1
25
66
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https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2283/41896/SCarterR1620578v10004-0001.1.jpg
d34160e0479249edd09c1bd57ef325c0
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carter, Ronald
Description
An account of the resource
32 items. The collection concerns Sergeant Ronald Carter (1924 - 2014, 1620578 Royal Air Force) and contains his biography, research, documents and photographs. He flew operations as a rear gunner with 44 Squadron before becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Susan Margaret Perrow and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2021-12-06
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Carter, R
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ron Carter's List of Operations
Description
An account of the resource
25 operations completed by Ron Carter.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Nuremberg
France
France--Toulouse
France--Tours
Germany--Braunschweig
Germany--Munich
Germany--Schweinfurt
Norway
Norway--Oslo
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Orléans
France--Gennevilliers
Belgium
Belgium--Leopoldsburg
France--Amiens
Germany--Kiel
France--Caen
France--Normandy
France--Beauvoir-sur-Mer
Germany--Wesseling
France--Marquise Region
France--Creil
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Personal research
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One printed sheet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SCarterR1620578v10004-0001
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-03
1944-04
1944-05
1944-06
1944-07
44 Squadron
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of Nuremberg (30 / 31 March 1944)
bombing of the Creil/St Leu d’Esserent V-1 storage areas (4/5 July 1944)
bombing of Toulouse (5/6 April 1944)
Lancaster
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
shot down
tactical support for Normandy troops
V-1
V-weapon
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2283/41892/SCarterR1620578v10004-00030001.2.pdf
9af52a74cd572a22ef29d89107988676
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Carter, Ronald
Description
An account of the resource
32 items. The collection concerns Sergeant Ronald Carter (1924 - 2014, 1620578 Royal Air Force) and contains his biography, research, documents and photographs. He flew operations as a rear gunner with 44 Squadron before becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Susan Margaret Perrow and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2021-12-06
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Carter, R
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ron Carter's flying log book
Description
An account of the resource
Flying log book for Ron Carter from April 1944 to 18 July 1944. Detailing operations flown from RAF Dunholme Lodge. Aircraft flown was Lancaster. He carried out a total of 21 operations with 44 Squadron as an air gunner on the following targets in Belgium, France, Germany and Norway: Munich, Schweinfurt, Oslo, Toulouse, Mailly-le-Camp, Salibris, Gennevilliers, Bourleopold, Amiens, Morsalines, Kiel, Caen, Aunay, Benivoir, Pommereval, Marqueise, Creil, and St Leu d'Esserent. His pilot on operations was Pilot Officer Davey. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Eight photocopied sheets
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SCarterR1620578v10004-00030001
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Belgium
France
Germany
Great Britain
Norway
Belgium--Leopoldsburg
France--Amiens
France--Caen
France--Creil
France--Gennevilliers
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Marquise
France--Normandy
France--Pommeréval
France--Toulouse
France--Villers-Bocage (Calvados)
Germany--Kiel
Germany--Munich
Germany--Schweinfurt
Norway--Oslo
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-17
1944-05-11
1944-05-12
1944-05-19
1944-05-20
1944-05-27
1944-05-28
1944-06-12
1944-06-13
1944-06-24
1944-06-25
1944-06-27
1944-06-28
1944-07-18
44 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
bale out
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Creil/St Leu d’Esserent V-1 storage areas (4/5 July 1944)
bombing of the Pas de Calais V-1 sites (24/25 June 1944)
Lancaster
mine laying
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
prisoner of war
RAF Dunholme Lodge
shot down
tactical support for Normandy troops
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/2252/40882/YPittwoodJ1291454v1.2.pdf
3f170efcd52f96845cc8a03fba6f7559
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Pittwood, John
Pittwood, Jack
Pitwood, J
Description
An account of the resource
Ten items. The collection concerns Flight Sergeant John Pittwood (b. 1923, 1291454 Royal Air Force) and contains his diary, documents and correspondence. He flew operations as a navigator with 207 Squadron. He was shot down during the operation to Mailly-le-Camp on 3/4 May 1944 and managed to evade and return to the UK.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by John Pittwood and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2022-08-27
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Pittwood, J
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] THE DIARY OF AN AIRMAN [/underlined].
This is the diary of an airman who was reported missing after a raid on Mailly-le-camp, France on May 3 & 4th. 1944.
His name is Flight Sgt. John Pittwood who was the Navigator of a Lancaster Bomber.
The pilot Leslie Lizetts (Liz) who was a New Zealander and the rear gunner, Ron Ellis were still in the aircraft when it crashed and both were killed.
The mid gunner Ron Emeny (Curly) was burned very badly about the face attempting to rescue the rear gunner who was trapped in his gun turret.
He dropped in the same field as Jack and he arrived back in England a few weeks after him.
The wirless [sic] operator and the Engineer got back to England after the liberation of France but unfortunately the Engineer has since died.
It has since been learned that the bomb aimer was taken P.O.W. but he is now back in England. (8th May 1945).
[inserted] Warrant Officer J. Pittwood [/inserted]
[page break]
[missing word] 3rd 1944.
Left base at 10-30pm. For attack on Camp Mailly, crossed English coast at Beechy Head at 11-05pm. expecting to cross back home two hours later. Crossed enemy coast at 11-15pm. arrived over base at exactly midnight. An aircraft goes up in front of us on bombing range, flack starts to come close just as Wes closes the bomb doors and Liz puts aircraft into weave. At 12-10am. the port outer engine is set on fire by flack, the order to feather is given but at first the fire refused to douse so Liz gave orders to put on chutes. Later Nick managed to put out fire and we set off for home. Just as we turned onto course fighters came in on us so we abandoned plane at 12-40am.
May 4th.
I landed lightly in a ploughed field surrounded on three sides by woods and by a road on the fourth. I had not seen any other chutes on the way down and was surprized to see Curly come over to me, he asked me what his face looked like and what I intended to do. I told him to get rid of his chute harness and may west as we were going to make a run for it. We made for the woods and someone called to us, wether [sic] he was French or German we dont know and we didnt stop to ask. Gerry must have known that we were arround [sic] as serchlights [sic] were being played across the ground. Once in the woods we decided to move south and get as far away from the aircraft as possible, so guided by the stars we started our first trek towards freedom. The woods were thick and we got covered with scratches but they gave us a first class cover and they lasted for several miles. We eventually came to a clearing and found ourselves along side a railway, it was as light as day and I kept praying that clouds would cover the moon but no such luck. A train was in sight heading north so we lay low at the edge of the forest, our hearts beating like thunder, and every snap of a twig sounded like an explosion. As soon as the train had passed we crossed the rails, we
[page break]
[missing words] Cont.
were on a swamp plain and our only way for the next few miles was along the main road so we disguised our uniform as much as possible, burying Curlys outer suit in a well and once again started walking. It was now three o’clock and we were begining [sic] to feel a little more settled and away from the first hue and cry and jerry wouldnt start a proper serch [sic] until morning, so we decided to get as far as possible before five and then find a hiding place for the day. We walked on through a small village, every dog was barking and scaring us to death. Then we approached a town and from the notices on the toll we found out that it was Ferriers. We skirted the town, later to find out that it was a German garrison town, so it was lucky for us that we did not go through. Five o’clock us by a river on the S.E. of the town, so we purified some water and ate a little chocolate and some horlicks tablets, we then lay under the edge to sleep remaining there all day. We were going to carry on walking the following evening but as Curly was in pain we didnt get very far.
May 5th.
I decided to try a farm to get help for Curly, at first the farmer did not like the idea but after a short while he decided to let us stay in the barn as long as we didnt stay more than one day. He gave us some wine and some bread and what was most welcome something to bath Curlys face. we stayed in the barn that night and the following day but I got little sleep as one of us had to be on watch and Curly was to [sic] ill and was best asleep.
May 6th.
We decided to move just after midnight as it was obvius [sic] that Curlys face wanted treating by a doctor. We went back to the main road towards Ferriers and called at a big house on the outskirts of the town. They gave us more wine and bread and jam, by this time we were begining [sic] to feel hungry as our last
[page break]
[missing words] Cont.
meal had been supper on the on the [sic] 3rd. exept [sic] for a few odds and ends. The old lady informed us that Ferriers was a garrison town and that the doctor would probably hand us over, but 17 Kilometers [sic] down the road was La Selle de Bain where the doctor would help us, so off we set for La Selle. We had to travel along the road and it was begining to get light and were still in uniform, we passed several French men going to work but no one stopped us. On approaching La Selle we met a wood man who gave us a drink of cognac and told us to go on a little further and call at another house. After being passed through several houses at each of which we had either wine or cognac. We were eventually taken into the village and by this time all the inhabitants knew we were here and we became the object of a crowd of sightseers. The doctor told us to wait in the cemetry [sic] where a school teacher, the first English speaking person we had met asked us a few questions and then took us to a barn. The doctor dressed Curlys face and after our identity discs told us that we should be taken to the Marquis that evening. The villagers brought us plenty of food and drink and we really ended our hunger. At about 10pm. that night the school teacher and another French man returned and gave us a revolver and a cloak and then took us to the school house where we had our first French coffee (our first warm drink). They explained to us that we had about 12 Kilometers [sic] to go and were taken to a farm. They took us into a back room where there was already a French boy who was on the run from the Gestapo, we were given a good meal and for the first time in four days we were able to get proper sleep.
May 7th.
After a French breakfast of coffee and rolls we were given civilian clothes and our uniforms etc. were buried and another farmer who was presumably the local boss came to see us and
[page break]
[missing words] cont.
Dr. Salmon came to see Curly.
[missing number]th. & 9th.
The doctor decided that his daily visits to see Curly would arouse suspicion so they decided to take him to the doctors house. Sebastion who later became my guide and Georges two students both able to speak English came to interrogate me and told me I should be leaving in two days time for Paris and that I should have to be ready to leave on the Friday.
May 10th.
Uneventful.
May 11th. Thurs.
Georges came for me on a motor bike and told me that we were not going direct to Paris as the train was controlled, i.e. passengers checked, but were going by bus to Sens from Montargy and going to Paris the following day. We went by motor bike to a house in Montargy where I was given an identity card and ration cards. After dinner we went to the bus station and it was here that I came into contact with German troops for the first time and I can not say that I felt happy because they were waiting for the same bus as we were. You can imagine how relieved I was to get off that bus at Sens, of all my experiences I think that ride was the worst. As we walked through Sens I seemed to think that every German soldier must recognize me and it was not for quite a few days that I began to cease being afraid. We stayed the night in Sens at a school teachers house.
May 12th. (Ritas Birthday)
We went by train to Paris Garde L’Est by tube to Garre de Lion, the tube is always full of German soldiers and here I made my first boob, I knocked down a German rifle and picking it up I said “Sorry” but luckily he didnt catch on. We then went by train to Lagny, where I was to stay untill [sic] May 26th. Sebastion took me to a house where I met the local resistance chief another school teacher and was then taken
[page break]
[missing word] 12th. cont.
to the next village where I met Sgt. John Pearce a rear gunner also shot down at Mailly. It was grand to talk to an Englishman. Later I was taken to 13 Rue de la Paix, Lagny, Seine et Marne, where I met Marguerite and Bert Cane, Mdme [sic] Rheti and the two girls M and Mdme Boutte were also there. We had a good talk with Bert doing all the translating. I was given some new clothes and was able to have a bath, I was shown my bedroom which was next to the nursery and had a big French window looking onto the woods and my instructions were that in any emergency I was to go into the woods.
May 13th.
Had my first visit to Paris where I met Georges, saw Notre Dame, Les Invalides and saw for the first time German horse drawn traffic which reminded me of the films of the Civil War. The Americans bombed Orly. Sebastion told me that Curlys face was healing quickly and he was returning to the farm at La Choppilles.
May 14th.
Went to Bamper to see Sgt. Pearce spent the morning on the Marne and chopping wood for the bakery, this exercise was very welcome. We went for a drink with John and the Captain, the bar was full of Luftwaffe personel [sic] but captain didnt seem to worry.
May 15th.
Went to the Cinema with Marguerite and Mdme Rheti.
May 16th.
S/Ldr. Sparks controller at Mailly came to Dampar. We went for a drink together. Hank shot down from Thunderbolt, stays in Lagny. Cafe Yoche is becoming quite allied. John, Sparks and Mdme Boutte came to No. 13. Later a French man who had been in prison with came to stop with us. Chief came to see me and he introduced me to the Gardener who was a member of the
[page break]
[missing words]th cont.
underground, this was the first time that he knew we were in the house, neither did he know what Cane was.
May 17th.
Attended a conference of the local F.F.I. at the school house. I was informed that at a minutes notice an army of 10,000 men all armed could be raised in the Paris, Leine et Marne area. This little party was a credit to any country The Chief, his wife, Bert, Sebastion, two more boy students and two girl students discussed supply, dropping what arms and ammo were needed, distribution of weapons and technical points of new weapons. The girls spoke like experienced armourers. These were the first indications that final preparations were being made for the invasion.
May 18th-22nd.
Remained at No. 13, and saw John each night.
May 23rd.
Rosie came to see us and gave us the Gen about the second front. She also told us that they were trying to arrange for an A/C or boat to pick us up.
May 24th.
Agent disappears after landing by air from London so plans are altered and we are to go into Spain.
May 25th.
John Sparks and I go to Paris and wait for Rosie in the park near to Garre de L’Est. We were then taken to Georges where we did another sight seeing tour, we were introduced to an officer of the Paris Gendarmerie, the men who led the barricades battles.
May 26th.
We met at Petaine school where 7 Yanks and 6 English men were given new identity cards and Railway travel permits. We were to catch the 9-30 train from Paris to Toulouse and from there by local train to Pau where we are to wait on some open ground near the station untill [sic] we are picked up. (this was to be the worst journey I have ever had) We split up into twos
[page break]
[missing words]th. cont.
and made our way to the station. Luckily by this time we had begun to disregard the Germans. When we arrived at the station we found that our train was in and it was fairly crowded and once again we began to feel uncomfortable. We were expecting to be on the train anything from twenty four to fourty [sic] eight hours and on the train were thirteen people who couldnt talk French so we would just have to hope that no one would try to make conversation with us. We stayed in the corridors and although we kept in twos and threes I felt that it must be obvious that we were a party and the way we whispered to one another must have seemed suspicious. There were many German Soldiers, Sailors and Luftwaffe on the platform. The rear of our train was a troop train and the train opposite was going to the west coast and was mainly loaded with troops. They would walk up and down the platform yelling at porters and pushing aside any Frenchman who happened to be in the way and the Frenchmen after looking around would spit at them after they had passed. Eventually at about 8p.m. we left Paris and about an hour later we reached Juvessy which a month ago had been attacked by the R.A.F. and boy you would have to see it to believe it, I had seen Villeneuve St. George, La Chappelle, where twenty out of twenty three bridges had been knocked down and also Neusy La Lec which had been badly knocked about, but Juvessy beat the lot, it wasn’t crators or broken tracks and smashed trains, it was one great tumult just like a garden after it had been dug over. It was four hours later before we left Juvessy. We were moved part way by electric train part way by steam and in the middle they borrowed the engine to shunt some goods waggons across. The French people seemed used to this they just got out of the train and strolled around untill the controller told them that we were moving. We took the opportunity of eating something. Evenually [sic] we started to move again so John and I lay in the corridor to get some sleep. It was just after we woke up that I had one of my greatest
[page break]
[missing words]hcon.
heartbeats, a Gendarme came over to me and asked me something in French all I caught was the end bit “La on La” and luckily I knew this meant there or there so I just pointed and said La and luckily I was right. We arrived at Toulouse at 7pm. on Saturday night and we had to change trains to reach our final destination which was Pau. On Toulouse station we had what I think was our last greatest real scare, we followed our Guide on to the electric trains and just as it was about to go out he found that it was the wrong train so we all got out and tore up the platform and for about a quater [sic] of an hour we ran about trying to find our train. When we did get on the right train we found out that it was only going as far as Yarbes and at Yarbes a porter asked us for our tickets and started talking to us but luckily he was a friendly and he locked us in a room untill our right train did come in. In the morning from Yarbes we could see the Pyrennies [ sic] clearly and they looked rather high to climb. We arrived at Pau and waited for our contacts as instructed and for the first time the whole thirteen, lucky thirteen for us, were together. We must have looked a sight we had eaten a boiled egg and two sandwiches in the last fourty [sic] eight hours, we were unshaven and hadnt had a wash, we were in old clothes and we were all very tired. After waiting for over two hours no contact had turned up so the Guides went out to see what had happened and it was another three hours before they came back so we all split up and I went into a nearby hotel with a fellow called Rosie.
May 27th.
We all met again and went to a farm about four miles out of town and stayed in a disused house. It was here that we got to know about each other, Sparks Johny Ginger and myself were all from the Mailly raid, Rhodesia a Typhoon pilot who had crash landed only a few days ago, Junior, Canack and Bill had bailed out about the same time as I had, this was all the R.A.F. boys. Hank Dillingger had been in France about 15 months and twice
[page break]
[missing words] cont.
ran out by the Gestapo, he was called Dillinger because of his hunted look, Rebel a southener [sic] who was knocked down in his first flight from a Mustang, Lucky and Harry were from Fortresses and Slim was from a Liberator. Although it had been planned that there should be no waiting in Pau I think that these few days together did us a lot of good, it gave us some much needed rest and enabled us to get to know each other. We were here four days and spent the time telling experiences playing cards and preparing as well as possible for our climb, we washed our clothes and several changed shoes to get the best fit. Our food was brought up from the farm and although it was very rough we ate well. We cleared the house out and lay on straw and apart from complaints of mice running around we all slept very well. There were plenty of cherries to be picked and we also drank our first mountain water. Rosie and a Frenchman came to see us and brought us some Lucky Strike cigarettes, Cognac and some cube sugar.
May 31st.
We left the Farm in small parties for Pau where we were to catch a bus to Lasserex where taxis would take us to the point where we were to start our climb, when they said taxis we thought they had gone mad even in Paris a taxis was a museum piece, but somehow they had one waiting for us. We boarded the bus at Pau, I have never seen a bus so crowded, in this country conductors complain when there are five or six people standing, but this was a thirty two seater single decker bus inside there were about fourty five people and there were in between twenty and thirty people on top and behind there was a pig cart which some passengers had hitched on, there were even people riding on that. The bus was driven by coke and every time it hit a bump we left red hot coke lying on the road. The conductor knew who we were and he was to open the rear door when we arrived at a given place, by the time we were to leave I think everyone knew who we were
[page break]
[missing words]. Cont.
and they were saying “bonne Chane” and “bonne Voyage” as we left the bus. Six of us got into the taxis and we went about fifteen miles to the foot of the Pyrenees and then it went back for the others. We had food for two days two boiled eggs each about a pound of bread each and a pound of chocolate between us, we also had a little meat and cheese. We ate a boiled egg between two and a little bread and we all had a drink of Cognac. It was now ten o’clock and we were to move as soon as it got dark at about midnight and the first night should take us past the German first frontier posts and our danger would then be patrols of dogs and men. Our party consisted of one guide one Frenchman, Charles who had been told to go over with us as his time was up in Paris, seven English men and six Yanks. We left at midnight and for about six miles followed the road and then we took to the the [sic] fields, we had to cover twenty miles the first night but it wasnt bad going and we reached our shelter at about five o’clock in the morning, it was an old cowshed. We were just past the frontier posts but the shed was in full view of them and we were not allowed outside at all. If everything had gone well we should have had ten hours the followin [sic] night and then there would be four hours the evening after, but the mountains which had for weeks been clear became cloud covered and it started to pour with rain. When darkness came we all cut ourselves sticks and started again, and to make things worse we had our first range before us, the tracks had become marl and instead of doing five or six miles an hour we were doing from 200 to 400 yards. We were soon covered in mud and we were drenched to the skin. The top of the ridge brought us no respite as the desent [sic] was even worse, we slipped time and time again but by keeping together we prevented anyone one [sic] from slipping down the hill. At three o’clock we came to a hut and as we had no chance of reaching the next shelter we decided to pack in and and [sic] stay there form the day. I doubt if we could have gone much
[page break]
farther anyhow and I was glad of the rest, and Dille who in his fifteen monthe [sic] of captivity had had very little exercize [sic] was in a very weak state. We had very little food and the guide went to see if he could get any. He was unsuccessful at first but later he managed to get a can of soup which was warm and was very welcome, we ate a little bread with it and this left us with two eggs and some sugar and cognac and luckily we decided to keep this as long as we could. We were very uncomfortable here so as soon as it began to get dusk we started to move on again. Charles who had done a lot of mountaineering helped Dille along, the rain had stopped but we were still in the misty wet bottam [sic] of the clouds and the climbing got stiffer but we knew that once we were over this lot we should not be long before getting back to Blighty. We came to an almost vertical bank of clay which seemed impossible to climb but the guide got up and tied a rope to a tree and we were soon moving ahead again. We found a few cherries and there was plenty of water to drink. We rested the next day at a goatsmans hut and the following night we reached what should have been our shelter the second night. Several times we heard dogs barking but never saw anything of a patrol. The fifth night was fairly level going but owing to the mist we were very slow and we moved in crocodile fashion. We stumbled quite a few times and each time I managed to put my hand on nettles, we also crossed several streams but now we were so wet that we just waded through them, then we came to a river with two or three farm houses alongside and from the bushes the guide swung a kind of bridge across it was rather flimsy but it got us across. Later we reached a hut and stayed there, we now had one more ridge to cross. We chopped up the last egg and had this to eat with some meat paste.
6th June.
We started out just after midnight but the going wasnt rough it was grass, fairly steep and slippery and perhaps because it
[page break]
[missing words]. cont.
was the last lap it seemed to go on for ever. We crossed the first boundry [sic] at 4-15am. we were now in no mans land and at 6-10am. we crossed into Spain. We were now decending [sic] but the mist was freezing on our clothes and although it was June snow was falling. We found a little hut, lit a fire and dried our clothes a little and then pushed off towards the nearest village. Hank Junior Lucky and I went on ahead and were going fine even the sun was begining [sic] to shine. From behind the hedges there came two soldiers with guns we thought they were jerries but they turned out to be Spaniards, they lit us a fire and we waited for the rest. We were then taken to ISABA where we were taken to jail and they promised us a meal and about two hours later they came in with a great bowl of potatoes and a spoon each, but it was very welcome.
June 7th.
