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My overseas service by Raymond Barrett
Raymond spent his time in the R.A.F. overseas, this lengthy memoir covers the period July 1943 until August 1946. He served in the Middle and Far East and Italy. He was an Engine Mechanic/Fitter and this is his story. The memoir has maps of his…
Biography of Reg Miles
A detailed Biography of Reg' service and post service life.
Before I was in the RAF by Reg Payne
An account by Reg Payne of his wartime experiences. Too young to sign up at the start of the war he spent two years in the Home Guard. Training started at age 18 and lasted for two years. He served at RAF Skellingthorpe and his brother served at RAF…
Bomber Command and Notes of Some of My Experiences During 1941-1945
Reg summarises Bomber Command's role in the war then details his personal experiences from training days. He covers in detail the navigational techniques he used. He describes the operation he was on when he was shot down.
Postcard to Reg Wilson's Family
Reg has received a clothing parcel and two book parcels from Unilevers. He has seen another show. Asks his family to send thanks to the person who packed his parachute if they can trace them.
Letter to Reg Wilson's Father
The letter from the padre at Reg's base expresses sympathy regarding his disappearance whilst on active duty.
A Wartime Log
A book used as a photo and sketch album. It contains sketches of his wife, Dorothy Frances Lydiard Kellett (nee Abbott), two sketches of horses, images taken during plays including ‘Morning Star’, '10 Minute Alibi', '‘Thunder Rock’, 'A Revue'…
Interview with Herbert Adams
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.…
Interview with Bessie Thomas
Bessie Thomas left school at the age of fourteen and worked at the Consett Iron Company working as a typist. At the age of eighteen at the time of Dunkirk she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force where she wanted to be a radio operator but there…
The Air Ministry regrets
A resume of 'Jack' Whymark's family and service career. Includes extracts from Jack’s diaries, details from his logbook and histories of the crew and passengers of Lancaster PA278.
Interview with Ron Baker
Ron Baker, originally from Willesden was in the ATC before joining the RAF and trained as a flight mechanic. He was posted to 463 Squadron at Waddington. On one occasion he had to help to remove the body of a gunner who had died during the flight. He…
Interview with Eric Haynes
Eric Haynes and his friends volunteered for the RAF together days after the declaration of war. He wanted to enlist as a photographer but was encouraged instead towards the role of RAF police. Later he saw a notice inviting recruits to remuster to…
Interview with Alfred Meadows
Alfred Meadows was born in London. He was keen to join the RAF as aircrew but didn’t pass the medical. He was posted as a driver to RAF Old Sarum from where he witnessed the bombing of Southampton. He was posted then to South Africa. He describes…
Interview with Peter Morris
Peter Morris lived through the East End blitz. He joined the ATC as soon as it was established and applied to join the RAF as aircrew. He was accepted for training as a navigator. While waiting for a course he was part of a group that was sent to…
Interview with Owen Cox
Owen Cox went to a grammar school in York and joined the Home Guard when the war started. At 18 he joined the Royal Air Force, although his parents were not keen. His initial trade was ground wireless operator (Morse), waiting to attend a gunnery…
Interview with William Taylor
William Taylor joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 as ground crew. He remustered as an air gunner and flew operations with 103 Squadron from RAF Elsham Wolds, flying Lancasters. His Aircraft was attacked and shot down by a night fighter in July 1944.…
Letter concerning third batch of Ceylonese joining the RAF
Author (probably Roy J de Niese) gives some information on recruitment and training of Ceylonese volunteers for the RAF. Includes his recruitment and initial training in Ceylon, travel to Great Britain, enlistment, elementary flying training and…
Three WAAFs and two Airmen
The five are sitting and reading in a mess. On the reverse 'Royal Canadian Air Force Photography'.
Album Title Page
Front sheet of the album with Ruth's service number, rank and base.
Panic!! in the Parachute Section
A cartoon circle of airmen and women with a central, distressed figure, annotated 'Panic!! in the Parachute Section. "Give me ROOM!!" I don't know where I am! Etc etc.'
Another O.T.U. Course is Posted
A cartoon of three parachute section WAAFs distressed by demands from airmen. The demands are annotated.
P.P.'s Don't Work -- Much
A cartoon of a parachute packer at work annotated with orders and demands.
Meals at the Hostel
A cartoon of four meals, all toast and cocoa. On the right are faces which start happy but become sad then angry as the food does not vary.
Taking Chutes to the Flights
A cartoon of the parachute packers delivering parachutes to air crews only to find they have already taken off. Annotated 'After much flapping and nattering we arrive at the flights to find that the air crews have just taken off'.
Route March
A cartoon of the WAAFs on a route march. First they are all worn out, then they have beer and drinks and finally they are marching very properly.