Biography of Arthur Alexander Gill and memories of his cousin Kenneth Gill. Writes of working in the same firm as Kenneth Gill before the war. Too young to join forces, he was employed in Blackburn aircraft stores. Was called up in December 1944.…
Betty Greenwood was born in 1926 in Belton, Lancashire; she attended Princess Mary high school was and privately educated in Paris but returned due to the threat of war. At sixteen she was offered various jobs but decided to join the Royal Observer…
From the general secretary of the national union of operative heating, domestic and ventilating engineers and general metal workers sympathising over the death of her father.
Top - portrait folder with photograph on right of Ken Gill wearing uniform tunic with half brevet and medal ribbons and Vera Gill either side of baby boy (Derek). Captioned on left 'Derek, 3 months, 1944 (July), Ken, Grt Grandma, Grandma and Derek'…
Informs him that , in view of circumstance in which his son was reported missing and believed killed, in the absence of any evidence of survival, his death was now presumed to have occurred on 21 March 1945.
Informs her that the RAF missing research and enquiry service in Germany had recently reported details of the fate of his aircraft and crew. The area of the aircraft crash was identified no trace of any graves were found and it had to be assumed that…
The official journal of the Prisoners of War Department of the Red Cross and St John War Organisation. This edition covers the Food Situation about food parcel delivery, Editors comments, Sport reports from the Camps, suggestions for parcel contents,…
Neville Shenbanjo was born in 1945, the son of Akin Shenbanjo. Flying Officer Akin Shenbanjo DFC was born in Nigeria and served as a wireless operator / air gunner with 76 Squadron. His crew named their Halifax 'Achtung! The Black Prince' after…
Bettie was born in Wakefield. The family moved to Doncaster when she was eleven and at 21 she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service. While in Doncaster she helped at the YMCA café as part of the war effort and that is where she met and married…
Provides confirmation that her husband was missing as a result of air operations on 21 March 1945. Explains circumstances of loss of aircraft and states it was unlikely that any crew survived. Comments that her husband had completed 45 operations.…
Full-length portrait photograph of John Firth wearing a jacket, shorts, long white socks and black shoes with his hand resting on an occasional wooden table. On the reverse Age 4 ½, Mrs Firth, Felma, 10NA Crescent[...], [...] 9, […,] 16x1.5-,…
Reports he is still well but has still not received any news from them. Recommends methods that they might try to reach him through various organisations. Wishes them happy Christmas.
Occasional daily inputs. Mentions going to Lords (initial aircrew) in July, Leuchars for training in late July then back to London. Mentions some flying experiences in November.
Mentions travel by rail to Moncton and comments on cold weather. Writes of his activities, food available and local shops. Goes on to describe onward train journey to the United States including food, countryside, weather and stops. Arrived at Turner…
Writes of life at Turner Field, Georgia, including food, putting on weight, weather, pay, the hospitality and American people, local churches, American cars and on base activities. Continues with description of visits to local town. Expecting to be…
Catches up with family news, birthdays and other news. Mentions he had now moved to Carlstrom Field, Arcadia, Florida. Describes living conditions and provides sketch map of camp. Comments on food, weather, and that they had not yet flown, Writes…
Writes about recent poor weather, that flying had suffered and no one had gone solo. Hopes better weather coming so he should either go solo or be eliminated from pilot training. Comments on life, facilities, training, discipline and activities.…
Hopes the photographs he sent arrived alright and describes where some were taken including those of squadron doing drill. Catches up with family news and gossip. Mentions good food, no air raids in the United States unlike at home. Writes a little…