Extract from "But Not in Anger". Story of a Hastings of 53 Squadron on route from El Adam to Castel Benito Tripoli which shed a propeller blade which struck the fuselage injuring the co-pilot and cutting the tail control rods. Relates story of crew…
Message is a copy of Headquarters Bomber Command signal congratulating crews that their attacks on Le Havre and Boulogne succeeded in virtually destroying German naval assets in those harbours.
RAF Form 765 (C) covering the accident to Sam's aircraft. The report concludes that an engine failed and the crash was an error of judgement by the pilot.
Includes; precautions before and after entering aircraft, left to right check over cockpit, starting up, action in the event of fire on start up, running up, taxying out, vital actions before take-off, take-off/circuit and landing, stopping engines,…
Writes that that Pat Hogan was with the Lady Ryder's overseas forces committee. He was with friends and reported that they were looking well and that he would write a line to parents and wives as it was nice to know independently that they are OK.
Comments on recent letters and reports death of squadron pig. Continues with banter and gossip. Mentions that he cannot write about his operations. Writes that he would be back in Belfast next Sunday and hopes to meet up with him.
Left page:
top - colour photograph of a man and a woman wearing sun hats and another woman sitting round a table in a garden with house in the background.
Bottom - b/w photograph of four men hurdling over a wooden fence in a race.
Caption on…
Top - photograph of an airman in the cockpit of a Lancaster. On the fuselage below nose art of duck with peaked cap walking down road with sign to Berlin. Row of bomb symbols underneath.
Below - explanation that Admiral Shyte-Awk was the aircraft…
Note on envelope 'from Al Laughland DFM later killed'. Asks after Vic Rosser's ankle. Describes a little of his current posting and activities. Catches up with friends news.
Some personal data and a list of operations with heights. Entries for flying days, Operations January to April 1945, Mentions leave, birthdays, train times, days out, events, news of friends and acquaintances, meetings and parties, hospital…
Informs him that he is no longer liable to recall to service with the Royal Air Force. He would be required to relinquish his commission. Second page has extract from Queen's regulations.
Gives excuses for delay in replying to letters and writes that he was unable to arrange leave as he wanted. Mentions travel planes and possible meeting. Catches up with gossip.
Writes about not receiving mail and possible reasons. Discusses upcoming leave and possibility of Lewis arranging leave at the same time. Catches up with gossip.
Explains why he had not written and complains about his current location and course. Expects to be there for another 10 weeks before being sent to a station to act as a wireless operator. Mentions many people on aircrew courses and adds a little…
Writes that he arrived at an awful place after long journey of 14 hours. Mentions making enquiries about a transfer but not holding out much hope. States that he is instructing on wireless and describes activities and thinks he might be able to do…
Writes that it would probably better for him to stay where he was which he was now enjoying. He says was likely to remain there for the duration and the situation was generally good with plenty of leave and good trains. Catches up with news of…