us. 80 sick left behind. One Red Cross parcel per man issued on leaving camp.
Passed through SAGAN where many civilian refugees on roads. Passed EAST and NORTH compounds which had been evacuated around 4AM. Marched [number missing] KMS and reached village of SORAV late in afternoon, where we were billeted in barn to sleep. Boots soaking wet from days [sic] march in snow – froze overnight. Learnt that total destination is 70 KMS.
[Underlined] JANUARY 29 [/underlined] Started marching again at 8AM. About mid-day Frank and I fell in with Jack and George who were dragging a sleigh. They wanted someone to share in the pulling so we were only too glad of the chance and put our kit on the sleigh. Going very much easier. Marched [number missing] KMS reaching village of [name missing] where we bedded down for the night in barns.
[Underlined] JANUARY 30 [/underlined] No marching today. Spent day repairing sleigh, cooking, bartering cigarettes for bread and resting. Reported sick. Blisters on feet and one chilblain. Rumour that we are entraining at SPREMBERG. Goons issued 1/2 cups of boiled barley per man in the morning.
[Underlined] JANUARY 31 [/underlined] On the road again. Pretty rough going over hills. Few minor calamities with sleigh. Covered [number missing] KMS. Arriving at MUSKAV in evening. In barns again. Had first wash since leaving BELARIA.
[Underlined] FEBRUARY 1ST [/underlined] No march today. Heavy thaw during night continued during day. Ground unfit for sleigh pulling tomorrow. Goons issued 1/2 cup of barley per man and 1/5 of a loaf per man.
[Underlined] FEBRUARY 2 [/underlined] Set out today on what is promised as last lap of journey to train. Americans taken separately to a different destination. Sleigh abandoned and kit carried on back. Goons provided a horse and wagon to carry Red ross parcels which were issued at BELARIA. Weather fine for walking. Walked [number missing] KMS. Spent night just outside SPREMBERG in barns. Goons issued 1/7 of a loaf per man.
[Underlined] FEBRUARY 3 [/underlined] Marched to Panzer training school barracks at SPREMBERG where we were given first respectable meal of march, a bowl of pig swill, refreshing if not appetizing. Joined by about 400 of the chaps from EAST COMPOUND. Left in
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afternoon for station. Entrained in cattle trucks, 45 men to a truck. Goons issued 1/5 of a loaf per man.
[Underlined] FEBRUARY 4 [/underlined] Train left SPREMBERG late last night and arrived at LUCKENWALDE about 6PM today. Most uncomfortable journey ever. Not enough room to stretch legs so spent the night in cramped position. Train stopped frequently during day often for 1/2 hour to 1 hour. During these stops scrounged hot water from engine driver for brews.
Marched from station to camp (5KMS) arriving about 7 P.M. waited outside in rain for 1/2 hour and finally taken in. Promised a hot meal which did not materialise. Goons insisted that all 1400 of us should have a hot “de-lousing” shower and a search before passing into compound. Air-raid delayed the proceedings somewhat, but managed along with Frank to be in first batch for showers. Following search was very slipshod. Finally got to bed at 3AM. the most uncomfortable I have ever been in. Bed-boards, a palliase and very, very little straw.
[Underlined] REVIEW OF THE MARCH [/underlined]
It was good to get away from barbed wire for a few days. Unfortunately my shoes were a little tight on the first day and I had a couple of blisters and a chilblain at the end of the day’s tack. I wore flying boots for the rest of the journey until the last day when it was dry and I managed to get my shoes on again. Sleeping in the barns was rather comfortable, and after a day on the march very welcome. The weight of kit to be carried, conditions underfoot, insufficient food and the low physical reserves of strength after 5 months on half parcels, were the main snags. The Doc’s main worries were, Chilblains, blisters, rheumatism and stomach troubles, the latter particularly after the 24 hours in the cattle truck. Frank and I usually ate 2 slices of bread for breakfast, 2 slices during the day and two in the evening. The evening slices were the big meal of the day, being spread with corned beef or pilchards whereas the others had cheese or jam. Luckily we managed to barter bread for cigarettes en route so that the bread lasted out. We usually managed two hot brews during the day. German civilians usually good-hearted enough to bring out buckets of water for us as we passed. On the whole we had our fair share of “hardships” and it left us in no condition to stand up to a further march particularly as we have no decent food to build up our strength again. There are no Red Cross parcels and we live entirely on German rations which consist of 1/5 of a loaf, 1 cup of soup, either margarine or spread enough for about 8 slices of bread – per day. Sugar is issued at infrequent intervals and we have hot mint tea twice per day. The bread ration works out at 5 slices per man.
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We also receive about 4 medium sized potatoes, boiled in their skins. So that our menu for the day is:- Breakfast. – 1 1/2 slices bread & marg. Cup of mint tea.
Lunch – 4 potatoes, and 1 cup of soup.
Tea - 1 1/2 slices bread & marg Cup of mint tea
Supper – 2 slices bread & marg
The chief pastime is to talk of food we will eat when we get home.
Every day is so alike that no-one ever knows what day it is without thinking hard first. Almost everyone in the camp has a cold and rheumatism [sic] coughs, colds etc., are common – a reaction from the march.
[Underlined] FEBRUARY 23 [/underlined] Big day today. Norwegians who are in a separate compound here made us a gift several days ago of 250 of their Red Cross parcels. After lots of discussion as to whether they should go to the N.C.O.s over the wire (who are supposed to be in a bad way but who can still exchange food for cigarettes over the wire) the parcels were finally issued to us today. We had 1/5 of a parcel per man, not much, but it helps out quite a bit. They contained Cheese, biscuits, sausage, honey, sugar, oats and butter.
[Underlined] MARCH 1ST [/underlined] Came in like proverbial lion with terrific wind and rumour of parcels
[Underlined] MARCH 2ND [/underlined] Wind up to gale force. Rumours of parcels all day long, ranging from 1/3 of a parcel to commence in 2 days time, to 1 whole parcel to commence next Monday. S.B.O. [Senior British Officer] had block commander’s meeting in evening and dispelled all rumours by saying that nothing of parcels was known at all.
[Underlined] MARCH 4 [/underlined] Frank’s birthday. Saved up a little bread so that for the evening meal we could have 4 bread & potato pancakes, and four slices of bread with Patè & marg spread.
Snowed heavily all morning and most of afternoon.
