He describes his first interest in the RAF, in 1938. He joined the Air Defence Cadet Corps, and later in 1941 the Air Training Corps. He was called up by the RAF in February 1942, and proceeded through initial training and the Initial Training Wing…
Describes the journey taken between 18 January 1945 and 8 February 45 after the evacuation of the Bankau Stalag Luft 7 prisoner of war camp by foot and eventually train to Stalag 3A.
Describes events after the German authorities announced that prisoners from a number of camps in the east would be moved to other areas of the Reich. Due to lack of transport, prisoners would be required to walk. Describes events at Stalag Luft 7…
The letter refers to the crash of Sergeant Raymond Norman Percy Foster's aircraft at Dirmstein, Worms district. They were unable to trace the graves of Sergeant Foster or crew.
A handwritten notebook containing the war diary of A Dorricott from October 1914. He embarks the SS Deseado at Southampton and sails through the Bay of Biscay, past Gibraltar to Malta. They continued with naval escorts to Port Said, through the Suez…
He refers to feeling 'isolated and diminished' when returning to civilian work. He rejoined the Royal Air Force, but the jobs became more menial and supplies and maintenance were poor. He describes the contrast with some of the operations he took…
Number 8. Writes he is feeling much better. He is trying to arrange that any friends or acquaintances who live outside the empire send him food parcels because any that are sent from inside are pooled. He describes his appearance after being shot…
Number 49. Catalogues letters that have arrived and those missing. Writes that letters give him more pleasure than anything else. Mentions arrival of American food parcel and packets of music. Writes about how difficult violin is. Discusses sock…
Number 50, Reports that three more letters have arrived. Writes about issues raised, especially over her job and investments in future home. He is in favour of getting a house renting if necessary for the time being due to uncertainty over post war…
Number 37. He writes reminiscing about his last leave with his wife and how camp life is monotonous. He asks for rosin for violin bow and no more clothing other than socks. He mentions recent show and that he is still playing the fiddle but had…
Number 153-12. Mentions that her letters are taking longer to arrive but that he has had three packages. Wishes that clothing parcel would turn up as he has not had one for nine months. Writes that after thaw it has snowed again but that conditions…
Number 156-13. Writes it has been month since her last letter arrived. Mentions weather and violin. Still getting Red Cross food and despite cut in potatoes and increased number in camp, they are still alright.
She thanks him for returning five photograps to her. Writes about difficulties with weekend visit to the country. She mentions that she is worried that a neighbour’s house was burgled and that she had notified the police sergeant that her and her…
Thanks him for phone call and describes preparations for weekend in the country. Thanks him for letter and extra allotment. Catches up with family/friends news. Felt he was on opeartions and prays all went well.
She writes whilst she is on fire watching duty. She says that their daughter Frances went to tea on her own and that she has finished her diptheria immunisation. She writes that she and some friends went to tea and that she has been practising…
She writes that she had visitors for tea including his parents who brought some tomatoes and peaches, also a gift for their daughter. She mentions that she will be sending him a book she had ordered called Agriculture, which she hopes will arrive…
She writes about making some clothing for their daughter, and that they had both been to the allotments and described the work she did there. She writes that her and a friend spent some time in Central London having lunch, visiting the National…
Reports arrival of his letters and a postcard. Comments on his description of bailing out of his aircraft and looks forward to the end of the war but says not much hope this year. Glad he is receiving a few more parcels mentions some of the senders.…
Describes packing up all belongings and arranging for furniture and other belongings to go into store. Mentions donating blood at Red Cross, doing her last shift at work and wrapping up other matters. Still awaiting news about her possible house…
Writes from Devon, describes countryside and activities. Mentions celebrating daughter's birthday and lists presents she received. Glad that British MO has found treatment for his nose. Catches up with family news and says she will be glad to get…