We were taken by bus to Pamplona where we were handed over to the consul and then to the Spanish Air Force. Afterwards we were sent to the British Embassy in Madrid, I shall never forget that journey on account of the beggars asking for food or money. I have never seen so many poor people, that is fascism for you, everything for the few. We were given some money and we stayed at an hotel. The food was awful everything was floating in olive oil, we showed the cheff [sic] how to make cherry pie. Later we went to a Bull fight and nearly caused a riot because we would not give the Fascist salute. The Spaniards were not very friendly to us. After a time we were sent to Gibralter [sic] and eventually we got a plane home.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Diary of an Airman
Description
An account of the resource
Jack's record of events after his aircraft was shot down over France.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Jack Pittwood
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France--Mailly-le-Camp
England--Beachy Head
France--Paris
France--Sens-sur-Yonne
France--Montargis
France--Lagny
France--Toulouse
France--Pau
France--Tarbes
Spain--Pamplona
Spain--Madrid
Gibraltar
France
Great Britain
Spain
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Memoir
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
13 typewritten sheets
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YPittwoodJ1291454v1
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Steve Baldwin
air gunner
aircrew
anti-aircraft fire
B-17
B-24
bale out
bomb aimer
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
crash
evading
flight engineer
killed in action
Lancaster
missing in action
navigator
P-47
P-51
pilot
prisoner of war
Resistance
shot down
Typhoon
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/636/40423/SRoyallGL1801494v10060.1.jpg
fb1c5de56a2c60bcdc84f9ea9dd6f11e
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/636/40423/SRoyallGL1801494v10061.1.jpg
a12f00beeeabd1bfda3410330d4d4ddb
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/636/40423/SRoyallGL1801494v10062.1.jpg
7f493c5d3b7ca4c55ad627b2938dc5dd
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/636/40423/SRoyallGL1801494v10063.1.jpg
4dde1b795ebf2b797b89ee05a6c4f38c
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/636/40423/SRoyallGL1801494v10064.1.jpg
47f0fc8d2d64005b43397e7e5379dc5f
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Royall, George
G Royall
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Royall, G
Description
An account of the resource
46 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer George Royall (1801494 Royal Air Force) his flying log book, photographs, correspondence, course notes, examinations, newspapers and parts of magazines. He served as a bomb aimer on 166 Squadron.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by George Royall and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-20
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
List of Lancaster losses
Description
An account of the resource
A list of 129 Lancasters lost on 79 operations between September 1943 and April 1945. Target, date and aircraft tail numbers are listed in chronological order.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-09
1943-10
1943-11
1943-12
1944
1945-01
1945-02
1945-03
1945-04
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea
France
France--Aulnoye-Aymeries
France--Caen
France--Calais
France--Creil
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Orléans
France--Pauillac (Gironde)
France--Poissy
France--Revigny-sur-Ornain
France--Versailles
Germany
Germany--Aachen
Germany--Augsburg
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Bochum
Germany--Braunschweig
Germany--Chemnitz
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Duisburg
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Emmerich
Germany--Essen
Germany--Frankfurt am Main
Germany--Freiburg im Breisgau
Germany--Friedrichshafen
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Hannover
Germany--Hildesheim
Germany--Kassel
Germany--Kiel
Germany--Koblenz
Germany--Leipzig
Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Germany--Giessen (Hesse)
Germany--Magdeburg
Germany--Mannheim
Germany--Munich
Germany--Neuss
Germany--Nuremberg
Germany--Osterfeld
Germany--Pforzheim
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Germany--Schweinfurt
Germany--Stuttgart
Germany--Zeitz
Poland
Poland--Szczecin
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Personal research
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Five-page printed document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SRoyallGL1801494v10060, SRoyallGL1801494v10061, SRoyallGL1801494v10062, SRoyallGL1801494v10063, SRoyallGL1801494v10064
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Royall, George. No 166 Squadron
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Allocated
166 Squadron
bombing of Kassel (22/23 October 1943)
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of Nuremberg (30 / 31 March 1944)
Bombing of Trossy St Maximin (3 August 1944)
Lancaster
mine laying
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
shot down
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1254/36057/MBakerWB1392752-161128-06.2.pdf
7f72644b2513fb7c0e933579896ba4e2
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, William Benjamin
Biff Baker
W B Baker
Description
An account of the resource
45 items. The collection concerns William Benjamin "Biff" Baker DFC (Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents art work and and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 115 and 626 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Pamela Baker and catalogued by Nigel Huckins and Peter Adams.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-11-28
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, WB
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Crew photograph and list of operations
Description
An account of the resource
First page - photograph of seven airmen wearing battledress with brevet standing in front of a Lancaster. Captioned 'Lancaster - 138 Squadron, Alf Warren (3rd from the left) mid upper gunner'. Then follows a list of thirty-one operations between 2 December 1943 and 7 July 1944. In all cases F/L W Breckenbridge was the captain and in most (not in 10) P/O Baker was the mid upper gunner. Mentions operation to Berlin on 30 January 1944 when three crew, including Baker, were wounded and the wireless operator Sgt J Hall was killed.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-12-02
1943-12-16
1943-12-23
1944-01-14
1944-01-21
1944-01-27
1944-01-30
1944-04-18
1944-04-20
1944-04-22
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-05-03
1944-05-07
1944-05-09
1944-05-19
1944-05-21
1944-05-22
1944-05-27
1944-06-06
1944-06-09
1944-06-12
1944-06-15
1944-06-17
1944-06-22
1944-06-25
1944-06-27
1944-06-30
1944-07-06
1944-07-07
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Bruz
France--Normandy
France--Merville-Franceville-Plage
France--Orléans
France--Paris
France--Flers-de-l'Orne
France--Boulogne-sur-Mer
France--Maubeuge
France--Neufchâtel-en-Bray
France--Abbeville
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Vaires-sur-Marne
France--Vierzon
France--Caen
France--Reims
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Text
Text. Personal research
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One b/w photograph and six page (3 duplicate) printed document
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MBakerWB1392752-161128-06
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Baker list of operations
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
138 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
bomb aimer
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Boulogne E-boats (15/16 June 1944)
flight engineer
killed in action
Lancaster
navigator
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
pilot
tactical support for Normandy troops
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1254/36056/LBakerWB1392752v1.2.pdf
876df17ecaacfd201aea50bf13964f69
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, William Benjamin
Biff Baker
W B Baker
Description
An account of the resource
45 items. The collection concerns William Benjamin "Biff" Baker DFC (Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, documents art work and and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 115 and 626 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Pamela Baker and catalogued by Nigel Huckins and Peter Adams.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-11-28
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, WB
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
W B Baker’s observers and air gunners flying log book
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Description
An account of the resource
Observers and air gunners flying log book for W B Baker, air gunner, covering the period from 11 November 1942 to 9 June 1944. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Stormy Down and RAF Wickenby. Aircraft flown in were Whitley, Defiant and Lancaster. He flew a total of 20 night operations with 626 Squadron. Targets were, Berlin, Brunswick, Magdeburg, Rouen, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Essen, Fredrichshafen, Maille-Le-Camp, Bruz, Merville, Orleans, Duisburg, Dortmund, Aachen, Achewre and Fleurs. His pilot on operations was Flight Lieutenant Breckenridge. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form: no better quality copies are available.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942
1943-12-16
1943-12-17
1943-12-23
1943-12-24
1944-01-14
1944-01-15
1944-01-21
1944-01-22
1944-01-27
1944-01-28
1944-01-30
1944-01-31
1944-04-18
1944-04-19
1944-04-20
1944-04-21
1944-04-22
1944-04-23
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-28
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
1944-05-07
1944-05-08
1944-05-09
1944-05-10
1944-05-18
1944-05-19
1944-05-21
1944-05-22
1944-05-23
1944-05-27
1944-05-28
1944-06-06
1944-06-07
1944-06-09
1944-06-10
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Belgium
France
Germany
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
France--Bruz
France--Flers-de-l'Orne
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Merville (Nord)
France--Orléans
France--Rouen
France--Yvelines
Germany--Aachen
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Braunschweig
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Duisburg
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Essen
Germany--Friedrichshafen
Germany--Magdeburg
Wales--Bridgend
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mike Connock
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LBakerWB1392752v1
626 Squadron
air gunner
Air Gunnery School
aircrew
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Defiant
Distinguished Flying Cross
forced landing
killed in action
Lancaster
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
RAF Stormy Down
RAF Wickenby
training
Whitley
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1568/35501/LFreemanW1806695v1.1.pdf
b6299130f11ae1e15234a3edc3359332
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Freeman, Bill
William Freeman
W Freeman
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-12-07
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Freeman, W
Description
An account of the resource
11 items. The collection concerns Bill Freeman (1806695 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book memoir and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 550 and 300 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Monica Snowball and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Bill Freeman's Log Book
Description
An account of the resource
W. Freeman’s RAF Navigator’s, Air Bomber’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book, from 1st August 1943 to 29th November 1944, detailing training, operations and instructional duties as an air gunner. He was stationed at RAF Stormy Down (No. 7 Air Gunnery School), RAF Hixon and RAF Seighford (30 OTU), RAF Binbrook (1481 (B) Gunnery Flight), RAF Blyton (1662 Conversion Unit), RAF Hemswell (No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School), RAF North Killingholme (550 Squadron), RAF Faldingworth (300 Squadron) and RAF Manby (No. 1 Empire Air Armament School). Aircraft in which flown: Anson, Wellington, Halifax and Lancaster. He completed a total of 31 operations (26 night, 5 day), on the following targets in France and Germany: Aachen, Acheres, Aulnoye, Caen, Caumont, Chateau L’Hortier, Cologne, Dieppe, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Emieville, Essen, Flers, Foret de Nieppe, Foret du Croc, Karlsruhe, Le Havre, Mailly-le-camp, Maintenon, Orleans, Rennes, Revigny, Rheims, Rouen, Scholven, Siracourt and Vierzon. His pilot on operations was Pilot Officer Jones.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
Germany
Great Britain
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
England--Lincolnshire
England--Staffordshire
France--Aulnoye-Aymeries
France--Caen
France--Caumont-L'Eventé
France--Dieppe
France--Dieppe (Arrondissement)
France--Flers-de-l'Orne
France--Le Havre
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Maintenon
France--Orléans
France--Rennes
France--Revigny-sur-Ornain
France--Rouen
France--Siracourt
France--Neufchâtel-en-Bray
France--Vierzon
France--Yvelines
Germany--Aachen
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Essen
Germany--Friedrichshafen
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Karlsruhe
Wales--Bridgend
France--Reims
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
France--Forêt du Croc
France--Nieppe Forest
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LFreemanW1806695v1
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-04-10
1944-04-11
1944-04-18
1944-04-19
1944-04-20
1944-04-21
1944-04-22
1944-04-23
1944-04-24
1944-04-25
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-28
1944-04-30
1944-05-01
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1944-05-27
1944-05-28
1944-06-06
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1944-06-14
1944-06-15
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1944-07-19
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1944-07-31
1944-08-01
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
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David Leitch
1662 HCU
30 OTU
300 Squadron
550 Squadron
air gunner
Air Gunnery School
aircrew
Anson
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
Halifax
Heavy Conversion Unit
Lancaster
Lancaster Finishing School
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
Operational Training Unit
RAF Binbrook
RAF Blyton
RAF Faldingworth
RAF Hemswell
RAF Hixon
RAF Manby
RAF North Killingholme
RAF Seighford
RAF Stormy Down
tactical support for Normandy troops
training
V-1
V-weapon
Wellington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1568/35500/BFreemanWFreemanWv1.2.pdf
3f3caa442d86d0abdb3348aa0c6b5c21
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Freeman, Bill
William Freeman
W Freeman
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-12-07
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Freeman, W
Description
An account of the resource
11 items. The collection concerns Bill Freeman (1806695 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book memoir and photographs. He flew operations as an air gunner with 550 and 300 Squadrons.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Monica Snowball and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] 1 [/underlined]
5TH APRIL 1943 SAW ME LEAVE TWICKENHAM to REPORT FOR SERVICE IN THE ROYAL AIR FORCE. MOST OF MY FRIENDS HAD ALREADY BEEN CALLED UP, SO IT WAS A RELIEF TO BE JOINING THEM AT LAST. EVEN SO IT WAS A WRENCH TO BE LEAVING HOME. I MADE MY WAY TO LORDS CRICKET GROUND NEAR REGENTS PARK IN LONDON, UPON REPORTING TOGETHER WITH MANY MORE, WE FILLED IN MASSES OF PAPER WORK & WERE KITTED OUT. FIRST A MASSIVE KIT BAG & EVERYTHING ELSE WAS JUST SHOVED IN. IT WEIGHED A TON. AFTER LUNCH WE WERE PARADED IN SOME SORT OF ORDER & MARCHED TO VICEROY COURT. A RECENTLY BUILT LUXURY BLOCK OF FLATS, WITHOUT ANY LUXURIES. THE FLOORS WERE PLAIN CONCRETE, THE ROOMS CONTAINED 1 BED AND 1 CUPBOARD PER BODY, OF WHICH THERE WERE ABOUT 1 DOZEN PER ROOM. WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO UNPACK OUR KIT, CHECK EVERYTHING FOR SIZE. ANYTHING NOT FITTING WAS TO BE EXCHANGED THE FOLLOWING DAY. PARADE THE FOLLOWING MORNING, IN UNIFORM WAS AT 8 AM, BREAKFAST WAS AT 7 AM BED HAD TO BE MADE UP IN ARMY FASHION, READY FOR OFFICER’S INSPECTION. A DRILL SERGEANT WAS ASSIGNED TO INSTRUCT US AND INFORM US ABOUT WHAT WAS TO BE EXPECTED, THERE WAS ABOUT 20 OF US IN OUR FLIGHT. OUR FIRST DAY WAS TO BE TAKEN UP WITH MEDICAL & INJECTIONS. SO OFF WE WERE MARCHED TO SOMEWHERE NEAR THE ZOO. WE WERE A RAGGED LOT, BUT HAVING DONE TRAINING & DRILL WITH THE HOME GUARD IT WAS EASY FOR ME TO FIT IN. THE MEDICALS & INJECTIONS & LUNCH TOOK ALL MORNING QUITE A FEW OF THE LADS WERE OVERCOME & LAID OUT ON BENCHES. THE SERGEANT WASN’T TOO PLEASED AT THIS, HE [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 2 [/underlined]
THAN THE OTHERS, COULD YOU FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO VICEROY COURT?” I SAID “YES SERGEANT” HE SAID “VERY WELL, MARCH THOSE THAT CAN WALK BACK, I WILL HAVE TO GET A WAGON TO TAKE THE OTHER SHOWER BACK”. STAY IN YOUR BILLET UNTIL I COME BACK” I TOLD THE OTHER LADS WHAT WAS GOING ON & THEY ACCEPTED THAT IT WAS BETTER THAN HANGING AROUND FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. SO OFF WE WENT AND IN 15 MINUTES WERE BACK AT VICEROY COURT. THE LADS WERE GLAD TO LAY ON THEIR BEDS FOR THE REST OF THE AFTERNOON, I MANAGED TO SEE THE SERGEANT IN THE KITCHEN AND SCROUNGED TEA & BISCUITS, WHICH WENT DOWN WELL. THE DRILL SERGEANT WAS QUITE HAPPY ON HIS RETURN TO SEE ALL HIS FLIGHT WAS ACCOUNTED FOR & DISMISSED US UNTIL 8 AM PARADE THE FOLLOWING MORNING, BUT WE HAD TO REMAIN IN QUARTERS, NO TRIPS INTO TOWN. THE FOLLOWING MORNING WAS TAKEN UP WITH CLASSROOM WORK ON AIRFORCE PROCEDURE & WORKING. AFTERNOON FREE TO GET OVER THE EFFECTS OF THE INOCCULATIONS. THE FOLLOWING MORNING WAS TAKEN UP WITH DRILL & MARCHING, AFTER A WHILE THE SERGEANT PULLED ME OUT & TOLD ME TO TAKE OVER. HIS WORDS WERE “LETS SEE JUST WHAT YOU DO KNOW”. SO THE HOME GUARD TRAINING WAS COMING IN USEFUL & ALL WENT WELL. IT WENT SO WELL THAT FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK I WAS GIVEN THE JOB OF DRILLING THE OTHERS WHENEVER THE NEED AROSE. TO MY ASTONISHMENT THE LADS TOOK IT WELL – WE HAD NO TROUBLE. MAINLY BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DRILL SESSION WE WERE ALWAYS FIRST IN THE QUEUE FOR MEALS. WE WERE POSTED to [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 3 [/underlined]
of THE WEEK. BEFOR [sic] WE LEFT, THE DRILL SERGEANT SAID “GOOD LUCK, YOU’VE HAD A GOOD REPORT ON YOUR RECORD, THIS WEEK HAS BEEN AN EASY ONE FOR ME.” BRIDLINGTON OUR BILLET WAS A HOUSE IN RICHMOND ROAD. THE COURSE WORK WAS AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION MORSE CODE SIGNALLING & GENERAL DRILLING ETC. THIS LASTED 6 WEEKS. THOSE THAT PASSED THE TEST WERE POSTED TO BRIDGENORTH IN SHROPSHIRE. HERE WE WERE INSTRUCTED IN THE WORKINGS OF THE FRAZER NASH TURRET & THE BROWNING 303 MACHINE GUN, AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION WAS AGAIN A MUST. ALL WAS CLASSROOM WORK WITH A MAJOR EXAM AT THE END OF A FUTHER [sic] 6 WEEKS, THEN OFF TO STORMY DOWNS IN SOUTH WALES. STORMY DOWNS WAS APTLY NAMED. THE DROME WAS ON THE HILLS CLOSE TO THE SEA & THE AIRCRAFT WERE AVRO ANSONS WITH A GUN TURRET MIDWAY ALONG THE FUSELAGE. THE PILOTS WERE THOSE BEING RESTED AFTER A TOUR OF OPPERATIONS. [sic] ALL OF US CADETS HAD NOT FLOWN BEFOR [sic] & THE PILOTS TOOK GREAT DELIGHT IN THROWING THE AIRCRAFT ABOUT TO SEE IF THEY COULD MAKE US AIRSICK. FORTUNATELY I STOOD UP TO IT PRETTY WELL, AND WHILST FEELING A BIT SQUEEZY AT TIMES, MANAGED TO KEEP THINGS UNDER CONTROL. HERE WE DID AIR TO AIR FIREING [sic] & PRACTICE CINE CAMERA GUNNERY, WITH OTHER AIRCRAFT ATTACKING. HAVING AT LAST GOT THE RUDIMENTS OF WHAT AIR GUNNERY WAS ABOUT, WE WERE EXAMINED & PASSED OUT AS AIR GUNNERS, GIVEN 3 STRIPES & THE RANK OF SERGEANT AND SENT ON 7 DAYS LEAVE. I [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 4 [/underlined]
AIR GUNNER, ALL IN A MATTER OF 5 MONTHS OF JOINING. THE LEAVE WENT QUICKLY & I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED THAT I WAS TO REPORT TO HIXON IN STAFFORDSHIRE, TO BE CREWED UP, & SO IT WAS AT THE END OF AUGUST ’43 THAT I WAS TO MEET THE CHAPS I WAS TO FLY WITH. IT WAS A QUEER MEETING. WE STOOD AROUND IN OUR VARIOUS GROUPS WIRELESS OPS, BOMB AIMERS, NAVIGATORS, & AIR GUNNERS THE PILOTS THEN APPROACHED EACH GROUP AND ASKED INDIVIDUALS IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO JOIN HIS CREW. BY THE TIME HE CAME TO THE GUNNERS HE HAD ALREADY GOT THE OTHERS TOGETHER. HIS OPENING LINE AS HE CAME UP TO ME WAS “CREWED UP YET GUNNER?” I LOOKED UP TO SEE A CHAP OF MY OWN AGE, FAIR HAIRED & WITH A BIG SMILE AND A TWINKLE IN HIS EYES, AND A SERGEANTS STRIPES ON HIS ARM. WHY I ASKED MYSELF WAS HE ONLY A SERGEANT. MOST PILOTS WERE OFFICER RANK. I REPLIED THAT I WASN’T CREWED UP, HIS NEXT WORDS WERE OFF PUTTING “HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BECOMING A HERO & WINNING MEDALS” HE SAID. “NO THANKS” I REPLIED “THE ONLY MEDAL I WANT IS THE LONG SERVICE ONE” HE LAUGHED AND SAID “YOU’LL DO, COME AND MEET THE OTHERS” WITH THAT WE INTRODUCED OURSELVES. THE PILOT WAS RON JONES FROM BRIGHTON. HE HAD BEEN PUT BACK TO SERGEANT PILOT BECAUSE HE HAD UPSET too MANY “BIG WIGS” THE NAVIGATOR WAS ART CRICHE CANADIAN FARMER. THE BOMB AIMER ANOTHER CANADIAN DAVE BREMNER A YOUNG COLLEGE BOY FULL OF FUN THE WIRELESS OPERATOR WAS KEN SMITH, SHORT, TUBBY FROM DEWSBURY & A COMIC. SO [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 5 [/underlined]
GET THEMSELVES INTO A TEAM, FOR THE ESSENCE OF A BOMBER CREW WAS EACH TO HAVE THE CONFIDENCE OF THE OTHERS. HIXON WAS AN OPPERATIONAL [sic] TRAINING UNIT. FLYING WELLINGTON TWIN ENGINE BOMBERS, OR WIMPYS AS WE LOVINGLY CALLED THEM. WE FLEW AS A CREW MAINLY. PRACTISING TAKE OFFS & LANDINGS. HIGH & LOW LEVEL BOMBING CROSS COUNTRY NAVIGATIONAL TRIPS OF 4 TO 5 hours AND GUNNERY EXERCISES. I ALSO HAD TO GO ON A SPECIAL GUNNERY COURSE & RECOGNITION COURSE AT THIS TIME MY SHOOTING WAS NOT VERY BRILLIANT, BUT THANKFULLY IMPORVED BEFOR [sic] IT WAS NEEDED. GRADUALLY IN THE WEEKS AHEAD, WE BECAME RELIANT ON EACH OTHER, WE WORKED HARD TO BECOME A TEAM, UNTIL WE ALMOST KNEW WHAT THE OTHERS WERE THINKING. SOCIALLY WE HAD VERY LITTLE CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER, BUT ONCE A WEEK WE HAD A CREW MEAL IN A LOCAL PUB, THE 2 CANADIANS BEING OFFICERS, PAID FOR THE MEAL & THE SERGEANTS PAID FOR THE DRINKS. OUR OTHER CONTACT WAS ONLY DURING FLYING TRAINING, WHICH WE ALL TOOK SERIOUSLY AND IT PAID OFF LATER ON. MY SPARE TIME, MOSTLY EVENINGS WAS SPENT IN STAFFORD, DARTS SNOOKER & DRINKING IN THE LOCALS. I HAD MADE FRIENDS WITH ANOTHER GUNNER NAMED TONY. HE WAS ABOUT THE SAME AGE AS MYSELF. A BLONDE, BLUE EYED, HANDSOME FELLOW. AN ONLY CHILD OF DOTING PARENTS & VERY SHY. I DONT THINK HE HAD EVER HAD A DRINK BEFORE JOINING THE AIRFORCE. MANY TIMES I HAD TO TAKE HIM BACK TO CAMP WORSE FOR WEAR. DURING ONE OF OUR EVENINGS [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 6 [/underlined]
