Browse Items (119 total)
- Temporal Coverage is exactly "1943-08"
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Interview with Pietro Cosma
Pietro Cosma (b. 1927) remembers the bombings of Milan and recollects two wartime anecdotes: the execution of a man in front of his home and Benito Mussolini’s corpse on public display in Piazzale Loreto. Describes wartime hardships: losses; food…
Mrs Barfoot
Head and shoulders portrait of Mrs Barfoot in Women’s Auxiliary Air Force uniform at Brandon.
The description of this item is partially based on information provided by the donor. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in…
The description of this item is partially based on information provided by the donor. This item was sent to the IBCC Digital Archive already in…
Interview with Aldo Magnaghi
Aldo Magnaghi (b. 1927) remembers the bombings of Milan and explains how his house was not directly hit but rather heavily damaged by blast waves. He describes phosphorus loaded incendiaries, their effects on wooden structures, and how civilians…
Interview with Alessandro Samorè
Alessandro Samorè reminisces his early life in Milan, Domodossa, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure. Provides details of life in youth fascist organisations, playing with homemade fireworks, and attempts to assemble an improvised scuba gear.…
Trevor Saint diary/memoir
Diary from joining the RAF in may 1941, through training as groundcrew and then volunteered for aircrew and eventually trained as air gunner and posting to 514 Squadron. Describes operations while on the squadron and notes details and losses.…
Recommendation for non-immediate award of Distinguished Flying Cross
Made out for Pilot Officer William Roy Peter Perry. Narrative mentions completed 20 operations, showing outstanding skill and determination. Skilful airmanship enabled gunner to shoot down enemy fighter. Twice had to recover aircraft on three engine…
Peter Hattersley's prisoner of war notebook
During his incarceration at Stalag Luft 3 Peter Hattersley kept a note book describing subjects that were important to him. There is a list of books that he read, his cash accounts, a list of books to read, places to visit, sailing notes, extracts…
Harry William Wickham
Recalls Harry's joining the RAF and describes his initial, then basic and advanced aircrew training. Follows move to operational training unit, and joining 102 Squadron flying Whitley. Mentions operations to Berlin, Stettin and Duisburg. Converted to…
Two newspaper cuttings
First - over 400 times they led the way. Article about RAF Pathfinders. Crest and details about 35 Squadron. Also mentions 7, 83 and 156 Squadrons as nucleus of force in August 1942. Mentions some of their attacks and numbers of decorations awarded.…
Letter from Les Pickford to his mother
Three letters received this week. They have been playing cricket.
Letter from Les Pickford to his mother
He has only had one letter that week. He watched a musical comedy last night. He has been playing cricket. Weather has been good.
Keith Thompson's diary from July 1943 to January 1944
Keith Thompson was a sergeant navigator under training at the start of this period at 28 OTU at RAF Castle Donington, then on to a holding unit for a month. After that on to 1662 CU at RAF Blyton flying the Lancaster, until 7 November when he was…
Letter to Jean Welland from Jack Darby
He writes saying it is very dry and dusty. His course has become more interesting with practicals and flying.
Letter to Jean Welland from Jack Darby
He has been horse riding again in the mountains.
Letter to Jean Welland from Jack Darby
He thanks he for her letter. He works seven days a week and has completed his first week with 21 to go. He describes his busy life without time off.
Letter to Jean Welland from Jack Darby
He thanks her for a cable which arrived via Moncton plus 13 letters from her and family. His new camp is a very high standard, as is the food and sporting facilities. He has been at a National Park in the mountains.
John Mitchell - notes for memoire
Notes describing first leaflet sortie, problems with starboard engine, forced landing and activities in France and return to England. Then moves on to 207 Squadron and lists operations and flying after finishing second tour and post war.
Extracts from war diaries and information on aircraft crews and lists of bombing operations
Describes training and crewing up at operational training unit on Wellingtons. Mentions staying in London on leave with RCAF colleague, using the Canadian forces club London and dining at the Ritz. Includes diary entry describing operational baptism.…
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his social life and colleagues and gives his thoughts on the state of the Civil Service.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of flying activities, lectures and social activities at RAF Cark. He also writes of arrangements for his leave.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes about the weather and looking forward to seeing his wife on leave.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes that he is missing her and is looking forward to seeing her. He writes about a Lancaster flying low over RAF Cark and of farmers’ difficulties because of the weather.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of the arrangements for his 48 hour leave and the weather.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of arrangements for his pending 48 hour leave, flying activities and the weather.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of a family visit to St Anne’s and films he’s seen recently. He also writes of his journey back to RAF Cark from Blackpool.