Mentions time as a balloon operator at Felixstowe and then training as an air gunner. First tour on 50 Squadron RAF Swinderby on Manchesters, but had to wait for aircraft to arrive as squadron still flying Hampden when he arrived later transferred to…
Describes life with family from 1918. Joined Army – 4th Queen's Own Hussars on 2nd January 1936. Joined RAF 1938 and trained as balloon operator then applied as air gunner, arriving at RAF Swinderby in December 1941. Took part in 50 Squadron…
Flying log book for air gunner’s for Ken Beard, covering the period from 5 March 1943 to 17 June 1945. Detailing his flying training operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at RAF Pembrey, RAF Ricall, RAF Melbourne, RAF…
Writes of importance of getting their letters, especially in a new place and catches up with news. Describes journey to Theale and new location. Writes about his how his flying training is going as well as time in a link trainer and how poor the…
Bill writes describing his new living accommodation in Sulhamstead House, Theale, where his bedroom overlooks rose gardens, park land etc. All except the flying takes place here, whereas the airfield is a couple of miles away. Writes about the…
Bill describes the set up at the Elementary Flying Training School, Theale where there were two flying courses and some Turkish students. He describes his first flight as a passenger which he found 'great'. Goes on to describe flying the next…
Describes how flying training, although fun, is becoming harder. He seems to be struggling with navigation and landings. He remains happy but accepts he may not have the aptitude to pass this phase of pilot training. Will have to do a test with chief…
Letter written over several days. Initially expecting to have his flying test the next day and be able to return for leave soon after, but this is changed following snow. He and six others are unable to take their tests in time and remain at the…
Bill still does not know what is happening to him. Weather has been terrible for flying but he had to go up with the Commanding Officer and it went badly (page missing from letter, so no end to story).
Writes he is not going with grading course but staying at Theale for Elementary Flying Training School. Mentions he had a test with Chief Flying Instructor which didn't go too badly. Writes he will now have to get down to work and there will be no…
Disappointed to tell his mother that he has failed the flying test. Bill described the final test with the Chief Flying Instructor, which went badly, despite having completed a successful test beforehand with his own instructor. Has now been…
Fifty one personnel of differing ranks, some in the rear are RAF trainees wearing tunic and white flash side caps, other may be staff or from other air forces (Turkish). Personnel in front are sitting and those behind standing. In the background an…
Notes that his sons personal effects, listed on attached inventory have reached the central depository and will be held in safe custody. In the case of missing personnel permission to release items would not be for at least 6 months. If prisoner,…
A registered envelope marked with a blue cross written to the Officer in Charge at the RAF Central Depository. Handwritten on the front is F/O PH Todd and on the reverse'1394781 F/Sgt Geach DG'.
Second of David Geach's diaries, describing his training for aircrew at Kingstown, Heaton Park, Hastings and Harrogate until his embarkation to Canada on the Queen Mary. Covers the period from 20 June 1942 to 7 October 1942.
From officer detail to look after Hedley's property explaining the process and that a cheque book found has been forwarded to Air Ministry accounts, Worcester.
Writes that committee of adjustment has been held and enclosing an inventory of effects. Writes that monetary matters are not dealt with by that office but by Air Ministry accounts. They will be sending details of financial matters in due course.
Writes that Hedley's personal effects have been dispatched to them by passenger train. Requests they sent back receipt. Reminds them on rules if they dispose of any uniform which must go to known person entitled to wear it or be dealt with through…
Letter from Flight Sergeant Jim Cahir to his mother and brothers. He writes about his arrangements for his Christmas leave which he will be spending with his aunt, the weather, about the best way to send post between Australia and England, his social…
Letter home to Jim’s Mother and Brother where he describes his arrival in England, visiting relations and settling in to his routine RAAF life on his station.