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Interview with Douglas Stanley Smith
Douglas Smith grew up in New Zealand and on leaving school he joined the Post Office. He joined the Air Force and he flew Tiger Moth, and Gypsy Moth aircraft at New Plymouth. On one of his flights there was a warning note in the cockpit not to do…
Interview with Keith Boles
Keith Boles left school at the age of fourteen and took an apprenticeship in engineering. He was called up to the Air Force at the end of 1941 and was in Singapore when the Japanese invaded. He arrived in UK via Australia and Canada and after a…
Interview with Richard William Lambert
In 1943, when Richard was 17 and a half, he cycled into Guildford to sign up to volunteer for the Royal Air Force. He reported to Lords cricket ground to collect his uniform and gear and then went for training at RAF Hednesford for a six-month…
JF Neilson's memoir
Growing Up -The Hard Way WAR -1939
He joined the Local Defence Volunteers at first then realised he did not want to become infantry. He did mount road blocks and fire watches. He applied to join the RAF and was accepted. Training was at Blackpool,…
He joined the Local Defence Volunteers at first then realised he did not want to become infantry. He did mount road blocks and fire watches. He applied to join the RAF and was accepted. Training was at Blackpool,…
Bombing Patter Notes
Notes kept by JH Bird during his training.
Jim Allen's 1944 Diary
A diary recording events during 1944. Includes detailed notes on operations, military life, the weather etc.
Letter to Mrs Cahir from Jim Cahir
Letter from Flight Sergeant Jim Cahir to his mother and brothers. He writes about the mail he has received from friends and family and how long it took to arrive, that he received various newspapers, about the weather, his social activities,…
Letter to Mrs Cahir from Jim Cahir
Jim writes to his mother and brother of his routine service life and his fellow crewmen. He asks after her life too. He also describes his visit to York while on leave.
My Time in the Royal Air Force 1942-1955
An autobiography by Jim about his time in the RAF. He was 17 when the war started and he applied and was accepted for the RAF, on deferred service. Training started at Ludlow, Newquay then grading at Sywell. He was selected for further training and…
James A Penny’s pilots flying log book
Pilots flying log book for James A Penny, covering the period from 10 November 1941 to 23 November 1943 when he was shot down over Berlin. He was stationed at AAC Souther Field, RCAF North Battleford, RAF Shawbury, RAF Sleap, RAF Blyton, RAF Upwood…
Jim Tease DFC
A account of operational flying from June to October 1944
Postcard to Miss A Tyrie from Jim Tyrie
A postcard written from prisoner of war camp from Jim to his Aunt. It is signed Sedric.
Postcard to Miss A Tyrie from Jim Tyrie
The postcard states that it will not be long until he is home. It is signed Sedric.
Jim Tyrie's Wartime Log. One
A wartime log kept by Jim Tyrie whilst being kept a prisoner of war. He was shot down on 10th April 1941 and imprisoned for 4 years, 1 month and 16 days. It contains cartoons, sketches and maps.
He lists the men who were shot after recapture during…
He lists the men who were shot after recapture during…
Good Show Roger Squared
A story based on the service of Lancaster ME746 AS-R2 (Roger Squared). There is a slightly shorter version included.
Memories of 578 Squadron at Burn 1944
A document written by Jim Allen's navigator. He describes his early training and difficulties when navigating in the UK, Jim Allen's skills, his own behaviour on the aircraft, flying under a bomber shortly before the target, his relief at surviving…
The Miracle of Askham Bryan
The story of a complete engine failure in Wellington LN 487 over York at 15,000ft at night. The aircraft was over York and crash-landed safely. The rear-gunner had been knocked unconscious but was unhurt, as were the rest of the crew.
The loss of Lancaster ED838 and crew
Lancaster ED838 and crew took off from RAF Bardney on an operation to Essen on 1 May 1943.
The report contains information about the crew, the operation to Essen and their loss as well as maps and photographs.
The crew were:
Pilot Officer G A…
The report contains information about the crew, the operation to Essen and their loss as well as maps and photographs.
The crew were:
Pilot Officer G A…
Letter to Mrs Warren from John Cox
John Cox was the pilot the night George was killed. He describes travelling in a vehicle with George's body. George was taken to a cemetery in a village. John continued to a military hospital. George and John had both baled out.
John Derek Bolton’s pilots log book. Two
Pilots log book for John Derek Bolton, covering the period from 17 March 1946 to 14 June 1947. Detailing his civilian flying duties. He was based at Heathrow, Kenley and Redhill. Aircraft flown were, Cambridge Sailplane, Kite 1 Sailplane, Lancaster,…
162 Squadron Light Night Striking Force Battle Orders
162 Squadron crew lists and record of operations from 19 December 1944 to 17 April 1945 and John Bolton's memoir.
Legend - An Interior View of a Lincoln Bomber
An email to Reg Miles from John about a Lincoln at Cosford. It has a reputation for being haunted.
Letter to Terry Ford from John Fisher
The letter congratulates Terry Ford on becoming a pilot officer and describes the courses John is taking.
Memo Book
Notes kept in a small booklet. Some pages record flights.