Have had sirens each of past 12 nights, regularly between 8 & 9 P.M. Sometimes after lights out too. Air raids every day, sometimes twice a day. Can see the evening raids, besides feeling the concussion and blast of bombs.
[Underlined] MARCH 6 [/underlined] Told that we were having an issue of 1/2 an American Red Cross parcel each, tomorrow.
[Underlined] MARCH 7 [/underlined Americans told on parade that there are 25 truck loads of parcels at the station addressed to them. Later in morning 1/2 parcel issue cancelled as they were just on loan from the French. Goons promised that 900 parcels would be delivered today so arrangements made for Americans to be issued first then the rest to us the issue being 1 full parcel per man. The Goons failed to fulfil their contract however, and only brought in 500 so that only the Americans got parcels. However we hope to get ours tomorrow.
[Underlined] MARCH 8 [/underlined] A Great Day. We received a full American parcel each in the afternoon. Terrific “bashes” all over. Frank & I had two slices of bread spread with jam & cheese for tea. For supper we cut the bread a little thinner so that we got seven slices. The supper menu was:- 1/2 the potato ration mashed & fried, and a whole tin of spam (between us,) then the bread spread as follows 1, jam: 2 Cheese 3. Cheese & jam, 4 Cheese & Rose Mill Patè; 5 Coffee cream (Klim, sugar, marg & coffee)
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then one biscuit spread thickly with chocolate cream (same as 5 with chocolate). So full that the biscuit had to be left until 1 hour later. So warm during night that I couldn’t sleep. (General complaint.) Lovely to feel absolutely full once again.
[Underlined] MARCH 9 [/underlined] Announced during morning that the next parcel issue is to be on Monday or Tuesday [underlined] if [/underlined] we get any co-operation from the Goons. Frank & I decided to go easy in case co-operation lacking, and make parcel last another week at least. Can always have another “bash” if we do get an early issue. The policy seems to be to get the food in as quickly as possible and build us all up again. Terrific rumours of more parcels arriving. No confirmation, but hoping. Norwegians have received some dried fish which they have shared with us. Being issued (cooked) on Monday or Tuesday.
[Underlined] MARCH 14 [/underlined] Second parcel issue. Should have been yesterday but Goons slipped up again. Photo check on Appell in morning. Kept us out there for 2 hours. Wizard trifle in evening. Filled me, completely
[Underlined] MARCH 15 [/underlined] Goons say that if we stop trading over wire we can have parcels every fifth day. American bombers over camp today on way to some target east of Berlin. Lovely sight.
[Underlined] MARCH 17 [/underlined] Another parcel issue. Frank & I are really having some good meals now. A firm favourite is the Whipped Cream Sundae for which we had to do some trading to get extra KLIM.
[Underlined] MARCH 19 [/underlined] Parcels spirits damped. Told that there are only 2 1/2 parcels each left in store and so issue now will be every 10 days.
[Underlined] MARCH 26 [/underlined] Another parcel issue today.
[Underlined] MARCH 28 [/underlined] G/C MACDONALD; W/C PARCELLE; S/L WILLIAMS and GEORGE from the cookhouse left for NUREMBERG to be repatriated to ENGLAND. This is an expression of gratitude from the Germans for our good behaviour on the march from Sagan.
[Underlined] MARCH 31 [/underlined] Parcel issue today instead of Monday owing to the fact that Monday is a holiday for the Germans. Frank and I have been saving a little food during the week so that we can have a “big bash” tomorrow (Easter Sunday) Spent today preparing. Iced three cakes and made a big whipped cream sundae each.
[Underlined] APRIL 1 [/underlined] EASTER SUNDAY. Frank & I had our “big bash”. For breakfast we had each:- 2 slices fried bread. 1/2 tin sardines, 1 slice Spam, and a small potato & Rose Mill Patè cake. This was followed by a cupful of boiled barley. For lunch we had 1 cup of soup followed by coffee and a piece of cake. We entertained Reg to tea when we had coffee & cake. For dinner we had 1 1/2 day’s potato ration, 1/2 tin Spam, four slices of bread & spreads, and trifle. Frank also ate his last piece of cake but I could only eat a small slice. Left the rest until tomorrow. The trifle was made in a cut down Klim tin (about 1/2 size) and consisted of a layer of coffee cream, one of chocolate cream, layer of cake mixture made from biscuit, marg, sugar and chocolate; a layer of chocolate and raisins, a layer of whipped cream, and a thin layer
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of Pineapple cream. Returned to bed absolutely full.
Meeting of the “Geordies” during the afternoon to discuss our post-war dinner.
[Underlined] APRIL 9th [/underlined] Rumours of move on Wednesday to a camp near MUNICH
[Underlined] APRIL 10 [/underlined] Rumour confirmed. We are to be ready by blackout tonight to move at five minutes notice.
[Underlined] APRIL 11 [/underlined] Still at Luckenwalde but a list of marching orders has been posted. Our barrack is to parade for identity and search at 9.30 AM tomorrow.
[Underlined] APRIL 12 [/underlined] Left barrack at 9.30 and went on to parade ground where we were identified and had German blankets taken from us. We were then marched to Vorlager to be searched, after which we marched to the station. Stayed in the station yard for quite a while before entraining so boys had the “smokies” going. Small incident when civvie chap wearing a swastika in his buttonhole found one of the boys with a “smokie” near some benzine barrels, and knocked him over and threw smokie on to the rails. He then tried to move us by yelling and shouting in typical German fashion but boys just ignored him. Soup and spuds came down from the camp at 12.30. Later in the afternoon we entrained 40 to a waggon. No signs of moving off. Frank bought two knives for four cigarettes. Issued with 1/2 parcel each.
[Underlined] APRIL 13 [/underlined] Still in the station. Moved a little later to a siding alongside a road. Trading started despite goon attempts to stop it. Spent a very enjoyable day. Weather exceptionally good. Attack by Thunderbolts on a target South of us. Luckily we have our wagon roofs painted over P.O.W. Told at night that owing to repeated protestations by the S.B.O. we were not to be moved after all. Returning to camp tomorrow. News of American advances put everyone in most optimistic mood. Expecting to be freed at any time.
[Underlined] APRIL 14 [/UNDERLINED] Returned to camp. Terrific raid on Potsdam at night. Lovely sight.
