Ron Mayhill was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He joined the Air Training Corp in 1941, automatically entered the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1942, trained as a bomb aimer in Canada, and travelled on the Queen Mary to the UK in 1943. While flying…
Map plan of RAF Westcott showing airfield / runways, dispersals, bomb store area, various facilities sites and Westcott village area. Top right off the end of runway just beyond a road marked A41 is an aircraft symbol annotated 'Lancaster overshoot,…
Two-storey brick house with tiled roof. In front bushes and wooden fence. In the centre behind the fence a woman waving. To the right a man in boater hat, further to the right two children. From costumes in photograph probably dating to early 1900s.…
Two storey brick house with tiled roof. The front garden has a large tree and wooden fence. A man with hat and jacket is standing in the garden, next to a seated woman.
Identified from #18435 as a later photograph of Upper Barn Farmhouse.
Joined Royal Air Force in 1936 as a Halton apprentice armourer. Promoted to flight sergeant at the beginning of the war he began a long association with 57 Squadron then flying Blenheims as part of British Expeditionary Force in France followed by…
Top left first page - three-quarter length portrait of an airman wearing tunic and side cap. Text notes that he joined Royal Air Force in 1936 as a Halton apprentice armourer. Promoted to flight sergeant at the beginning of the war he began a long…
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…
Writes that Christmas parcel has been sent by Krakenberger but choice of items that can be send from Switzerland was recently restricted. Only books, sports articles and musical instruments allowed. Requests what John might like.
Writes about map of prisoner of war camps that they sent. Gives advice on addressing letters to husband due to German censorship. Suggests address to Stalag 357 and omit Stalag Luft 3.
An invitation to MRAF Sir Arthur Harris Memorial Dinner at RAF High Wycombe. It includes a half length portrait of Sir Arthur seated at a desk, a card with details and a typed list of attendees.
Flying log book for aircrew other than pilot for James Stewart, navigator, covering the period from 17 July 1943 to 21 December 1945. Detailing his flying training, operations flown and post war flying duties. He was stationed at RCAF Portage la…
Number 51. Describes conditions in new camp. Mentions they no longer cook their own food therefore little distraction from monotony. Mentions difficulties in continuing with his violin. States that mail will be slow for a few weeks, comments…
Number 57-1145. Cheered to have recent letter. Thanked her for the music but says short of strings. Loved her description of Frances’ progress but much of this letter had been censored.
Number 69-125. Reports arrival of letter and thrilled to hear of her efforts. Mentions receiving music and condition of violin. Unsure why she is not getting all his letters.
Number 70-127. Thanks her for letter and annoyed that his letters are not reaching her. Mentions financial issues list requirements to be sent, Mentions weather and state of camp. Wishes her merry Christmas.
Number 71-128. Discusses house purchase and that he will endorse any decisions she makes. Mentions financial issues, arrival of books and continuing study of violin.
Number 72-129. Details addresses for mail and parcels. Thanks for recent parcel with music and violin strings. Writes of other items needed. Still awaiting news of house hunting.
Number 73-130. Writes that he has given her power of attorney and post office withdrawal form sent via Red Cross. Discusses financial issues. Mention that he received music and reports issues with his violin.
Number 75-132. Writes he is managing to practise violin but still having problem with instrument. Sense of taste now back for two months and awaits letters and news of house purchase.
Number 77-134. John tells her of his pension situation and that his father is not sending more tobacco until contact resumed. He also tells Ursula that he gets tired and longs passionately for her.
Number 78-135. No letters from her. Reports on weather and state of camp. Writes he is living with excellent crowd of fellows and goes on to describe some. Mentions persisting with violin averaging four hours a day of practise but handicapped by lack…