GIRL FRIEND, WE USED TO GET THE LORRY TO TAKE US IN TO STAFFORD, THE [sic] INTO THE PUB FOR DRINKING DANCING. HE WOULD GO OFF WITH HIS GIRL & I WOULD PLAY DARTS OR SNOOKER, UNTIL IT WAS TIME TO GO BACK TO CAMP. ALL OUR MATES WOULD PILE INTO THE LORRY, IN VARIOUS STATES OF INEBRIATION ESPECIALLY TONY, TOWARD THE END OF OCTOBER ’43 OUR CREW HAD BEEN ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT OF ABOUT 5 hours AND WERE READY TO LAND, WHEN WE SAW THAT THERE WAS A PLANE ON THE GROUND ON FIRE. WE WERE ALLOWED TO LAND & IN THE FLIGHT OFFICE WERE TOLD THAT THE CREW WAS TONY’S & THAT THEY MANAGED TO GET OUT, EXCEPT TONY IN THE REAR TURRET BEING TONY’S MATE I HAD THE TASK OF COLLECTING HIS PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND PRESENTING THEM TO HIS PARENTS WHEN THEY CAME TO CAMP. I VOWED THEN THAT I WOULD NOT GET INVOLVED IN ANY CLOSE FRIENDSHIP WHILST FLYING AGAIN & NEVER DID. THE EVENING AFTER THE ACCIDENT I WENT INTO STAFFORD, INTO THE PUB WHERE I KNEW HIS GIRL FRIEND WOULD BE. AS SOON AS SHE SAW ME ON MY OWN SHE KNEW THAT SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO TEARS AS I TOLD HER. WE FINNISHED [sic] OUR DRINKS AND SHE JUST SAID “THANKS BILL” & OFF SHE WENT WITH HER CROWD. SHE HAD SEEN IT HAPPEN BEFOR [sic] & NO DOUBT WOULD SEE IT HAPPEN AGAIN, AS WE ALL DID. A WEEK LATER WE HAD OUR LAST FLIGHT AT THE OTU it was TO BE A TRIP OVER SOUTHERN FRANCE. WE WERE LOADED UP WITH [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 7 [/underlined]
DETAILING ALL THE NEWS OF THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR. ALSO WE HAD BUNDLES OF FOIL STRIPS WHICH WERE TO BE RELEASED AT A GIVEN TIME AT A GIVEN PLACE, THESE FOIL STRIPS REFLECTED THE SIGNALS OF GERMAN RADAR & GAVE THE APPEARANCE OF A HUGE FORMATION OF BOMBERS, IT ACTED AS A DECOY & DREW FIGHTER AIRCRAFT AWAY FROM THE TRUE BOMBER FORCE. WE ACCOMPLISHED THIS MISSION WITHOUT MISHAP & WERE THRILLED THAT AT LAST WE HAD BEEN PART OF A RAID. THEN IT WAS A 14 DAY LEAVE. IT WAS DURING THIS LEAVE THAT I CELEBRATED MY 21ST BIRTHDAY ALBEIT, A LITTLE EARLY, BUT AFTER FLYING IT SEEMED QUEER NOT TO HEAR THE ROAR OF AIRCRAFT ENGINES. ALSO THE FLYING ROUTINE WAS MISSING, SO WHILST IN [sic] WAS NICE TO BE HOME WITH THE FAMILY I WAS NOT SORRY TO BE GOING BACK. THERE WAS MORE TRAINING TO BE DONE & I HAD TO GO FOR A WEEKS GUNNERY COURSE TO BINBROOK. THIS WAS AN AUSTRALIAN BOMBER STATION, VERY OPPERATIONAL [sic] & THEIR LOSSES WERE HIGH. THE FIRST PERSON THAT I MET AT BINBROOK WAS A CHAP I HAD DONE MY INITIAL TRAINING WITH AT STORMY DOWNS. A WELSHMAN FROM TREDEGAR & AN EX POLICEMAN NAMED VICTOR JONES. VIC & I HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD FOR OFFICER SELECTION AS WE HAD TOPPED THE COURSE TABLES. THERE WAS ONE OFFICER PLACE PER COURSE. I WAS NOT OVERKEEN & THOUGHT THAT ONLY 5 MONTHS DID NOT JUSTIFY BEING MADE AN OFFICER. THE BENEFITS [sic] OF BEING AN [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 8 [/underlined]
WHEN SHOT DOWN YOU WOULD BE ENTITLED TO BETTER TREATMENT. VIC GOT THE OFFICERSHIP, MUCH TO MY RELIEF. AFTER THE DAY’S GUNNERY PRACTICE, I USED TO MEET UP WITH VIC, BORROW HIS SPARE UNIFORM & WE WOULD HAVE A DRINK OR TWO IN THE OFFICERS MESS, WHICH WAS VERY ENJOYABLE. AFTER A WEEK I LEFT BINBROOK THANKFULLY MY SHOOTING HAD IMPROVED & I WAS MORE CONFIDENT IN MY JOB. SADLY I HEARD A FEW MONTHS LATER THAT VIC HAD BEEN SHOT DOWN I REJOINED MY CREW AT BLYTON 1662 CONVESION [sic] UNIT. WE WERE TO FLY HALIFAXES. ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS AND CONTRARY AIRCRAFT AND SO EASY FOR INEXPERIENCED PILOTS TO CRASH. HOWEVER, RON, OUR PILOT MASTERED THE BRUTE & WE COMPLETED 10 DAYS THERE. DURING THIS TIME OUR CREW INCREASED BY 2. THE FLIGHT ENGINEER CALLED GEORGE, I NEVER DID KNOW HIS SURNAME. HE WAS A LONDONER & HAD WON HIMSELF THE GEORGE CROSS MEDAL FOR HIS PART IN THE BLITZ. OUR PILOT TOOK AN INSTANT DISLIKE TO HIM & ALWAYS FELT THAT GEORGE WAS ONLY WAITING TO WIN MORE MEDALS, WHICH WAS AGAINST OUR CREWS WAY OF THINKING. WE ALWAYS SAID THAT OUR JOB WAS TO REACH THE TARGET DROP THE BOMBS & GET HOME IN ONE PIECE. HOWEVER GEORGE WAS GOOD AT HIS JOB & WAS NEVER GIVEN THE CHANCE TO PLAY THE HERO. – MUCH TO HIS DISGUST - . THE OTHER MEMBER WAS THE MID-UPPER GUNNER JOHNNY JOHNSON, SHORT & [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 9 [/underlined]
HIMSELF TO HIMSELF & CAME FROM NORTHAMPTON OUR ORIGINAL 5 NEVER REALLY GOT USED TO BECOMING 7. BUT WE ALL DID OUR JOBS AND MADE A DECENT CREW. WE TRANSFERED [sic] (MUCH TO OUR RELIEF) to LANCASTERS AT HEMSWELL FOR A WEEK AT ELSHAM WOLDS AFTER A COUPLE OF FLIGHTS IT WAS FINALLY ONTO 550 SQUADRON AT NORTH KILLINGHOLME NEAR GRIMSBY, OUR FIRST TASTE OF OPPERATIONAL [sic] LIFE. IT WAS NOW MARCH 1944. KILLINGHOLME KILLINGHOLME [sic] HAD ONLY JUST OPENED UP IN JAN 44 & THE FACILITIES WERE VERY SPARTAN & WE HAD TO ROUGH IT FOR SOME TIME. SLEEPING ACCOMODATION [sic] WAS A NISSEN HUT, STRAW MATTRESSES ON IRON BEDS & TWO COKE STOVES FOR HEATING, BUT AS THE C/O SAID “YOU’LL BE PLENTY WARM ENOUGH, FLYING.” WE SETTLED IN WELL TO SQUADRON LIFE. WE STILL HAD TO TRAIN DURING THE DAY. WE WORKED WELL TOGETHER & DEVISED A SYSTEM SO THAT WE WERE AS EFFICIENT AS WE COULD BE. THEN ON THE 10TH APRIL 1944 OUR PILOTS NAME APPEARED ON THE FLIGHT LIST. THE ROUTINE THEN & IN FUTURE TO BE REPEATED OFTEN, WAS, 10 AM IN THE MORNING, CREW BUS TO THE AIRCRAFT WE WERE TO USE. Q-QUEENIE, EACH OF US CHECKED & RECHECKED HIS PART. THE ENGINES WERE RUN UP & THE PILOT CHECKED EACH ENGINE SEPERATELY. [sic] ANYTHING HE DIDN’T LIKE WAS ATTENDED TO & CHECKED AGAIN THE WIRELESS OP. CHECKED HIS EQUIPMENT. WE [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 10 [/underlined]
HAD TO CHECK MY GUNS WERE IN WORKING ORDER AMMUNITION RAN SMOOTHLY INTO THE GUN. THE AMMUNITION BELT WAS FOLDED INSIDE THE FUSELAGE & RAN IN TRACKS INTO THE TURRET. COULD NOT AFFORD A JAMMED BULLET, IF NEED AROSE, TO MESS THINGS UP. THE TURRET HAD TO WORK SMOOTHLY THE HYDRAULICS FREE FROM LEAKS & AIRLOCKS THE ELECTRIC HEATING FOR MY FLYING SUIT HAD TO BE WORKING, FROZEN FINGERS AT A CRUSIAL [sic] MOMENT to BE AVOIDED. THE INSIDE PERSPEX WAS CLEANED so THAT VISION WAS CLEAR. EVERYTHING CHECKED & RECHECKED, THEN & ONLY THEN THE PILOT WAS ADVISED THAT EVERYTHING WAS O.K – THE BOOK SIGNED. WE HAD A FIRST CLASS GROUND CREW & RARELY FOUND A FAULT, WHEN WE DID, IT WAS PUT RIGHT. BY FINDING OUT HOW MUCH PETROL WAS BEING PUT IN & THE WEIGHT AND TYPE OF BOMBS WE COULD WORK OUT THE DISTANCE AND TYPE OF TARGET of the opperation. [sic] ALL WAS TO BE REVEALED AT THE BRIEFING ABOUT 2 hours BEFOR [sic] TAKE OFF NO ONE WAS ALLOWED OUT OF CAMP UNTIL TAKE OFF. AT THE BRIEFING it WOULD BE DISCLOSED THE TARGET, THE COURSE to BE SET TIME OF TAKE OFF, TIME OVER TARGET & TIME BACK. WE WERE ISSUED WITH AN ESCAPE KIT IN CASE WE HAD TO BALE OUT & CHOCOLATE & CANNED DRINK FOR THE JOURNEY. ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION WAS GIVEN & DIJESTED. [sic] THE NAVIGATOR THEN HAD TO WORK OUT HIS FLIGHT PLAN. OUR NAVIGATOR WAS SLOW & METHODICAL. I NEVER KNEW HIM TO [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 11 [/underlined]
ON, TOO SOON OR TOO LATE MEANT THAT YOU WERE ON YOUR OWN & EASILY PICKED UP BY RADAR, SEARCHLIGHTS or FIGHTERS, SO THEN TO TAKE OFF. OUR TARGET ON THAT FIRST TRIP WAS MARSHALLING YARDS AT AULNOYE. TAKE OFF 23.35 time over TARGET 02.25 WE PILED INTO THE CREW BUS WITH 2 OTHER CREWS & WERE TAKEN OUT TO OUR AIRCRAFT THERE WAS A BIT OF LAUGHING & JOKING & AS EACH CREW LEFT, IT WAS “CHEERIO, SEE YOU AT BREAKFAST”. WHEN OUR AIRCRAFT WAS REACHED, WE ALIGHTED, SAID “CHEERIO” to the GROUND CREW & CLIMBED ABOARD, THE JOKES STOPPED & WE WERE EACH LEFT TO OUR OWN THOUGHTS “HOW WOULD WE COPE UNDER FIRE” WE SHOOK EACH OTHERS HAND, PATTED THE SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT & MADE OUR WAY TO OUR POSTS. MINE WAS A LONG WALK TO THE REAR, STOWING MY PARACHUTE OUTSIDE THE TURRET I SWUNG MYSELF IN, PLUGGED IN MY ELECTIC [sic] HEATER, CHECKED IT & SWITCHED OFF, RUNNING THROUGH ALL THE CHECKS I REPORTED OVER THE INTERCOM THAT ALL WAS O.K. EACH MEMBER IN TURN REPORTED AND ALL WAS SET. AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME THE ENGINES WERE STARTED & CHOCKS AWAY WE WERE MOVING TO THE END OF THE RUNWAY. GIVING THE THUMBS UP SIGN FROM THE GROUND CREW SERGEANT. ONE PLANE AFTER THE OTHER WERE SIGNALLED OFF & SOON WE WERE AIRBOURNE [sic] & REACHING 20,000 FT [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 12 [/underlined]
LIKE A TRAINING EXERCISE. SOON IT WAS OVER THE FRENCH COAST & COURSE SET FOR TARGET TARGET [sic] REACHED SPOT ON TIME. FEW SEARCHLIGHTS AND A BIT OF “ACK-ACK” GUNFIRE. THE BOMB AIMER LINED UP HIS TARGET & GAVE THE PILOT DIRECTIONS. I FELT THE AIRCRAFT RISE AS HE REPORTED “BOMBS GONE SKIPPER” THE PILOT REPLIED “THANK YOU BOMB AIMER, LETS GO HOME” & AS WE PASSED OVER THE TARGET I COULD SEE A SERIES OF EXPLOSIONS, FIRES BURNING & SEARCHLIGHTS TRYING TO PICK US UP, VERY LITTLE “FLACK” SUGGESTING THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF NIGHT FIGHTERS ABOUT. I REPORTED THIS TO THE SKIPPER. HE SAID “KEEP YOUR EYES WELL PEELED GUNNERS. THE WORST IS BEHIND US.” WE HAD A QUIET JOURNEY BACK. LANDED. REPORTED IN & WENT TO BREAKFAST. ALL OUR CREWS WERE BACK SAFELY AFTER WHAT WAS A RELATIVELY EASY TRIP. BUT AS ONE OLD CREW SAID IT DOESNT HAPPEN OFTEN, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS BREAKFAST WAS A GOOD FRY UP AND SUDDENLY I WAS TIRED & SURPRISED TO SEE IT GETTING LIGHTER IT WAS 6 AM THE TRIP HAD TAKEN 5 hours NO REPORTING UNTIL 12 NOON AND SO TO SLEEP. AS IT HAPPENED WE WERE NOT OPPERATIONAL [sic] AGAIN FOR OVER A WEEK, BUT THERE WAS NO SLACKING, WE STILL HAD TO PRACTICE AND WERE ALWAYS KEPT INFORMED OF DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES BEING USED. IF WE WEREN’T REQUIRED FOR FLYING WE COULD GO INTO GRIMSBY FOR CINEMA, PUBS & ENTERTAIN [missing words]
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[underlined] 13 [/underlined]
WHICH WAS USED BY THE RAF, AND NICKNAMED THE “MUCKY DUCK,” NOISEY & SMOKEY. IT WAS THERE THAT I FIRST MET UP WITH THE “YANKS”. WE GOT ON REASONABLY WELL ONCE WE WERE USED TO THEIR WAYS, BUT COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND WHY THE WHITES WOULD INSIST ON BLACKS BEING FORCED TO DRINK ELSE WHERE, AND ANY TROUBLE USUALLY AROSE BETWEEN THE TWO. BACK IN CAMP WE KEPT LOOKING AT THE OPPERATIONS [sic] BOARD AND AT LAST ON THE 18TH APRIL WE WERE DETAILED. OUR ROUTINE CHECKS OF THE AIRCRAFT WERE DONE AND ABOUT 8 pm WE HAD BRIEFING. THE TARGET WAS ROUEN. THE DOCKS & MARSHALLING YARDS. AGAIN EVERY THING WENT WELL. WE STAYED OUT OF TROUBLE, DID THE JOB AND CAME BACK TO BASE. TWO NIGHTS LATER WE WERE FLYING AGAIN, THIS TIME TO COLOGNE IN THE RHUR. THE HOT SPOT OF GERMANY. THE LARGE MUNITIONS FACTORIES OF KRUPPS & STEEL WORKS WERE ALL ALLONG [sic] THE RHUR. WELL DEFENDED. THIS TIME IT WAS NO JOY RIDE. WE SAW IT ALL. SEARCHLIGHTS “FLACK” AND THE AIRCRAFT TOSSED ABOUT BY NEAR SHELL BURSTS. NO DAMAGE TO WORRY ABOUT. WE SAW OTHER AIRCRAFT BEING ATTACKED BY NIGHT FIGHTERS & GO DOWN IN FLAMES. THE TARGET WAS ONE MASS OF FIRES & BOMB BURSTS. IT SEEMED ENDLESS. BUT EVENTUALLY WE WERE THROUGH, BOMBS DROPPED & TARGET BEHIND US. THE SKIPPER CHECKED EVERY ONE WAS O.K. APPOLOGISED [sic] FOR THE BUMPY RIDE & SAID “I’LL BUY YOU ALL A BEER WHEN WE GET BACK”[missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 14 [/underlined]
A COUPLE OF SCARES FROM NIGHT FIGHTERS, BUT MANAGED TO EVADE THEM AND LOSE OURSELVES INTO THE DARK NIGHT SKY. THE C/O HAD BEEN RIGHT, IT HAD BEEN PRETTY WARM FLYING NO NEED FOR COKE FIRES. TWO NIGHTS LATER WE WERE IN THE RHUR AGAIN TO DUSSELDORF. MUCH THE SAME HAPPENED, BUT WE RETURNED O.K. NO DAMAGE. THEN KARLSRUHE A COUPLE OF NIGHTS LATER, WE HAD A BIT OF DAMAGE, BUT MADE IT HOME, BUT THAT WAS A LONG TRIP AND TOOK 6 1/2 hours. MOST OF IT TRYING TO KEEP OUT OF TROUBLE, WE HAD TO PICK UP ANOTHER AIRCRAFT FOR OUR NEXT FLIGHT TO ESSEN ON THE 26TH APRIL. BY NOW WE HAD EXPERIENCED IT ALL. EVERYTHING THAT COULD HAPPEN AND THOUGHT WE WERE BEING LUCKY TO GET AWAY WITH IT. WE HAD DEVELOPED A GOOD WORKING SYSTEM BETWEEN US GUNNERS WHICH KEPT US OUT OF THE WORST OF IT. THE REST OF THE CREW ALWAYS CAME AND SAID THANKS ON LANDING GEORGE WOULD HAVE PREFERED MORE ACTION. ON THE 27TH WE WERE BRIEFED FOR FRIEDRICHAFEN AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES ONE ENGINE BEGAN SIEZING UP AND HAD TO BE CUT, THE SKIPPER SAID WE WOULD HAVE TO GO BACK. GEORGE WANTED TO CARRY ON ON [sic] THREE ENGINES BUT RON WAS AGAINST IT & TO GEORGES DISGUST TURNED THE PLANE ROUND AND HEADED HOME. RON RADIOD [sic] BASE & WAS TOLD TO JETTISON THE BOMB LOAD OVER THE NORTH SEA. THIS WAS DONE AND WE [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 15 [/underlined]
ENGINE WAS PLAYING UP, SO IT WAS A RELIEF TO PUT FOOT ON LAND. ON THE 30TH APRIL WE WERE BRIEFED FOR A TRIP TO MAINTENON MARSHALLING YARDS IN FRANCE THIS TIME A NEW TECHNIQUE WAS TO BE USED. WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO ARRIVE AT THE TARGET AREA AT A GIVEN TIME. TARGET INDICATORS WERE BEING DROPPED (YELLOW FLARES) AND WE WERE TO CIRCLE UNTIL ORDERED TO OUR SPECIAL TARGET (GREEN FLARES) OTHER AIRCRAFT WERE GIVEN (BLUE FLARES OR RED FLARES TO BOMB ON. EVERYTHING WENT ACCORDING TO PLAN AND THIS WAS THE BEGINING [sic] ON THE PATHFINDER TECHNIQUE AND PROVED A GREAT SUCCESS FOR PINPOINT BOMBING. THE AIRCRAFT USED WERE THE MOSQUITO’S WITH A 2 MAN CREW THEY WERE FANTASTIC. THERE WAS, HOWEVER, TO BE A SERIOUS SET BACK A FEW DAYS LATER A PERIOD OF FULL MOON HAD JUST BEGUN, AND USUALLY THAT MEANT A STAND DOWN. WE WERE THEREFOR [sic] SUPRISED [sic] ON THE 3RD MAY TO SEE THE ROSTA UP FOR EVENING OPS. AND OUR CREW DETAILED. WE DID OUR USUAL CHECKS IN THE MORNING. EVERYTHING O.K AND THEN BRIEFING ABOUT 8 PM. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE TARGET WAS MAILLY-LE-CAMP IN FRANCE JUST SOUTH OF PARIS. THIS WAS A GERMAN PANZER TANK TRAINING CAMP AND WITH THE IMPENDING INVASION WAS BETTER DESTROYED. THERE WAS TO BE TWO TARGETS. WITH OUR NEIGHBOUGHS, [sic] GROUP 5 TAKING THE FIRST. OUR GROUP [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 16 [/underlined]
TO DROP TARGET INDICATORS AND EACH GROUP TOLD WHEN TO ATTACK AND WHAT COLOUR FLARE TO BOMB ON. GROUP 5 ARRIVED AND CIRCLED ON YELLOW MARKERS UNTIL GIVEN THE ORDER TO BOMB. THIS THEY DID SUCCESSFULLY. GROUP I (OUR GROUP) ARRIVED, SOME A LITTLE EARLY AND WERE INSTRUCTED TO CIRCLE OVER THE YELLOW MARKERS UNTIL GIVEN THE ORDER TO BOMB. IN THE MEANWHILE GERMAN FIGHTERS HAD ARRIVED AND GIVEN BRIGHT MOONLIGHT AND LANCASTERS FLYING AROUND IN CIRCLES, HAD EASY PREY. THE PATHFINDERS ORDERED THE PLANES TO KEEP THEIR POSITION AND THE AIR WAS BLUE WITH PILOTS REMONSTRATING, IT WAS PANDEMONIUM. OUR PLANE WAS APPROACHING THE AREA AT THE CORRECT TIME AND THE PILOT DECIDED TO CIRCLE SOME WAY AWAY FROM THE ACTION UNTIL WE HAD THE ORDER TO BOMB ON THE RED FLARE. THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITH DUE HASTE AND ACCURACY. ONCE THROUGH THE TARGET WE WERE CONTINUALLY HARRASSED BY GERMAN FIGHTERS. ONE IN PARTICULAR CAME FROM AFAR AND I COULD SEE HIS TRACER BULLETS GOING OVER THE TOP OF US. AS HE GOT WITHIN RANGE I OPENED FIRE AND HE PEELED OFF. I KNOW SOME OF MY SHOT HIT HIM. HE WHEELED ROUND AND CAME IN AGAIN, WELL OUT OF MY RANGE. BUT AGAIN HIS TRACERS WERE HIGH AND I SAT THERE FULLY EXPECTING TO GET THE FULL IMPACT. OUR PILOT WAS TWISTING AND TURNING [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 17 [/underlined]
SUDDENLY HIS FIRING CEASED AND ROUND HE WENT AGAIN. THIS TIME HE JUST SAT OUT OF RANGE, WAGGLED HIS WINGS AND FLEW OFF. – WHY? – EITHER HE HAD RUN OUT OF AMMUNITION, OR HIS GUNS HAD JAMMED, EITHER WAY, IT WAS A RELIEF AND I SAID A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO OUR GARDIAN [sic] ANGEL WE HAD OTHER ENCOUNTERS AFTER THAT BUT ARRIVED BACK WITH ONLY A FEW GASHES. ALL OUR OTHER CREWS ARRIVED BACK TO BASE AS WELL, AND HAD FARED [sic] IN THE SAME MANNER. OUR GROUPS LOSSES WERE 28 AIRCRAFT AND GROUP 5 LOST 14. WE WERE LUCKY BUT NONE OF US WOULD EVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE IT AGAIN – OR FORGET IT – THE PATHFINDERS NEVER AGAIN MADE SUCH A MESS OF THINGS AND WENT ON TO BECOME A GREAT SUCCESS. THERE WAS A STORY THAT WENT AROUND SOME TIME AFTER. THE SPECIAL DUTIES FLIGHT AT BINBROOK UNDER COMMAND OF SQUADRON LEADER BILL BREAKSPEAR HAD BEEN AGAINST THE RAID BECAUSE OF THE BRIGHT MOON AND CLEAR SKY AND HAD SAID SO TO HARRIS, BUT HAD BEEN OVER RULED. AT THEIR NEXT MEETING BREAKSPEAR STORMED OUT OF THE ROOM WITHOUT SALUTING, HARRIS CALLED HIM BACK AND SAID “DON’T YOU SALUTE AIR CHIEF MARSHALLS” BREAKSPEAR REPLIED “NOT STUPID ONES – SIR,” HARRIS WAS NOT NAMED THE BUTCHER FOR NOTHING AND APPEARED NOT TO CARE ABOUT LOSSES OF MEN. AFTER MAILLY WE HAD A REST FOR A [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 18 [/underlined]
WHICH BY NOW WAS BECOMING A WAY OF LIFE RENNES (FRANCE) DIEPPE (FRANCE) ORLEANS (FRANCE DORTMUND, AACHEN (GERMANY) TWICE ACHERES (FRANCE THIS WAS ON THE 6TH JUNE (D. DAY). WE TOOK OFF JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT AND RETURNED 5 1/2 hrs LATER TO BE TOLD THAT BRITISH & ALLIED TROOPS HAD MADE A SUCCESSFUL LANDING IN FRANCE. ALL OPERATIONS AFTER THAT WERE TO FULLY SUPPORT GROUND TROOPS FLEURS (FRANCE) ON THE 9TH ACHERES (FRANCE) 10TH THEN ON THE 13TH JUNE CAME THE SHOCK. WE WERE TO BE POSTED TO 300 (POLISH) SQUADRON TOGETHER WITH 5 OTHER EXPERIENCED CREWS IT SEEMED THAT 300 SQUADRON WERE LOSING A LOT OF AIRCRAFT AND WAS UNDER STRENGTH NO ONE WANTED TO LEAVE KILLINGHOLME WE HAD BUILT UP A GOOD REPUTATION LOSSES WERE LOW MISSIONS WERE ACCOMPLISHED AND WEIGHT OF BOMBS PER AIRCRAFT WERE THE HIGHEST IN THE GROUP. HOWEVER, ORDERS WERE ORDERS AND WITH MUCH MISGIVINGS WE WENT TO FALDINGWORTH NEAR LINCOLN. WE ARRIVED AND WERE SHOWN OUR QUARTERS, SAME NISSEN HUTS SAME TYPE OF BEDS NO OTHER COMFORTS THEN TAKEN TO THE MESS FOR A MEAL. TO PUT IT MILDLY POLISH FOOD HAD LITTLE ATTRACTION FOR US AND WE SETTLED FOR A GOOD FRY UP OF EGGS AND BACON. WE MANAGED TO INSIST ON AN ENGLISH MENUE. [sic] THE AIRCRAFT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO FLY WERE A DISGRACE AND FALLING TO PIECES [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 19 [/underlined]
to FLY THEM AND OUR C/O BACKED US UP. WITHIN 2 DAYS WE HAD NEW LANCASTERS DELIVERED AND ON THE 14TH DID OUR FIRST OPERATION FOR 300 SQUADRON TO LE HAVRE. THE STATE OF THE OTHER AIRCRAFT THE POLES WERE FLYING GAVE US A GOOD IDEA WHY THEIR LOSSES WERE SO HIGH. BUT WITH OUR SUPPORT THINGS WERE TO CHANGE AND NEW AIRCRAFT ARRIVED ALMOST DAILY. THE POLES WERE A FRIENDLY LOT. VERY QUICK TO BUY A DRINK FOR THEIR ENGLISH FRIENDS, WE HAD BEEN WARNED NOT TO DISCUSS POLITICS, AS PART OF POLAND HAD BEEN HANDED OVER TO RUSSIA IN A DEAL BETWEEN ROOSEVELT CHURCHILL & STALIN. WE SETTLED IN VERY UNEASILY TO OUR NEW SQUADRON. MORE THOROUGH CHECKS ON EVERY NUT AND BOLT. WE DID OPPERATIONS [sic] TO AULNOYE (FRANCE) RHEIMS (FRANCE) AT THIS TIME LONDON WAS BEGINING [sic] TO GET ROCKET ATTACKS AND WE WERE SENT OUT WITH PATHFINDERS MARKING TARGETS, TO THE ROCKET SITES, THESE WERE MAINLY IN WOODLANDS HIDDEN BY TREES AND HEAVILY CAMAFLAGED [sic] WE STARTED DAILIGHT [sic] BOMBING. SOMETHING NEW FOR US. WE WERE USED TO BEING ON OUR OWN, NOT FLYING IN FORMATION. WHICH WAS FOR US, DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS & DISPENSED WITH RIGHT FROM THE START. THE “YANKS” HAD OUR ADMIRATION FOR THE WAY THEY FLEW IN FORMATION AND IT WAS LAUGHABLE WHEN, AS [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 20 [/underlined]
IN PRETTY PATTERNS AND OUR STRAGGLY LOT ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT WAS ABOUT THIS TIME I WAS PROMOTED TO FLIGHT SERGEANT THIS MEANT A LITTLE EXTRA CASH AND WAS MOST WELCOME, AS VERY OFTEN WE HAD TO VISIT A RESTAURANT IN LINCOLN TO GET A DECENT MEAL. I BECAME QUITE A REGULAR CUSTOMER AT MRS HOLDEN’S FOR HER DELICIOUS CHICKEN LUNCH, AFTER WHICH AN EVENING IN THE SARACENS HEAD. OR AS IT WAS AFFECTIONALLY KNOWN “THE SNAKE PIT”. BY NOW THE 2ND FRONT WAS GETTING ESTABLISHED AND WE WERE ATTACKING TARGETS SUCH AS AULNOYE (MARSHALLING YARDS) RHEIMS (TROOP PLACEMENTS) SIRACOURT (ROCKETS) VIERZON (TROOPS) ORLEANS ROCKET LAUNCHERS IN DAYLIGHT, ALMOST EVERY DAY AND NIGHT WE WERE OUT. SOMETIMES RUNNING INTO FIGHTER AIRCRAFT, SOMETIMES HEAVY GUNFIRE BUT WE STEERED CLEAR OF TROUBLE. THEN CAME CAEN ON THE NORMANDY FRONT. THE BRITISH TROOPS WERE BEING HELD UP IN THEIR ADVANCE AND THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR US, WERE TO BOMB A VERY HEAVILY DEFENDED TOWN AND PANZER DIVISION. THE PATHFINDERS WERE TO GO IN FIRST AND DROP THEIR FLARES AND GIVE US INSTRUCTIONS ON WHICH COLOUR TO BOMB WE TOOK OFF AT 8 PM AND STILL VERY LIGHT WE COULD SEE ALL OUR OTHER LANCASTERS MAKING THEIR WAY TO DIFFERENT TARGETS, THERE WOULD BE 20-30 PLANES ON 1 COLOUR FLARE [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 21 [/underlined]
WAS STILL LIGHT. OUR USUAL BOMBING HEIGHT WAS 20,000 FT FOR THIS ONE WE STARTED OFF AT 10,000 FT. BUT BECAUSE OF CLOUD HAD TO DECEND UNTIL WE COULD SEE OUR FLARE. BOMBING HAD TO BE SPOT ON BECAUSE OF THE NEARNESS OF BRITISH TROOPS ON THE GROUND. WE COULD SEE THE HOUSES, TROOPS, EVERYTHING – ESPECIALLY OTHER AIRCRAFT CONVERGING ON THE SAME TARGET SOME LOWER SOME HIGHER, THOSE THAT WERE HIGHER WERE OPENING THEIR BOMB BAYS RIGHT OVER HEAD OF US, AND AS I HEARD OUR BOMB AIMER SAY “BOMBS GONE” I COULD SEE ABOUT 3 OTHERS HIGHER, RELEASING THEIRS. I JUST SAT THERE AND PRAYED. THE BOMBS WERE FALLING ONE AFTER THE OTHER AND THANKFULLY MISSED THE TAIL, BY HOW MUCH I DONT KNOW BUT IT LOOKED PRETTY CLOSE. OUR LOSSES DURING THAT TRIP WERE PUT DOWN TO OUR OWN. WE WERE TO DO A COUPLE MORE TRIPS LIKE THAT. ON ONE WE EVEN GOT DOWN TO 1500 FT WHICH WAS VERY, VERY LOW. THEN ON THE 31ST JULY WE WERE TO DO OUR 30TH TRIP AND THE LAST ONE OF OUR FIRST TOUR. THEN ON TO 14 DAYS LEAVE. WE TRIED NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT UNTIL WE HAD OUT FOOT ON ENGLISH SOIL AGAIN, THIS TIME A ROCKET SITE. NO HASSEL. [sic] NO FLACK. NO FIGHTERS ONLY ON THE RETURN DID AN ENGINE PACK IN, AND WE HAD TO LAND AT A DIFFERENT BASE. WE WERE DEBRIEFED, AND WHEN THEY HEARD IT WAS OUR [missing words]
[page break]
[underlined] 22 [/underlined]
THE AIRCREWS CAME OUT. IT WAS ABOUT 3 AM IN THE MORNING. WE HAD A BIT OF A PARTY BUT WE WERE LOOKED UPON LIKE FREAKS THE QUESTIONS WE WERE ASKED, IT WAS ALL A BIT OVERPOWERING. NEXT MORNING WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO FLY BACK TO BASE THEY SENT A CAR TO TRANSPORT US AND A FRESH CREW TO TAKE OUR PLANE. ON ARRIVAL BACK AT FALDINGWORTH WE WERE DROPPED OFF AT THE C/O’S OFFICE TAKEN IN HAD A SHOT OF WHISKEY WITH HIM, SHOOK HANDS AND TOLD THAT ON THE FOLLOWING DAY WE WERE TO START OUR LEAVE. GET EVERY THING PACKED. THAT EVENING WE MET UP AS A CREW FOR THE LAST TIME. HAD A DRINK OR TWO AND SAID OUR CHEERIO’S. THE FOLLOWING MORNING RON, OUR PILOT & I WENT TO LINCOLN STATION CHANGED TRAINS AT PETERBOROUGH AND HENCE TO LONDON. THERE HE WENT OFF TO BRIGHTON & I TO TWICKENHAM.
JOB DONE, - NONE OF US MET UP AGAIN.
[page break]
TAILENDERS END TALES.
[circled 1] IT WAS DURING OCTOBER 43 THAN [sic] OUR PILOT CALLED A CREW MEETING. HIS OPENING WORDS WERE “WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER LONG ENOUGH, I TAKE IT THAT WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE WAY WE OPPERATE [sic] TOGETHER”. WE ALL AGREED. HE CARRIED ON. “AS I SEE IT. I AM JUST THE DRIVER. ART (NAVIGATOR) GIVES ME THE COURSE. I FLY IT OVER THE TARGET. DAVE (BOMAIMER) [sic] GIVES ME DIRECTIONS. – I FLY IT -. KEN. [deleted] YOU [/deleted] I RELY ON YOU TO GIVE ME CORRECT MESSAGES THAT COME OVER THE RADIO. AND I ACT ON IT. BILL. – AS GUNNER, YOU ARE OUR EYES. ANY TIME YOU SEE WE ARE BEING ATTACKED, YOU GIVE ME DIRECTIONS FOR EVASIVE ACTION. – STRAIGHT AWAY. ALL OF YOU, TELL ME, I WILL FOLLOW YOUR ORDERS WITHOUT QUESTION OR HESITATION. – ANY QUESTIONS NOW.” DURING PRACTICE RON & I EVOLVED A SERIES OF MANOEVERS [sic] FOR EVASIVE ACTION. THAT THEY WORKED WAS ONLY DUE TO THE WAY THE LANCASTER WAS BUILT.
[circled 2] ONE NIGHT WHILST ON A TRAINING FLIGHT WE RAN INTO AN ELECTRICAL STORM. LIGHTENING FLASHED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS TOSSED ABOUT BUT WHAT WAS MOST FRIGHTENING WAS THE WAY SPARKS WERE LEAPING FROM ONE METAL OBJECT TO ANOTHER. RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE GUN BARRELL AND ALL ROUND THE TURRET I WAS GLAD WHEN WE WERE OUT OF IT.
[circled 3] ON SQUADRON THE GROUND CREW WERE FANTASTIC
[page break]
THE SERGEANT WAS THERE IN THE MORNINGS AND THERE WHEN WE TOOK OFF AT NIGHT. – AND THERE AGAIN ON OUR RETURN, WHEN HE SLEPT I DONT KNOW. BUT THEY WERE DEDICATED TO GIVING US THE BEST SERVICE.