[Underlined] APRIL 15 [/underlined] Received 1/2 parcel to make up issue on train. Thunderbolts seen over camp.
[Underlined] APRIL 16 [/underlined] News still very good. Rumours that Russians have started an offensive confirmed. Opinion divided as to whether we shall be freed by Russians or Americans. Betting 6-5 on the Russians.
[Underlined] APRIL 17 [/underlined] Thunderbolts bombed target S.W. of camp. Judged to be 15-20 miles away
[Underlined] APRIL 18 [/underlined] Marauders over camp escorted by Mustangs. First glimpse of T.A.F.
[Underlined] APRIL 19 [/underlined] Rumour came in late at night that Russians had broken through just S.E. of us and that the Commandant intends moving the whole camp West tomorrow morning.
[Underlined] APRIL 20 [/underlined] Rumour of last night proved false. Forts over in in great force in morning bombing targets North, North West and due West of camp. Gunfire
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heard at night from North-East, East and South. S.B.O. addressed all barracks at 10.30 telling us that latest information received by him placed the Russians 20 miles N.E. and 15 miles East while in the South they had reached JUTEBORG. The last seemed very unlikely
[Underlined] APRIL 21 [/underlined] Morning spent very quietly, but just after soup the defence scheme came into operation. The goon guards all evacuated camp and chaps were running around all over the place. The defence scheme worked very smoothly and everything was soon under perfect control. At night there was lots of artillery fore and some small arms fire. Just after we got to bed a 190 came over and opened fire on the woods just by the camp. Shook us up a bit.
[Underlined] APRIL 22 [/underlined] Woke to find Russians entering camp. Rumours that Americans are near at hand. Lots of rumours as to how we shall be taken out of here. Information given out at night as to what the S.B.O. had been doing all day. Apparently the town is in charge of a Russian Major who has detailed a Captain to look after the camp. When asked about the electricity and water he said it would be seen to at once (They had both been off since yesterday). He said that there was plenty of labour in the town. He also said that they would take over a village and take all their cows etc. to supply meat for the camp. We are to share food equally with the Russian troops. So on the whole the situation is much rosier. We are not to move until the Americans arrive which should only be a matter of days, but oh! what long, long days.
[Underlined] APRIL 23 [/underlined] Meat, potatoes and bread coming into camp all day long. Informed that I should be on guard from 4 AM – 6 AM in the morning. Reported for briefing at 8 P.M. Complete farce, still no water or electricity. Drawing all our water from pool behind the camp. Camp shot up again.
[Underlined] APRIL 24 [/underlined] Wakened at 4 A.M to do my guard. Spent last part of guard finding German store. Managed to get a steel helmet – my first souvenir. Funeral for some Russian prisoners who died of starvation.
[Underlined] APRIL 27 [/underlined] Still waiting for the link-up. General Ruger has been to Marshal Koniyev’s headquarters and received the impression that we were definitely to remain here until the link-up takes place. The one topic of conversation is “when will the link-up be”. A Russian major [indecipherable word] visited the SBO two days ago accompanied by a beautiful girl interpreter, and a [deleted] y [/deleted] bodyguard armed with a tommy-gun. While the general was with the SBO. the guard posted himself outside
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the door on guard. The Russian girl later gave her impression of the camp. She said that the living quarters were disgraceful as accommodation and that under the conditions the British & American officers were remarkably smart and remarked on their cleanliness and bearing. She said that in previous camps which she had visited the prisoners had left the camp immediately the Russian forces arrived and billeted themselves in private houses inflicting a large amount of damage by looting and wilful plundering. None of these, happily, were British. Ours was the first British camp she had visited and she (and all the Russian officers) were amazed and pleasantly surprised to find the place under such perfect control. In all other camps they had had to install order and form an administrative staff whereas here all this was done when they arrived. In all they were most favourably impressed. It appears that the Germans in town have plenty of water but haven’t built up a sufficient head of pressure to supply the camp so the town major sent for the mayor of the town and told them that it would be very unfortunate if this was not done. The mayor appreciated the point and we expect more water almost immediately.
At 8 P.M. news came of the link-up and spirits went up accordingly. American officers have been seen in Luckenwalde and an American War Correspondent accompanied by an American girl passed through on his way to Berlin.
[Underlined] APRIL 28 [/underlined] Repatriation Committee arrived in camp late at night. Brought with them 50 lorries of food. The staff consisted of 15 officers, 20 Women, and 200 other ranks. The whole staff was Russian. They had no news of how or when we return home.
[Underlined] APRIL 29. [/underlined] Todays [sic] local news bulletin gave details of a meeting between the Russian officer in charge of the Repat. committee (Capt Medvedev
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and the Senior Allied Officer. The Captain has brought his own wireless station for direct contact with his Commanding General’s H.Q. at Marshal Koniyevs H.Q. He was surprised and gratified at our organisation and administration and hoped to arrange film shows, concerts, lectures and dances while we await repatriation. He was horrified by conditions in the camp which he considered depressing and very overcrowded. He intends inspecting the neighbourhood for better accommodation.
Following a battle to the E. of Luckenwalde last night 18,000 Germans surrendered.
An Englishwoman (Mrs Thomas of Blackheath) and her 2 Children have arrived in the camp after a 4 day journey from Berlin. It is reported that in spite of being under fire several times, and the fact that their feet are blistered, the spirits of John, aged 10, and Diane, age 7 are not affected.
A later local news bulletin gave details of a meeting between the S.A.O. [Senior American Officer] and General Famin [sic], who is Senior Russian officer in charge of repat of POWs in this area. He had no news of our return -but his own opinion was that it would be Westward, but there is no immediate prospect. He has decided to move everyone with the exception of the Poles and Italians to the Adolf Hitler lager, a German officers’ rest camp, 6 miles from here on the road to Juterborg. It is reported to be a show-place built on luxurious lines in a woodland setting and complete with sports stadium, baths, showers, swimming pool, cinema and excellent living quarters.
[Underlined] APRIL 30 [/underlined] Frank went walking today and he and Reg ran into a party of Germans armed to the teeth, hiding out in
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wood about 1/4 mile from the camp. They had commenced retreating from Guben a fortnight ago, had broken up into small parties and spent 5 days without food, sleeping during the day and moving West during the night hoping to reach the American lines so that they could surrender. They said they would be shot if they surrendered to the Russians. One of them was only 17 but had been in the army for 2 years. Luckily they weren’t hostile and after a while allowed Frank & Reg to leave.
