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Norman Denys Sinclair’s Royal Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book
Norman Sinclair’s Pilot’s Flying Log Book from 16th August 1939 until 5th October 1945. Pilot training started at No. 9 Elementary Flying Training School, No. 1 Flying Practice Unit, No. 12 Flying Training School. Became a flying instructor at…
Thomas Kimberley's observer's and air gunner's flying log book
Observer's and air gunner's flying log book for Thomas Kimberley covering the period 5 March 1943 to 25 September 1945. Details his training and operational duties. He flew 35 operations, 20 night time and 15 daylight, as cameraman / air gunner with…
Jack Whalley’s Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book
Jack Whalley’s Royal Air Force Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book from 9th July 1941 until 10th October 1952. Initial training at No. 9 Air Observers School as an air observer, navigator, air gunner and bomb aimer. Further training as…
To Jessie from Harry Redgrave
A letter, envelope and two-page typed document from Harry to his wife Jessie. He writes about training including two bumpy flights in a Fokker. He encloses a photo taken in the snow and his mathematical paper from the Air Observer School.
To Jessie from Harry Redgrave
A letter from Harry Redgrave in RAF Upwood to his wife Jessie. He writes about how good life is now that he is a Sergeant with extra pay and better food. He has been training in a Bristol Blenheim.
To Jessie from Harry Redgrave
A letter and envelope from Harry Redgrave to Jessie. Harry writes about life at RAF Upwood including his intensive training and a trip to RAF Wyton to swing the compass at the Air Officer Commanding’s plane. He also is trying to get his motorcycle…
Recollections by Hector Crawford
Hector's stories about growing up in wartime Edgcott. His family moved there in 1941 when he was 10. He covers his school life, working on his father's farm, mock fighting, playing on a bombing range, working as a cowman, tractor work, working in a…
Letter from Hedley Madgett to his parents
Writes from Medicine Hat with only four days to go. Still has some flying required to reach his 90 hours and weather has been poor. Outbreak of scarlet fever might delay departure. Still has C.F.I test to go and has found out he has been recommended…
... just ... Chapters in a Life .. and some History
A detailed autobiography by Ivan Ure.
The Years up to the Outbreak of the Second World War and How it Affected Me
A part autobiography of Ivan's pre-war life.
104 (B) Squadron Group Photograph
A squadron photograph taken at Bassingbourn in May 1939. Four rows of airmen and ground crew positioned in front of a Blenheim.
Letter from Jimmy Doughty to his sister Winnie
Hopes that he would be home in three weeks and that he had only another three subjects to go. Mentions going to airfield to run up a Blenheim's engines.
Letter to Jean Welland from Jack Darby
He thanks he for her letters and poetry. They have been flying and buzzing farmers on their tractors.
Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents
Writes that he is fed up of having to work seven days a week and no time off for 8 weeks. Mentions having vaccinations and his current activities. Says he has found a reasonable place for meals in the evening but that they had had instructions not to…
Interview with Clive Coombes
Clive Coombes grew up on Royal Air Force stations, eventually joining and serving for 37 years before retiring in 2014. During this time, he served across the globe, including in Australia and Germany, as a ground branch officer. Clive outlines his…
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…
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,…
British Aircraft Recognition
Notes kept by JH Bird during his training.
British Aircraft Notes
Notes kept by JH Bird during his training.
Letter from John Taplin to his Family
Part of a letter to John's family. He has settled down in his new post and is happy. He finds camp monotonous.
Letter from John Taplin to his Family
He apologises again for not writing. He has been very busy. He is writing the letter in a field of poppies.
Interview with Laurence Harbutt
Laurie Harbutt was born in Edmonton, London. Before he volunteered he worked as a wireless telegraphist which was a Reserved Occupation. He wanted to join the Navy but because of his occupation his only option was RAF aircrew. He was posted to 77…
If you can't take a joke...
A detailed account of Ken Thomas's life from his early years at school, through his ground crew technical training followed by his aircrew training, operational tour, short post war service and his civilian career, he revised the account in 2005.
Leslie Pickford's diary
The diary starts with a letter stating that Les is missing and believed killed. In reality he had become a prisoner of war. It is subtitled 'Diary June 3rd 1941 to Nov 6th 1943 Life as a POW'
Interview with William Neilson
William Neilson grew up in Edinburgh. After training as a pilot in Canada and the United States he served as a staff pilot at Number 1 Air Armament School RAF Manby. He discusses low level bombing practice. He was demobbed in 1946 and became a civil…