Browse Items (1151 total)

  • Tags: military service conditions

BBarrettRBarrettRv1-part1of2.pdf
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…

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PCuttsE1509.jpg
One airman seated in the rear gunner's position with a second airman loading belts of ammunition. Both are wearing full operational uniform - leather jackets, helmet and lifejackets. On the reverse is a modern type written caption 'Rear turret of…

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BMilesRJMilesRJv1.pdf
A detailed Biography of Reg' service and post service life.

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BPayneRPayneRv1.pdf
A detailed account of Reg Payne's service in the RAF. He starts with a list of 18 RAF bases where he served in his 5 years of service. He was 16 when war was declared but volunteered for the RAF at 17. After tests he was selected for training as a…

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BPayneRPayneRv2.pdf
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…

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BWilsonRCWilsonRCv1.pdf
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.

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PThomasB1801.jpg
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…

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BAndersonRJAndersonRJv1.pdf
Robert Anderson describes his training in Tasmania and Canada, and his tour of operations to targets in France and Germany with 106 Squadron.

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PStonemanWJ1605.jpg
William James Stoneman was posted to RAF Elsham Wolds before Aircrew Reception Centre at RAF Cardington. He chose to become a rear gunner as he did not have to wait. Air gunnery training followed at RAF Bishopscourt in Northern Ireland on Ansons and…

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AFosterIWE180221.mp3
Ivor Foster of Plymouth volunteered for the RAF as soon as he was of age. He was initially accepted for training to become a Pilot, navigator or bomb aimer but decided the length of time for the training was too long and chose to train as a gunner.…

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PPickeringE1604.jpg
Pen and ink drawing of operations room with raised platforms to the left and tables in front. Men and women working at tables and on platforms. map on wall to right and squawk boxes high up on walls. Titled 'Sector Operations Room, RAF Digby 1939'.

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PJohnstonR17010009.jpg
A cartoon of a parachute packer at work annotated with orders and demands.

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PJohnstonR17010026.jpg
A cartoon of four WAAFs collecting travelling bags whilst an airman is shouting for his parachute bag.

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PJohnstonR17010034.jpg
A cartoon of two women in protective clothing, one carrying a sign saying 'Danger Area'.

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BMealingMillsSChandlerCHv1.pdf
Letter encloses a transcript of telephone interview and ask Mr Chandler to check for accuracy and asks specific questions about window, operation briefings, bird strike, being coned on Karlsruhe operation, overcoming fear and did he feel operations…

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BBarryCGBarryCGv1.pdf
Starts with description of feelings and actions beginning of the war. Mother had tried to persuade her to join land army and mentions brief experience and unsuitability for farming. Decided to join the RAF. Details enlistment and initial training…

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BShakespeareHEShakespeareHEv1.pdf
Detailed description of journey by train across the United States with comments about America and descriptions of many towns and cities passed through. Comments on some of his and his companions' activities. Makes several comparisons with Australia.

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AWrightJDFC150608.mp3
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…

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SChattertonJ159568v10476.jpg
Covers change of command of 44 Squadron to Squadron Leader G A Hildred, discipline in the Sergeants mess, Sick parades orders, and instructions regarding Royal Canadian Air Force personnel bank accounts. Finally discipline fire piquet lists.…

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AAn01137-170710.mp3
Anon, from Scarborough was keen to join the Fleet Air Arm as a pilot. Disappointed that he didn’t meet the height requirement, he joined the RAF and began training as an electrician. His aim was to travel abroad with the service but, to his…

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PBrownJ1721.jpg
Jeff Brown worked as an electrician until he joined the Royal Air Force. He flew with 576 Squadron from RAF Fiskerton.

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PHodgsonH1701.jpg
Harry Hodgson was ground crew during the war. He was based with 10 Squadron, working on Halifax Bombers at RAF Melbourne. Harry said it was a very busy time patching up the holes from both anti-aircraft fire and bullets on the Halifax. He remembers…

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PTurnhamK1701.jpg
Ken Turnham was born in St Albans and volunteered for the Air Force on his 18th birthday. After his initial training as a wireless operator he was posted to an Operational Training Unit at Lossiemouth. He and his crew were posted to 115 Squadron at…

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BPageTJPageTJv1.pdf
Writes of early life and mentions beginning of the war and volunteering for the air force in January 1940. Continues with account of initial training and mustering as an airframe mechanic and subsequent technical training. Describes first posting to…

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BPageTJPageTJv2.pdf
Includes several b/w photographs of people and aircraft. Writes of early life and mentions beginning of the war and volunteering for the air force in January 1940. Continues with account of initial training and mustering as an airframe mechanic and…

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