Tonight’s local news bulletin reported that French, Yugoslav [sic] Italian, Belgian and other foreign workers were being directed off the roads into the Adolf Hitler lager. A guard of Americans is being sent to guard that part of the camp allotted to the British, American and Norwegian personnel.
Captain Medvedev had today been apprehensive of a German attack on the camp, but reported after a reconnaissance that though there were many Germans in the vicinity of the camp, an attack was not now likely.
Lots of mortar and machine gun fire around the camp after dark.
[Underlined] MAY 1ST [/underlined] Mortar and machine gun fire continued today. One shell landed in camp but did no harm. Luckenwalde has been declared a war zone. Russians are mopping up the many German troops who are trying to reach the Americans. The Russians have renamed the Adolf Hitler lager – the Joseph Stalin Camp now popularly known by the boys as Joes’ Palace or Joe’s Place. The possibility of an early move there are reduced by the local military situation and the flood of refugees moving into the place.
News from home today of a circular issued by Home Office on “V” day celebrations. Hopes of being home for this great day fall lower as each day passes.
News flash after lights out – Hitler is dead.
[Underlined] MAY 2. [/underlined] The S.A.O. has called off our move to Joe’s Place and
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withdrawn all the guards. The place is now apparently a shambles swarming all over the place with foreign workers who are looting and wantonly destroying valuable material [deleted] elf [/deleted] left by the Goons. Apparently they have destroyed all the films, and projectors. Typewriters have been smashed with crowbars and the whole thing is just wanton destruction. Forced to move from our intended quarters, they took beds and every moveable object with them. Things which had to be left, such as wash basins etc., were smashed. These parties are armed and there was little that our guard could do against them. One of the guard was fired on while riding a cycle.
B.B.C. announced tonight the cessation of hostilities in Italy where German forces have surrendered unconditionally
[Underlined] MAY 3 [/underlined] This morning’s news announces the capture of Berlin which surrendered to Russian forces at 3 P.M. yesterday. All the recent good news – the deaths of Hitler and Mussolini the capitulation of Italy, the surrender of Berlin – arouse but little enthusiasm here where our main thought is repatriation. Our attitude just now is “In spite of it all, in spite of our liberation, we are still behind barbed wire, and none the wiser as to when we shall be home. Take us home and we’ll start cheering.
Was on guard at night, bid [sic] two shifts one from 10PM -12 and the second 4 A.M.-6AM.
Two American war correspondents arrived in the camp. They say that they knew nothing of us here until some of our boys who left the camp turned up there. They are going back tomorrow and taking back Capt Beattie, another correspondent who has been with us since we got here. He is flying to Paris to see General Eisenhower and give him details of us here together with a nominal roll.
[Underlined] MAY 4 [/underlined] An eventful day. Two armoured cars and three Jeeps arrived at the camp. The Americans in them told us that their C.O. a colonel was making unofficial arrangements to have us taken out of here by lorry. Consequently we packed our things and made
[Underlined] Ctd Page 140 [/underlined]
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[Map showing German towns and cities and the border with Switzerland]
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[Map showing towns and cities in Germany and the border with Holland with a scale]
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[Map of German towns and cities with Berlin in the centre showing ranges from Berlin.]
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[Map showing German towns and cities and a scale]
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[Underlined] The Question of Food [/underlined]
During the stay at Luckenwalde we lived entirely on German rations. These consisted of 6 slices of bread per day, 1 cup of soup and either margarine or some type of spread, enough for about four slices of bread [inserted] and four medium sized potatoes. [/inserted]
At this time the main topic of conversation was food and everywhere could be heard discussions on favourite foods. Frank and Reg and I discussed various dishes [deleted letters] and Frank and I decided that when he came to stay with me as he intends, when we get home, we will try some of these dishes. We decided to draw up a menu for one week and when he comes, to stick to this menu for the week as far as rationing permits. And so here we have the menu for food of which we dreamed:-
[Underlined] MONDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST. [/underlined]
[Underlined] PORRIDGE [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED LIVER: BACON: EGGS: TOMATOES: [/underlined]
[Underlined] BISCUITS: TEA OR COFFEE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER [/underlined]
[Underlined] COLD MEAT: FRIED POTATOES: PICKLES: BEETROOT: [/underlined]
[Underlined] STEWED APPLE AND SUET PUDDING WITH CUSTARD. [/underlined]
[Underlined] COFFEE [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] DOVER SOLE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] CAKES: SANDWICHES. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER[/underlined]
[Underlined] PIG’S TROTTERS: COCOA [/underlined]
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[Underlined] TUESDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST [/underlined]
[Underlined] CORN FLAKES [/underlined]
[Underlined] HAM: EGGS: TOMATOES [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER [/underlined]
[Underlined] STEAK AND KIDNEY PUDDING: CAULIFLOWER: CREAMED POTATOES. [/underlined]
[Underlined] JAM ROLY-POLY. [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] HOT MINCE TARTS: TOASTED MUFFINS: [deleted] C [/deleted] [/underlined]
[Underlined] CAKES AND BISCUITS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER[/underlined]
[Underlined] FISH AND CHIPS [/underlined]
[Underlined] WEDNESDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST [/underlined]
[Underlined] PORRIDGE [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED KIDNEY: BACON: EGGS [/underlined]
[Underlined] BISCUITS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER. [/underlined]
[Underlined] LANCASHIRE HOT-POT [/underlined]
[Underlined] PANCAKES WITH JAM. [/underlined]
[Underlined] BISCUITS AND COFFEE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED SKATE [/underlined]
[Underlined] CAKES AND BISCUITS [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER. [/underlined]
