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Interview with Leslie Robert Pearson
Les Pearson was in reserved occupation as an apprentice in general mechanical engineering, but he volunteered as aircrew. He initially trained as a pilot but was remustered as a bomb aimer. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 153 Squadron from…
Interview with Doug Petty
Born in Shildon, County Durham Doug Petty was a car maintenance apprentice before joining the Royal Air Force in 1942 as a flight engineer.
He completed technical training at RAF St Athan, where he met Betty, his future wife. From there Doug went to…
He completed technical training at RAF St Athan, where he met Betty, his future wife. From there Doug went to…
Interview with George Royall
George volunteered to be a pilot but settled for Air Observer. He talks about his selection and training in London and then in Stratford-upon-Avon, where enjoyed the theatre and how, at Brighton, illness separated him from the rest of the course. So,…
Interview with Alan Seagger
Before the war, Alan was an electrical apprentice. He joined the RAF and was posted to RAF Binbrook before being posted overseas. He was at RAF Shallufa for a time and was placed with No. 37 Squadron, who moved to Egypt. There were troops of…
Interview with Barry Smith
Barry passed the RAF’s apprentice entrance examination in February 1945, aged 15, and went to RAF Halton to become an electrician. He discusses the three training which resulted in the First Ordinary National Certificate.
In 1948, Barry was…
In 1948, Barry was…
Interview with Donald Wallace
Born in Edinburgh, Donald was 14 when war began. As a messenger during the bombing he remembers wanting to get back at Hitler so joined the Royal Navy at 17. He trained at Harwich then joined HMS Hotspur on Atlantic convoy duties. He recalls his…
Interview with James Wright
Jim was a civil servant before joining the Royal Air Force in May 1941. He carried out two tours on 61, 630 and 97 Squadrons. Although he wanted to be a pilot, there was a shortage of navigators. He was called up to Regents Park and then posted to…
Robert Anderson's memoir
Robert Anderson describes his training in Tasmania and Canada, and his tour of operations to targets in France and Germany with 106 Squadron.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
Includes news of activity at RAF Cark, including details of night flying and also social activities. He also writes of the invasion in Sicily.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife including two poems. He writes about job offers his wife may take and writes about activities at RAF Cark.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes about night flying, the weather, and his activities on base at RAF Cark.
Winthorpe August 1944
Seven airmen in uniform with Nissen hut in background captioned 'Winthorpe August 1944'.
Two airmen sun bathing with Nissen hut in background captioned 'Ken', 'Jim (Pilot)'.
Two airmen sun bathing with Nissen hut in background captioned 'Ken', 'Jim (Pilot)'.
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 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 of life at RAF Cark, his social activities, arrangements for his leave and his colleagues.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his flying duties, the weather and his colleagues.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of the social activities at RAF Cark, domestic arrangements and expected timelines for postings.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of looking for accommodation in Manchester, his flying duties and social activity and the weather. He discusses an electric heater he has purchased and his bank balance.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of moving into a new billet, his colleagues, the weather and the lack of flying due to the bad weather.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of their finances, moving to a new billet, flying duties and domestic details.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of flying duties, his colleagues, domestic details, the weather and issues with his electric fire.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes about his flying duties and his electric fire.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes about flying duties and social activities.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of night flying and domestic arrangements.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his duties and colleagues and discusses his law exam.