[circled 4] OUR SQUADRON BASE AT KILLINGHOLME WAS CLOSE TO THE HUMBER RIVER. THE PORT OF HULL ONE SIDE AND GRIMSBY THE OTHER. VERY OFTEN BOTH PLACES WERE SUBJECTED TO HEAVY BOMBING BY THE GERMAN AIR FORCE. QUITE OFTEN THESE RAIDS CO-INCIDED WITH OUR TAKE OFF TIME, SO THAT BOTH AIRFORCES WERE IN THE AIR OVER GRIMSBY AT THE SAME TIME AND WE WERE OFTEN CAUGHT UP IN OUR OWN SEARCHLIGHTS. WITH THE NEXT GROUP OF SEARCHLIGHTS HOLDING A GERMAN BOMBER IN ITS BEAMS. WE HAD TO SIGNAL IN MORSE TO THE GROUND FOR THEM TO SWITCH OFF.
[circled 5] DURING THE TRIP ON AACHEN AT THE END OF MAY, ART, OUR NAVIGATOR ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS ALWAYS SO BUSY PLOTTING THE NEXT COURSE AFTER THE TARGET, THAT HE HAD NEVER THE CHANCE TO SEE THE TARGET. THE NAVIGATORS CUBBY HOLE WAS ALL SHUT IN BECAUSE HE HAD TO HAVE LIGHT TO WORK BY. ON THIS TRIP HE DECLARED HE WOULD GIVE THE PILOT THE COURSE TO FOLLOW BEFORE HAND. SWITCH HIS LIGHTS OUT AND SEE WHAT WENT ON. THIS HE DID. IT HAPPENED THAT IT WAS A HECTIC NIGHT. AND THE FIREWORK DISPLAY WAS BRILLIANT. WE HEARD ART GASP. [missing words]
[page break]
I WOULDN’T HAVE COME.” I DONT THINK HE PEEKED OUT AGAIN.
[circled 6] 3RD MAY. THE PERIOD OF FULL MOON. WE TOOK OFF CLIMBED THROUGH BILLOWING WHITE CLOUD AT 10,000 FT INTO FULL MOONLIGHT. THE SIGHT WAS BREATHTAKING THE MOON SHONE ON THE CLOUDS LIKE DRIFTS OF SNOW. YOU COULD SEE FOR MILES, LANCASTERS ALL OVER THE SKY. OUR PILOT WAS SO CARRIED AWAY AT THE BEAUTY OF IT, HE FLEW THE AIRCRAFT LIKE A SLEIGH, SKIMMING THE TOPS OF THE CLOUDS AND WHOOPING LIKE A COWBOY. IT WAS INDEED A GRAND SIGHT. PITY IT WAS GOING TO BE SPOILT LATER THAT NIGHT.
[circled 7] AFTER WE HAD FINISHED OUR TOUR AND THE CREW HAD GONE OUR DIFFERENT WAYS, I WAS TO BE POSTED TO BRIDGENORTH AS INSTRUCTOR. IT WAS THERE THAT I WAS INFORMED THAT I WAS ELIGIBLE FOR 2 SERVICE MEDALS. THE 1939/45 STAR. AND THE AIRCREW EUROPE STAR AND CLASP. MY THOUGHTS IMMEDIATELY WENT TO GEORGE. HE MUST HAVE LAUGHED HIS SOCKS OFF.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Bill Freeman's Service Career
Description
An account of the resource
A detailed account of Bill's time in the RAF, starting with drill at Lords, training at Bridlington and Bridgnorth then RAF Stormy Down. He passed the course and after seven days leave reported to Hixon for crewing up. He discusses training and his social life. He then transferred to Binbrook then Blyton, Hemswell, Elsham Wolds and N Killingholme.
He describes individual operations in detail. He and his crew were transferred to Faldingworth where the condition of their aircraft was poor. These were quickly replaced with new aircraft. His crew were successful and survived their 30 operations never to meet up again.
He concludes his memoir with seven tailender tales.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Bill Freeman
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Memoir
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
25 handwritten sheets
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BFreemanWFreemanWv1
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--London
England--Brighton
England--Dewsbury
Canada
England--Stafford
Wales--Tredegar
England--Northampton
England--Grimsby
France--Rouen
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Essen
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Karlsruhe
Denmark--Frederikshavn
France--Maintenon
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Rennes
France--Dieppe
France--Orléans
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Aachen
France--Paris
England--Lincoln
France--Le Havre
Poland
France--Pas-de-Calais
France--Caen
France--Vierzon
France
Germany
Denmark
France--Reims
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
England--Northamptonshire
England--Yorkshire
England--Lincolnshire
England--Staffordshire
England--Sussex
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-04-05
1944-03
1944-04-10
1 Group
1662 HCU
300 Squadron
5 Group
550 Squadron
air gunner
Air Gunnery School
aircrew
Anson
anti-aircraft fire
bomb aimer
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
briefing
Churchill, Winston (1874-1965)
crewing up
entertainment
flight engineer
George Cross
ground crew
Halifax
Harris, Arthur Travers (1892-1984)
Heavy Conversion Unit
Lancaster
mess
military living conditions
military service conditions
Morse-keyed wireless telegraphy
Mosquito
navigator
Nissen hut
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
Operational Training Unit
Pathfinders
pilot
RAF Binbrook
RAF Blyton
RAF Bridgnorth
RAF Bridlington
RAF Elsham Wolds
RAF Faldingworth
RAF Hemswell
RAF Hixon
RAF North Killingholme
RAF Stormy Down
searchlight
Stalin, Joseph (1878-1953)
tactical support for Normandy troops
target indicator
training
Wellington
Window
wireless operator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35283/MRobertsEJH[See -DoB]-170712-030006.jpg
551c818888c0a4e18de6e528d927405d
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35283/MRobertsEJH[See -DoB]-170712-030007.jpg
298c6e335ab7d25ea3ce4ad7bc2cec49
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Roberts, E J H
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-12
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Roberts, EJH
Description
An account of the resource
50 items. The collection concerns E J H Roberts DFC (408451 Royal Air Force) and contains maps, documents, news clippings and photographs. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 61 Squadron.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Carole Grant and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Bomb Aimer's Notes
Description
An account of the resource
The notes indicate the bomb distribution in the bomb bay, target, aircraft code 'M', the total weight of the bomb load, the all up weight of the aircraft, height of the bombing and heading and target indicator colours. The target was Mailly-le-Camp. Notes at the foot give further details about pathfinder operations. On the reverse are calculations.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Service material
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One double sided typewritten sheet with handwritten annotations
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MRobertsEJH[See#-DoB]-170712-030006, MRobertsEJH[See#-DoB]-170712-030007
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
EJH Roberts
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-05-03
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
aircrew
bomb aimer
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
Oboe
Pathfinders
target indicator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35234/NRobertsEJH170712-04.1.jpg
1fc4cf0d73395dfde005674c58bf88d3
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Roberts, E J H
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-12
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Roberts, EJH
Description
An account of the resource
50 items. The collection concerns E J H Roberts DFC (408451 Royal Air Force) and contains maps, documents, news clippings and photographs. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 61 Squadron.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Carole Grant and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] LATE WAR NEWS [/underlined]
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1944
BATTLE OF FRANCE STARTS IN AIR
Massed Nazi Tanks Wiped Out in Great Raid.
By COLIN BEDNALL, Air Correspondent
A PRE-INVASION aerial battle of France, in which fantastic moonlight dog-fights not only between fighters and bombers but between the first-line fighters of both sides may be seen, has been precipitated by Wednesday’s night operations of R.A.F. Bomber Command.
Large numbers of German tanks and military vehicles expressly marshalled to fight on a wide stretch of the enemy’s Western lines are believed to have been destroyed under a 1,500-tons attack.
Following immediately upon the devastation of so many railway marshalling centres behind the Western lines, the challenge offered by the heavy bombers could no longer be ignored by the enemy.
With fighter reinforcement temporarily borrowed from the defence of Germany proper, he fought for the attacked depots with ferocity equalling that seen in attacks on Berlin itself.
The R.A.F. loss of 49 aircraft during the night must be regarded as above the average for all forms of bombing operations.
The R.A.F. will be certain to reply to the enemy’s offer of battle. It can turn bombers and intruders upon the airfields from which the enemy fighters are operating.
And as for the next week or so it will be attacking in moonlight it should be possible to provide an actual fighter escort for the night bombers.
In this respect the attacks on France present a different proposition to the long journeys into Germany on dark nights when the difficulties of maintaining contact between a fighter escort and a long-strung-out bomber force would be great.
In switching his fighters to the defence of the invasion targets in France the enemy has obviously decided to gamble on the R.A.F. main bomber forces staying out of Reich territory while the moon is up.
Mosquitoes can be expected to maintain the bombing offensive there during the moonlight period, but, generally, it is just a waste of time for any enemy fighter to try to catch a Mosquito at night.
[underlined] FEW ESCAPE [/underlined]
A reconnaissance aircraft had located the tank concentration at a military depot at Mailly, near Rheims. The new “night precision” technique was employed to place the great bomb load squarely across this depot despite the fierce opposition.
It is believed that the tanks and vehicles were parked down in the depot a few hours before the attack took place, and there is little likelihood that men or materials survived it.
A pitched battle was fought over this target, with our bombers making their runs with unfailing precision through dog-fights lighted by the moon, fighter flares, and target indicators.
Soon a pall of smoke covered the whole area of the depot, and violent explosions were seen.
One pilot saw the biggest explosion of his career, with flames going up to a thousand feet.
More battles were fought as the armada sped home.
Of the bombing, Sergeant C. Duthoit, of Burnley, said: “I saw our 4,000-pounder go off, taking a large building with it and throwing a mass of debris into the air.”
[underlined] ARMS DUMP HIT [/underlined]
Aircraft stores and equipment at Montdidier, 23 miles south-east of Amiens, an ammunition dump at Chateaudun, north-west of Orleans, which was exploding for 35 minutes, and the chemical and explosive centre at Ludwigshaven, in the Upper Rhineland, were also heavily attacked.
Our bombers were sent out in “great strength” which probably means nearly 1,000.
These great night attacks dove-tailed into new day raids and with attacks from east and south on vital centres of Hitler’s invasion belt.
Yesterday an armada of planes based in Britain, including Fortresses, struck at railways and other war targets in many parts of Northern France.
Others bombed an airfield in Holland and pierced the German frontier as far as the Hanover-Brunswick area. The Holland force shot down nine fighters for the loss of three.
During the night Allied bombers pin-pointed railway targets at Bucarest, [sic] Rumanian capital. Others smashed viaducts and bridges on the Riviera railway from Marseilles through Vintimiglia [sic] to Spezia, causing particular damage at Ventimiglia.
And far to the east, as zero hour looms for the new offensive, the Red Air Force has been hammering at enemy railway junctions and aerodromes on their invasion belt from the Black Sea to Lvov and Stanislavov and down to Rumania. Here their air blows link up with the British and American attacks.
Air Squeeze on the Axis
[map of Europe]
MAP shows how the triangular bombing blows from east, west, and south are hammering at the Axis war potential. From Russia key German air defence points in Rumania and pre-war Poland were hit on Wednesday night, while Allied bombers based in this country kept up the non-stop attack on military and aircraft installations in France and Germany. At the same time Italy-based bombers struck again at Bucarest. [sic]
‘INVASION DECISION PUT OFF’
Says Goebbels
THE assertion that the Allied leaders are postponing taking a decision on the invasion of Europe is made by Goebbels in his weekly article Das Reich, quoted by the German Official News Agency.
Every day and night, he admits, the Germans take invasion precautions. He also admits Allied air superiority, but claims that the German fighter plants have been moved to places where they cannot be hit. He says:-
“The present chances of either side are not clear as long as the decisive factors of future developments remain undefined.
“As long as the air war had led to no decision, and as long as the opening of the second front remains a war of nerves, the war itself still remains an open question.
“However, the enemy knows as well as we do that both factors harbour as many dangers for him as for us. The enemy cannot afford a defeat in the one or the other without losing his last chance of victory.
“It is not without reason that both London and Washington are again and again postponing the decision which, once taken, is irrevocable.
‘We Have Some Trumps’
“Not only has the enemy had time enough to prepare an invasion, but so have we to repel it.
“We still hold some trumps. Behind the fortifications which are known, there are hidden a great number of unknown preparations. If the enemy troops envisage the invasion on the lines described in London papers, or by General Montgomery, they can only be pitied.
“The Anglo-Americans place their hopes mainly on their present air superiority. We do not dispute that by any means. We refuse, however, as a great error the thesis that the enemy has eliminated our fighter weapon, or that there is a chance of achieving such a result.
“The example of Cassino has, moreover, proved that air bombardments, however massive, are by no means sufficient to pierce a firm defensive line.” – B.U.P.
ALLIED ‘SEA, AIR BATTLE’
Signals Failed
From Daily Mail Correspondent
SYDNEY, Thursday. – Details of the accidental clash between Allied ‘planes and warships, in which two patrol ships were wrecked and two ‘planes shot down, show that the incident began when a patrol boat in difficulty off Northern New Guinea was attacked by fighters from the Solomons.
One fighter was shot down, but the ‘planes returned with reinforcements. A second patrol ship came to the aid of the first: both were attacked, and a second ‘plane was shot down.
This is the seventh clash between friendly forces in recent weeks. A failure in recognition signals is blamed.
Red Army’s ‘Hush-hush’ Battles
Big Axis Losses
MOSCOW, Thursday.
THOUSANDS of Germans and Rumanians are dying in officially unrecorded battles near Jassy and in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.
Every day the enemy launches counter-attacks here, but they fail to gain ground, according to latest despatches from the Second Ukrainian front.
Although these sharp local engagements are not mentioned in Soviet communiques the battlefields are strewn with wrecked tanks, burnt-out lorries, and shattered guns.
Air Mastery
Soviet troops have penetrated deep into the foothills and along the valleys and tracks leading to the main passes, and experienced Red Army mountaineers are carrying heavy boxes of munitions and food supplies up to the forward positions.
Simultaneously the Soviet air offensive is gathering force in its softening-up of the German rear communications from Rumania to the Polish border region.
Great fleets of planes are bombing German troop concentrations, rail junctions, and airfields on an increasing number of key sectors.
The Soviet communique to-night again reported “no important changes,” but told of another mass air raid on Sebastopol, which caused ten fires in arms dumps and heavy losses in manpower to the Germans.
Berlin is expecting a new Sebastopol blow. The German commentator, Colonel von Hammer, said to-night that the Russian preparations for launching a great offensive in that area are going ahead rapidly. – B.U.P. and Reuter.
LATEST
GERMANS ADMIT RUSSIAN SUCCESS
The Germans admitted last night that the Russians had won temporary possession of a sector on the Sereth front. – Reuter.
NEW ROMMEL TOUR
Rommel is on a tour of inspection of the Mediterranean Coastal Defences, the German News Agency said last night. – Reuter.
S. AFRICA AIRPORT
Details of a new airport, complete with the most modern equipment, built by the Fleet Air Arm, were released yesterday. The airfield, called “Malagas,” is within a few miles of Capetown and cost nearly £4,000,000. – A.P.
[article on food facts]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Battle of France Starts in the Air
Description
An account of the resource
A report on RAF operations over France. The tank depot at Mailly was attacked as were railways, aircraft stores and an ammunition dump.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-05-05
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Montdidier (Hauts-de-France)
France--Amiens
France--Reims
Great Britain
England--Burnley
France--Châteaudun
France--Orléans
Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Germany--Hannover
Germany--Braunschweig
Romania--Bucharest
Italy--Ventimiglia
Ukraine--Lʹviv
Ukraine--Stanislav
Italy
France
Germany
Ukraine
Romania
England--Lancashire
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One newspaper cutting
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
NRobertsEJH170712-04
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending text-based transcription. Under review
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
B-17
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
Hitler, Adolf (1889-1945)
Mosquito
propaganda
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35226/CRobertsEJH-170712-010002.1.jpg
e5732bbd859b9f226375e9e349eb3828
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35226/CRobertsEJH-170712-010003.1.jpg
de3398696423ad054e19ab4ccea65e90
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35226/CRobertsEJH-170712-010004.1.jpg
ced1274733c5e48b651419eb72bf0f0d
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1901/35226/CRobertsEJH-170712-010005.1.jpg
240ff523035cd2710d57af2bd9809d12
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Roberts, E J H
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-07-12
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Roberts, EJH
Description
An account of the resource
50 items. The collection concerns E J H Roberts DFC (408451 Royal Air Force) and contains maps, documents, news clippings and photographs. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 61 Squadron.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Carole Grant and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Enniskillen to Avignon
Description
An account of the resource
A series of four charts at 1:2890000 scale.
#1 has a route to St Martin de Marreville dated 28/5/44.
#2 has a route to Saumur, dated 31/1/644.
#3 has a route to Nantes dated 29/5/44.
#4 has a route to Mailly le Camp
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France--Normandy
France--Saumur
France--Nantes
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Map
Map. Navigation chart and navigation log
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Four printed sheets with handwritten annotations
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
CRobertsEJH-170712-010002, CRobertsEJH-170712-010003, CRobertsEJH-170712-010004, CRobertsEJH-170712-010005
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944
aircrew
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
navigator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1874/34824/LCropperEW1655303v1.2.pdf
f88f6fb528ed66723be5e4de2ff41906
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1874/34824/LCropperEW1655303v2.2.pdf
d22e5a5b3765c935d430baf26790a835
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Cropper, E W
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-06-18
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Cropper, EW
Description
An account of the resource
Three items. The collection concerns Group Captain EW Cropper (Royal Air Force) and contains his log books and documents. He flew operations as a navigator with 57 Squadron.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by [name] and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
EW Cropper's Log Books
Description
An account of the resource
Two flying log books for navigators, air bombers, air gunners and flight engineers for E.W. Cropper. Between them they cover the period 17 May 1943 to 6 October 1950. There is much overlap between them and an original log book was destroyed by fire.
<p>Log book One.<br /><br />E W Cropper’s RAF Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book from February 1944 to 6th October 1950, recording training, operations, instructional and staff duties as a navigator. Aircraft in which flown: Stirling, Lancaster III, Lancaster VII (FE), Halifax II and V, Wellington XIII, Oxford, Anson, Proctor, Mosquito B35, Lincoln 2B. Based at: RAF Jurby (No. 5 Air Observer School), RAF Wratting Common (1651 Conversion Unit), RAF Hemswell (1 Lancaster Finishing School), RAF Elsham Wolds (103 Squadron), RAF Blyton (1662 Heavy Conversion Unit), RAF Shawbury (Empire Central Navigation School/Empire Air Navigation School), RAF Lindholme (1656 Heavy Conversion Unit), RAF Oakington and RAF Mepal (7 Squadron), RAF High Wycombe and RAF Booker (Bomber Command Communications Flight), RAF Waddington (57 Squadron) and RAF Scampton (Bomber Command Instrument Rating and Examining Flight).</p>
Records a total of 29 completed operations (26 night, 3 day)) on the following targets in Belgium, France and Germany: Aulnoye, Caen, Calais, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, Flers, Friedrichshaven, Gelsenkirchen, Hasselt, Karlsruhe, Kiel Bay, Le Havre, Mailly-Le-Camp, Maintenon, Mardyck, Marquise-Mimoyecques, Orleans, Rennes (St Jacques airfield), Revigny, Saintes, Sanneville, Scholven, St Martins-de-Varreville, Sterkrade, Vire and Wimereux.<span><span> He also flew 3 Cook's Tour flights and two Operation Dodge flights. Post-war he served with 7 and 57 Squadrons. His pilot on operations was Pilot Officer Moore.<br /><br />Log Book Two.<br /><br /></span></span>
<p>E W Cropper’s RAF Flying Log Book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Air Gunners and Flight Engineers from 17 May 1943 to 16th April 1945, recording training, operations, instructional and staff duties as a navigator. Entitled “PERSONAL LOGBOOK”, includes detailed personal notes about training courses, first operational tour (“29 sorties”), instructor and staff navigator training. Aircraft in which flown: Tiger Moth, Stirling, Lancaster III, Halifax II and V, Wellington XIII, Oxford, Anson. Based at: RAF Shellingford (No. 3 Elementary Flying Training School), RAF Jurby (No. 5 Air Observer School), RAF Wratting Common (1651 Conversion Unit), RAF Hemswell (1 Lancaster Finishing School), RAF Elsham Wolds (103 Squadron), RAF Blyton (1662 Heavy Conversion Unit) and RAF Shawbury (Empire Air Navigation School).</p>
<p>Records a total of 29 completed operations (26 night, 3 day) on the following targets in Belgium, France and Germany: Aulnoye, Caen, Calais, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, Flers, Friedrichshaven, Gelsenkirchen, Hasselt, Karlsruhe, Kiel Bay, Le Havre, Mailly-Le-Camp, Maintenon, Mardyck, Marquise-Mimoyecques, Orleans, Rennes (St Jacques airfield), Revigny, Saintes, Sanneville, Scholven, St Martins-de-Varreville, Sterkrade, Vire and Wimereux. <span>His pilot on operations was Pilot Officer Moore.</span></p>
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two printed books with handwritten annotations
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LCropperEW1655303v1, LCropperEW1655303v2
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Belgium
France
Germany
Great Britain
Great Britain Miscellaneous Island Dependencies--Isle of Man
Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea
Atlantic Ocean--Bay of Biscay
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
Atlantic Ocean--Kiel Bay
England--Buckinghamshire
England--Cambridgeshire
England--Lincolnshire
England--Shropshire
England--Yorkshire
Belgium--Hasselt
France--Caen
France--Charente-Maritime
France--Flers-de-l'Orne
France--Le Havre
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Maintenon
France--Mimoyecques
France--Nord (Department)
France--Orléans
France--Pas-de-Calais
France--Rennes
France--Revigny-sur-Ornain
France--Vire (Calvados)
France--Wimereux
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Duisburg
Germany--Essen
Germany--Friedrichshafen
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Karlsruhe
Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf)
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
France--Saint-Martin-de-Varreville
France--Manche
France--Calvados
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-04-24
1944-04-25
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-28
1944-04-30
1944-05-01
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
1944-05-07
1944-05-08
1944-05-09
1944-05-10
1944-05-11
1944-05-12
1944-05-15
1944-05-16
1944-05-19
1944-05-20
1944-05-21
1944-05-22
1944-05-23
1944-06-02
1944-06-03
1944-06-04
1944-05-05
1944-06-06
1944-06-07
1944-06-09
1944-06-10
1944-06-12
1944-06-13
1944-06-14
1944-06-16
1944-06-17
1944-06-18
1944-06-19
1944-06-20
1944-06-22
1944-06-23
1944-06-24
1944-06-25
1944-07-04
1944-07-05
1944-07-07
1944-07-12
1944-07-13
1944-07-17
1944-07-18
1944-07-19
1945-07-03
1945-07-13
1945-11-28
1945-11-30
1946-01-14
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Leitch
103 Squadron
1651 HCU
1656 HCU
1662 HCU
57 Squadron
7 Squadron
Air Observers School
aircrew
Anson
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
bombing of the Normandy coastal batteries (5/6 June 1944)
Cook’s tour
Flying Training School
forced landing
Halifax
Halifax Mk 2
Halifax Mk 5
Heavy Conversion Unit
Lancaster
Lancaster Finishing School
Lancaster Mk 3
Lincoln
mid-air collision
mine laying
Mosquito
navigator
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
Operation Dodge (1945)
Oxford
Proctor
RAF Blyton
RAF Elsham Wolds
RAF Hemswell
RAF High Wycombe
RAF Jurby
RAF Lindholme
RAF Mepal
RAF Oakington
RAF Scampton
RAF Shawbury
RAF Upwood
RAF Waddington
RAF Wratting Common
Stirling
tactical support for Normandy troops
Tiger Moth
training
V-1
V-weapon
Wellington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/345/34358/LWarmingtonI150280v10002.2.pdf
49989e368e54a7ee09cd9eaf34192f86
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Warmington, Ivon
I Warmington
Description
An account of the resource
Four items. One oral history interview with Ivon Warmington (b. 1922, 150280 Royal Air Force) and his flying log books.
The collection was catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-10-29
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Warmington, I
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Ivon Warmington’s pilots flying log book. Two
Description
An account of the resource
Pilots flying log book two, for W I Warmington, covering the period from 15 November 1943 to 31 March 1945. Detailing his flying training, Operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at RAF Hixon, RAF Blyton, RAF Hemswell, RAF Kirmington, RAF Peplow, RAF Lulsgate Bottom, RAF Gamston and RAF Upper Heyford. Aircraft flown were, Wellington, Halifax, Lancaster, Oxford. He completed a total of 30 operations with 166 Squadron. Part of the log book is missing listing operation 20 to 27. Targets listed were, Maintenon, Mailley, Rennes, Aachen, Calais, Wimeraux, Crisbicq, Acheres, Versailles, Le Havre, Sterkrade, Aulnoye, Mimoyecques, Saintes, Flers, Chateaux Bernapre, Oisemeont and Normandy. The log book also contains several aircraft pictures and a photo of pilots from the Operational Training Unit. His first or second pilots on operations were Pilot Officer Myers and Flight Sergeant Miller. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in digital form. No better quality copies are available.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943
1944
1945
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943
1944
1945
1944-06
1944-07
1944-08
1944-06-05
1944-06-06
1944-06-14
1944-06-15
1944-06-24
1944-06-25
1944-07-30
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
Germany
Great Britain
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
England--Lincolnshire
England--Nottinghamshire
England--Oxfordshire
England--Shropshire
England--Somerset
England--Staffordshire
France--Flers-de-l'Orne
France--Le Havre
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Maintenon
France--Manche
France--Nord (Department)
France--Normandy
France--Oise
France--Oisemont (Canton)
France--Pas-de-Calais
France--Rennes
France--Saintes
France--Versailles
France--Wimereux
France--Yvelines
Germany--Aachen
Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf)
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
France--Bermesnil
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LWarmingtonI150280v10002
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
128 Squadron
16 OTU
166 Squadron
1662 HCU
30 OTU
83 OTU
Advanced Flying Unit
aircrew
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
bombing of the Normandy coastal batteries (5/6 June 1944)
bombing of the Pas de Calais V-1 sites (24/25 June 1944)
Flying Training School
Halifax
Heavy Conversion Unit
Initial Training Wing
Lancaster
Lancaster Finishing School
Lancaster Mk 1
Lancaster Mk 3
Me 410
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
nose art
Operational Training Unit
Oxford
pilot
RAF Blyton
RAF Gamston
RAF Hemswell
RAF Hixon
RAF Kirmington
RAF Paignton
RAF Peplow
RAF Upper Heyford
tactical support for Normandy troops
training
Wellington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1141/34160/LStapleyVA175092v1.2.pdf
c79c2ec01b14861649f08988e51e3d5f
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Stapley, Victor
Victor Arthur Stapley
V A Stapley
Description
An account of the resource
Three items. An oral history interview with Wing Commander Victor Stapley OBE, DFC (b. 1922, 1801888, 175092 Royal Air Force), his log book and a portrait. He served in the RAF from 1941 to 1977. He flew operations as a flight engineer with 166 squadron. Post war he served in Singapore, Malta, and at Christmas Island.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Victor Stapley and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-08-02
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Stapley, VA
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Victor Stapely's navigator's, air bomber's and air gunner's flying log book
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
LStapleyVA175092v1
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Pending review
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Description
An account of the resource
Flying log book for navigator’s air bomber air gunner’s flight engineers for Victor Stapley, flight engineer. Covers two periods; training and operations 18 January 1944 to 2 July 1944 and post-war service in Flying Control from 19 September 1945 to 23 January 1950. He was stationed at RAF St Athan, RAF Lindholme, RAF Kirmington, RAF Watchfield and RAF Henlow. Aircraft flown in were Halifax, Lancaster, Anson, Dominie, Proctor, Beaufighter, Tiger Moth, Mosquito, York and C-47. He flew a total of 28 operations with 166 Squadron, 3 daylight and 25 night. Targets were Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin, Essen, Nuremberg, Aachen, Cologne, Dusseldor, mine laying, Rouen, Lyons, Aubigne, Mardyk, Mailly le Camp, Hasselt, Calais, Boulogne, Crisbicq, Acheres, Gelsenkirchen, Chateau Bernapre, Domleger and Oisemont. His pilot on operations was Pilot Officer Wiggins.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-03-01
1944-03-02
1944-03-15
1944-03-16
1944-03-18
1944-03-19
1944-03-22
1944-03-23
1944-03-24
1944-03-25
1944-03-26
1944-03-27
1944-03-30
1944-03-31
1944-04-11
1944-04-12
1944-04-20
1944-04-21
1944-04-22
1944-04-23
1944-04-24
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-30
1944-05-01
1944-05-02
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
1944-05-06
1944-05-09
1944-05-10
1944-05-11
1944-05-12
1944-05-13
1944-05-24
1944-05-25
1944-06-02
1944-06-03
1944-06-04
1944-06-05
1944-06-06
1944-06-07
1944-06-12
1944-06-13
1944-06-27
1944-06-28
1944-06-29
1944-07-02
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Belgium
France
Germany
Great Britain
Singapore
Atlantic Ocean--Baltic Sea
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
Belgium--Hasselt
England--Bedfordshire
England--Essex
England--Lincolnshire
England--Wiltshire
England--Yorkshire
France--Domléger-Longvillers
France--Amiens Region
France--Boulogne-sur-Mer
France--Calais
France--Dunkerque
France--Le Havre Region
France--Lyon
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Oisemont (Canton)
France--Paris Region
France--Rennes Region
France--Rouen
Germany--Aachen
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Düsseldorf
Europe--Elbe River
Germany--Essen
Germany--Frankfurt am Main
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
Germany--Nuremberg
Germany--Stuttgart
Wales--Glamorgan
Singapore
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
France--Bermesnil
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Mike Connock
Terry Hancock
1656 HCU
166 Squadron
aircrew
Anson
Beaufighter
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of Nuremberg (30 / 31 March 1944)
bombing of the Normandy coastal batteries (5/6 June 1944)
C-47
Dominie
flight engineer
Halifax
Heavy Conversion Unit
Lancaster
Lancaster Finishing School
mine laying
Mosquito
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
Proctor
RAF Henlow
RAF Kirmington
RAF Lindholme
RAF St Athan
RAF Watchfield
Tiger Moth
training
York
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1773/31255/PFOMetheringhamAF19040013.1.jpg
582ac4f310e3555314c597a0aa9f53a8
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
RAF Metheringham collection
Description
An account of the resource
131 items. The collection is from the Royal Air Force Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre and contains photographs of aircraft, aircrew, other RAF personnel and places. Includes some target and reconnaissance photographs. Many items are concerned with 106 Squadron at RAF Metheringham and RAF Syerston.
