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George Holmes' navigator’s, air bomber’s and air gunner’s flying log book
Navigator’s, air bomber’s and air gunner’s flying log book for G H Holmes, covering the period from 7 June 1943 to 23 May 1947. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Yatesbury, RAF Evanton, RAF Turweston,…
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…
Aviation Memory
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…
Edward Allan McDonald's wartime memories
The first part is an eye witness account by Alan McDonald of an aircraft crash and its aftermath.
The second part describes the 'Skilling Follies', an aircrew who completed 25 operations from RAF Skellingthorpe.
The third part describes an…
The second part describes the 'Skilling Follies', an aircrew who completed 25 operations from RAF Skellingthorpe.
The third part describes an…
Edward Allan McDonald's flying log book for navigators, air bombers, air gunner, flight engineers
Flying log book for navigators, air bombers, air gunner, flight engineers for Edward Allan McDonald, air gunner, covering the period from 10 march 1944 to 1 June 1945. He was stationed at RAF Evanton, RAF Market Harborough, RAF Winthorpe, RAF…
Interview with Edward Allan McDonald. Two
Allan McDonald was born in Hull and watched Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus as a child. He worked as an apprentice electrician before joining the Air Force. He served as ground personnel in Northern Ireland until he passed the exams to become aircrew…
Frank Hobbs’ observer’s and air gunner’s flying log book
Observers and air gunners flying log book for Frank Hobbs, wireless operator, covering the period from 15 March 1941 to 16 March 1943 when he was killed in action. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Pembrey,…
50 Squadron crest
50 Squadron crest
Flying Officer Leslie Thomas Manser, Victoria Cross
Head and shoulders portrait of Leslie Thomas Manser wearing tunic and peaked cap. Captioned 'F/O Leslie Thomas Manser, V.C. RAFVR (Deceased), No 50 Sqdn. - Avro Manchester --- Cologne (mass raid) --- May 30, 1942'.
Airmen by the window of a hut
Two airmen, the left hand one with crossed arms and both wearing tunic, by the open window of a hut. On the reverse '(11), 50 Sqdn Swinderby, (Ching) Harry Corbourn + Me, after alnight [sic] call out'.
Lancaster on dispersal
View of the front fuselage and port inboard engine of a Lancaster. The bomb doors are open and the main wheels covered. On the nose 'G' and 72 bomb symbols in seven rows. In the background bottom left another Lancaster.
Lancaster on dispersal
Front quarter view of port side of a Lancaster with bomb doors open. On the nose 'G' and several rows of bomb symbols. The main wheels have covers and there is a trolley accumulator by the port wheel. On the reverse 'ED588 50 Sqd Skellingthorpe,…
Lancaster in field
Rear quarter view of starboard side of Lancaster parked in a field. In the foreground a road, a wooden fence and a tree on the right. In the background a hedge and trees. On the reverse '50 Sqd Skellingthorpe, R5546 Lost 31-3-44, after repair,…
Lancaster parked on grass
Rear quarter view of starboard side of Lancaster 'VN-T' parked on grass with covers on landing gear. On the reverse 'AVC, 50 Sqd Skellingthorpe, R5546, April 42 - Lost 31-3-44'.
Warrant Officer Edwards standing in front of building
Warrant Officer Edwards, wearing tunic and side cap, standing in front of a building with windows. In the background bomb racks are leaning against a building. On the reverse 'W.O. Edwards, W, i/c 50 Sqd on [sic] Armoury, Skellingthorpe, 17-4-42,…
50 Squadron armoury personnel
Eleven airmen mostly wearing tunic and side cap with others in overalls standing and squatting in three rows in a yard. To the right the rear wheel of a trolley, in the background a fence and trees. On the reverse '50 Sqdn Armoury, 22.4.42,…
Large group of armourers in front of corrugated iron building
A large group of airmen in a variety of dress in front of a corrugated iron building with a number of windows. On the reverse 'Skelly 43, 50-61 Sqns armourers + bom [sic] dump'.
50 Squadron armourers
Forty-two airmen, wearing tunic and side caps, in four rows. Front row including a warrant officer and a sergeant are sitting on chairs, the second row are standing and the rear two rows standing on benches. Albert Cluett is third row, first on the…
50 Squadron armourers
Forty-one airmen in four rows in front of a building. All are wearing tunics and most side caps. Albert Cluett is in the back row, first on the left. On the reverse '50 Sqd Armourers, Skellingthorpe'.
Lancaster on dispersal
Rear quarter view of Lancaster 'VN-P' parked on hard-standing with three rows of bombs in the foreground. On the reverse '50 Sqd Skellingthorpe, about D Day, Yanky [sic] 1000 lb bomb GP, English 500 ", AVC, ND991, 50 Sqd - Flt Refuelling - BDU - 22…
Lancaster parked in dispersal
Front quarter view of Lancaster parked with bomb doors open. On the nose 'G' and many rows of bomb symbols. Background left a 4000 lb bomb on trolley. On the reverse '50 Sqd Skellingthorpe, G + 1 x 4000 lb bomb. AVC. Doddington Road end'.
Airmen on a bomb trolley
Sixteen airmen, mostly wearing tunic, in three rows sitting and standing on a bomb trolley. Background left a building and trees behind. On the reverse '22.4.42, 50 Sqdn Armoury. Skellingthorpe'. Albert Cluett is second row second from the right.
50 Squadron Badge
Squadron crest for 50 Squadron
Interview with Eric Coling
Eric Coling’s father died when Eric was a child which left his mother to cope on her own economically. Eric and his sister were sent to live in an orphanage but their mother was able to visit monthly. When Eric left the orphanage he began working…
Interview with Robert Barnes. Two
Robert Barnes, as flight engineer had to deal with an emergency on one flight when during the process of changing the fuel tanks the aircraft went into a steep dive.