A group of 16 trainee airmen in uniform and half caps. Seven are sitting with their arms folded and nine stand in a line behind. Tom is standing second left back row. The other 15 men have signed the cover which is also annotated 'lads of No3 class…
Informs her of news that Vichy government had made a statement that a twin engine landed in France the last Saturday and the crew who had set fire to their aircraft had been interned.
Confirms that her husband was missing believed interned in occupied France. Mentioned that his aircraft was believed to have force landed owing to engine failure.
On second tour of operations had completed 45 sorties, 24 as Pathfinder. Describes his qualities and recounts his escape from interment after forced landing during his first tour and making his way back home.
Announces that his parents from Louth had received news that their son Flight Lieutenant Harold William Bratley had been awarded the DFC. Gives details of former employment. Mentions that on his first tour he and crew came down in occupied enemy…
Relates experience of pilot trying to get control of their Wellington which had iced up. Writes of trying to get front gunner out of his turret and putting his torch inside his clothing as he would need it to signal for assistance. Once pilot got…
Describes in detail his first operation. Mentions plenty of anti-aircraft fire, making three runs over target and having his oxygen disconnected while winding in trailing aerial. Goes on to mention that he had been briefed for second operation and…
Relates early life and employment before the war. Was RAF reserve and was called up at beginning of the war. Mentions training including operational training unit before joining 9 Squadron. Includes letter describing in some detail his first…
H W Batley’s Flying Log Book covering the period from 06 August 1940 to 20 February 1945 detailing his flying training and operations flown as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. The log book includes a long account of how he evaded after being shot down…
Letter to Thomas' mother advising that his nephew, Pilot Officer Alex Cassie, is a prisoner of war. He writes in the hope of similar good news being received in respect of the other crew member, including Thomas.
To Thomas' mother advising that he has been reported missing from operations after nothing was heard from the aircraft following take off. A list of contact details for the other crew members, Pilot Officer A Cassie, second pilot Sergeant G E…
A head and shoulders portrait of Józef in a card mount. One annotation is in Polish and is dated 25.3.1943 and a second is in English and is dedicated to Reg and Ella, dated 10.3.1942.
He writes that he is a prisoner and has been trying to escape. He reached Bucharest after escaping then sailed to France, first Marseilles then Lyon. He joined the Air Force but sailed to England when France capitulated. He has had a reply from…