Browse Items (30 total)
- Collection: Bratley, Harold W
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Award of Path Finder badge
Letter informing H W Bratley that he was qualified for award of Path Finder badge.
H W Bratley - observer's and air gunner's flying log book
H W Batley’s Flying Log Book covering the period from 06 August 1940 to 20 February 1945 detailing his flying training and operations flown as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. The log book includes a long account of how he evaded after being shot down…
Telegram
From Harold Bratley announcing he was safe and well.
Emergency travel certificate
Issued to Harold William Bratley by H M Consul General Barcelona to certify he was a British subject for journey to United Kingdom via Portugal.
Letter from Harold Bratley to Nora and all
Describes in detail his first operation. Mentions plenty of anti-aircraft fire, making three runs over target and having his oxygen disconnected while winding in trailing aerial. Goes on to mention that he had been briefed for second operation and…
Poem written on post card by Harold
Six verse poem about six man crew flying operations. Annotated 'written by Harold during flight to Cologne'.
Letter from MOD medal office
Covers awards enclosed and states that they represent the full outstanding medal entitlement. If he had not received a medal he had expected, it was because the qualifying criteria were not met.
Letter to Mrs Bratley from RAF records office
Confirms that her husband had arrived safely in Gibraltar. Two copies of same letter.
Letter to Mrs H W Bratley from RAF records office
Confirms that her husband was missing believed interned in occupied France. Mentioned that his aircraft was believed to have force landed owing to engine failure.
Notes for the general information and guidance of the next-of-kin or other relatives of airmen reported missing, deceased, prisoners-of-war or interned
For airmen missing or deceased covers dealing with private effects, family allowance, pay and pensions.
Harrold Bratley - biography
Relates early life and employment before the war. Was RAF reserve and was called up at beginning of the war. Mentions training including operational training unit before joining 9 Squadron. Includes letter describing in some detail his first…
German language leaflet
Front page has map with aircraft flying from USA to England, England to Germany and Germany to Russia.
Six aircrew
Six airmen wearing uniform (one with flying jacket) standing by the rear fuselage of a Wellington. On the reverse '1. P/O Moody (rear gunner), 2 ? (W/Op) 3. [.....] (observer), 4 Sgt [....], 5. Sgt Hudson, 6 "Stu"'.
Harold Bratley service record
Gives personal details and list of postings. Notes at one stage missing believed intered.
Reunion Dinner
German language menu for reunion dinner Luftwaffe, 7 Squadron held July 25th 1984. Held at Flufhafenrestaurant Bonn-Hangelar.
Description of operation
Relates experience of pilot trying to get control of their Wellington which had iced up. Writes of trying to get front gunner out of his turret and putting his torch inside his clothing as he would need it to signal for assistance. Once pilot got…
Sergeant Goldingay
An airman wearing flying suit, parachute harness and flying helmet inside the fuselage of an aircraft. On the reverse 'Sgt Goldingay ("Goldy")(Observer).'
Sergeant Blaydon
An airman wearing flying suit, helmet, harness and life preserver sitting in the entrance to cockpit inside an aircraft. On the reverse 'Sgt Blaydon ("BB"), 2cd W/Op)'.
H W Bratley - personnel documents
List promotions to flight lieutenant and award of DFC. Award of Path Finder badge at 7 Squadron. Some pay details and postings.
Newspaper cutting - D.F.C for old Ludensian
Announces that his parents from Louth had received news that their son Flight Lieutenant Harold William Bratley had been awarded the DFC. Gives details of former employment. Mentions that on his first tour he and crew came down in occupied enemy…
Citation for Distinguished Flying Cross for acting Flight Lieutenant Harold William Bratley
On second tour of operations had completed 45 sorties, 24 as Pathfinder. Describes his qualities and recounts his escape from interment after forced landing during his first tour and making his way back home.
Harold Bratley school report
School report from Louth Wesleyan Methodist Chapel School for April 1918. List all subjects and marks. Notes he was top of his class.
Path Finder badge award
Certifies that H W Bratley qualified for Path Finder force badge. Signed by Donald Bennett AOC Pathfinders.
Harold Bratley
Head and shoulders portrait of an RAF officer wearing tunic with wireless operator brevet, medal ribbons including DFC, pathfinder badge, and peaked cap.
Man climbing into rear cockpit
A man wearing white flying suit and helmet climbing into the rear cockpit of an aircraft. A man with glasses already sitting in front cockpit.