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Flying Stories by Paul Hilton
Nine accounts of flying activities during the war.
Additional information about this item has been kindly provided by the donor.
'David Joseph's son Brian met Paul Hilton in the 1980's through work, and he was wearing a prisoner of war tie. In…
Additional information about this item has been kindly provided by the donor.
'David Joseph's son Brian met Paul Hilton in the 1980's through work, and he was wearing a prisoner of war tie. In…
David Joseph's Pilot's flying log book
Pilot’s flying log book for Flight Sergeant David Joseph from 20 January 1944 to 18 March 1944, recording squadron-based training and operations flown. Served at RAF Holme-on-Spalding Moor. Aircraft flown were Halifax Mk 2, Halifax Mk 1, Halifax Mk…
Summary of David Joseph's service
A summary of Flight Sergeant David Joseph's RAF service. Joining the RAF on 27 October 1941, in January 1944 he joined 76 Squadron and was shot down on 18 March 1944 on an operation to Frankfurt. He became a prisoner of war at Hydekrug Luft VI, Gross…
David Joseph's Service and Release Book
David Joseph's Form 2520A, Service and Release Book from 27 October 1941 to 2 February 1946.
Malcolm Staves, 207 Squadron Veteran
Malcolm Staves' life in the RAF, starts with his school reports through his enlistment in 1942. He trained at Bridgnorth then was assigned to 207 Squadron at Spilsby. His colleagues included George Cearns who joined 166 Squadron and Hank Williams who…
Interview with Louis Makens
Louis Makens worked as a farm worker before the war but volunteered for aircrew. He discusses his training on Wellingtons and operations flying Stirlings with 196 Squadron including a crash landing, and glider towing. His Halifax was shot down 18/19…
Interview with Edgar Meredith
Edgar Meredith applied to join the RAF when he was eighteen years of age, and was interviewed in London and trained as an air gunner. During training he flew on Whitley aircraft and felt those training days were more dangerous than actual operations.…
Interview with James Mulhall. One
James was born in Gorton, attended Catholic schools, and became an apprentice plumber. In November 1942 he joined the Royal Air Force. He then trained as a mechanic at RAF St Athan before being posted to RAF Henlow to assemble Hurricanes. He then…
Interview with James Mulhall. Two
James Mulhall trained as a flight engineer and was posted to 75 Squadron at RAF Mepal. On one operation the crew were surprised to be presented by the ground crew with a .303 bullet which proved that they had been the recipient of friendly fire. On…
Interview with Arthur Nicholson
Arthur was released from his reserved occupation as an apprentice engineer to join the Royal Air Force. After St John’s Wood, he underwent some basic training at RAF Bridlington and RAF Usworth before going on an engineering course at RAF St Athan…
Interview with Geoff Packham
Geoff’s father had been in the Royal Flying Corps and Geoff joined the Royal Air Force at RAF Cardington. He was posted to various stations before going to Halifax in Canada to train as a pilot on Tiger Moths and then Oxfords.
On his return, Geoff…
On his return, Geoff…
Interview with Evelyn Paine
Two of Evelyn Paine’s three brothers joined the RAF. She discusses the service of her brothers Philip Jenkinson and Peter Raeburn Jenkinson. Philip Jenkinson trained as an air gunner. He was was shot down on his tenth operation and after evading…
The Responsibilities of a Prisoner of War
Instructions and guidance for all rank in the event of capture by the enemy.
Postcard from H W Ashton to Mrs K Wynn
Prisoner of war postcard from Lieutenant H W Ashton R.E. Writing that he is sorry to hear bad news of her husband. Delayed writing as he hopes her husband may have survived. Sent from Oflag IX A/Z.
Letter to Mrs K Wynn from Florence Russell
Florence is upset that her son Gordon and Mrs Wynn’s husband are now presumed dead. Goes on to write about financial help from RAF Benevolent Fund. Catches up with family news and of other acquaintances including one who died in Japanese prisoner…
Interview with Philip Peel
Mike Peel was a Lancaster pilot and served on two squadrons before becoming a prisoner of war late in 1944. He was an active sportsman and played tennis in his eighties but unfortunately is no longer with us. Using his logbook, letters, and…
Interview with Jim Penny. Two
After volunteering for the RAF Jim Penny began his training which also took him to USA. He was present when the announcement of Pearl Harbour was made and all RAF trainees could openly wear their uniforms as the two countries were officially Allies.…
Interview with Audrey Poynter
Having worked in her father’s garage, Audrey was called up, aged 17½, and joined the Royal Air Force. After RAF Padgate, she did some square-bashing at Gloucester before going to RAF Halton. She was taught to change plugs, replace faulty studs and…
Interview with Donald Rainey
Donald Rainey was born in 1927 and he lived with his family at the Royal Oak in Scopwick. Donald remembers George Formby’s wife, Beryl staying at the pub for four days in the war whilst entertaining the troops at Digby. Got a job as an apprentice…
Interview with Dick Raymond
Richard Raymond joined the RAF to see the world but considering the loss rates he is aware he very nearly saw the next world as well. He had applied to the RAF but been refused on medical grounds. He was offered a groundcrew role and was determined…
Interview with Laurie Richardson
Laurie lived at 31 Buckingham Street, Hull, before being bombed. Laurie, then nearly three, and his mother went to stay with distant relatives at Talbot Farm, Bassingham Fen. There were a lot of Land Girls working at the farms in the area.…
Interview with Sidney James Richards
Sydney James Richards was born in Greenwich, London and was working in a drawing office in the Arsenal before joining the Royal Air Force. He was originally intending to join the Navy but changed his mind as he decided he preferred aircrew. He did…
Interview with Gerald Rich
Gerald’s father, Wilfred, joined the Royal Air Force in January 1920 and stayed until about 1927 training as an aircraft fitter. He re-joined in June 1940 at RAF Cardington. In 1944, upon completion of training, he went to No. 1 Air Gunnery School…
Interview with Hayden Philip Rose
Hayden Philip Rose was born on the 27th of July 1924. After leaving school he worked in the Simmonds factory office before joining the RAF in 1943, training as an engineer. His brothers also joined, becoming a pilot and a navigator. Upon meeting his…
Interview with Henry Leslie Shackleton
Henry Shackleton listened to Chamberlain’s speech on the radio and hoped to be a Spitfire pilot. He began his training and was selected as a flying instructor and was posted to Canada. On his return to the UK he was posted to his operational…