Browse Items (107 total)
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War changes everything
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.…
Interview with Betty Greenwood
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…
Family photographs
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'…
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Messrs William Lawson Ltd
Requests supply of two dozen chamois leathers at price quoted of 45 shillings per dozen.
Letter to Kenneth Gill's father from air ministry
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.
Letter to Vera Gill from the Air Ministry casualty branch
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…
Letter to Vera Gill from Ministry of Pensions
Informs her of the value of he pension and child allowance as a widow of Flying Officer Kenneth Gill
The Prisoner of War February 1945
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,…
Letter to Vera Gill from RAF central depository
Mentions that they have forwarded Flying Officer K Gill's flying log book.
Interview with Neville Shenbanjo
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…
Interview with Bettie Bain
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…
Letter to Vera Gill from OC 617 Squadron
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.…
Anodic oxidation
Covers baths, treatment of parts, tests and records. On the reverse letter requesting supply of materials.
John Firth age four and a half
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-,…
Postcard from Douglas Hudson to his parents
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.
Kenneth Gill 1941 Architect's and builder's diary
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.
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his mother
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…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his mother
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…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his parents
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…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his parents
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.…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his parents
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…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his mother
Writes that his course is getting harder but he was keeping up. Says a little about flying and replies to and actions requests in their letters he recently received. Continues catching up with family gossip and news. Speculates about farming in the…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his parents
Writes that he is fine and well but putting on weight. Promises account of Niagara Falls when he has had some photographs available. [Missing page 2]. Writes about journey to Niagara and activities once at the Falls with descriptions. Relates stay at…
Letter from Kenneth Gill to his mother
Writes that he had finished the course and should be on his way home soon. Catches up with recent mail from home. Says he will try and get bananas to bring home. Mentions gifts for family that he has obtained to bring home. Catches up with news of…
Letter card from Kenneth Gill to his parents
Writes that he had been busy, operation to Berlin previous night. Describes life in the officers' mess. Mentions that Tom says he will come to Leeds and act as groomsman.