Browse Items (1151 total)
- Tags: military service conditions
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Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of activities on base, rationing and bomber scores.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his move to RAF Turweston, his training schedule and Winston Churchill’s speech.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of the lack of flying and the weather.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his promotion to flight lieutenant and his duties on parade.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of the weather and his orderly officer duties.
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis
Letter from Cadet Dexter to Phyl giving his new address at initial training wing, Babbacombe, Devon. Describes his hasty preparations, before leaving home, items left behind to be sent on, concerns of the welfare of another female friend, standards…
Letter from Dec Dexter to Pyllis Dexter
Thanks Phyl for parcels and states money sent. Writes about accommodation difficulties for family member. Notes bombs dropped nearby to home. Talks briefly about work at initial training wing and then catches up with family and friends.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of a journey through Birmingham and of domestic arrangements.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of training lectures at RAF Fiskerton and of his social activities.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his flying over Nottingham and activities at RAF Fiskerton.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
Harold Gorton writes about his wife's departure and a party she missed.
Interview with Raymond Barrett
Raymond Barnes worked in factories before he joined the RAF. He trained as an engine fitter. He was posted to the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Far East. He was servicing Spitfires for 242 Squadron and then Dakotas for 267 Squadron. He was…
Interview with Muriel Blake
Muriel Blake was born in 1922 in Oakham, Rutland. Being interested in flying and aeroplanes from an early age, Muriel volunteered when her job prospects ended. Called up in 1944, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Being too short for driver,…
Interview with Eric Coling
Eric Coling’s father died when Eric was a child which left his mother to cope on her own economically. Eric and his sister were sent to live in an orphanage but their mother was able to visit monthly. When Eric left the orphanage he began working…
Interview with Bert Turner
Bert Turner was a member of the Air Training Corps before the war. He volunteered for the Air Force and was called up 2 August 1942. After training he became a flight engineer with 196 Squadron. He flew some bombing and mine laying operations before…
Tags: 1657 HCU; 196 Squadron; 90 Squadron; aircrew; anti-aircraft fire; bale out; bombing; Caterpillar Club; crewing up; evading; flight engineer; Fw 190; ground personnel; Heavy Conversion Unit; intelligence officer; Me 262; medical officer; military ethos; military service conditions; mine laying; Normandy campaign (6 June – 21 August 1944); perception of bombing war; RAF Keevil; RAF St Athan; RAF Stradishall; RAF Tarrant Rushton; RAF Tuddenham; shot down; Special Operations Executive; Stirling; training
Letter from Keith Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Letter from Keith Dexter to Phyllis Dexter. He send congratulations for her birthday and apologies for only sending money as he is unable to shop because of work. He continues with news of his impending leave and about arranging to meet up and of…
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Letter from Keith Dexter to Phyllis Dexter. He writes making arrangements for his leave.
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Writes that he hopes communication with the family is working and encourages sister on her future employment opportunities post war. In a separate section talks of life in Canada. Although appears to be written at Moncton the letter was posted in…
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Catches up with family and friends and mentions that he is night flying at present.
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Catches up with family and mentions that a chill had caused his operational training unit course to be cancelled but he had seen the doctor. Concludes with discussion on how to get Christmas presents.
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Short letter as he is packing to move. He includes a ration coupon as he feels guilty about consuming families rations on visit home. Will write again when he gets to new station.
Letter from Dec Dexter to Phyllis Dexter
Apologises over unannounced visit home the catches up with family and friend news. Mentions he is exploring local countryside by bicycle and had attended a concert in Stafford. Mentions flying in 'Wimpey' and that crew is well on bail out drill.
Keith Dexter diary. One
Day by day diary recording events from his joining the Air Force in April 1941 up until 8 November 1942. Covers time at 1 Initial Training Wing and No 1 Elementary Flying School at Hatfield including interview with the British Broadcasting…
Keith Dexter diary. Two
Day by day diary covering events from November 1942 to June 1943. Describes flying at Little Rissington and illness over Christmas 1942 which delayed posting. Eventually posted in January 1943 to 30 Operational Training Unit. Describes events at…
Lancaster flight engineers panel
Lancaster flight engineer's panel; green padded seats are visible.