The collection has been licensed to the IBCC Digital Archive by the RAF Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-01-31
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
FOMetheringhamAF
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is property of the Royal Air Force Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre which has kindly granted the International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive a royalty-free permission to publish it. Please note that it was digitised by a third-party which used technical specifications that may differ from those used by International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive. It has been published here ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Mailly-le-Camp and aircrew
Description
An account of the resource
Top - target photograph showing fields on the left and a built up area with rows of buildings on the right. There is a four engine bomber below bottom left. Captioned '529 METH. 3/4.5.44//NT 8" 6,500' 219 degrees 00.17, MAILY.Rd.F 1x4000HC 16x500MC. 16 sec. F/SGT FOX F/106'. Submitted with description 'Target photo of Mailly-le-Camp military depot on 3-4/05/1944. The pilot was F/Sgt E C Fox, flying Lancaster ND511 ZN-N. Note the Lancaster at a lower height, left centre of the image'.
Bottom - seven aircrew, three sitting in front and four standing behind. All are wearing tunics with brevet and side or peaked caps. In the background are huts. Submitted with description 'Photograph of seven aircrew in uniform, seated and standing outdoors; date unknown but location is believed to be RAF Metheringham. The photo is annotated "F/Lt McIntyre's 'Hot Shots' ". The crew members have signed the photograph but although the majority of the signatures are not legible it appears that name of the pilot (seated centre) is Peter McIntyre, who joined 106 Sqn in January 1945, transferring away in May 1945'
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two b/w photographs mounted on an album page
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PFOMetheringhamAF19040013
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
1945-01
1945-05
Conforms To
An established standard to which the described resource conforms.
Geolocated
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is property of the Royal Air Force Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre which has kindly granted the International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive a royalty-free permission to publish it. Please note that it was digitised by a third-party which used technical specifications that may differ from those used by International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive. It has been published here ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre.
106 Squadron
aerial photograph
aircrew
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
Lancaster
RAF Metheringham
target photograph
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1771/31058/BCleggPVMartinCv1.2.pdf
9941b9a45d01dfbd740dca6950a2750d
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Martin, Charles - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Three items. Includes newspaper cuttings, record of operations and extracts from his log book.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Clegg, PV
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Extracts from the log book of Flight Lieutenant Charles Martin
Description
An account of the resource
Navigator of 166 Squadron covering a total of 30 operations. His pilots on operations were Pilot Officer Gibson and Flying Officer Allen. From 9 April 1944 until 22 May 1944 and then some subsequent flying. Also flew a number of Operation Post Mortem and Operation Dodge sorties.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
21 b/w photocopied sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BCleggPVMartinCv1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
Germany
Atlantic Ocean--Bay of Biscay
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
France--Paris
France--Rouen
Germany--Cologne
Germany
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Karlsruhe
Germany--Essen
Germany--Duisburg
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Aachen
France--Doullens
France--Oisemont (Canton)
Germany--Friedrichshafen
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Rennes
France--Dieppe
France--Versailles
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
France--le Havre
France--Bordeaux Region (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
France--Somme
France--Jura
France--Saint-Omer (Pas-de-Calais)
Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf)
France--Pas-de-Calais
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944
1945
1945
1946
1944-04-09
1944-04-10
1944-04-18
1944-04-19
1944-04-20
1944-04-21
1944-04-22
1944-04-24
1944-04-25
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-28
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
1944-05-07
1944-05-08
1944-05-10
1944-05-11
1944-05-21
1944-05-22
1944-05-23
1944-05-24
1944-05-25
1944-05-27
1944-05-28
1944-06-06
1944-06-07
1944-06-12
1944-06-13
1944-06-14
1944-06-16
1944-06-17
1944-06-22
1944-06-23
1944-06-24
1944-06-28
1944-06-29
1944-06-30
1944-07-02
1944-07-12
1944-07-13
1944-07-14
1944-07-15
1944-07-18
1944-07-20
1945-06-16
1945-08-26
1945-08-29
1945-09-02
1945-09-04
1945-09-10
1945-09-13
1945-09-19
1945-09-21
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Cara Walmsley
166 Squadron
1662 HCU
61 Squadron
aircrew
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
bombing of the Pas de Calais V-1 sites (24/25 June 1944)
Cook’s tour
Halifax
Halifax Mk 3
Halifax Mk 5
Heavy Conversion Unit
Lancaster
Lancaster Mk 1
Lancaster Mk 3
navigator
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
Operation Dodge (1945)
RAF Blyton
RAF Kirmington
RAF Sturgate
training
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1771/31057/BCleggPVMartinCv10003.2.jpg
e1f4431a6503bcde0befdb3268a50b0a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Martin, Charles - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Three items. Includes newspaper cuttings, record of operations and extracts from his log book.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Clegg, PV
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined]C. MARTIN OPERATIONAL TOUR OF 30 OPERATIONS – 23 NIGHT – 7 DAY[underlined]
[underlined] No. – DATE – AIRCRAFT – TARGET – TIME – COMMENTS[/underlined]
[underlined] 1944 [/underlined]
1. APR 9/10 – C ND857 – PARIS – 5.30 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
2. APR 18/19 – K ND857 – ROUEN – 4.20 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
3. APR 20/21 – K ND857 – COLOGNE – 4.55 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
4. APR 22/23 – K ND857 – DUSSELDORF – 5.30 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
5. APR 24/25 – K ND857 – KARLSRUHE – 6.40 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
6. APR 26/27 – K ND857 – ESSEN – 5.05 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
7. APR 27/28 – K ND857 – FRIEDRICHSHAFEN – 9.00 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
8. MAY 3/4 – K ND857 – MAILLY LE CAMP – 4.30 – ME110 SHOT DOWN DEAD STICK LANDING.
9. MAY 7/8 – N ME775 – RENNES – 4.55 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
10. MAY 10/11 – J2 LM777 – DIEPPE FORD – 3.20 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
11. MAY 21/22 – K NE112 – DUISBURG – 4.35 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
12. MAY 22/23 – K NE112 – DORTMUND – 4.30 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
13. MAY 24/25 – K NE112 – AACHEN WEST – 4.50 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
14. MAY 27/28 – K NE112 – AACHEN EAST – 4.30 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
15. JUN 6/7 – K NE112 – ACHERES – 4.00 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
16. JUN 7/8 – K NE112 – VERSAILLES – 4.10 – RAILWAY MARSHALLING YARDS.
17. JUN 12/13 – K NE112 – GELSENKIRCHEN – CONED OVER ESSEN FOR 22 SECONDS.
18. JUN 14 – K NE112 – LE HAVRE – 3.45 – DAYLIGHT E BOAT PENS.
19. JUN 16/17 – K NE112 – STERKRADE HOLTEN – 4.25.
20. JUN 22 – K NE112 – MARQUISE MIMOYECQUES – 2.55 – MULTIPLE FLAK DAMAGE DAYLIGHT.
21. JUN 23/24 – K NE112 – SAINTES – 6.55.
22. JUN 24/25 – K NE112 – DOULLENS – 3.30.
23. JUN 27/28 – K NE112 – CHATEAU BERNAPRE – 3.50.
24. JUN 28 – K NE112 – DOULLENS – 3.20 – DAYLIGHT.
25. JUN 30 – K NE112 – OISEMONT – 3.55 – DAYLIGHT.
26. JUL 2 – K NE112 – DOMLEGER – 3.40 – DAYLIGHT.
27. JUL 12/13 – K NE112 – REVIGNY BAS - 9.05 – DIVERTED TO WITTERING.
28. JUL 14/15 – K NE112 – REVIGNY BAS – 8.15 – ABORTED RE FOG BROUGHT BOMBS BACK.
29. JUL 18 – K NE112 – SANNERVILLE – 3.40 – DAYLIGHT.
30. JUL 20 – K NE112 – ST. OMER – 2.20 – DAYLIGHT, MULTIPLE FLAK DAMAGE LANDED AY MANSTON PORT INNER FEATHERED.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
C Martin - operational tour of 30 operations 23 night 7 daylight
Description
An account of the resource
List of 30 operations with date, aircraft, target, time and comments.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One page handwritten document
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Personal research
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BCleggPVMartinCv10003
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
Germany
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
France--Paris
France--Rouen
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Karlsruhe
Germany--Essen
Germany--Friedrichshafen
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Rennes
France--Dieppe
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Aachen
France--Yvelines
France--Versailles
Germany--Gelsenkirchen
France--Le Havre
France--Pas-de-Calais
France--Bordeaux Region (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
France--Doullens
France--Oisemont (Canton)
France--Somme
France--Jura
France--Normandy
France--Saint-Omer (Pas-de-Calais)
France--Saint-Omer (Pas-de-Calais)
Germany--Oberhausen (Düsseldorf)
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
France--Domléger-Longvillers
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944
1944-04-09
1944-04-18
1944-04-20
1944-04-22
1944-04-24
1944-04-25
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-28
1944-05-03
1944-05-07
1944-05-08
1944-05-10
1944-05-11
1944-05-21
1944-05-22
1944-05-24
1944-05-25
1944-05-27
1944-05-28
1944-06-06
1944-06-07
1944-06-08
1944-06-12
1944-06-12
1944-06-13
1944-06-14
1944-06-16
1944-06-17
1944-06-22
1944-06-23
1944-06-24
1944-06-25
1944-06-27
1944-06-28
1944-06-29
1944-06-30
1944-07-02
1944-07-12
1944-07-13
1944-07-14
1944-07-15
1944-07-18
1944-07-20
1944-05-04
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
bombing of the Pas de Calais V-1 sites (24/25 June 1944)
Me 110
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
tactical support for Normandy troops
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1771/31056/BCleggPVMartinCv10001.1.jpg
4fcc3bd0f10e35d723dde402b0348c8f
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Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Martin, Charles - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Three items. Includes newspaper cuttings, record of operations and extracts from his log book.
Date
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2015-07-02
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
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Clegg, PV
Transcribed document
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A.D.F.C. Airman. – The son of a retired schoolmaster, Flying Officer Charles Martin, R.A.F., of 301, Brook-street, Erith, and formerly of 12, Hillcrest-road, Chatham, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Born in 1922, he was educated at Ordnance-street Council School, whence he gained a scholarship to the Gillingham County School, where he spent six years. In 1940 he entered the Civil Service (Ministry of Supply), and the next year enlisted for air crew in the R.A.F. He was trained in South Africa, and was commissioned in 1943.
“This officer,” states the citation, “has participated in attacks on some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany and enemy-occupied territory. He is [missing word] efficient and capable naviga[missing letters] who during adverse weather has successfully guided his aircraft to the target and back to base.
“In May, 1944, following an attack on Mailly, his aircraft was engaged by an enemy fighter. Severe damage was sustained before the hostile aircraft was shot down. The petrol tanks were holed, but largely owing to F.-O. Martin’s navigational skill, his aircraft landed in the United Kingdom.
“By his fine record of operational flying and technical skill, this officer has set a splendid example to other navigators.”
Flying Officer Martin’s father taught in this district for over thirty years. Charles is the youngest of three sons, and there is also a daughter. All of them gained secondary school scholarships whilst resident in Chatham.
FOR GALLANTRY.
F/O. Charles Martin, D.F.C.
Flying Officer Charles Martin, R.A.F.V.R., whose home is at Erith, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Born at Chatham in 1922, he enlisted for air crew in 1941, trained in South Africa and was commissioned in 1943.
This officer, stated the citation, has participated in attacks on some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany and enemy-occupied territory. He is an efficient and capable navigator, who during adverse weather has successfully guided his aircraft to the target and back to base.
In May, 1944, following an attack on Mailly, his aircraft was engaged by an enemy fighter. Severe damage was sustained before the hostile aircraft was shot down. The petrol tanks were severely holed, but, largely owing to Flying Officer Martin’s navigational skill, the aircraft landed in the United Kingdom.
By his fine record of operational flying and technical skill, this officer has set a splendid example to other navigators.
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Title
A name given to the resource
Two newspaper cuttings
Description
An account of the resource
Left - Notifies of award of Distinguished Flying Cross to Flying Officer Charles Martin. Provides some biographical details and description of action which led to the award.
Right - Notified of award of Distinguished Flying Cross, some biographic details and description of actions.
Format
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One b/w photocopied sheet
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Identifier
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BCleggPVMartinCv10001
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Great Britain
England--Kent
England--Chatham (Kent)
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05
1943
1941
Contributor
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David Bloomfield
Anne-Marie Watson
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
aircrew
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
Distinguished Flying Cross
navigator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1768/31035/BCleggPVGibsonAv10019.2.jpg
c5e100242c3a6344891e04b15151bb97
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Gibson, Alan - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Eight items. Contains operational record of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF including extracts from his logbook, letter from his rear gunner, reports on operation to Mailly le Camp and document with quotations.
Date
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2015-07-02
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Clegg, PV
Dublin Core
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Title
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Map of operation to Mailly-le-Camp
Description
An account of the resource
Shows route across English Channel north of Paris to Mailly-le-Camp and return.
Format
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One b/w photocopied sheet
Type
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Map
Identifier
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BCleggPVGibsonAv10019
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
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France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1768/31034/BCleggPVGibsonAv1.2.pdf
8db739b076964463ed58fd14fcd516c2
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Gibson, Alan - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Eight items. Contains operational record of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF including extracts from his logbook, letter from his rear gunner, reports on operation to Mailly le Camp and document with quotations.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Clegg, PV
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] BOMBER COMMAND REPORT ON NIGHT OPERATIONS [/underlined] .
[underlined] NIGHT OF 3/4th. MAY 1944 [/underlined] .
[underlined] MAILLY LE CAMP: [/underlined] ( also Montididier:Chateaudun:Ludwigshafen:Minelaying:etc.)
[underlined] SUMMARY. [/underlined]
The military camp at Mailly le Camp was attacked by Lancasters with devastating success, in bright moonlight. Extremely heavy and widespread damage was caused, but 42 aircraft (11.3%) were lost. The high losses were associated with the delay in issuing instructions by the Master Bo [inserted] m [/inserted] ber due to communication difficulties which resulted in aircraft concentrating over the datum point in ideal weather conditions for fighters
[underlined] WEATHER FORECAST [/underlined] .
Bases:- Little cloud. Good visibility.
France:- Well broken convection cloud in N.,dispersing by mid night.
[underlined] PLAN OF ATTACK [/underlined].
Three OBOE mosquitoes were to mark the South East aiming point with short-burning green Target Indicators. The Aiming Point was then to be illuminated by flares and marked with red spot fires, visually between H and H+5. These would be backed up with more red spot fires, and, if they were not sufficiently accurate, with cascading green Target Indicators on the Aiming Point. No. 5 Group aircraft were to attack in two waves between H+5 and H+11, as instructed by the controller. The same procedure was to be carried out on the South West Aiming Point by No.1. Group, the Mosquitoes marking between H+11 and H+20., and the aircraft bombing from H+20. H = 0001
[underlined] SORTIES. [/underlined]
No.of aircraft despatched. 362
No.of aircraft reporting attack on primary target. 354 (97.8%)
No.of abortive sorties. 8 (2,2%)
No. of aircraft missing. 42 (11. 3%)
[underlined] WEATHER EXPERIENCED. [/underlined]
Bases: - Fit
Target:- Cloudless over France. Good Visibility. Bright Moonlight Wind at 6/7000ft. - 300-310 at 30/35 mph.
[underlined] NARRATIVE OF ATTACK [/underlined] .
Marking on the S.E.Aiming Point was abortive; one set of Target indicators failed to explode, and the other Mosquito was intercepted by a fighter. The Master Bomber hestitated [sic] and, after a few aircraft had bombed, diverted the attack to the N.W.Aiming Point. This was identified visually and accurately marked. The bombing was concentrated, and the target was soon enveloped in smoke.
[page break]
[underlined] DAY RECONNAISSANCE. [/underlined] The whole of the military camp and training area was severely damaged. The weight of the attack fell on the large compact group of Motor transport and barrack buildings. None of the 47 Motor Transport buildings escaped, and 34 were destroyed. XXX 114 barrack buildings were affected.
The workshops south of the area, a second group of M.T.buildings to the East, the range, and the ammunition dump, were also heavily hit.
[underlined] ENEMY DEFENCES. [/underlined]
[underlined] Ground Defence [/underlined] . 8 heavy guns were in action at the target, firing accurately at 8-9,000ft. Light flak came from 20 guns, and were self-destroying at 10-12,000ft. Only three searchlights exposed in the moonlight. Accurate flak was met en route,from airfields and Chartres.
[underlined] Fighters. [/underlined] The first interceptions [inserted] occurred [/inserted] xxxxxxx on the S. E. leg beyond Compiegne,-at first the enemy lost more heavily than did the bombers, losing 3, probably 4 fighters, before we turned south near Epernay. Then the unfortunate delay before the main force received their instructions resulted in a concentration of aircraft over the datum point in bright moonlight, presenting the fighters with great opportunities of wholesale interceptions. The attack lasted 19 minutes longer than had been planned, and it was during this period that most of the losses occurred. Fighters were active over the whole of the westerly route home, until the coast was reached.
[underlined] Enemy Aircraft Destroyed [/underlined] .
Our bombers destroyed 4, probably 6 enemy aircraft: one Me 109,two Me.110s,and a FW 190 for certain, with a JU.88 and an unidentified twin-engined fighter as probables.
[underlined] CASUALTIES [/underlined] .
42 aircraft (11.3%) were lost - a very high percentage, especially for a French target. The main reason has been given above - the concentration at the datum point because of the delay in instructing the main force. At least 25 aircraft fell in combat, rather more than half of these over the target, and all the rest on the homeward run. 9 were lost to flak, mostly over the target, although the defences of Romilly, Fontainebleau, and Chartres claimed victims. The other 8 losses cannot definitely be placed. 2 returning aircraft were wrecked by fighter attack.
[page break]
TARGET. GROUP. SORTIES. ATTACKED TARGET. MISSING. TIME OVER TARGET.
[underlined] MAILLY-LE-CAMP [/underlined] . [underlined] 1 , 5, 8. [/underlined] 362 352 42 (11.6%) . 00001/2-0044.
1 173 166 26 0009-0044.
5 187 184 14 00001/2-0035.
8 2 2 2358 0003
[underlined] ROUTE AND TIMING ORDERED [/underlined].
Base - Reading - Beachy Head - 50.00N. 01.15E -48.54N 04.08E - MAILLY 48.25N 04.15E -48.18N - 02.00E - 48.35N.00.20W. - 49.22N. 00.50w. Selsey Bill - Reading - Base.
[underlined] TIME ON TARGET. [/underlined] 23. 56. - 0025 hrs.
[underlined] WEATHER . [/underlined]
Moon 3/4 moon, above horizon all night.
Mailly and route. No cloud, except over England. Wind at target at heights 6/7000ft. 300-310 degs. 30-35 m.p.h.
[underlined] BASES and ENEMY AIRFIELDS [/underlined] Fit, visibility moderate.
[underlined] ENEMY FIGHTER REACTION [/underlined].
Allied aircraft were reported to long and medium range fighters as early as 2253hrs, though it is not clear to which raid this referred. The main force passed by Dieppe about 2315hrs, and the first reaction, half an hour later, was to send aircraft of NJG 3 in N.W.Germany from the Elbe to the Osnabruck area, after which nothing was heard of their movements. No.4 JD (covering N.E.France) opened up its running commentary control and at 2330 hrs said the spearhead of the force was south of Amiens. The controller then, between 2338 and 2345 hrs, reported our bombers as circling north of Beauvais, and the leading aircraft were plotted over Mailly at 0045 hrs. Presumably most NJG 4 aircraft were able to intercept the main force by the time it had arrived over the target, and it is suggested that some fighters followed the bombers on the homeward route. At 0040 hrs, when the attack was almost over, another report was made of aircraft circling in the target area.
At 0002 hrs, a minute after bombing had begun, fighters of NJG 1 and 2 in Holland were sent southwest to the Florennes area towards our bombers, but were diverted after only nine minutes to the Rhineland, as a deeper penetration was apparently suspected. During the attack on Mailly a [deleted word] control in JD 4 began ordering, to an area south of St.Quentin, fighters that were not in contact with the bombers. Landing orders were heard at 0132 hrs.
[page break]
[underlined] COMBATS AND ENEMY AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED. [/underlined]
Our aircraft were first intercepted on the south easterly leg beyond Compiegne (3 deg E), and although sightings from there to target were fairly numerous four of the five combats reported before reaching the target resulted in claims by our bombers - a Me.109, Me.110 and a FW.190 destroyed, and a JU 88 probably destroyed.
Our bombers reached the vicinity of Mailly just before midnight and although various enemy aircraft were seen in the next 20 minutes only two combats occurred until 0024hrs when the attack was due to close. From 0024 to 0037 hrs [deleted word] eight attacks and four combats occurred, and four of our aircraft were damaged - one having just previously hit by flak, and the gunners having baled out. One Me 110 was claimed destroyed and another twin engined enemy aircraft probably destroyed.
Attacks by twin engined aircraft continued to be fairly frequent until our aircraft were south of Paris and a few single engined types were glimpsed further west.
All the usual types were seen with twin-engined in the majority, and one report recorded 6 Me.410s in formation with navigation lights, west of Chalons
[underlined] GROUND DEFENCES. [/underlined]
Mailly Ie Camp (4-10,000ft) : up to 3 searchlights. Heavy Flak increased as the attack developed, about eight guns firing accurately, bursts being at 5-9,000ft; several [deleted word] bombers were damaged. Light flak from up to 20 guns, self destroying at 10,000 to 12,000ft.
En route: The Abbeville Searchlight Belt was reported as extending southwards. At Chartres heavy flak was slight,but accurate. Airfield and similar defences en route were active.
[underlined] ENEMY CLAIMS [/underlined].
"I.I.B."(German Intelligence) learns that according to final reports the number of aircraft brought down last night over occupied Western territories has now increased to 57 four-engined bombers:'
[underlined] Appreciation. [/underlined]
The Main target was a military camp and concentration in the Mailly area, some 80 miles east of Paris. This was to be attacked by about 350 Lancasters of Nos. 1 and 5 Groups with Mosquitoes as Markers. During the attack nearly 100 heavies of 8 Group were to follow part of the way along the route from Dieppe to bomb Montdidier airfield, and during the previous hour an ammunition dump at Chateaudun was to be attacked by Mosquitoes.
These raids had to be carried out in moonlight, the three quarter moon being up all night. Cloudless conditions and a strong N.W. wind were expected, and the route taken to the target was the shortest possible from the coast, [deleted word], Dieppe, Le Treport, past Poix and Compiegne,
[page break]
turning S.S.W., when west of Chalons. North Westerly route home would have involved flying against the wind and very near Paris. Therefore a longer route back was followed, south of Paris and Chartres, and regaining the coast west of Caen. Most of this route was flown below 13,000ft and often as low as 5,000ft. The attack was successfully carried out, but at a cost, unusually high for a French target, of 42 heavy bombers and two supporting aircraft, while four were lost against Mondidier. No trouble was met in crossing the coast, though near Poix the defence belt seemed to have been extended southwards. The enemy seems to have expected a penetration into Germany on finding the bombers flying so deeply into France to the east of Paris, and he made certain tactical preparations to meet this contingency, the likelihood of which was enhanced by the Mosquitoes going to Ludwigshafen.
4 JD reacted in fairly strong numbers to the Mailly raid, aircraft of NJG 4 and 1 arriving rather late on the route over the last 50 miles to [deleted word] target, though no aircraft appear to have been lost until the bombers began to turn south near Epernay. The first encounter resulted in four claims by our aircraft but the tale then altered. Owing to difficulties outside the scope of this report to discuss, although the marking began on time the main force did not receive their instructions to bomb until some time elapsed and part of this large force assembled at a datum point where the enemy aircraft were able to catch up with them and harry them in the moonlight.
The attack should have been on from 2356 to 0025 hrs lasted a further 19 minutes, and during this time most of the combats and losses are reported to have taken place. Certainly all but two of the combats occurred after 0024 hrs, and though a dozen aircraft were said in one report to have been shot down earlier, most of the observations relate to the period after 0024 hrs. It is suggested that half the losses occurred over the target and the remainder on the westward run from Troyes to Etampes. A few aircraft seen to fall between Chartres and the coast were all unaccountable losses, possibly due to trouble earlier. Losses to flak are possible over the target, where the defences expected from a military concentration increased as the attack progressed; and also in the areas of Romilly, Fontainebleu, and Chartres.
Twice the enemy described our aircraft as "circling", and though the second instance was probably orbitting [sic] late at the datum point, no explanation is available why our bombers should be circling near Beauvais -70 miles short of the target.