[Underlined] WELSH RAREBIT. [/underlined]
[Underlined] THURSDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST [/underlined]
[Underlined] CORN FLAKES [/underlined]
[Underlined] JAM OMLETTE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED STEAK AND ONIONS: CHIPS: [/underlined]
[Underlined] APPLE FRITTERS AND CUSTARD [/underlined]
[Underlined] BISCUITS AND COFFEE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED KIPPERS [/underlined]
[Underlined] SANDWICHES: CAKES: BISCUITS [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER [/underlined]
[Underlined] FISH AND CHIPS [/underlined]
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[Underlined] FRIDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST [/underlined]
[Underlined] PORRIDGE [/underlined]
[Underlined] STEWED KIDNEYS AND FRIED BREAD [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER [/underlined]
[Underlined] COLD HAM: GREEN SALAD WITH BOILED EGGS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] STEAMED PUDDINGS AND CUSTARD [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRUIT SALAD AND CREAM [/underlined]
[Underlined] CAKES AND BISCUITS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER [/underlined]
[Underlined] FISH AND CHIPS [/underlined]
[Underlined] BISCUITS AND CHEESE [/underlined]
[Underlined] SATURDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST [/underlined]
[Underlined] CORN FLAKES [/underlined]
[Underlined] HAM: FRIED LIVER: EGGS: TOMATOES [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER [/underlined]
[Underlined] STEWED NECK OF MUTTON [/underlined]
[Underlined] CHOCOLATE AND RAISIN TART WITH CREAM [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED SOLE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SANDWICHES: CREAM CAKES: BISCUITS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER [/underlined]
[Underlined] FISH AND CHIPS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUNDAY [/underlined]
[Underlined] BREAKFAST [/underlined]
[Underlined] PORRIDGE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRIED KIDNEYS: HAM: EGGS: TOMATOES. [/underlined]
[Underlined] BISCUITS. [/underlined]
[Underlined] DINNER. [/underlined]
[Underlined] YORKSHIRE PUDDING: ROAST LAMB: ROAST POTATOES: VEG. IN. SEASON. [/underlined]
[Underlined] STEAMED FIG OR DATE PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE. [/underlined]
[Underlined] TEA [/underlined]
[Underlined] HOME BAKED CAKES; SCONES AND BREAD. [/underlined]
[Underlined] FRESH CREAM CAKES: JAM AND SPREADS [/underlined]
[Underlined] SUPPER. [/underlined]
[Underlined] COLD MEAT SANDWICHES [/underlined]
N.B. Try to work in:- baked herrings, Millionaire pie
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[Underlined] The Question of Food (Ctd) [/underlined]
Whilst these discussions were taking places [sic] many new dishes were heard of and a list of these with a description as close as possible is prepared below.
Bacon or Ham, fried with honey or syrup.
The syrup is spread on the ham, thinly, before frying.
Tomato delicacies. Cut the top [deleted] atoes in two [/deleted] and scoop out the inside. Mix the inside with either, cheese, chopped meat or anything similar Heat and fill up the [deleted] halves of [/deleted] tomato.
[Underlined] Ice Cream Cake [/underlined] Take a piece of fruit cake and cover with ice cream. Freeze as hard as possible in refrigerator. Prepare meringue mixture and cover the cake. Place in very hot oven for 1 1/2 minutes.
[Underlined] Ice Cream Fritters [/underlined] Dip a piece of ice cream into pancake mixture and drop into boiling fat for 1 1/2 mins.
Boil an egg and cut off the top. Scoop out the yolk and mix with butter and milk, and place back in the egg.
[Underlined] Buck Rarebit. [/underlined] Welsh rarebit on toast with egg broken over grilled. Bacon may also be added.
[Underlined] Coffee Cream Money [/underlined] Cream 2oz butter & 2 Tablespoons of sugar in a warm bowl. Add 1 beaten egg, 4 tablespoons of milk, 3 tablespoons of coffee essence, with [sic] cake or crushed biscuit enough to thicken mixture. Beat fiercely in warm place till quite smooth and pour into mould.
[Underlined] Sham Virginia Ham [/underlined] Mix 1/2 lb finely minced ham or spam, with 1/4 lb of flour and enough milk to make a stiff dough. Shape into flat cakes, dip in brown sugar and fry or bake in butter. Serve with fried egg on top and baked beans.
[Underlined] Porridge Fried [/underlined] Fry thick cold porridge in hot butter. Serve with jam, honey or sugar, surrounded by fruit (banana slices or fritters etc) Cover with cream.
[Underlined] Butter Scotch Pie [/underlined] Bring to a boil a mixture of 2 cup of milk, 1 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla, pinch of salt. Beat 3 eggs in 9 tablespoons of milk and mix into a paste with 3 1/2 tablespoons of flour. Mix butter and egg mixtures together beating to evenness. Stir till thick. Pour into pastry pie.
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[Underlined] Blueberry Fritters [/underlined] (with lamb) Take 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder, 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Add 1 egg beaten with 1/3 cup of milk and stir till smooth. Add 1 cup of blueberries. Drop from spoon into baking pan of boiling fat. Drain on paper and dust with fine sugar before serving with meat.
[Underlined] Kidney Omelette [/underlined] Chop kidneys very fine. Put 1/2 into saucepan and crush. Add water to cover and simmer for 1/2 hour. Fry remainder of kidney for 5 mins with finely chopped onion and butter. Add to saucepan, with 1 teaspoon of sherry or teaspoon of ginger powder. Stir and leave to simmer. Make ordinary omelette and fold in kidney and gravy. If necessary, use flour to thicken gravy.
[Underlined] Blueberry Muffins [/underlined] Sift 2 cups of flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 4 teaspoons of baking powder. Add to this slowly, 1 cup of milk beaten with one egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Add 1 cup of ripe blueberries and bake in greased pan in oven.
[Underlined] Champagne Cider [/underlined] Add 1/5 pint of brandy to 1/2 gall cider and 1/5 cup honey. Let it stand for 2 weeks. After bottling let It stand 1 night before serving.
[Underlined] Blackberry Brandy. [/underlined] 1/2 pt blackberry juice boiled to half with 3/4 lb of sugar. Add to 1 qrt of brandy, 1 tsp of glycerine and 1 tsp of gum arabic.
[Underlined] Egg soup [/underlined] Beat 2 eggs in basin. Boil 1 pint of stock and add 1 tablespoon lard or oil, 1 tablespoon of soya bean sauce. Pour over beaten egg and stir gently till egg is cooked.
[Underlined] Golden Drop [/underlined] Take 1 thick slice of bread and scoop a tablespoonful out of centre. Fry side with hollow. Then turn and break an egg into the hollow and fry.
