Browse Items (188 total)
- Type is exactly "Text. Poetry"
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Kaleidoscope – the morning after - 1943
Five verse poem describing feelings the next morning after a harrowing night operation. Describes emotions and surprise that the crew survived.
Crew scrapbook
Scrapbook prepared by Bernard Clark for his son containing contributions from the crew of William Warburton's Lancaster. First page has sketch of Lancaster with crew positions noted. Other page includes signatures and other material from: Alan…
Tags: air gunner; aircrew; arts and crafts; bomb aimer; flight engineer; Lancaster; pilot
We were only just beginning to enjoy our teenage years
A poem sent to Betty Turner's friend Billy to celebrate their 80th. Betty describes the wartime hardships she endured, hint at the bereavement after the loss of the men she loved, stresses the sense of duty toward her country, friendship and…
This is why I joined the RAF
A poem written in December 1942 after her first love was shot down over France. After his death Betty resolved to join the Royal Air Force and became a wireless operator. According to a note, she later found out that some of what she wrote down went…
'A Day at East Kirkby'
Poem by Bill Cooke prior to a visit to East Kirkby - contrasting the stress of operational flying on Lancasters to the forthcoming aircraft taxi ride.
The Log
Experiences of the prisoners of war in the Belaria camp of Stalag Luft 3 by Squadron Leader Bryce Cousens. It contains stories, poems and illustrations.
Ode to an air gunner
Describes the role played by the air gunner and his attitude toward danger. In the afterlife, the air gunner goes straight through the Heavens's gate as his wartime suffering is considered equivalent to expiation.
Passing over
Poem describing the hardship of wartime service, stressing the emotional strain of operations and the longing for rest.
Poppies
A woman explains to his son the symbolism of the poppies. In the final line she weeps because 'the world is forgetting again'.
Tags: arts and crafts; grief
Air tactics
Poem written in the Far East by Flying Officer D F Page, a 17 Squadron pilot.
Tags: aircrew; arts and crafts; pilot
"Our Crew December 18, 1944
A poem about the loss of Halifax, WL-U.
A second sheet states 'Written by Dale Plante niece to Allan Kurtzhals'.
A second sheet states 'Written by Dale Plante niece to Allan Kurtzhals'.
Tags: aircrew; arts and crafts; crash; Halifax; killed in action; RAF Croft
Schlafenraum or Bedspace
A poem about prisoner of war beds complete with two drawings illustrating camp life.
Three Cheers for the Man on the Ground
A poem about ground crew.
29th April 1945
A poem about Manna food drops with a photo of Lancasters dropping food.
Fred Roberts, letter to his wife
Letter sends belated birthday greetings and a poem, Tail-end Tommy.
Frank Fertich's Royal Canadian Air Force flying log book for aircrew other than pilot
Frank Fertich’s Flying Log book as air gunner covering the period from 24 January 1944 to 17 April 1945. Detailing his flying training and operations flown as air gunner. He was stationed at RCAF Mont Joli (9 B&GS), RAF Wellesbourne Mountford (22…
Frank Williamson’s RAF pilot’s flying log book. One
Frank Williamson’s RAF Pilot’s Flying Log Book from 15 December 1940 to 25 February 1943 detailing training, operations and instructional duties as a pilot. He was stationed at RAF Desford (No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School), RAF Shawbury…
Tags: 10 OTU; 10 Squadron; 102 Squadron; 1658 HCU; aircrew; bombing; bombing of Cologne (30/31 May 1942); Flying Training School; Halifax; Halifax Mk 1; Halifax Mk 2; Heavy Conversion Unit; Operational Training Unit; Oxford; pilot; RAF Abingdon; RAF Dalton; RAF Desford; RAF Leeming; RAF Melbourne; RAF Riccall; RAF Shawbury; RAF Topcliffe; Tiger Moth; training; Whitley
Poem
Reminisces the moment when his frightened heart was awakened by love, comparing that to the first breath of Heaven.