More twin-engined than single-engined aircraft were encountered in the period from 2350 hrs onwards it is suggested that 23 aircraft were lost to fighters, seven to flak, and twelve to unknown causes, to which fighters could be expected to have contributed principally.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Bomber Command report on night operations - night 3/4 May 1944
Description
An account of the resource
Target Mailly-le-Camp attacked by Lancasters. Covers weather forecast, plan of attack, total number of sorties, narrative of attack, day reconnaissance, enemy defences air and ground, enemy aircraft destroyed, casualties, target details, route, actual weather, enemy fighter reactions, combats, ground defences, enemy claims and an appreciation of the operation.
Format
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Five b/w photocopied sheets
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Text. Service material
Identifier
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BCleggPVGibsonAv1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Peter Bradbury
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
1 Group
5 Group
8 Group
anti-aircraft fire
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
Fw 190
Ju 88
Lancaster
Master Bomber
Me 109
Me 110
Mosquito
Oboe
searchlight
target indicator
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1768/31033/BCleggPVGibsonAv10013.1.jpg
feaf675eaa9273dbb520bb5231c24424
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Gibson, Alan - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Eight items. Contains operational record of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF including extracts from his logbook, letter from his rear gunner, reports on operation to Mailly le Camp and document with quotations.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Clegg, PV
Transcribed document
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Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined]A1. 653. 9th May. No.1 GROUP NARRATIVE REPORT No. 65[/underlined]
'K' took off on the night of May 3rd/ 4th - to bomb Mailly.The journey to the target proved uneventful and bombing was successfully carried out on the markers. 0n the return journey when about 40 miles east of Troyes at 8000 ft an ME 110 carrying
a whitish yellow light in the tail flew across from starboard to port. About 600 yards distant. When on the port beam the E/A made a tight turn and came in to port quarter down. It was seen by the rear gunner and kept under observation. The E/A
commenced to weave to starboard and then moved back to port quarter down fire with cannon and M/G at 300 yards. The R./G opened fire at the same time and ordered a dive to port. Tracer was seen to enter the nose of the E/A which broke to starboard
down. The fire from the E/A passed on the starboard side of 'K' and damage resulted to control surfaces, Petrol supply system, leading edge of starboard mainplane, coolant tank, magneto system and engine structure. The pipelines to the mid upper turret must have been severed as the turret went U/S immediately.
The E/ A positioned itself directly below ‘K’ about 600 M yards distant and followed along for about 8 minutes, in the meantime the gunner in the E/A was taking 'pot-shots' at 'K’ from a heavy calibre slow firing dorsal gun, without result, the pilot of 'K' then decided to lose height and as he did so the E/A. made a second attack from the port quarter down.
At 500 yards our rear gunner opened fire with a 3 second burst and tracer was seen to enter
front cabin of the E/A which broke away. A huge explosion followed and the E/A burst into
Flames and exploded on the ground. The combat had taken place over about 12 minutes
and a distance of 35 miles.
By this time 'K' was down to 2000 ft. so the pilot continued weaving for a short spell
and then climbed to 14.000 ft. OnTrack. The starboard outer engine commenced
sparking badly and running rough, so was feathered. A short time later it was noticed
that No.1 starboard fuel gauge was reading less than the other and after several checks
it was found that D fuel was being lost. Probably from a severed pipe-line. attempts
were made to balance the fuel but with no results.
No further incidents occurred and the French coast was crossed at 14.000 ft. and courses set
for Selsey Bill, where the Captain decided to lose height. The IFF was put to "Distress" as fuel
was now very low. When about 20 miles south of Selsey Bill a Q.D.E. was obtained from
Tangmere. Darkie was called but no reply was received although it was later found that
several aerodromes had replied.
The coast was crossed at 0227 hrs. at Selsey Bill and as the pilot knew the engines were
about to cut, he lowered the wheels and ordered the crew to crash positions. No orders
to abandon aircraft were given in view of the fact that during the combat the bomb aimers
parachute had opened and was strewn about the cockpit. Shortly after ordering crash
positions to be taken, the remaining engines cut out as fuel ran out. An Aerodrome with 3
Sandras was seen and the pilot manoeuvred to make a landing from due west, with 30
degrees of flap and without engine assistance a good glide landing was made on the grass
at Tangmere at 0229 hrs.
[underlined]Names of Crew[/underlined]
Pilot F/Sgt A. Gibson – Flight Engineer Sgt S. Lipman
Navigator F/O C. Martin – W/Op. Sgt R. Moisey
Air Bomber F/Sgt V. Vamiatin – M/U/G Sgt P. Cameron
R/G Sgt A. Bowden
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
No 1 Group Narrative report
Description
An account of the resource
Report on Alan Gibson's crew's operation to Mailly-Le-Camp describing attack by enemy aircraft which was engaged by gunners. Lists crew.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One b/w photocopied sheet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
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BCleggPVGibsonAv10013
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
1 Group
air gunner
aircrew
bombing
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
forced landing
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1768/31032/BCleggPVGibsonAv10012.1.2.jpg
1fcc20a4e566d2e3061487ab9923a5c4
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Gibson, Alan - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Eight items. Contains operational record of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF including extracts from his logbook, letter from his rear gunner, reports on operation to Mailly le Camp and document with quotations.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
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Clegg, PV
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
23 Buttermere Drive,
Lakeside Gardens,
ONCHAN,
Isle of Man
IM3 2ED
Dear Peter,
As promised, I am enclosing herewith some photostat copies of the Mailly - le - Camp reports. I regret that the quality of the printing is poor but I hope that you will find much to interest you in the content. I am sorry too that I have been unable to find a crew photograph for you; the print in the Memorial Flight Newsletter is all that I am able to offer. It is just possible that Pete Cameron might be able to help, but I am doubtful, and this lack of photographs has caused much disappointment on several previous occasions.
Please let me know if I can be of any further help, but in any case I shall always be pleased to hear from you, and once again – many, many thanks for the splendid 1997 calendar I have received from you.
Yours sincerely,
Alfi Bowdon
(Alan Gibson’s Rear Gunner in 166 Sqn)
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Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Alf Bowden, Alan Gibson rear gunner to Peter Clegg
Description
An account of the resource
Writes that he was enclosing copies of Mailly-le-Camp reports. Apologises that he could not provide crew photograph and add other information.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
A Bowden
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One b/w photocopied sheet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BCleggPVGibsonAv10012
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
166 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
bombing
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1768/31031/BCleggPVGibsonAv10001.1.jpg
b10a73fa8304221806296f3730b6502e
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Gibson, Alan - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Eight items. Contains operational record of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF including extracts from his logbook, letter from his rear gunner, reports on operation to Mailly le Camp and document with quotations.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Clegg, PV
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
This Folder contains the WWII operational records of a RNZAF Pilot and his English Navigator, of [underlined] 166 Squadron [/underlined] based at Kirmington (now Humberside Airport), N. Lincs.
1. [underlined] The Pilot: [/underlined] Sqd. Ldr. Alan Gibson AFC, DFM.
Alan was a Flt. Sgt., later Pilot Officer on his tour of 30 ops. in 166 Sqn at Kirmington, gaining the DFM there.
He stayed on in the RAF after the war, flying as a test-pilot with the Telecommunications Flying Unit (T.F.U. At Defford from Feb 2 1949 until retirement on Sept 14 t h 1953, as a Sqd. Ldr.
He supplied some of the other details here, and lived at:
75, Monterey Highway, RD2 Upper Monterey, NELSON, NEW ZEALAND.
2. [underlined] The Navigator [/underlined] Flt. Lt. Charles Martin DFC.
Charles, after a spell at 1662 Heavy Conversion Unit (H.C.U.) went back to 166 Sqn, before leaving the RAF.
He then flew as a Navigator with Skyways, B.O.A.C. and Caledonian Airways. He became P.A. to Sir Adam Thomson, Chairman of British Caledonian Airways (BCAL) before retiring.
The two log-book accounts of this Pilot and Navigator form a remarkable dual story of their Tour of Ops. together.
Note the Pilot’s remarks are about accuracy of bombing, concentration of flak, searchlights, night fighters, and damage sustained (Mailly-le-Camp, Duisburg, Mimoyecques and St. Ouen). The Navigator concentrates on routeing, and bombing accuracy.
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Folder description for collection
Description
An account of the resource
States that folder contains optional record of RNZAT pilot and his navigator of 166 Squadron at Kirmington. Gives details of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM and his navigator Flight lieutenant Charles Martin DFC.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One page handwritten document
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BCleggPVGibsonAv10001
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Germany
Germany--Duisburg
France--Saint-Quentin (Aisne)
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Jan Waller
166 Squadron
RAF Kirmington
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1768/31027/BCleggPVGibsonAv10002.2.pdf
461d84ae34aca7a38fdf91cc0e14dd9b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Clegg, Peter Vernon. Gibson, Alan - folder
Description
An account of the resource
Eight items. Contains operational record of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF including extracts from his logbook, letter from his rear gunner, reports on operation to Mailly le Camp and document with quotations.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2015-07-02
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. Some items have not been published in order to protect the privacy of third parties, to comply with intellectual property regulations, or have been assessed as medium or low priority according to the IBCC Digital Archive collection policy and will therefore be published at a later stage. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collection-policy.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Clegg, PV
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Extract from log book of Squadron Leader Alan Gibson AFC DFM RNZAF
Description
An account of the resource
Extracts from the operational log book of Alan Gibson covering his tour of 31 operations on 166 Squadron.
His pilot on his first operation was Flight Sergeant Burnett. Pilot Officer Allen also flew on one operation with him.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
10 b/w photocopied sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
BCleggPVGibsonAv10002
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
France
France--Paris
France--Rouen
Germany
Germany--Düsseldorf
Germany--Cologne
Germany--Karlsruhe
Germany--Essen
France--Mailly-le-Camp
France--Rennes
France--Dieppe
Atlantic Ocean--English Channel
Germany--Duisburg
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Aachen
France--Le Havre
France--Boulogne-sur-Mer
France--Jura
France--Normandy
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944
1944-03-18
1944-03-19
1944-04-09
1944-04-10
1944-04-18
1944-04-19
1944-04-20
1944-04-21
1944-04-22
1944-04-24
1944-04-25
1944-04-26
1944-04-27
1944-04-28
1944-05-03
1944-05-04
1944-05-07
1944-05-08
1944-05-10
1944-05-11
1944-05-21
1944-05-22
1944-05-23
1944-05-24
1944-05-25
1944-05-27
1944-05-28
1944-06-06
1944-06-07
1944-06-12
1944-06-13
1944-06-14
1944-06-15
1944-06-16
1944-06-17
1944-06-22
1944-06-23
1944-06-24
1944-06-28
1944-06-29
1944-06-30
1944-07-02
1944-07-12
1944-07-13
1944-07-14
1944-07-15
1944-07-18
1944-07-20
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Great Britain. Royal Air Force
166 Squadron
aircrew
Bombing of Mailly-le-Camp (3/4 May 1944)
bombing of the Le Havre E-boat pens (14/15 June 1944)
Distinguished Flying Medal
Lancaster
Me 110
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
pilot
RAF Kirmington
tactical support for Normandy troops
V-1
V-weapon
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1765/30842/YLayneAJ[Ser -DoB]v1.pdf
431b8287366017324d483a85e57b41ba
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Layne, Wally
Walter Henry Layne
W H Layne
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2017-06-07
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Layne, WH
Description
An account of the resource
100 items. The collection concerns Walter 'Wally' Layne (b. 1916, 963012, 40348 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, prisoner of war diary, personal and official correspondence and photographs. He flew operations as a wireless operator with 97 Squadron and became a prisoner of war after being shot down.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by D Layne and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 9 TH 1943.
My dear husband – Today I received your postcard stating that you are a prisoner of war. I cant tell you just how I do feel – after the agony of the last forty six days I can really begin to live again. God has answered my prayers and He knows how grateful I am.
The news that you were missing came as a dreadful shock. I got the wire at 1.15p.m. At the shop, Friday September 24th. I had listened to the 1-0 pm. news, heard that our 'planes had raided Mannheim and that thirty two were missing, but not for a second did I think that yours could be one of them. Never for a moment even at my blackest hours did I believe that you were gone from me – there were times when I had to fight hard – but thank God my faith remained unbroken.
You would be surprised at the sympathy I was shown, it helped such a lot. I have kept all the letters
[page break]
for you, they will explain themselves.
On Thursday October 21st, the news came via Frank, through the press, that you had been awarded the D.F.C. I was, and of course am terribly proud. I am wondering if I have to go to receive the 'gong', or if it will be left until you can fetch it yourself.
I shall keep a diary day by day for you darling – there will be so much that I shall be unable to tell you in the letters I can send.
I haven't been to the pictures since August, so tomorrow, by way of celebration for my grand news I am going to see your favourite – Betty Grable in 'Springtime in the Rockies'
I have written fifteen letters today – does my arm ache? I know I shan't sleep tonight, but who cares. I think I must be one of the happiest beings in the world.
Wrote my first P.O.W. Letter.
[page break]
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 10th 1943.
I feel awfully sick today dear, I think its re-action. I haven't done much work – Ive had a series of 'phone calls and visitors all day. I didnt realise we had so very many friends. Its just grand.
No particular war news today.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11th 43.
Heard from Lois – wrote her and Chalky White, still feeling hilarious. Had a hair set, and saw Betty Grable in 'Springtime in the Rockies'. Have been stopped countless times by people who have heard the good news. Bought a wizard maternity dress.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12th 1943
Awfully cold today. Heard from numerous folk. Wrote to the McGregors. RAF depository wrote regarding your personal effects. Hope to get them before long.
[page break]
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13th 43.
Received a letter and cheque to the value of £6-2-6 from the club of the Earl of Derby. Cannot tell you how touched I was by this truly grand gesture. One of my customers brought in a cyclamen plant – feel as if I'm married to public hero No 1. Have been feted and congratulated until I feel in a whirl.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14th 43.
A really dreadful day with snow, wind and rain. Had a celebration at the report centre in thanksgiving for your safety. Mary took a bottle of port – I took jelly, blancmange and cake. Comforted in a sense by peoples good wishes etc. but, my own boy, my heart is so full when I think of you. I miss you terribly – miss your letters 'phone calls – everything. May God help us both to endure the separation until you return.
Wrote to you.
[page break]
MONDAY NOVEMBER 15th 43.
Heard from Betty Caygill. Stan Packard has been repatriated. I am writing this at Stoneleigh, and know that I shall never be happy here again. I think I should have finished altogether – it was a mistake to come back. Its almost more than I can bear when I think of the joy we have known here together. I must think hard tonight, definitely shant stay.
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 16th 43.
Received a very much less frightening priority telegram confirming that you are a P.O.W. Horribly cold. Feel a little less miserable than yesterday. Packed up a large amount of glass and linen, and tidied drawers in anticipation of leaving here before long. Americans are at Bottesford, St Vincents, and numerous other camps. See more going around than our own boys. No mail today.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17th 43
Heard from Air Ministry Casualty Branch confirming telegram of yesterday, also from Bib Brocklesby and Mrs McKinan she is still without news of her husband and I feel reluctant to tell her of my good news. Very little to tell you dear. Shall be so glad when I hear from you again. I do think of you. Came across Tom Pullen’s home address and wrote telling him of your whereabouts.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18th 43.
News came from the squadron that you were commissioned to the rank of Pilot Officer with effect from September 13th 43. Feel terribly proud, you have done so well. Heard from Chalky and Mrs Nelson. Wrote to you, also Air Ministry Accounts regarding pay. Our bombers raided Ludwigshafen – lost one. There have been very few large scale raids of late. Finished reading of all books ‘Night life of the Gods’ don’t know whether I liked it or not.
[page break]
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19th 43.
Heard from the McGregors and Lois. Our planes bombed Berlin and Ludwigshafen – we lost thirty two. According to radio the biggest force ever sent. I am really awfully glad about you having a commission. Have read the letter over and over again.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20th 43.
Very busy day in the shop, I get tired easily now. Our bombers raided Leverkusen north of Cologne – lost five. Went to the report centre, slept at Harlaxton Road. Romany died.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21st 43.
Spent the day at Harlaxton Road. Did not turn out, horrible fog and rain. Wrote to you, also Mrs McKinna. Am reading ‘Pilots Wife’s Tale’ by Esther Terry Wright. No particular war news.
[page break]
MONDAY NOVEMBER 22nd 43
Have an awful crop of chilblains. No mail today, in fact an altogether very uneventful day. Nothing happened worth recording. Might mention that Mr Apps called to see me and make the usual remarks about my good news.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23rd 43.
Berlin received its heaviest raid of the war last night – we lost twenty six air craft. No mail. Wrote to Lois, Bib Brocklesby, Miss Elliott and Cecil Franklin. Stuffed the teddy bear nightdress case you gave me for junior. Reading ‘Late and Soon’ by E.M. Delafield.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 24th 43.
Berlin raided again – twenty aircraft lost. Dreadful windy day, turned to rain. Mrs Ford gone to London to buy. [sic] Had a letter from Bill Bridgewater. Shall be glad to leave Stoneleigh. Wrote to you.
[page break]
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25th 43
Received a letter from Mrs McKinna to tell me that she and Mrs Foster have received a wire stating that from information received their husbands are believed to have lost their lives. Feel very very sorry. Wrote her and Chalky. Mosquitoes attacked Berlin – one lost.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26th
Our bombers attacked Frankfort – thirteen lost. Went to the report centre, slept at Harlaxton Road.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27th
All Lancaster force bombed Berlin – Halifaxes bombed Stuttgart. Thirty two aircraft lost. Dorothy and I went to see Tyrone Power in ‘The Black Swan’.
[page break]
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28th
Spent a very lazy day. Great fuss going on owing to the release of Mosley. Wrote to you.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 29th
Felling off colour. Nothing of particular importance to relate. Spent the evening at Thorneydene. Very cold and windy.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 30th
Heard from RAF at Slough who are releasing a parcel of your clothing. Spent the evening and night with Aileen and George Challard, who have been surprisingly kind to me during the past weeks.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1st
Told them at Stoneleigh that I am leaving – they were very kind and quite understood my position. Shirley paid me a visit. Still feeling rotten.
[page break]
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2nd 43.
Simply awful news today. Vic was killed in an aircraft accident, on 1st Dec. Went to see poor little Shirley – she is heart broken. Feel absolutely terrible about it.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 2nd 43.
Vic would have been thirty three today. Went along to Shirley again. I’m afraid she will be many years getting over the shock. Our planes raided Berlin forty one lost – more sorrow for someone.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 4th 43.
Packed up a lot of my things at Stoneleigh. I received a parcel of your clothing from the central depository yesterday. Our bombers raided Leipzig – twenty three lost.
[page break]
SUNDAY YOUR BIRTHDAY 1943
Wore a new dress in your honour. Mother and I went to see Shirley. Started packing up at Stoneleigh.
MONDAY 6-12-43
An uneventful day. Did a great deal of packing. Mick visited us.
TUESDAY 7-12-43
Had my first letter from you – did me a lot of good too. Wrote to you, also Robbie, whose mother sent me a letter. Went along to see Shirley. Your letter dated 25th Oct.
WEDNESDAY 8-12-43.
Sent you 200 cigarettes. Preparing a red cross parcel. Received a P.O.W. magazine. Spent my last night at Stoneleigh. Horrible foggy weather. Vic was buried today.
[page break]
THURSDAY 9-12-43
Moved from Stoneleigh. Feel awfully weary – a very tiring business.
FRIDAY 10-12-43.
Despatched your red cross parcel. Faired very well at the red + centre. Not feeling too good.
SATURDAY 11-12-43.
Have to return my allotment book until you make necessary arrangements regarding my allowance. Horribly cold. Still feeling rotten. Purchased a few Christmas gifts.
SUNDAY 12-12-43.
Stayed in all day – wrote to you, and various RAF departments, also Charlie, the McGregors and Percy.
[page break]
MONDAY 13th DEC 43.
Had a letter and postcard from you, dated 14th October. Awful cold weather. Went to report centre.
TUESDAY 14th DEC 43.
Fog all day. Went to bed at 7-45 pm. No mail. Nothing to report.
WEDNESDAY 15th DEC 43.
No mail. Wrote to numerous people – also yourself.
THURSDAY 16th DEC 43.
Heard from Mrs Pugh – Mrs McGregor and Helen, also Lloyds regarding your RAF pay.
FRIDAY 17th DEC 43.
An uneventful day. Nothing worth recording. Very serious ‘flu epidemic sweeping the country. Our planes raided Berlin. Thirty missing.
[page break]
SATURDAY 18th DEC 43.
A very busy day at the shop. Mr Churchill is in Africa suffering from pneumonia, but is recovering.
SUNDAY 19th DEC 43.
Awfully cold. Wrote to you – also Mrs McGregor – Helen and Lois. Made Derek some dungarees.
MONDAY 20th DEC 43.
This is becoming a boring narrative. ‘Fraid I lead a very uneventful life.
TUESDAY 21st DEC 43.
Our bombers raided Frankfurt and Mannheim we lost forty two. Awful Christmas for some poor things.
WEDNESDAY 22nd DEC 43.
Very busy at the shop. Mrs F. not well. Sent you 200 cigarettes.
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THURSDAY DEC. 23rd 43.
Had a hair set. Open all day at the shop. Not feeling too good. Raided Berlin Seventeen planes lost.
FRIDAY DEC 24th 43.
Queer day. I can’t work up an interest in Christmas. Mrs Howard left after an argument regarding time off with her husband. Phil & Fred came at night – toasted your health and consequently almost finished myself off. Listened to Scrooge on the wireless. Missing you terribly Dorothy and I attended midnight communion.
SATURDAY CHRISTMAS DAY 1943.
The quietest Christmas day I have ever experienced. Didn’t get dressed at all. Lazed around in my housecoat. Still feeling not so good. Dorothy and I went to bed at 9 -30 p.m. Thought of you all day and wondered what you were doing. Very mild weather.
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SUNDAY 26th DEC. 43.
Wrote to you – Had a most unexpected visit from Chalky white and his girl friend. Thought it grand of them to come. Had a bit of a party. The folks from Newark came also Mr & Mrs Christopher and Shirley.
MONDAY 27th DEC. 43.
Spent the afternoon and evening at Thorneydene, enjoyed it very much. Mr F. suggests chartering a plane to fetch you home after the war. Is also saving some cigars for you.
TUESDAY 28th DEC. 43.
Had a letter from Mrs Silver. Mooched around during the morning. Dorothy and I had a walk during the afternoon. Went to bed early. Very glad Christmas is over. Must report that the home fleet sank the Scharnhorst on Saturday night, sorry Sunday the 26th. Wrote to you.
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WEDNESDAY DEC 29th. 43.
Went back to work. Wrote to Mrs Pugh and Bib Brocklesby. Coastal command and naval forces sank three axis destroyers and a blockade runner in the Bay of Biscay. Considerably colder.
THURSDAY DEC 30th 43.
Our bombers raided Berlin, we lost twenty aircraft. The staff were guests of Mr & Mrs Forth at a tea given at the Picture House, and afterwards to the cinema show, which was Leslie Howard in ‘Stand In’ and a supporting film ‘The fugitive lady’ which I liked best. Altogether very enjoyable.
FRIDAY DEC 31st 43.
Very cold. Started stock taking. The last day of a very sad year on the whole. Dorothy’s trouble, Shirley’s loss, and my anxiety. As I write this, I wonder dear one if I shall see you in 1944 – pray God that I do.
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SATURDAY JANUARY 1st 44
Sent your letters and cards to Frank. A mild uneventful day. Reading ‘Polonaise’ by Doris Leslie. Received ‘Captain Moonlight’ by Ethel Mannin from the book club.
SUNDAY JANUARY 2nd 44
Didn’t turn out all day. Our planes raided Berlin and Hamburg, twenty eight lost. Wrote to you, also Chalky.
MONDAY JANUARY 3rd 44.
Not feeling so good. Our planes raided Berlin again, twenty seven lost. Got your personal belongings back from Air Ministry.
TUESDAY JANUARY 4th 44
Came back from work in the middle of the morning. Have a rotten cold, Dorothy too. Heard from Mrs McGregor yesterday.
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WEDNESDAY JAN 5th 44.
Still off work. Heard from Tom Pullen – he is now a P/O just about to start a second tour.
THURSDAY JAN 6th 44.
Went to see the doctor for an examination. Still feeling rather seedy but went to the shop. Our bombers raided Stettin – fifteen lost. Mr & Mrs Forth gone to Brigg. Mr Hyslop left money for 200 cigarettes for you. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY JAN 7th 44.
Wrote to Mr Hyslop, Tom Pullen and Betty Caygill. Received my second P. of W. magazine. Sent you 200 cigarettes. Russians fighting ten miles inside Poland. Eva Johnson tells me that young Prouten is missing.
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SATURDAY JAN 8th 44.
Paid income tax totalling £10-6-0. Heard from Ruth.
SUNDAY JAN 9th 44.
A Horrible wet day. Went to tea at Shirley’s.
MONDAY JAN 10th 44.
Still feeling not so good. Went to bed early. Busy taking stock.
TUESDAY JAN 11th 44.
Germans shot Ciano. Bern Twilley called in the shop to see me. Is now F/O. Wrote to Ruth. Feel rotten. Heard from Mrs Bowley.
WEDNESDAY JAN 12th 44.
A very uneventful day. Feel I shall go mad if I don’t soon have news of you. I am missing you terribly - wrote to you.
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THURSDAY JAN 13th 44.
Feeling simply awful. Went to bed after dinner. Missing you horribly.
FRIDAY JAN 14th 44.
Feel a bit better. Our bombers went out for the first time for ages. Americans doing a lot of day raiding.
SATURDAY JAN 15th 44.
We raided Brunswick – lost thirty eight Bombers. Heard from Chalky. Bill came to spend leave. Shirley brought two of Vic’s friends down. I went to bed at 7.0 P.M.
SUNDAY JAN 16th 44.
Got up at 9.15 AM. A lovely rest – feel much better. Spent a pleasant day. Took D.J. for a walk in the afternoon. Played cards, read, and wrote to you at night. A lovely frosty sunny day.
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MONDAY JAN 17th 44.
Feeling much more cheerful – received letters from you dated Nov 7th and 20th. Wrote to Lois. Damp, dirty weather.
TUESDAY JAN 18th 44.
Shirley’s birthday – Mum, Dorothy and Bill went along at night. Feeling not so good again. Wrote to Mrs McGregor.
WEDNESDAY JAN 19th 44.
Had the doctor to see me – advised me to give up my work. Had a letter and a pink matinee coat from Bib Brocklesby. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY JAN 20th 44.
A day in bed – feeling weak, fed up, and missing you terribly.
FRIDAY JAN 21st 44.
Our bombers raided Berlin – thirty five missing. Still taking things quietly. Joan McKelvey had a son.
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SATURDAY JAN 22/44.
Our bombers raided Magdeburg and Berlin – 55 missing. Had a walk to the shop in the afternoon. Mum and I went to see Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour in ‘They got me covered’. A grand film. 9-0 pm news revealed that 52 planes were lost.
SUNDAY JAN 23/44
Wrote to you dear. Four months ago today you went missing. Shirley came at night.
MONDAY JAN 24/44
Finished altogether at the shop – glad of the rest. Miserable day, rain etc. No particular news.
TUESDAY JAN 25/44
Had a good rest. Took Derek out. Bill went back. Beginning to feel very tired.
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WEDNESDAY JAN 26/44.
Wrote to you. Heard from Effie. Leading an uneventful life.
THURSDAY JAN 27/44.
Took D.J. out morning and afternoon, tired myself out. A rotten nights rest despite that.
FRIDAY JAN 28/44.
Went to Thorneydene to clear out your chest of drawers. Lancaster force raided Berlin – 34 lost. Phil & Fred came.
SATURDAY JAN 29/44.
Berlin again raided – 47 bombers lost. Strong American daylight force raided Frankfurt. Called at the shop.
