Browse Items (134 total)

  • Tags: superstition

MCruickshankG629128-150428-240002.jpg
Wooden elephant keepsake, The elephant is symbol of 44 Squadron RAF with which Gordon Cruickshank served. Additional information about this item was kindly provided by the donor.

MCruickshankG629128-150428-240001.jpg
Wallet containing keepsakes/lucky-charms, and service insignia, brevet and medal ribbons.

MCruickshankG629128-150428-01.pdf
52 playing cards listing 53 individual operations. The 52nd card (10 of diamonds) shows promotions from A.C. 1 to Pilot Officer. Operations 32, 35 and 38 are all listed on the four of hearts.

MAllenJH179996-160512-050001.jpg
A description of what happened before and during and operation. The battle order was posted, the crew checked over their aircraft, the bomb load was planned, the crew received their briefing, dinner was eaten (bacon and eggs), they dressed,…

PStorerB1616.jpg
Wallet with good luck black cat card and photograph of a young girl inside. In front a driving licence and a sergeants mess subscription book from RAF East Kirkby.

LHobbsFJ1262633v1.pdf
Observers and air gunners flying log book for Frank Hobbs, wireless operator, covering the period from 15 March 1941 to 16 March 1943 when he was killed in action. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Pembrey,…

PTwellsE1509.jpg
A black corduroy teddy bear with a red bow tie and red paws. Rupert was made for his daughter from material left over from making a coat; but it became Ernie Twells' lucky charm. The bear accompanied him on 65 operations with 617 and 619 Squadrons,…

PDorricottLW15090086.jpg
Four airmen standing, two squatting and one kneeling. One with the spotted toy mascot. Behind is an aircraft. They are wearing Mae Wests and parachutes. Leonard Dorricott is standing on the left and Flight Lieutenant Strachan is standing on the…

PDorricottLW15090078.jpg
A sergeant kneeling holding a toy leopard mascot. Behind him are two airmen and further behind an aircraft. They are wearing Mae Wests and parachutes. Leonard Dorricott is standing on the left.

Additional information about this item has been…

PDorricottLW1505.jpg
Seven airmen in two rows. The front row is kneeling and four men at the back are standing. They are dressed in lifejackets and parachutes. Leonard Dorricott is first on the left. One man is kneeling and holding a spotted toy leopard. The pilot, Billy…

PDorricottLW1504.jpg
Seven airmen standing in front of a Lancaster. They are wearing lifejackets and parachutes. One man is holding a toy leopard. Leonard Dorricott is second left. On the reverse of one photograph 'April 1945 Taffy Morgan Bomb Aimer LWD Nav Bill Lund…

PTolleyFS1502.jpg
Seven aircrew standing under the nose of a Lancaster 'Y2'. All are wearing Mae Wests. Frank Tolley is wearing his chequered bowler hat.

Additional information about this item has been kindly provided by the donor.

PAllenDJ1532-0007.jpg
Seven aircrew all wearing flying helmets in two rows. Five aircrew stand in the back row and two kneel either side of a airwoman crew mascot also wearing flying helmet in the centre of front row. In the background part of a Lancaster fuselage with…

PAkrillWE19010006.jpg
Girl in overalls and head scarf with finger to lips. In the background a cloud with a number of gremlin figures as well as building, tree windmill and gate. One gremlin has rope to girls left ankle while three others pull back on rope to left ankle.…

MAkrillWE1436220-190212-01.pdf
A collection of 13 cartoon drawings depicting gremlin characters by Sergeant William Akrill. Referred to in letter #18081.

1. Gremlin photoflash (Will Gremlin)
2. Gremlin crews for the convenience of Mark VIII (Georgie Gremlin)
3. Gremlin…

S78Sqn19361201v30026.pdf
Gives background on what inspired him to write a memoir. Theme of chronical is 'Luck'. Writes of joining RAF as soon as he was old enough and of initial tests and selection as a wireless operator/air gunner followed by 18 months deferred service.…

BGleedVAClareDv1.jpg
A summary of Derek's career in the Royal Air Force including an explanation why he he carried a rabbit foot mascot in his flying suit. Explains that his flying log books are held by the National War Museum in London. Describes Derek's disappointment…

SHarriganD[Ser#-DoB]v170003.mp3
Ken Duddell flew operations as a flight engineer with 460, 12 and 103 Squadrons.

PPritchardA1701.jpg
Carolyns father, Arthur, joined the Royal Air Force on his 18th birthday. Following his training as a flight engineer, was posted to RAF Winthorpe. He was allocated to a crew consisting entirely of Australians. In February 1944 the crew were posted…

MToombsSE1590211-151104-03.jpg
Describes George lost on a drive but finding a disused airfield. He meets ghosts from the war and becomes emotional, then recovers and drives off.

PPirasS1801.jpg
Speranza Piras reminisces about the 17 May 1943 Alghero bombing and her subsequent life as an evacuee. Provides details on daily life in wartime: German occupation, anti aircraft fire, hardships, the black market, and different anecdotes about…

PAdamsHG1704.jpg
Herbert Adams grew up in New South Wales Australia and joined the Air Training Corps as soon as it was established. He later joined the Royal Australian Air Force and after training, he completed a tour of operations as a navigator with 467 Squadron.…
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