When Italy entered the war in 1940, air raids were conducted over key military targets and peaked during the first half of 1942. Attacks ceased altogether by 1943 once Italy had surrendered. The various dockyards maintained efforts to keep ships in…
Text and numerous b/w photographs (some of which are also located in sub-collection albums) covering from immediately before and during World War II - (1939-1946). First page has colour photographs and description of prisoner of war medal. Continues…
Bert Mason was born in Germany and worked in light engineering and driving ambulances before joining the RAF in 1942. He started training as a navigator before joining a crew and became an air gunner on 195 Squadron at Wratting Common. He tells of…
Second of David Geach's diaries, describing his training for aircrew at Kingstown, Heaton Park, Hastings and Harrogate until his embarkation to Canada on the Queen Mary. Covers the period from 20 June 1942 to 7 October 1942.
Dave informs Betty that he wrote to her on the journey, both from the train and from the boat. He arrived in a thunderstorm and compares similarities between Canada and the towns near home.
Lets her know he fit and he had received no further mail. Mail from England was regular with some taking as little as ten days. Says there is not much in his letters as not much to write about. Mentions concert and that famous fighter pilots Tuck and…
Reports arrival of latest letters and notes that via London they take four to five months. Mentions letters from others and catches up with news. Says do not worry about war and he is looking forward to seeing them again. Mentions playing cricket and…
Reports that he had now received most of her letters to 19 April as well as other mail which was taking between two to four and a half months to arrive. Writes about a recent variety show and a cricket match in which he played. Mentions also playing…
The Wing Commander is delighted to hear that Alan is alive. He asks to borrow Alan's letter and congratulates him on his son's escape (from the aircraft).
Transcription of day by day account of activities from 19 April 1942 to 3 October 1942. Commences with photograph of Squadron in front of Halifax and of pilots on training course (Pattisson top left), Records daily activities, casualties, losses of…
An aerogram written from Andrew training in South Africa. Comments on lack of letters, that he has had a tooth removed and moved huts. He has been studying quite hard, helped by a good library at the camp, and there are film shows three times a week.
An aerogram from Andrew training in South Africa. Comments on the arrival of four of her letters (only two now missing) and replies to several things in them. His sent a parcel to his mother including stockings and chocolate for Isabel.
12 postcards written by Alan Green whilst a prisoner of war. He thanks his parents for their mail, news of Basil, requests cigarettes, photographs, socks and a toothbrush, receipt of parcels and a list of clothing.
He presents a list of items he would like sent. He spends a lot of time reading, finding it difficult to write. He asks after his other family members.