SUNDAY JAN 30/44
A glorious day. Took D.J. out in the morning. Rested during the afternoon. Wrote to you.
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MONDAY JAN31/44.
Received a P.C. from you dated Nov 15th. Betty Scothern had a baby boy. Wrote to Robbie. Called at the report centre at night to collect local gossip. Our planes raided Berlin again – 33 lost.
TUESDAY FEB 1st 44.
Took D.J. out during the morning and afternoon – otherwise a very uneventful day. No mail – no particular war news.
WEDNESDAY FEB 2nd 44
Wrote to you. Took D.J. out.
THURSDAY FEB 3rd 44.
A horrible day – rain and wind. Had a hair set.
FRIDAY FEB 4th 44.
Mrs F. ill. Did some shopping. Very rough weather.
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SATURDAY FEB 5th 44.
Had a P.C. from Dal dated 7th Nov. Spent a few hours at the shop during the afternoon. Bill arrived unexpectedly – his 21st today.
SUNDAY FEB 6th 44.
Wrote to you, also Dal. Feeling not so good. Had tea at Shirley’s.
MONDAY FEB 7th 44.
Heard from Lois – feeling awful, have a bad chill on the stomach – most painful
TUESDAY FEB 8th 44.
Still feeling awful – Little to relate. Wrote to Frank - made out a list for your second red cross parcel.
WEDNESDAY FEB 9th 44.
Mrs F. went to hospital. The Mitchells, Shirley & Reg came at night. Wrote to you. Saw the doctor for final examination.
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 10th 44.
A horrible cold day. Did not go out. Very uneventful day.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 11th 44.
Went to the hospital to see Mrs. F.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 12th 44.
Went out during the afternoon. Heard from Pop she had a baby boy on Feb 6th.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13th 44.
Wrote to you, also Lois. Didn’t go out all day. No particular news.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 14 h 44.
Alice and I went to see Mrs F. She looks much improved. Sent you 200 cigarettes. Wrote to Frank and Pop. Dick Campling’s [inserted] Pa [/inserted] paid us a short visit.
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TUESDAY FEBRUARY 15th 44.
Our day darling – my thoughts have been all of you. Mrs Silver sent me a cot cover, toy rabbit and 10/- for cigarettes. Heard from Bib Brocklesby. Took D.J. out. A lovely sunny day with a fullness of treasured memories.
WEDNESDY FEBRUARY 16th 44.
Went to see Mrs. F. again with Alice. Large raid on Berlin- 43 planes lost.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17th 44.
A horrible wet day, did not turn out at all. Heard from Chalky.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18th 44.
Went to see Mrs F. again. Bib sent me a copy of ‘The Briggensian’ Wrote to Chalky.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19th 44.
No particular news. Went to see the doctor. Horribly cold. Reading ‘Bombers fly East’ by Bruce Sanders.
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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20th 44.
Our planes raided Leipzig in great strength. 79 missing. A very cold day did not go out. Wrote to you also Bib.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 21st 44.
Received a letter from you dated 5th December. Mr Campling wrote. Dick went missing on last Berlin raid. Our planes raided Stuttgart, lost 10. Went to see Mrs F. Wrote to you.
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 22nd 44.
Frank sent £2 – towards your next parcel. Hopkins moved your chest of drawers.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 23rd 44.
Cleaned and rearranged my bedroom. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 24th 44.
No particular news. Took D.J. out in the morning. Reading ‘Rain on her face’ by John Paddy Carstairs.
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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25th 44.
Mum and Dorothy went to Nottingham to see Derrick. Prepared your red cross parcel sending vests, trunks, pullover, gloves, sox, tie shaving tackle etc. Our planes raided Sikeinfurt – 35 lost.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 26th 44.
Recorded 29th February. Taken to hospital at 8-0 P.M.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27th 44
A terrible day – full of pain.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 28th 44.
Simply awful until baby was born at approx. 5-45 P.M.
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 29th 44
Haven’t been allowed to see our baby yet. Dorothy brought a card from you dated 26th October. Auntie Josie sent David Ian £4.
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 1st 44
Saw David Ian for the first time at 6-15 P.M. In a sense it was a bitter sweet meeting – he is so ridiculously like you darling. I am missing you more than I dare admit.
THURSDAY MARCH 2nd 44
Saw our son five times today - am trying to feed him. He is cute, looks just like Grand Pa Layne. Miss Johnson gave him a token for 15/- Mum, Alice and Shirley came to see me. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY MARCH 3rd 44
Return of kidney disorder. They are giving me M&B 693 and some medicine.
SATURDAY MARCH 4th 44
Not feeling very good. Mrs F. came in to see me.
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SUNDAY MARCH 5th 44
Mum and Dorothy came.
MONDAY MARCH 6th 44
Another not so good day.
TUESDAY MARCH 7th 44
Not much change.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 8th
Feeling a little better.
THURSDAY MARCH 9th 44
Heard from Caterpillar Club you are awarded certificate and badge. Red Cross are sending a cable advising you of David Ian’s birth.
FRIDAY MARCH 10th 44
Uneventful day. Feeling rather better. Missing you terribly. David Ian doing well, and getting very pretty.
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SATURDAY MARCH 11th 44
Usual routine. My leg giving me trouble – very maddening.
SUNDAY MARCH 12th 44
Allowed out of bed. Enjoyed a good hot bath. Mother and Dorothy came to see me. Wrote to you.
MONDAY MARCH 13th 44
Another ‘off’ day, and a dreadful longing for you.
TUESDAY MARCH 14th 44
Feeling much better.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 15th 44
Left hospital at 3.30 P.M. Feel decidedly weak, and wished so much that I was going home to you. Mrs F. left too.
THURSDAY MARCH 16th 44
Not very good. David Ian not feeding very well. Our planes raided Stuttgart – 40 lost.
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FRIDAY MARCH 17th 44
Things better today. Dr Gray came to see me had a good talk with her and feel less worried.
SATURDAY MARCH 18th 44
Went to St Johns for churching. Sent red cross parcel.
SUNDAY MARCH 19th 44
Took David out. Went as far as Mrs Christopher’s. Felt awfully tired. Bill turned up. Planes raided Frankfurt – 22 lost. The sirens went, but nothing doing.
MONDAY MARCH 20th 44
Feel horribly miserable – missing you terribly. Wrote to you.
TUESDAY MARCH 21st 44
Another not so good day. So wish I could hear from you. Registered David Ian’s birth.
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 22nd 44
Got a taxi and took David to Thorneydene, spent a most enjoyable afternoon and evening.
THURSDAY MARCH 23rd 44
Our planes raided Frankfurt. 33 lost. Took David to the welfare centre, he weighs 7 lbs – 12 ozs. Wrote to you. Heard from Mrs M Kinna.
FRIDAY MARCH 24th 44
Just six months since you were reported missing my darling. Took our son out in the afternoon Feeling much better.
SATURDAY MARCH 25th 44
Berlin – 73 planes lost. Tony and Paul came for the day. Bill and Jack also here. Went with Shirley to see ‘Dubarry was a lady.’ A shall be so glad when I hear from you. Sent red cross 5/- and have received acknowledgement.
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SUNDAY MARCH 26th 44
Margaret turned up unexpectedly. Went to Thorneydene. Glorious weather.
MONDAY MARCH 27th 44
Disappointed no letter from you. Took David out in the afternoon. Wrote to you. Essen raided – 9 lost.
TUESDAY MARCH 28th 44
Still no letter. Went to Mrs Christopher’s and stayed tea. Glorious weather.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 29th 44
Much cooler. Stayed in all day.
THURSDAY MARCH 30th 44
David weighs 8 lbs – 7 ozs. Took him for a short walk. Awfully cold.
FRIDAY MARCH 31st 44
Nuremberg – 96 lost. Do wish I could hear from you. Went to the doctor – disappointed at her verdict. Went to see ‘Watch on the Rhine’ with Mum.
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SATURDAY APRIL 1st 44
Went out with Joan Greetham. Still no word from you darling. Went to bed early. Yesterdays losses corrected on radio to 94.
SUNDAY APRIL 2nd 44
Our baby is adorable. Mum stayed in bed until 6 – 0 P.M. Rained all day. Dorothy and I busy. Wrote to you.
MONDAY APRIL 3rd 44
The Warings came. Went out in the morning and afternoon.
TUESDAY APRIL 4th 44
At last, had a P.C. from you dated January 16th. Heard also from RAF accounts who are making over part of your money to me. Miserable showery day. David just wonderful. Received P.O.W. magazine. Bought from Boots for 3/- each ‘Mad dogs and Englishmen’ by Erick Berry. ‘Escape to fight again’ A.P. Luscombe Whyte.
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 5th 44
Heard from Betty Caygill. Showery day. Went for a short walk in the afternoon
THURSDAY APRIL 6th 44
Another P.C. dated January 11th. Roger came over. Took David to the Welfare Centre now weights 8 lb
14 ozs. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY APRIL 7th 44
Worked hard all day, didn’t go out.
SATURDAY APRIL 8th 44
A lovely day. Took David out in the afternoon.
EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 9th 44
Chalky White and Margaret visited us, and stayed overnight. Enjoyable days. Had a drink at Macs.
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MONDAY APRIL 10th 44
Went out in the morning with Chalky, Margaret and David. They went back at 12 – 39 P.M. Dorothy and I went out during the afternoon. Took David to see his Auntie at Miss Ellis’s.
TUESDAY APRIL 11th 44
Paid my hospital bill £7-1-0. Shirley came at night. French rail road targets attacked by strong force. 22 missing.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 12th 44
11 planes missing from attack on targets in France. Dorothy and I had a lovely walk during the afternoon. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY APRIL 13th 44
Heard from Frank – he has made you a member of the old boy’s association. Took David to the welfare centre – he now weighs 9 lbs. 7 ozs.
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FRIDAY APRIL 14th 44
Heard from Air Ministry they are paying me £3-18-0 a week with effect from March 1st. Took David out. Wrote to Frank.
SATURDAY APRIL 15th 44
A really glorious day. Took David out, accompanied by Joan Greetham.
SUNDAY APRIL 16th 44
Had tea with Aileen and George Challand. Wrote to you.
MONDAY APRIL 17th 44
Much cooler. Mum and I went to see Betty Grable in ‘Coney Island’ it was wizard. Called down the report centre at night.
TUESDAY APRIL 18th 44
Went for a walk with Betty Sprawson. A lovely day again.
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 19th 44
Received cheque for £10.17.0 from A.M. Awfully rough wind. 13 aircraft lost from raid on rail targets in France.
THURSDAY APRIL 20th 44
Received cheque for £6.8.5 from C. & K’s. Had tea with Mrs Christopher. David weighs 9 lbs 11 ozs. Mrs MKinna sent him two bibs.
FRIDAY APRIL 21st 44
Wrote to Mrs Mkinna and Lois. Took David to the doctor, he has heat rash for which I am giving him medicine and ointment. Miserable weather.
SATURDAY APRIL 22nd 44
Went to Hougham to look at a sewing machine – turned it down. Lovely day. Joan Greetham stayed at night until 10-0 P.m.
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SUNDAY APRIL 23rd 44
Took David up to Thorneydene – called to see the Lee’s and Mrs Kenny. Very enjoyable. 42 aircraft lost after raid on Dusseldorf. Wrote to you.
MONDAY APRIL 24th 44
Received a P.C. from you dated January 22. Bought a blouse.
TUESDAY APRIL 25th 44
29 aircraft lost after raid on Munich and Karlsruhe. Went out during the afternoon with Betty Sprawson. Wrote to Frank.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 26th 44
Essen 29 aircraft lost.
THURSDAY APRIL 27th 44
Received two postcards from you dated Dec 11th & 31st. Windy today. David weighs 10 lbs 6 ozs.
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FRIDAY APRIL 28th 44
Friedrichshafen – 36 planes lost.
A letter I wrote you returned from censor.
SATURDAY APRIL 29th 44
Went for a walk in the afternoon with Joan Greetham. Received parcel from America.
SUNDAY APRIL 30th 44
Took David out in the evening. No particular news. 10 planes lost from raid on French rail targets.
MONDAY MAY 1st 44
Had David photographed. Saw Mr Hyslop.
TUESDAY MAY 2nd 44
Went for a walk with Betty Sprawson. Another letter returned from censor.
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WEDNESDAY MAY 3rd 44
Received cheque for £10.10.0. Had tea with Mrs Christopher.
THURSDAY MAY 4th 44
Military target at Mailly attacked 49 aircraft lost. Received cheque for £8.15.7. David weighs 10 lbs 14 ozs.
FRIDAY MAY 5th 44
Went to a Red Cross next of kin meeting. Purchased some things for your next parcel. Braces, pipe, hair brush, tooth brush, comb, 2 pairs sox, hussif shaving brush.
SATURDAY MAY 6th 44
Start of ‘Salute the Soldier’ week. Bought David a 30/- certificate. Went out with Joan Greetham. Wrote to you.
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SUNDAY MAY 7th 44
Shirley, Dorothy and I took the children down the park. French rail targets attacked, five planes lost.
MONDAY MAY 8th 44
Saw Joan Johnson, she tells me young Prouten is believed killed. Was going to Thorneydene but found Mrs F. at the shop. French rail targets attacked – nine lost.
TUESDAY MAY 9th 44
Went to Thorneydene – a very enjoyable day.
WEDNESDAY MAY 10th 44
Saw a RAF exhibition particularly interested in parachute packing and releasing.
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THURSDAY MAY 11th 44
David weighs 11 lbs 7 ozs. Mum and Dorothy went to Belvoir. Wrote to Chalky. Lovely weather. French rail targets attacked.
FRIDAY MAY 12th 44
French rail targets attacked – 15 lost. David and I photographed at Walter Lee’s. Mum and I went to see ‘King’s Row’ a very good film.
SATURDAY MAY 13th 44
14 planes missing from attacks on French rail targets. Received a letter from you dated 15th February. Am glad to know mail is reaching you okay. Wrote to you.
SUNDAY MAY 14th 44
Took David out during the afternoon. Wrote to Mrs McGregor and Lois.
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MONDAY MAY 15th 44
Had a very nice letter from Mrs Kempshall. Awfully dull weather.
TUESDAY MAY 16th 44
Heard from Lois. Another dull day. Feeling rather fed up with myself.
WEDNESDAY MAY 17th 44
Very dull and wet. Did not get out at all.
THURSDAY MAY 18th 44
David weighs 11 lbs 12 ozs.
FRIDAY MAY 19th 44
Went to Carlton Scroop to stay with Joan Franklin.
SATURDAY MAY 20th 44
Very enjoyable day. Went out in the village. A pleasant change.
SUNDAY MAY 21st 44
Rather cold. Spent another pleasant day. Reports that 47 RAF officers were shot during March at Luft 3 announced.
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MONDAY MAY 22nd 44
Returned home to find 2 letters from you dated February 22nd March 9th and a P.C. dated Feb 1st. Very thrilled. Heard also from Bib Brocklesby and Margaret King. Wrote to you and sent a photograph of David. Dick’s father called still no news, Dick awarded D.S.O. Raid on Duisburg – 30 planes lost.
TUESDAY MAY 23rd 44
Raid on Dortmund – 35 planes lost. Wrote several letters.
WEDNESDAY MAY 24th 44
Lovely weather. Took David out during the afternoon. Called in at the report centre at night. Heard from Mrs McGregor.
THURSDAY MAY 25th 44
Received a P.C. from you dated 10th Feb. 25 planes missing from raid on Aachen. Wrote to you and sent photographs of David and myself. He weighs 12 lbs 3 ozs.
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FRIDAY MAY 26th 44
Went to Babette Land’s home to fetch David’s smock which is exquisite. Phil & Fred came.
SATURDAY MAY 27th 44
a lovely day. Took David out in the afternoon. Knitting him vests.
SUNDAY MAY 28th 44
Antwerp & French rail targets. 27 planes missing from 1,000 force. Had an enjoyable afternoon & evening at Thorneydene. David is wizard & getting very tanned.
MONDY MAY 29th 44
Very hot. A fair in Wyndham fields. Went out in the morning and evening.
TUESDAY MAY 30th 44
Another hot day. David beautifully tanned. Wrote to you.
WEDNESDAY MAY 31st 44
Much cooler. Strong force raided rail targets in France. 8 lost.
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THURSDAY JUNE 1st 44
David weighs 12 lbs 10 ozs. Auntie Emmie & Roger came. Had my fortune told.
FRIDAY JUNE 2nd 44
Received cheques for £10.17.0 and £8.0.11 from A.M. Discover you are a F/O.
SATURDAY JUNE 3rd 44
Heard from Lois & Red Cross. Have to send your football things in a next of kin parcel. Went out in the afternoon with Joan G.
SUNDAY JUNE 4th 44
Miserable weather – did not turn out. Wrote to you. Raid on Leverkusen. 17 planes lost. Sent you enlargement of David.
MONDAY JUNE 5th 44
The allies entered Rome. Osnabruck raided without loss. Wrote and sent photographs to your Pa. Frank, Aunt Ida and Mrs McGregor.
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TUESDAY JUNE 6th 44
[underlined] We invaded Northern France. [/underlined]. News bulletins all day, and everyone on edge. Thinking of you so much. Mum and I went to see ‘The man in Grey’ a very excellent film.
Wednesday June 7th 44
Progressing satisfactorily in France. Preparing your Red Cross parcel.
THURSDAY JUNE 8th 44
Had 3 postcards dated March 17th, 23rd, 30th and a letter April 7th. David weighs 13 lbs. Had tea with Pop Close.
FRIDAY JUNE 9th 44
Had my hair permed. Wrote to you. Miserable weather.
SATURDAY JUNE 10th 44
Doing okay in Normandy. 289 planes lost in air battles and numerous sorties. Had my photograph taken.
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SUNDAY JUNE 11th 44
20 bombers lost over French rail targets. Called down the report centre at night.
MONDAY JUNE 12th 44
Uneventful day. Took David out.
TUESDAY JUNE 13th 44
Miserable weather, did not go out. Lancasters very busy attacking targets in France.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 14th 44
Weather still very cool. No particular news. Aunt Ida sent David 10/-. Wrote you.
THURSDAY JUNE 15th 44
Your father came. Went to Thorneydene and had a very enjoyable time.
FRIDAY JUNE 16th 44
Took David to the car park to see your father off. Cold wet weather.
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SATURDAY JUNE 17th 44
Went out in the afternoon with Joan Greetham. Wrote to you.
SUNDAY JUNE 18th 44
Reading a wonderful book by Axel Munthe called ‘The story of San Michele’. Went out in the afternoon.
MONDAY JUNE 19th 44
The papers full of accounts of pilot less planes used on the south coast and London area.
TUESDAY JUNE 20th 44
Went out with Betty Scothern.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 21st 44
Wrote to you and sent a photograph of myself.
THURSDAY JUNE 22nd 44
Went out with Pop Close.
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FRIDAY JUNE 23rd 44
Phil & Fred came in the evening. Thinking so much of you. 9 months since you went.
SATURDAY JUNE 24th 44
Went to Thorneydene and had a pleasant time. A lovely day. Eva & Joan Johnson, two Americans & Phil & Fred came at night.
SUNDAY JUNE 25th 44
Dull and chilly. Did not go out. Wrote to you.
MONDAY JUNE 26th 44
Went to see Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour in ‘Dixie’. Your father sent David a cheque for £10.
TUESDAY JUNE 27th 44
Received postcards dated April 14th, 29th and am glad to know you know of David’s arrival.
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WEDNESDAY JUNE 28th 44
Wrote to you – also to Bib, Lois, and your father.
THURSDAY JUNE 29th 44
Had tea with Mrs Christopher. David weighs 14 lbs 2 ozs.
FRIDAY JUN 30th 44
Spent the afternoon and evening at Thorneydene. Phil & Fred came at night.
SATURDAY July 1st 44
A dull day. Wrote to you at night.
SUNDAY JULY 2nd 44
Went to see Aileen Cornish whose brother was posted missing June 23. Poured with rain at night. Went to bed early. Dorothy has taken up voluntary help at the American Red Cross.
MONDY JULY 3rd 44
Rained without ceasing. Went to the pictures to see ‘Candle light in Algeria’. Very enjoyable.
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TUESDAY JULY 4th 44
Heard from Bib and Ruth. Received word from Lloyds Bank stating that £17.3.7 had been paid to your account. Have written A.M. as there does not appear to be any payment of family allowance. Have been issued with cheque book from Lloyds. Saw Betty Sprawson in the afternoon. Your pay is 18/2 per day, from which P.O.W. deductions income tax etc. is taken. Cashed cheque for £3 paid Mum £5.
WEDNESDAY JULY 5th 44
Nothing unusual to relate. Am watching the Russian news – they are 100 miles from East Prussia.
THRSDAY JULY 6th 44
Went to tea at Stoneleigh and thoroughly enjoyed it. Called at Thorneydene.
FRIDAY JULY 7th 44
Miserable weather. Phil & Fred came.
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SATURDAY JULY 8th 1944
Miserable weather again. Wrote to you.
SUNDAY JULY 9th 44
Derrick visited us – did not go out. Wet weather.
MONDAY JULY 10th 44
I am getting very interested in the Russian news they are only 60 miles from East Prussia. Did some shopping during the afternoon.
TUESDAY JULY 11th 44
An uneventful day. Knitted at night. Horrible cold showery weather.
WEDNESDAY JULY 12th 44
Bought a set of book shelves for 35/- from Everitt and Barrell’s sale. Took David and Derek out.
THURSDAY JULY 13th 44
David weighs 14 lbs 5 ozs. Horrible weather. Claud Hart missing from raid over France 12 planes lost.
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FRIDAY JULY 14th 44
Took David out in the Afternoon. Air mail service to P.O.W. resumed. Called to see Mr & Mrs Hart, they are taking it badly.
SATURDAY JULY 15th 44
Hear that P.O.W. in East Prussia have been moved. Went to see Carmen Miranda and Alice Faye in ‘The girls he left behind’. Wrote to you. Weaning David.
SUNDAY JULY 16th 44
A really lovely day. Joan Greetham and I took the boys out.
MONDAY JULY 17th 44
Received two letters dated May and a P.C. dated May. Very happy.
TUESDAY JULY 18th 44
Went to see Noel Coward’s ‘This Happy Breed’ an excellent film. Fully weaning David.
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WEDNESDAY JULY 19th 44
Nothing outstanding to report. War news very good from all fronts. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY JULY 20th 44
Hear that Frank Catlin has died in Normandy. Feeling rotten did not go out.
FRIDAY JULY 21st 44
Took David out in the afternoon. Phil & Fred came at night. News of revolt in Germany and an attempt on Hitler’s life reported. So long to see you darling.
SATURDAY JULY 22nd 44
Shopped in the morning. stayed home the rest of the day. Played our records and made myself thoroughly miserable. Wrote to you.
SUNDAY JULY 23rd 44
Ten months darling. Went for a walk with Shirley.
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MONDAY JULY 24th 44
Dorothy friendly with Michael Burn have chummed up with W.O. Workman and his wife Marie. went to Thorneydene. Practically an impossibility to give you reports of air activities as bomber command carries out both day and night offensives. Chief targets at present are the flying bomb sites.
TUESDAY JULY 25th 44
Went for a walk with Betty Scothen and to the pictures at night to see Cary Grant Irenne Dunne in ‘My favourite wife’ with Marie. A rotten film. Heard from Bib.
WEDNESDAY JULY 26th 44
Went to RAF Regiment sports at Belton Park. Heard from Mrs Kemshall. Am hoping to visit her next week.
THURSDAY JULY 27th 44
Did not go out. Wrote to you. Read that East Prussian P.O.W. camps have been moved.
[page break]
FRIDAY JULY 28th 44
Called to see Pop. Paddy, Marie, Larry & Mac came at night. Larry a wonderful pianist. Phil & Fred came.
SATURDAY JULY 29th 44
Went out with Joan Greetham.
SUNDAY JULY 30th 44
Wrote to you. Took David and Derek out. Went to see ‘Bombs over Burma’ and ‘Uncensored’ with Marie & Paddy.
MONDAY JULY 31st 44
Had tea with Mrs Kenny and visited Thorneydene. Had a most interesting letter from Ken Twilley.
TUESDAY AUG 1st 44
David weighs 15 lbs 3 ozs.
WEDNESDAY AUG 2 44
Spent a very enjoyable day at Lincoln with the Kemshalls. Saw the Caygills too.
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THURSDAY AUG 3rd 44
Went out in the morning also afternoon. Little of interest to tell you.
FRIDAY AUG 4th 44
Nothing worth recording except David vaccinated. Very Hot.
SATURDAY AUG 5th 44
Went out in the afternoon. Lovely weather.
SUNDAY AUG 6th 44
Went for a walk with Shirley in the afternoon. Marie, Paddy, Laurie & Mac came for tea.
MONDAY AUG 7th 44
Received a letter from you dated April 21st. Had tea at Joan Greethams. A glorious day – altogether very pleasant. Wrote to you
[page break]
TUESDAY AUG 8th 44
Nothing of interest to report.
WEDNESDAY AUG 9th 44
Went to see ‘Chinese Bungalow’. Marie went back.
THURSDAY AUG 10th 44
David not well due to vaccination, weighs 15 lbs 6 ozs.
FRIDAY AUG 11th 44
Nothing to say.
SATURDAY AUG 12th 44
Really miserable day. David quite sick.
SUNDAY AUG 13th 44
David’s arm terribly swollen. Took him out in the evening and had a better night. Mum spent the weekend at Newark.
MONDAY AUG 14th 44
David much better. Went to see ‘Now Voyager’ a wizard film, Bette Davis
[page break]
Paul Herreid. Very Hot. (weather)
TUESDAY AUG 15th 44
Wrote to you. Went for a walk in the afternoon. Allied landing at south of France between Nice and Marseille.
WEDNESDAY AUG 16th 44
Air sorties are so numerous I cannot possibly keep an account of losses etc. Lancasters bombing day and night. Pat (Laurie’s wife) came to get a rest from flying bombs.
THURSDAY AUG 17th 44
Shopped in the morning with Pat washed in the afternoon. Wrote to Molly and Frank. Heard from Molly this morning and am going there to stay on Tuesday next. Received a P.C. from you dated June 11th 44.
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FRIDAY AUG 18th
Went to Thorneydene.
SATURDAY AUG 19/44
Rained all day. Went shopping in the afternoon. Margaret came.
SUNDAY AUG 20/44
More rain. Didn’t go out all day. Wrote to you.
MONDAY AUG 21st 44
Heard from Mr Campling. Dick is buried at Hoppenrad Cemetery 27 miles N.W. of Berlin. Busy Packing.
TUESDAY AUG 22/44
Took the 8.0 am train to St Neots arrived 9.33. Received a terrific welcome.
WEDNESDAY AUG 23/44
A thoroughly enjoyable day. Paris liberated. Wrote to you. Thinking of you darling.
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THURSDAY AUG 24/44
Went to Sandon with Molly and Helen. Rained - but very enjoyable day.
FRIDAY AUG 25/44
Lazed around. Went to St Neots to send off your gun, and collect box. Bus didn’t pick us up so hitch hiked back
SATURDAY AUG 26/44
Another enjoyable day. Help collect eggs and pick tomatoes. 27 planes missing from 1400 engaged on various sorties.
SUNDAY AUG 27/44
Konigsberg raided. 29 missing. Mrs Bowman and her daughter came. Wrote to you.
MONDAY AUG 28/44
Received a letter from you dated 21st July giving new camp address. Collected box from St Neots.
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TUESDAY AUG 29th
Went to Cambridge for a few hours. Made myself known to Mrs Pugh – she was awfully pleased to see me. Dorothy wired, Claud Hart alive and well. Mrs Human died about January time.
