Browse Items (18 total)
- Temporal Coverage is exactly "1941-02"
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My Wartime Memories by Richard Yates
Richard 'Dick' Yates was a wireless operator/air gunner on 35 Squadron flying Halifaxes. He did his basic training at RAF Blackpool. While at RAF Cranwell for wireless traiing, he flew in DH 86 and Valentia. He was shot down and became a prisoner of…
Interview with J Taplin
J Taplin of Stevenage worked at Stevenage Lodge as a gardener associated with Six Hills Nursery before he was called to the Army at the start of the war. Within a week of enlisting he was in France where he spent the months of the Phoney War as…
Transcript of My life in the RAF
Transcript of F Dunn's memoir describing life before and after joining the RAF. It includes induction and starting off in the RAF in England and then his sea voyage to South Africa, where he underwent initial training in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
My life in the RAF - chapter 1,2 and 3 (F Dunn)
Autographical account of life at the beginning of the war including service in ARP in Swindon and his reasons for volunteering for the RAF. He registered for military service in February 1941. Awaiting call-up, he had induction at St John's Wood…
Palmer V.C pathfinder fact sheet
Includes biographic details, service history and account of last operation for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Completed 111 operations on three squadrons, took part in Cologne 1000 bomber operation. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross twice.…
Gallant Young Faversham Airman
A newspaper cutting with a description of how Jack was awarded a DFM. This was awarded because he assisted an unconscious colleague to bale out of their damaged aircraft.
The memoir of Eric William Scott
The memoir contains details of Eric’s wartime career between 1939-1946. It covers his initial training, elementary flying training and his journey to the US for further training. During this time, he sustained an injury which curtailed his pilot…
Donald Baker's war time story taken from letters which he wrote to his mother in Rhodesia
Stars in June 1940 based on letters written to his mother. Tells of life in Rhodesia before being called up and travelling to England, Discusses war as well as work and social life and initial training in Rhodesia. Goes on to describe a little of…
George Ellams' early service
First George plus one other outside wooden hut, captioned 'Boy, 3 Wing, Cranwell'.
Second, seven individuals wearing Sidcot suits, captioned 'Flying Training Feb 1939. North Airfield Cranwell.'
Third sixteen airmen, captioned 'Flight Gang',…
Second, seven individuals wearing Sidcot suits, captioned 'Flying Training Feb 1939. North Airfield Cranwell.'
Third sixteen airmen, captioned 'Flight Gang',…
Keith Thompson's diary December 1941 to July 1942
During this period Keith Thompson did his basic RAF training in England then left for Canada to undertake his flying training.
Interview with Jack Harris. One
Jack Harris was born in Gillingham, Kent. Aged 16, he undertook employment as a clerk in the intelligence department of the Air Ministry. He describes the brief evacuation of his department to Harrow in 1939 and receiving permission to leave his…
Interview with John David Pennington Cotter
John was born in Hendon, London and his family fell on hard times in his early years. John and his brother, Paul, joined the RAF in 1941 as a pilot and wireless operator, respectively. After initial training at RAF Brize Norton, John was trained in…
Interview with David Berrie
David Berrie joined the RAF and served as a wireless operator. He flew six operations with 576 Squadron from RAF Elsham Wolds and shares his experience of living on the station with Polish crews. David remembers crashing twice in 24 hours and, on…
Albert Cluett's armourers training notes
Note include diagrams on different types of bombs, explosives, fuses and pistols, detonators, tools, precautions, bomb carriage and release mechanisms and pyrotechnics.
Interview with Rita Brooks
Rita’s late husband was Flight Lieutenant Edward Brooks DFC, DFM. He was in the Home Guard before enlisting with the Royal Air Force in February 1941, and sometime later went to RAF Uxbridge. Following training at Blackpool, the recruits were…
Cornwall and Devon
Cornwall and Devon scenes. The first is of a bay with The Headland Hotel above houses. Captioned ' Newquay, Cornwall'. The second is of a rocky island and cliffs, captioned 'Off Pentire Head, Cornwall, Apr 1941'. The third is of a bay and headland…
Observers (U/T) Journey
The first photograph is a terrace with a wooden fence and trees, captioned 'Empty Corner, Babbacombe, Devon Feb 1941'. The second is a group of 12 men in Sidcot suits, captioned 'First Flying Kit "C" Flight, No 1 Squadron 8 I.T.W. Newquay Cornwall'.…
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from Leading Aircraftsman David Boldy to his father about waiting for a posting while at Wynberg Military Camp. He has now re-mustered to air gunner, and wants to apply for pilot. He has bought gifts from Oudtshoorn for his father, mother and…