Browse Items (137 total)
- Spatial Coverage is exactly "England--Bedfordshire"
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Interview with Sidney Knott
Sidney Knott was from Leigh-on-Sea and recalls the day, with invasion apparently imminent, that signs were put up on the local shops advising people that they had to be ready to move within an hour and to take only one suitcase with them. Sidney’s…
Interview with Tony Coulson
Bill Clarkson was flying on operations from RAF Tempsford dropping agents and supplies over occupied territory. On one occasion they were recalled due to bad weather and had to return with the agent on board. Obviously, he was in civilian clothes and…
Interview with Vivian David Williams
Vivian joined the Royal Air Force in July 1938 as a flight mechanic and served for seven and a half years. After square drills at RAF Uxbridge and a course at RAF Manston, he did a basic engineering course at RAF Henlow. After six months at RAF St…
Interview with Wilf Keyte
Wilf Keyte joined the RAF in 1937 and was based with maintenance units. He was posted to RAF Scampton and RAF Henlow where he worked with the Queen Bee missile unit. He was then posted in charge of stores to the Orkneys and then RAF Swinderby. Wilf…
Interview with William James Stoneman
William James Stoneman was posted to RAF Elsham Wolds before Aircrew Reception Centre at RAF Cardington. He chose to become a rear gunner as he did not have to wait. Air gunnery training followed at RAF Bishopscourt in Northern Ireland on Ansons and…
Interview with William Joseph Longhurst
William Longhurst served as an engine mechanic throughout the Second World War. He was a member of the Hackney Wick Air Defence Cadet Corps before volunteering to enlist in the RAF after his 17th birthday. Following basic training at RAF Skegness,…
It did happen
Events recorded the night Brian Clarke was shot down, as told to his brother by his parents.
Jet crashes on car works
Account of crash of HS-125 onto Vauxhall van assembly block, Luton in which Harold Dryhurts was killed.
John Preston's mess bill
John's mess bill, August 1946.
Jose Hayhurst's Postings
A list of Jose's postings whilst in the RAF.
Joseph Wilson's observer's and air gunner's flying log book
Observer's and air gunner's flying log book for J Wilson, covering the period from 12 July 1942 to 26 March 1945. Detailing his flying training, Operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at RAF Penrhos, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF…
Just Another Story
Recalls joining the RAF as a flight mechanic in 1939 and then employed as a barrage balloon operator. Describes his subsequent selection for aircrew and training in London, St Andrews, Manchester and in advanced navigation at Dumfries. Next covers…
Lancaster squadrons at peak strength
List of Lancaster squadrons that were at Bomber Command peak strength on 1 August 1944. Also gives squadron codes, groups and locations. An additional list gives the bomber squadrons that reformed with Lancasters after that date.
Leighton Buzzard Wings for Victory Parade
A station military band marching along Leighton Buzzard high street aligned with shops. Captioned 'STATION MILITARY BAND ON A "WINGS FOR VICTORY PARADE". A shop sign reads "Walter Pratt".
Identification kindly provided by Lindsay Escott and Helen…
Identification kindly provided by Lindsay Escott and Helen…
Letter from Donald Baker to his mother
Thanks her for letters and acknowledges receipt of their cable and photographs. Catches up with news of family/friends. Says he will cable every two weeks to let them know he is OK. Mentions wings and commissioning had been granted but does not wear…
Letter to Reg Wilson's Parents from Mac
The letter is from one of Reg's old crew, Mac. He expresses sadness that he is missing and states he was an excellent flying companion.
List of letters
List of twenty-nine letters sent by Donald Baker to his mother between June 1940 and September 1941. Also notes he was shot down on 5 November 1941.
Luton
Left page: view of Luton with German annotation. Right page: top left, report of rocket development. Top right, Barracuda in flight with tail wheel showing. Middle left, three airmen standing alongside a Barracuda. Middle right, lifeboat alongside…
M.T Section Cardington
Four members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and and an airman all wearing battledress sitting on the running board of a car. In the background houses. On the reverse 'M.T Section Cardington, Pam Hills - "Tony" Parkinson, Ted Lyons, - "Spooky"…
Memoir Flight Lieutenant Gordon Cruickshank D.F.M. RAFRO
Memoir written in 1956 by Flight Lieutenant Cruickshank. It starts with his early childhood and family life. It includes his early time in RAF after enlisting in December 1938 with first job as balloon operator and then training as an air gunner;…
Memories of Past Times
A biography of Ikey Love. Covers pre and post war life as well as training, operations and time as a prisoner of war during the war.
Mervyn Adder diary 1941 and 1942
Day by day description of events and activities for 1941 and 1942. Records films seen, war news including RAF operations, football matches played, weather, going to cadets, air raids, dates with Mary, social events, meeting friends, fire watching…
Money Order Payment to Stuart Stephenson
A payment of six pounds, eight shillings and seven pence for Stuart as final payment on his discharge.
My Journal
Starts with early memories of life at home and school. Mentions his father was in the RAF stationed at RAF Henlow, RAF Cardington and Brize Norton. Mentions laying up car at the beginning of the war as they were not entitled to petrol coupons but…
My Wartime Memories by Richard Yates
Richard 'Dick' Yates was a wireless operator/air gunner on 35 Squadron flying Halifaxes. He did his basic training at RAF Blackpool. While at RAF Cranwell for wireless traiing, he flew in DH 86 and Valentia. He was shot down and became a prisoner of…