WEDNESDAY AUG 30/44
41 planes missing from raids on Stettin and Konigsberg. Thorough enjoying my stay here.
THURSDAY AUG 31/44
A year since I lost my watch and it hurts like anything to think of it.
FRIDAY SEP 1st
Went into Cambridge to see the Pughs. Met various customers who made a terrific fuss of David.
SATURDAY SEP 2nd 44
Five years ago I came to Cambridge. Mrs Pugh sold me [indecipherable words] for £1 yesterday. Allies doing very well in France. Rained all day did not go out.
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SUNDAY SEP 3/44
Allies in Belgium. Awful weather did not turn out all day. Mrs Bowman and Joan came over. Wrote to you.
MONDAY SEP/4/44
Brussels liberated. Received letters from Mr F (Gun arrived safely) and Shirley. Dull weather. Helen and I had a walk after tea.
TUESDY SEP 5th 44
Antwerp reached. Sirens went during the night. Heard a ‘doodle bug’ explode. Still very dull. Didn’t move far.
WEDNESDAY SEP 6th
Helen and I cleaned in the afternoon. Collected eggs and tomatoes at night. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY SEP 7th 44
Rained practically all day. Went for a short walk at night with Helen Read true accounts of murders. Black out to be relaxed.
[page break]
FRIDAY SEP 8/44
Another dull day. Picked pears. Heard from Dorothy. A.B. in trouble.
SATURDAY SEP 9/44
Went into Cambridge in the morning with Helen. A lovely day. Heard from Shirley.
SUNDAY SEP 9/44
Mrs and Miss Bowman came. Glorious weather. Wrote to you.
MONDAY SEP 11/44
Cleaned in the afternoon. Matron came and has invited me to tea tomorrow.
TUESDAY SEP 12/44
A year today you came on what was to be your last leave for a while. Had tea at Girton College with the matron. Thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
WEDNESDAY SEP 13/44
Went for a walk in the afternoon. Wrote to you.
[page break]
THURSDAY SEP 14/44
Went to Sandon. Lovely weather.
FRIDAY SEP 15/44
Did some shopping in Cambridge with Molly and Helen. Allies Nearing Aachen.
SATURDAY SEP 16/44
Spent most of the day out of doors.
SUNDAY SEP 17/44
Mrs Bowman and her daughter came. Packing to leave and feeling very depressed about it. Holland invaded by the allies.
MONDAY SEP 18/44
Left at 5-49 P.M. after a grand holiday.
TUESDAY SEP 19/44
Thoroughly miserable. Missing you badly. Rang Thorneydene.
[page break]
WEDNESDAY SEP 20/44
A year today since you went back from leave. Went to the pictures to see Rita Hayworth in ‘Cover Girl’.
THURSDAY SEP 21/44
David weighs 17 lbs 14 ozs. Shopped in the morning.
FRIDAY SEP 22/44
Spent an enjoyable afternoon at Thorneydene.
SATURDAY SEP 23/44
Shirley took photographs of David and I in the park. A year darling. Shirley had P.C. from Robbie.
SUNDAY SEP 24/44
Thinking of you so much. Tony cycled over. Did not go out. David has a bad cold.
MONDAY SEP 25/44
David quite sick. Feel miserable and unsettled.
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TUESDAY SEP 26/44
David a little better. Received a letter from you dated 4th June. Feel in the way here – do wish I could get a house. Peter K. came over. Did not go out.
WEDNESDAY SEP 27/44
Went out in the afternoon. Heard from W/O E.L. Morris who was with you at Luft 6.
THURSDAY SEP 28/44
David weighs 18 lb 3 ozs.
FRIDAY SEP 29/44
Took David out.
SATURDAY SEP 30/44
Derek two. Went out with Shirley. Helen came, returning tomorrow.
SUNDAY OCT 1/44
Shirley came for tea. She Helen and I went for a walk. Wrote to you.
[page break]
MONDAY 2nd OCT 44
Stayed in miserable weather.
TUESDAY 3rd OCT 44
Had a tooth out
WEDNESDAY 4th OCT 44
Wrote to you. Had my hair set.
THURSDAY 5 OCT
Went to see Jennifer Jones in ‘Song of Bernadette’ a beautiful film.
FRIDAY 6 OCT 44
Poured my troubles out at Thorneydene.
SATURDAY 7 OCT 44
Miserable weather. Heard from Chalky.
SUNDAY 8 OCT 44
Dull weather did not go out. Reading Angela Thirkells ‘Growing Up’ have now had of hers ‘Northbridge Rectory’ ‘Cheerfulness breaks in’ ‘Marling Hall’
[page break]
MONDAY 9 OCT 44
Went to see ‘For whom the bell tolls’ thought it disappointing. Rotten weather. Wrote Molly re. cottage.
TUESDAY 10 OCT 44
Went out in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY 11 OCT 44
Wrote to you
THURSDAY 12 OCT 44
Horrible weather David weighs 18 lbs 10 ozs.
FRIDAY 13 OCT 44
Went to the shop and had a talk with Mrs F. Flying bomb at North Witham.
SATURDAY 14 OCT 44
Went out with Joan G.
SUNDAY 15 OCT 44
Had tea with Shirley. Phil & Fred came at night. Wrote to you.
[page break]
MONDAY OCT 16/44
Went for a walk with Betty Sprawson.
TUESDAY OCT 17/44
Went to see ‘The Lodger’ Knitting David a beret. ‘Cop’s’ boyfriend missing.
WEDNESDAY OCT 18/44
Received an invitation to Betty Broughton’s wedding. Shopped in the morning. Rainy day. Wrote to Pop. W/O Morris & Chalky.
THURSDAY OCT 19/44
David weighs 19 lbs. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY OCT 20/44
Wet, horrible day.
SATURDAY OCT 21/44
Betty Broughton married Jack Phillips – USAAF. A pretty wedding. I enjoyed it.
[page break]
SUNDAY OCT 22nd 44
Took David out in the afternoon
MONDAY OCT 23rd
Wrote to you. Am miserable waiting for letter from you. Heard from Ken Twilley.
TUESDAY OCT 24/44
Heard from Molly. Went to Belton with Betty S. to get chestnuts.
WEDNESDAY OCT 25/44
Bought David a new blue cloth coat. Met Percy Kemshall unexpectedly in High Street. Still no news from you.
THURSDAY OCT 26/44
Bill came. Went out in the afternoon with Madge Hales and her baby daughter.
FRIDAY OCT 27/44
David had his first haircut.
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SATURDAY OCT 28/44
Went to see ‘Four Jills in a Jeep’ with Shirley. Mrs Pacey told me her P.O.W. son has passed his final auctioneer’s exam with honours. Still no news.
SUNDAY OCT 29/44
Stayed in all day. Wrote to you.
MONDAY OCT 30/44
David cut a tooth. Went out with Betty S.
TUESDAY OCT 31/44
Heard from Mrs McKinna. Took David out in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY NOV 1st 44
Had David photographed at Boaz.
THURSDAY NOV 2nd 44
Had tea with Miss Kitchen and enjoyed myself. Bell went back.
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FRIDAY NOV 3rd 44
Took David out. Went to B.M.A.R Co. fun fair at night with Dorothy.
SATURDAY NOV 4th 44
Went shopping in the afternoon.
SUNDAY NOV 5th 44
Stayed in all day Wrote to you.
MONDAY NOV 6th 44
Took David out in the afternoon.
TUESDAY NOV 7th 44
Margaret and Derrick came. Stayed up gossiping until the small hours.
WEDNESDAY NOW 8th 44
Dorothy heard from A.M. Andy commissioned.
THURSDAY NOV 9th 44
A year since I received your first P.O.W. card. Wish I could hear again. M. & D. went back. Dorothy went to Whickford.
[page break]
FRIDAY NOV 10th 44
Spent an enjoyable afternoon at Thorneydene.
SATURDAY NOV 11th 44
Went to see ‘Fanny by Gaslight’ and enjoyed it thoroughly. Shirley took David out.
SUNDAY NOW 12th 44
Dorothy and I took the ‘boys’ out in the morning. Wrote to you also Mrs Kemshall and your Pa. Ben Twilley called – has done 11 trips.
MONDAY NOV 13th 44
Still no news of you. Went for a walk with Betty Sprawson.
TUESDAY NOV 14th 44
Took David out. He is teething and consequently rather fretful.
WEDNESDAY NOV 15th 44
Feel I shall go mad if I don’t soon hear from you. Missing you terribly.
[page break]
Bought David a high chair. Heard from Mrs Layne and Molly.
THURSDAY NOV 16th 44
At last, a letter dated August 6th. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY NOV 17th 44
Horrible weather. Did some shopping. Marie came for tea.
SATURDAY NOV 18th 44
Very dull – went out in the afternoon
SUNDAY NOV 19th 44
Finished a suit for David. Wrote to you. Marie came for tea.
MONDAY NOV 20th 44
Horrible wet day – did not go out. David said ‘Teddy’
TUESDAY 21st 44
Received a P.C. in your writing signed R. Colbeck dated September 26th.
[page break]
Took David out. Started second suit.
WEDNESDAY NOV 22nd 44
Wrote to you.
THURSDAY NOV 23rd 44
Received a letter dated 28th July
FRIDAY NOV 24th 44
Went to Thorneydene
SATURDAY NOV 25th 44
Saw Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman in ‘Murder in Thornton Square’
SUNDAY NOV 27th 44
Did not turn out. Miserable day – wrote to you.
MONDAY NOV 27th 44
Did some Christmas shopping with Dorothy.
TUESDAY NOV 29/44
More Christmas shopping.
[page break]
WEDNESDAY NOV 29/44
Busy all day didn’t get out. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY NOV 30/44
Received a letter dated August 20/44. David weighs 20 lbs 9 ozs.
FRIDAY DEC 1/44
Did some shopping. Terribly cold.
SATURDAY DEC 2/44
Went out in the afternoon.
SUNDAY DEC 3/44
Didn’t get out. Miserable day. Fed up. Wrote to you.
MONDAY DEC 4/44
A letter dated August 30th. Feel very miserable and fed up. Do wish I could get a house.
TUESDAY DEC 5/44
Thinking of you. Had my hair permed.
[page break]
WEDNESDAY DEC 6th 44
Received a letter dated 21st September. Visited the Kemshalls at Lincoln and enjoyable day.
THURSDAY DEC 7 TH 44
Bought a folding pram for David. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY DEC 8th 44
Horrible day – foggy.
SATURDAY DEC 9th 44
Another letter dated 23rd September. Saw Joan G. in the afternoon.
SUNDAY DEC 10/44
Did not go out. Wrote to you.
MONDAY DEC 11/44
Went to see Bing Crosby in Sing you sinners.
[page break]
TUESDAY DEC 12/44
Did some shopping.
WEDNESDAY DEC 13/44
Not much to report. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY DEC 14/44
Very cold – Should have visited Hilda Waring but did not go.
FRIDAY DEC 15/44
Went to Thorneydene. David developed a cold.
SATURDAY DEC 16th
Horrible day. No news.
SUNDAY DEC 17/44
Had tea with Aileen Challand. Wrote to you.
MONDAY DEC 18/44
An unexpected visit from Bib Brocklesby. Went out in the afternoon.
[page break]
TUESDAY DEC 19/44
Bernard Twilley reported missing yesterday. Called to see his mother. David’s cold very bad – war news pretty serious.
WEDNESDAY DEC 20/44
Went out in the morning. David quite a lot better. Wrote to you. Missing you.
THURSDAY DEC 21/44
David not very well. Did not go out.
FRIDAY DEC 22nd 44
David only fair.
SATURDAY DEC 23rd 44
Marie came for Christmas. I went to bed at 6.45. Fed up and miserable.
SUNDAY DEC 24th
Derrick came. We stayed in. M&D went to RAF Reg. Party. Wrote to you. Missing you.
[page break]
MONDAY DEC 25th 44
Little David had quite a number of gifts. I am missing you badly. Very glad of Derrick’s company. Awful fog.
TUESDAY DEC 26th 44
Went to Thorneydene for tea. Auntie Emmie, Uncle Harry, Roger came over. Marie went back.
WEDNESDAY DEC 27th 44
David developed sickness etc. Did not go out. Cold.
THURSDAY DEC 28th 44
David still ill, feel worried and miserable. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY DEC 29th
Took David out but his condition is much the same.
SATURDAY DEC 30/44
Took David to the doctor. He has a chill, gave him medicine.
[page break]
SUNDAY DEC 31/44
David quite a lot better. A harassing day. Please let next year bring you home, and find us a house.
MONDAY JAN 1st 45
A letter from you dated October 15th & a parcel from America containing sleeping suits, bath sachets & soap.
TUESDAY JAN 2/45
Awful damp day. David quite better. Did some shopping. Reading ‘Calamity House’ Ellery Queen. Dispatched parcel containing pyjamas, 4 prs sox, plimsolls, blades, soap, choc, toothbrush etc. also H/chiefs.
WEDNESDAY JAN 3/45
Had a hair set. Knitting David a suit. Dirty weather. Had a letter from Margaret Kemshall.
[page break]
THURSDAY JAN 4th 45
Nothing of much interest
FRIDAY JAN 5th 45
Phil & Fred came at night.
SATURDAY JAN 6th 45
I bought a suit at the shop. Bill came.
SUNDAY JAN 7th 45
I wrote to you – busy knitting for David.
MONDAY JAN 8th 45
Quite a fall of snow.
TUESDAY JAN 9th 45
Took David out – awfully cold.
WEDNESDAY JAN 10th 45
Did not go out. Finished a pullover for David.
THURSDAY JAN 11th 45
David attended his first party. Jennifer Deane aged one.
[page break]
FRIDAY JAN 12/45
Saw ‘Adam had four sons’ awfully good . Phil & Fred Came, Bill here.
SATURDAY JAN 13/45
Derrick came – glad to see him.
SUNDAY JAN 14/45
Feeling not so good. Derrick went back.
MONDAY JAN 15/45
Wrote to you, have a rotten cold, and missing you horribly.
TUESDAY JAN 16/45
Feel ghastly. Stayed in all day miserable with self and everyone else.
WEDNESDAY JAN 17/45
Feel only fair.
[page break]
THURSDAY JAN 18/45
Had my hair set. Sent you tobacco. Wrote to you.
FRIDAY JAN 19/45
Phil & Fred came. Rotten day in every way.
SATURDAY JAN 20/45
News came Bernard Twilley killed 18 Dec 44. Saw ‘Love Story’ Margaret Lockwood- Stewart Grainger. Snowed heavily.
SUNDAY JAN 21/45
Feel awful Wrote to you. Took David out in the afternoon.
MONDAY JAN 22/45
Rotten cold. Awful weather. Rang Mrs F. Bought a wardrobe & chair.
[page break]
TUESDAY JAN 23rd 45
Horribly cold – short of coal too. Letter from you dated 9th Oct 44.
WEDNESDAY JAN 24th 45
Wrote to you. Went to Thorneydene but did not take David who has a cold.
THURSDAY JAN 25th 45
Weather simply artic – Saw Bing Crosby in ‘Going my Way’
FRIDAY JAN 26/45
Terribly cold. Worst for years & years. Did some shopping in the morning.
SATURDAY JAN 27/45
Still icy / Tony & his girlfriend called at night. Did not go out.
SUNDAY JAN 28/45
Watched skating on the canal. Wrote to you also Ken Twilley. Not quite so cold.
[page break]
MONDAY JAN 29th 45
Went to look at a house in Dudley Road – Turned it down.
TUESDAY JAN 30/45
Did not go out Awfully cold.
WEDNESDAY JAN 31/45
Had my hair set. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY FEB 1/45
Weather improving. Did some shopping.
FRIDAY FEB 2/45
Phil & Fred came quite an enjoyable evening. Russian news marvellous.
SATURDAY FEB 3/45
A lovely day. Took David out met Betty Scothern – her husband in India.
SUNDAY FEB 4/45
Took Derek and David out. Wrote to you.
[page break]
MONDAY FEB 5/45
Received letter dated 30 October P. C’s October 18, Nov 24th. Went out in the afternoon with Betty S. Lovely day.
TUESDAY FEB 6/45
Took David out, weather lovely.
WEDNESDAY FEB 7/45
P.C. dated 20 Dec. Wrote to you. Saw ‘Hotel Reserve’ James Mason – very good.
THURSDAY FEB 8/45
David weighs 22 lbs 9 ozs.
FRIDAY FEB 9/45
Took David to Thorneydene where he crawled across the room and pulled himself up by the settee. A lovely Day. Phil & Fred came.
[page break]
SATURDAY FEB 10/45
Took David out. Rather cold. Wrote to you.
SUNDAY FEB 11/45
Stayed in all day. Knitted read etc. David lovely.
MONDAY FEB 12/45
Heard today Barbara Parr drowned on Friday last. Heard from Ken Twilley. Horrible weather.
TUESDAY FEB 13/45
Wireless announcement numerous camps including Luft 3 over run by the Russians or moved. Feel rather worried and depressed. Hate this suspense.
WEDNES DAY FEB 14/45
Stayed in all day – wrote to you. Spent an hour with Pop Munson at night.
[page break]
THURSDAY FEB 15/45
Our day again. Took David out. News still very good.
FRIDAY FEB 16/45
Phil & Fred came down. Busy knitting David a beret.
SATURDAY FEB 17/45
Did some shopping during the morning. Phil & Fred came again.
SUNDAY FEB 18/45
Took David and Derek out. Andy turned up unexpectedly. He is at Ossington. Wrote to you.
MONDAY FEB 19/45
Saw Betty Scothern and had a lovely walk. Parcels are off again.
TUESDAY FEB 20/45
Took David out. He has a cold.
[page break]
WEDNESDAY FEB 21/45
Took David and Derek up the road. Lovely day. Wrote to you. Feel awfully worried and unsettled.
THURSDAY FEB 22/45
Lovely weather. Took David out. Wireless report 2661 P.O.W.s liberated by the Russians.
FRIDAY FEB 23/45
Rained, so did not get to Thorneydene. Phil & Fred came – Andy also.
SATURDAY FEB 24/45
Andy went back. I took David out – he has a cold.
SUNDAY FEB 25/45
Very dull – cycled to Thorneydene in the A.M. Wrote to you. Reading ‘For them that Trespass’ by R. Raymond.
[page break]
MONDAY FEB 26/45
Took David and Derek out. Uneventful day.
TUESDAY FEB 27/45
Received a P.C. dated 25 October – Did some shopping but did not take David.
WEDNESDAY FEB 28/45
David had quite a number of gifts and eleven birthday cards. Had photographs taken. Shirley came round. Wrote to you.
THURSDAY MAR 1st 45
Monchengladbach captured.
FRIDAY MAR 2/45
Took David for a walk.
SATURDAY MAR 3/45
Ada Parker sent a cardigan and helmet for David. Andy came. Reconciliation.
[page break]
SUNDAY MAR 4/45
Dull day – did not go out. Wrote numerous letters.
MONDAY MAR 5/45
Went for a long walk with Betty Sprawson. Knitting myself a pullover.
TUESDAY MAR 6/45
Andy at Ossington – failed B.O.A. awaiting posting.
WEDNESDAY MAR 7/45
Went to see Phyl Mitchell. Wrote to you. Cologne has fallen.
THURSDAY MAR 8/45
Busy day, did not go out.
FRIDAY MAR 9/45
Margaret and Derrick came – Andy here also.
[page break]
SATURDAY MAR 10/45
Went to the doctor, trouble with eye etc. Awful Cold.
SUNDAY MAR 11/45
David has troublesome cough. Did not go out, still feeling ‘not so good’
MONDAY MAR 12/45
M. & D. returned. Went for a walk with Betty Sprawson. Had a letter from Effie. Saw ‘Fantasia’
TUESDAY MAR 13/45
David not well – took him out during the morning.
WEDNESDAY MAR 14/45
Took David to the doctor – got medicine but already he is much better. Had my hair set. Andy still her.
[page break]
THURSDAY MAR 15/45
David greatly improved. Took he and Derek out in the afternoon. Went to see Pop at night.
FRIDAY MAR 16/45
Uneventful day. David fine.
SATURDAY MAR 17/45
Did not go out. Received parcel from Effie. Rompers – building blocks – H/chiefs etc.
SUNDAY MAR 18/45
Same as yesterday.
MONDAY MAR 19/45
Took David out – the fair here.
TUESDAYMAR 20/45
A cold day. Wrote to Effie.
WEDNESDAY MAR 21/45
Heard from Lois & Constance. Saw a wonderful film – Madonna of Seven Moons’ Stewart Grainger, Phyllis Calvert.
[page break]
THURSDAY MAR 22/45
Your father and Mrs L. here. Took David to Thorneydene and spent a very pleasant afternoon.
FRIDAY MAR 23/45
Dorothy, D.J. and I went to Leicester express purpose of buying shoes. Glorious weather.
SATURDAY MAR 24/45
Letter dated 22 Jan 45. Saw your people off on the bus. Big Allied air - bourne landing beyond the Rhine.
SUNDAY MAR 25/45
Lovely day – took David out. Derek and Dorothy came too. Spent the evening with Pop.
MONDAY MAR 26/45
Went for a walk with Betty. A lovely day.
[page break]
TUESDAY MAR 27/45
Our armies well beyond the Rhine. Surely the war must end soon. Do worry about you and wonder where you are. Took David out. Lovely weather.
WEDNESDAY MAR 28th 45
Feeling rather flat. Wish I knew more about you.
THURSDAY MAR 29/45
Took Derek and David to have tea at Pop’s.
FRIDAY MAR 30/45
Wrote to you. Went to see ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’.
Saturday mar 31/45
Saw Joan Johnson married. Horribly windy.
[page break]
EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 1/45
Still cold and windy. Margaret and Derrick came, returning tomorrow.
MONDAY APRIL 2/45
Took David to Thorneydene.
TUESDAY APRIL 3/45
News of liberated P.O.Ws keeps coming through. I feel so unsettled.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 4/45
Took David out. Cold weather.
THURSDAY APRIL 5/45
Went to Madge Broughton’s wedding – she married Pat Arsanault an American.
FRIDAY APRIL 6/45
The allies doing remarkably well. Keeping my fingers crossed.
[page break]
SATURDAY APRIL 7/45
Went out in the afternoon with Dorothy.
SUNDAY APRIL 8/45
Had an enjoyable walk after tea, all of us. Eat a big supper and went to bed early. Sent you photographs.
MONDAY APRIL 9/45
Had a walk with Betty Sprawson. Konigsberg fallen.
TUESDAY APRIL 10/45
Took Derek and David out. Wrote to your Pa and Ada Parker.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 11/45
Vienna, Hanover various other places fallen. Took Derek & David out. Lovely day.
[page break]
THURSDAY APRIL 12/45
60 miles from Berlin. Took David for a walk – lovely day. Wrote to Lois, Constance, Mrs MKinna & Chalky. Wish I could hear from you.
FRIDAY APRIL 13/45
Brunswick, Magdeburg threatened fallen. Lovely day. David had his first injections against diphtheria and whooping cough. Took him to Thorneydene, Aunt Ida sent lovely toys. [underlined] President Roosevelt died last night. [/underlined]
SATURDAY APRIL 14/45
Received toy bear from America. Oflag 79 liberated – so anxious about you. Spent the evening with Pop.
SUNDAY APRIL 15/45
Busy all day did not go out. Gorgeous weather.
[page break]
MONDAY APRIL 16/45
Stalag 357 11B liberated. Cannot rest – no sleep – just wondering. Took David down the park with Betty and John.
TUESDAY APRIL 17/45
Nuremberg entered.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 18/45
A lovely day. Magdeburg fallen. Thinking of you – very worried.
THURSDAY APRIL 19/45
Took Derek and David out in the morning. Leipzig fallen.
FRIDAY APRIL 20/45
My last red cross parcel returned. Took David to Thorneydene. Anxious for news.
SATURDAY APRIL 21/45
Russians shelling Berlin. Feel miserable. Cold today. Nuremberg fallen.
[page break]
SUNDAY 22 APRIL 45
15,000 P.O.Ws liberated, anxious about you. Went over to see Pop at night.
MONDAY 23-4-45
Shirley’s cousin home from 357. Had David photographed. Cold.
TUESDAY 24-4-45
Russians attacking immediate outskirts of Berlin. David not well.
WEDNESDAY 25-4-45
Took David out but he is only fair. Met Ken Twilley home from overseas.
THURSDAY 26-4-45
Took David to Thorneydene. Walter Lee took snaps. Berlin cut off. Bremen fallen.
[page break]
FRIDAY 27-4-45
Ken Twilley came in. I went to see ‘A song to remember’
SATURDAY 28-4-45
Marlag Milag Nord released. Hitler reported ill and Himmler offered unconditional surrender to ourselves and America – not Russia.
SUNDAY 29-4-45
27,000 P.O.Ws liberated at Moosburg. Munich captured. Terribly cold weather – snow etc.
MONDAY 30-4-45
V.E. day expected at any time. Saw ‘Sunday dinner for soldier’
TUESDAY 1-5-45
Hitler reported killed in Berlin. Admiral Doenitz taken his place.
WEDNESDAY 2-5-45
Unconditional surrender of Germans in Italy. Berlin captured by the Russians
[page break]
THURSDAY MAY 3/45
Andy came on leave. Goebbels reported to have committed suicide. Anxiously awaiting news.
FRIDAY MAY 4/45
Unconditional surrender of North Germany, Holland and Denmark signed at 6-20 p.m. With effect from 8-0 am DB summer time tomorrow – Camps 3A and 4B. liberated.
SATURDAY MAY 5/45
I keep wondering about you, do wish I could get some news.
SUNDAY MAY 6/45
V.E. day imminent.
MONDAY MAY 7/45
The prime minister to broadcast tomorrow. 1800 P.O.W’s brought home.
[page break]
TUESDAY MAY 8th 45
[underlined] V. E. Day. [/underlined] Unconditional surrender of Germany to ourselves, America & Russia. Prime Minister (Winston Churchill) spoke at 3.0 p.m. the king at 9.0 p.m. Lancasters landed in Germany – brought back 4,500 P.O.W’s. Everywhere decorated and looking very gay and festive.
WEDNESDAY MAY 9/45
Tonight J & W. came to tell me [underlined] you are in England [/underlined] Won’t attempt to express what it means.
[page break]
[list of finances and recipes]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Joan Layne's diary covering the period her husband Wally was a prisoner of war
Description
An account of the resource
Starts with a letter to him after she finds out he is a prisoner telling how she felt when he was missing and how happy she was with the news that he was a prisoner. After a day by day diary of her feelings, activities, news of friends and acquaintances, correspondence. Dairy goes from 9 November 1943 until 9 May 1945 when she hears that he is in England, Includes some war news and comments on VE day.
Additional information about this item was kindly provided by the donor.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J Layne
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1943-11-09
1944
1945-01
1945-02
1945-03
1945-04
1945-05
1945-05-09
1943-11
1943-12
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Multipage handwritten document
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Diary
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
YLayneAJ[Ser#-DoB]v1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1943-11-09
1943-11
1943-12
1944
1945-01
1945-02
1945-03
1945-04
1945-05
1945-05-09
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Mannheim
Germany--Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Germany--Leverkusen
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Stuttgart
Germany--Leipzig
Germany--Hamburg
Germany--Frankfurt am Main
Germany--Schweinfurt
Germany--Essen
France
France--Mailly-le-Camp
Germany--Dortmund
Germany--Aachen
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Jan Waller
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
bombing
Caterpillar Club
Distinguished Flying Cross
home front
Lancaster
Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944)
prisoner of war
promotion
Red Cross