[Underlined] Stuffed Potato [/underlined] Bake a large potato. Cut off one end and scoop out [missing words]. Mix with cheese, chopped ham, or meat and place back into [missing words] oven to heat. Serve with what is left of potato after [missing words]
[Missing words] pastry mixture as for Cornish Pastie. [Missing words] ocolate in centre of a round of pastry [missing words]
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[Underlined] Pineapple Float [/underlined] Line Pie dish with thick pastry. (puff) Bake, and pour in thick chocolate. Place full slices of pineapple on top and allow to set. Serve cold with thick cream.
[Underlined] Single Sue [/underlined] Place layer of broken sponge cake about 1” thick in greased pie dish. Cover with thick sweet creamed rice. Another layer of sponge cake covered with boiled figs and dates. More sponge cake and thick layer of jam. Cover with sponge cake and bake in oven till brown. Serve with sweet chocolate sauce.
[Underlined] John Tommy Nelson Cake. [/underlined] Line pie dish with puff pastry and bake. Cover with thick layer of black treacle mixed with bread crumbs. Cook for 10 mins. Cover with layer of chopped dates & raisins & nuts. Cook for further 10 mins. Serve hot with cream.
[Underlined] Tolga Rice. (Date & meat [/underlined] mixture. Cook 2 lbs of rice in milk. Flavour with vanilla. Add 1 lb chopped dates, pieces of chopped mutton, 2 chopped red peppers, 1/4 lb ginger. Mix in mutton gravy mixed with 1/4 lb of honey.
[Underlined] Oyster Omelette [/underlined] Take 1 doz eggs, 1 doz oysters, 1 cup diced ham, 1/2 cup diced onions, 1 cup toast breadcrumbs, chopped parsley salt & pepper. Fry oysters etc first, then place in egg mixture & fry as omelette
[Underlined] Flesh Pancake. Dip [/underlined] ham into very thick pancake mixture & fry.
[Underlined] Millionaire Pie [/underlined] Take 3 unopened tins Nestles milk, place in saucepan & boil for 1/2 hour. Open tins & mix milk with 3 beaten yolks of eggs. Pour mixture into pie shell. Beat whites of eggs, add sugar and apply over top to form meringue mixture. Bake in oven till brown.
[Underlined] Tommy Tiddlers [/underlined] Prepare as pastry a pancake batter. Take previously fried sausages, cover with pastry & fry in deep fat. Serve with creamed potatoes & fried onions.
[Underlined] Manchester Pie [/underlined] Line pie dish with
[Bottom part missing as with previous (torn) page]
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[Underlined] Baked or Steamed Apple & Chocolate Roll [/underlined] Prepare pastry, Roll out and cover with chocolate. Roll up. Roll out second piece and cover with chopped sweetened apples. Place chocolate roll on top and roll up together. Steam for 2 hours or bake in hot oven for 45 minutes. Serve hot with custard. [Indecipherable word] be made with jam & other fruit.
[Underlined] Crepe Suzette [/underlined] Make pancakes in ordinary way. Spread with jam and roll. Place in oven for 5 mins. Serve hot with cream.
[Underlined] Cheese & Potato Pie [/underlined] Cook potatoes & cream with milk & butter and large amount of grated cheese. Place layer on bottom of greased pie dish . Layer of sliced tomatoes, potatoes: cover with strips of bacon. Place in hot oven till bacon is crisp. Serve hot.
[Underlined] Chocolate Soufflé [/underlined] Take whites & yolks of 12 eggs; beat with chocolate and heavy cream, to whipped cream consistency. Add icing sugar and place in deep dish. Bake for 5 mins in very hot oven. Serve at once
[Underlined] Marrons Glacé [/underlined] Boil Chestnuts (in jackets) for 5-10 minutes. Shell & skin. Use double amount of sugar. Pour over chestnuts. 1/4 lb of butter, 2 pts milk. Place in pan and boil until whole thing is syrup. Remove and let dry on cooking board.
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[Deleted] Ctd from 125 [/deleted]
ready for the move. Details were given later. There are 75 lorries coming tomorrow and they are to make 2 trips taking 25 each truck. 30 of these lorries have been allocated to the British- 15 to the N.C.O.s, 10 to the Army and 5 to the officers. We are to take 10 Norwegians and 15 British in each of our trucks. The list of order of going will be prepared according to length od P.O.W. service etc.
News received of German Army’s capitulation in Holland and Denmark.
[Underlined] MAY 5 [/underlined] Main convoy did not arrive, but a convoy of ambulances came and took away all the American and a few of the British sick. An American Captain arrived too and said that the main convoy would be here tomorrow.
Received an issue of 1 Canadian parcel to a mess of 20 and a few American “K” rations. Constituted enough for one meal per man.
[Underlined] MAY 6 [/underlined] 22 of the trucks arrived during the day, but the Russians refused to allowed [sic] anyone to leave. When some of the Americans began to load up, the Russians fired over their heads to prevent them going. The situation is beginning to look serious. We are all pretty well browned off. After all, here we are, two weeks after liberation and still kicking our heels around here. Our Red Cross food is all out and the Russian rations are none too reliable. We are hoping that something is done very quickly.
[Underlined] MAY 7 [/underlined] 100 lorries arrived in Luckenwalde today. The Russians still refused to allow us to go. Amid all the confusion of rumours etc., came the news that the war was over. No-one was the least bit excited in fact I should say that the chaps in this camp were about the most miserable in Europe today.
The SBO sent a letter to the Russian o/c and later left in a jeep for Sagan (H.Q. of Marshal Koniyev) a copy of which can be found on Page 106. Reg King managed to get away on a lorry which left this evening.
[Underlined] MAY 8 V.E. DAY [/underlined] The day for which we have waited so very long, and a day full of events for us here. The lorries which came to take us out of here have returned to the American lines empty. Several attempts were made to jump the lorries and indeed some chaps succeeded, only to be ordered off further down the road. Some lorries left early this morning
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taking a lot of the boys with them. We were informed by the Russians that anyone found outside the boundaries of the camp in future will be treated as civilians and will be interned. It appears that the Americans definitely had no official order to evacuate us and were using their own initiative. And so we now have to wait until the Russians are ready to evacuate us in their own way. A Russian colonel had a series of conferences with the SBO and returned to his H.Q. late at night to report that we were all ready for evacuation, and so once again we settled down to wait.
All day long we heard over the wireless reports of the celebrations in England and these succeeded in making us even more miserable than before. We think that we could easily have been home for these celebrations. It only means that our celebrations are postponed however, because we shall have ours upon our return.
