Air-to-air view of Anson ZP, VS519, flying over mainly open country. Wing of camera aircraft visible in foreground. Captioned 'Phil over Thornhill 1949'.
Flying log book for navigator’s, air bomber’s, air gunner’s, flight engineer’s for Philip Batty, wireless operator, covering the period from 7 February 1944 to 31 October 1949. Detailing his flying training, post war flying and instructor…
Writes that he saw a friend of Harry's while watching a soccer match in another compound. Had not met him before but could not have long chat [censor blacked out]. Mentions seeing other acquaintance.
Speculates over future and says he was looking forward to getting to farm with Harry again and it was disappointing watching the years go by in a prisoner of war camp. Says he was still reading about agriculture.
Thanks her for letters and says life there continues the same. Mentions friend in camp and his studies. Mentions that it was getting chilly and expects severe winter.
Writes he is keeping fit and not taking much exercise apart from walking round compound. Mentions book he is reading, that his hair was growing and comments on weather.
Writes that he was keeping fit and had received letters. Comments spring was near and they had had good weather in contrast to winter. Longs to be free.
Writes a card because he is in the mood. Reminisces of home and says he had received all their parcels. Writes that he does not need any more clothes. Catches up with family news and mentions other mail received.
Writes of delays in mail from home. Asked if the government have published their plans for ex servicemen yet. Mentions Rhodesian prisoner arriving from Italy recently. Says they are all keeping fit.
Reports arrival of latest letters. Speculates over when they could get to England after the war and whether he will be sent directly home. Mentions land settlement and passes on news of a friend.
Writes that he would be thinking of them both on their birthdays. Asks what they would like him to buy them as present in England when he was released.
A view of a camp with a roundel flag flying from a central flagpole. There are lines of uniformed men on parade between the flagpole and a row of six single storey, grass roofed buildings. There are further scattered single storey buildings with…
Three officers, two with pilot's brevet, look at a 44 Squadron crest which is held by another officer with Rhodesia shoulder flask who is indicating detail on the crest with a pointer.
John, reading wearing long wooden socks, shorts and shirt with rolled up sleeves. His head is resting on a pillow top of folded blankets above which is hanging a metal mess tin. Other camp beds are arranged along the corrugated wall with uniforms…