I had my first swim of “Konegiedom” when I swam in the lake just by the camp.
[Underlined] MAY 9 [/underlined] The SBO held a parade this morning to thank us for behaving so well. A convoy of Russian lorries arrived at the camp and while no one knows the exact reason for their arrival, it is hoped that they are here to take is away immediately the official permission comes through.
A message was broadcast before the news from England this morning to Stalag Luft I at Barth telling them that they must remain where they are, so apparently they are in the same position as we are. They have my sympathies.
[Underlined] MAY 12 [/underlined] French refugees moved from Vorlager to Joseph Stalin Camp. We are to move into Vorlager tomorrow.
[Underlined] MAY 13 [/underlined] Moved into Vorlager. The huts were in a filthy condition and we had lots of cleaning out to do before actually moving in. There were no beds in our hut and the Frenchmen had been sleeping on straw. The straw was flea-ridden so we took it all out and burnt it. We managed to find enough two tier beds for our room but had to examine them very carefully as most of the beds were swarming with bed-bugs. The beds we have however, were clean enough.
[Underlined] MAY 15 [/underlined] B.B.C. news said that there were still over a million prisoners still in Germany most of whom were in Russian occupied territory, so now we begin to see why we are so long in being repatriated.
[Underlined] MAY 18 [/underlined] Reg Ryden came to see me today about forming a band. We [indecipherable word]
C.T.D. PAGE 150
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Joe Brown
23 Houndslow [sic] Av.
Houndslow [sic]
[Underlined] Middlesex [/underlined]
M Reid
12, Greenwell Place.
Govan.
[Underlined] Glasgow. [/underlined]
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W.A. McILROY.
“FINNIS”
DROMARA.
Co DOWN.
N. IRELAND.
TEL. DRO: 101.
John C. Bridger
1, Broadway
Tynemouth.
Tel. N. Shields 74.
Robert C Forrester,
33 Cairnie Loan
Arbroath,
Angus,
Scotland.
L. Whitely
10, Ladysmith St,
Shaw Heath,
Stockport
Cheshire
REX K BENNETT,
82 GRACEFIELD GDNS
STREATHAM
LONDON
SW16
STR 1809.
Joseph LA FORTe
721 UNION ST
BKLYN, N.Y.
F.G. SMITH,
30, Yeovil Close
ORPINGTON, Kent.
The HATTON PRESS, Ltd,
72-8. Fleet St. London, E.C.4.
Advertising. Books. Optical Products.
WESTON CRAIG
8, LOUDON ST.,
HARTON COLLIERY,
SOUTH SHIELDS.
DOUGLAS HARRISON,
8 ST. GEORGE’S CRES.
MONKSEATON.
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[Signatures]
[Page break]
147
[Signatures]
148
F/O E A WRAKE,
3, Drive Mansions,
Fulham Road,
London, S.W. 6.
[Indecipherable name] F/L
Windsor
Ontario
Canada
[Indecipherable word] Pincher Creek
F/O H.R. Mossop D.F.C.
Elloe Lodge
Holbeach
Lincolnshire
H.K. Hamilton F/L J9934
Apt. 502, Claridge Apts,
1 Clarendon Ave,
Toronto, Ont.
Canada.
F/O A.P. Hennessy.
84 Church Street
Kensington
London W. 8.
F/O J Meek
83 Jamieson Ave
Toronto Ont
278 Washington Ave
Winnipeg Man.
P.V. Boyle.
Dinver
Portpatrick,
Stranraer,
Scotland.
F/Lt T D Hughes.
16 Clerkdale St
Walton
Liverpool 4
E. H. Stephenson
22, Clarendon Gardens,
Wembley
Middlesex
1st LT. G. E. Gallagher
2341 Kemper Lane
Cincinnati
OHIO
U.S.A.
A.K. Baker.
“Stocker’s House”,
Rickmansworth,
Herts.
P.& O. Coryton
The Rectory
Bonchurch
Isle of Wight
[Page break]
149
William W. Fannon
113 Boston St.
Guilford, Conn.
U.S.A.
TED. WOODE
8 HORSLEY TERR.
TYNEMOUTH,
NORTHUMB’D
Wm J. Murdock
709 – 2nd Ave.
LAUREL
MISS. USA.
GRADON GLEN-DAVISON
8. WINDSOR TERR
NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. 2.
J.H. Moss
8, Munden Grove,
Watford,
[Underlined] Herts, England [/underlined]
W.J. NICHOLSON (Nicky)
23 WHITBY ST.
NORTH SHIELDS.
W. Reid
97 Swinton Crescent,
Baillieston
Glasgow
26.1.45. Scotland
Arthur E. Adams. “ZEKE”
49 Fullbrook Road
Walsall,
Staffs.
R.M. KING
C/O BIRCHFIELD
MIDDLE GREEN
LANGLEY
SLOUGH
BUCKS
Graham J. Macrae,
Windgarth,
Andover Road, North,
Winchester,
Hants
G.K. CHAPMAN
19, OSWIN TER.,
BALKWELL,
NORTH SHIELDS
NORTHUMBERLAND.
REGINALD E. RYDER,
97, BRADFORD ROAD WEST,
BATLEY, YORKS.
TRAIN TO LEEDS, GO OUT OF CENTRAL STATION & TAKE 1ST TURNING [indecipherable words] BUS TO BATLEY PARK GATE ( indecipherable words]
[Page break]
150
a few musicians and had a rehearsal. At the rehearsal we were asked to play for a [sic] RAF. dance the next night. So we will have to do a lot of work tomorrow to get everything on trim.
Rumours still fly around and every day brings fresh rumours of when we shall move, but we never seem any nearer moving.
The food situation is terrible. While we have plenty of bread, we have no margarine, sugar or brews. We have had little odd issues of spreads but these are [underlined] very [/underlined] small - a very little jam and cheese. The cheese is mostly in tubes but we have also had cheese powder which has to be mixed with water. The soup comes up regularly each lunch time, but on the whole the diet is very unappetising, just bread, cheese and water for every meal.
[Underlined] MAY 19 [/underlined] Just before our dance was due to start, the sirens sounded the recall signal and it was announced that the repatriation papers had been signed and that the Russians [underlined] hoped [/underlined] to start evacuating tomorrow. Naturally with such good news, the dance went with a terrific swing and was a great success in spite of the fact that there were only 35 women and about 300 men. It finished at 2 A.M. and by that time the boys were almost played out. Still, it was great fun to play at a dance again.
[Underlined] MAY 20 [/underlined] True to their word, the Russians rolled up with their trucks at 10 A.M. By 1.30 we were all aboard and ready to go. The journey to the ELBE was hampered by demolitions etc, but we arrived at the river at 6. PM. We dismounted and marched across a pontoon bridge to the other side where American lorries were waiting for us. These took us to a camp near HALLE where we arrived at about 11.30 American time (12.30 Russian time). [Deleted] We passed [indecipherable word] [/deleted] On the journey south we passed through several villages, all of which showed signs of having been the scene of fighting. Some were very badly damaged.
On arrival at the camp, we filled in a small form, were formed into groups of 25 and taken to billets. After a wash-up we went to the dining hall for a meal of Spaghetti and tomatoes and lovely [underlined] white [/underlined] bread and good strong, sweet coffee, after which we retired to bed about 2.30 A.M.
[Underlined] MAY 21 [/underlined] Wakened for breakfast at 6 A.M. Breakfast consisted of rice, and stewed fruit. The rice was lovely, rich, sweet, unbelievable. We also had white bread and a large portion of [indecipherable word] & butter. After our breakfast we came back to the barracks to sleep and await evacuation
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151
We received an issue of 40 cigarettes; I oz bar of chocolate and a box of matches. In the afternoon we saw a “flick” ‘[indecipherable word] was a Lady’. In the evening we had to collect some Red Cross things. I had a handkerchief: a pipe, 2ozs tobacco; 1/4 lb chocolate, a packet of chewing gum, a tooth-brush and tooth paste. We then went to see another film. Laurel & Hardy in “Looking for Trouble”. For dinner at night we had pork chop, beans and spinach. Rice (creamed) and fruit. A lovely meal.
[Underlined] MAY 22 [/underlined] Went for breakfast at 6 A.M. After breakfast one of the boys and I walked round the airfield to look at the Goon a/c. All had been destroyed, the cockpit in each having been completely burnt out. Very interesting nevertheless. Came back to hear that we were on 3 hour readiness and liable to leave after lunch. Nothing happened however and in the evening we went to the films to see a skating & musical film.
[Underlined] MAY 23 [/underlined] [Deleted] I [/deleted] Still on stand-by. A few chaps got away today but the weather clamped down later and it stopped any more going.
U.S.O. show in afternoon. Very good. Film in evening, Charles Laughton in “Suspect”. Very good.
[Underlined] MAY 24 [/underlined] Weather still bad this morning. Frank and I had a walk around the airfield. Came back and went for [indecipherable word]. Film in the afternoon “Having a lovely time”. Pat O’Brien, Carole Landers. Not very good. Weather cleared up about 5 o’clock.
[Underlined] MAY 25 [/underlined] Raining heavily when we rose at 6 A.M. but cleared up about 10 A.M. Just as we went to lunch at 12 a lot of aircraft arrived and we were told in the dining hall that we should probably be leaving this afternoon. In the afternoon we were marched to the airfield where the planes were loading. We joined the queue and were second in line when the last of the aircraft took off. So one more great disappointment was added to our list. Each one seems to get worse. This time it was annoying because a lot of chaps who came in the night after us got away today. We are very cynical now and believe nothing we hear until something happens to confirm it.
[Underlined] MAY 26 [/underlined]
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[Envelope with contents]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Artwork
Map
Photograph
Text. Poetry
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SRutherfordRL146342v1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Title
A name given to the resource
Les Rutherford's prisoner of war diary
F/O R.L. RUTHERFORD. R.A.F. 146342 P.O.W. 3276
A WARTIME LOG
Description
An account of the resource
Prisoner of war diary of Les Rutherford, captured the 20 December 1943 and then detained at Stalag Luft 3 (Belaria). It consists mostly of sketches and cartoons but also information on camp life, photographs and German newspaper cuttings. The diary includes the crests of Sagan, Stalag Luft 3, Belaria camp; 50 Squadron. Cartoons of various events and characters. Drawings of Lancaster; Spitfire; Halifax; Wellington; Mustang I aircraft. Selection of poems by different authors about Bomber Command, Escape and Luckenwalde. Memorial to those shot after escaping from Stalag Luft 3, Sagan. Drawings of the camp and its accommodation. Details, photos and programmes of shows held at the prison camp. Details of the contents of the Red cross parcels from Great Britain, Canada, the United States and New Zealand, including German rations for one week. Menus for several meals including Christmas Day. Description of a typical day at Belaria and Luckenwalde. Extracts from POW’s letters. Day to day diary of life in the camps including the march from Sagan to Luckenwalde, passing through Sagan, Surau, Muskau and Spremberg thence by train to Luckenwalde. Maps showing the river Rhine and its tributaries and maps showing Berlin area and the rivers flowing around it and also shows the American and Russian fronts prior to liberation. Name and address of several fellow prisoners of War. Autograph pages of fellow prisoners. Pasted newspaper cuttings are about V-1, death notices, photos of British airborne troops that had landed behind German lines but been captured, two titles of German newspapers both dated 3 September 1944 but with no editorial or news content, a report of the best performances from 1944 Swedish Swimming Championship. There is a cartoon showing the Grim Reaper advancing on top of an American Tank with the word ‘Famine’ across his chest: while another cartoon shows a brutish USSR in the form of a gorilla destroying four men representing East European countries while Churchill and Roosevelt look on and comment on the beast’s playfulness. A clipping exhorts Germans not to gossip because it helps the Allied bombing attacks. The diary was kept at the Lincolnshire Archives until August 1987, when it was withdrawn by the owner.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Les Rutherford
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Alan Pinchbeck
Dianne Kinsella
Sally Des Forges
Jon-Paul Jones
Jan Morgan
Emily Jennings
Laura Morgan
Ashley Jacobs
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Poland
Germany--Luckenwalde
Poland--Żagań
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943
1944
1945
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending review
50 Squadron
arts and crafts
bombing
displaced person
entertainment
escaping
evading
Halifax
Lancaster
P-47
P-51
prisoner of war
propaganda
Red Cross
shot down
Spitfire
Stalag 3A
Stalag Luft 3
the long march
V-1
V-weapon
Wellington