Derrick Allen's account of being shot down 2/3 November 1944. After a successful attack on Dusseldorf, the Lancaster was severely damaged by a night fighter. Goes on to describe battle with FW 190 and and order to abandon aircraft. Before bailing…
Lists aircraft details and crews for 467 Squadron's A and B flights on 24 April 1945. Derrick Allen is mid-upper gunner on the third crew down in A Flight. Also includes reserve and window crews and other operational details.
On the left a newspaper cutting with an account of how Derrick Allen freed the rear gunner from his jammed turret while his Lancaster was going down. On the right top and bottom, congratulatory wedding telegrams wishing future happiness. Between the…
Welcome to the Royal Air Force and that selection for aircrew training is a great distinction. Explains how waiting list works and explains why he will have to wait. Encourages him to keep fit while waiting and to carry on with current job.
From Officer Commanding 467 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force and base commander 53 Base Waddington congratulating Derrick Allen on immediate award of Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Account of night 2 November 1944. Sergeant Allen's Lancaster was attacked by night fighter after successful attack on Dusseldorf. Allen opened fire twice and damaged fighter but the Lancaster was badly damaged. Whilst Lancaster was in uncontrolled…
Gazetted on 6 March 1945, informs Derrick Allen that he will be awarded his medal by the King at an investiture at Buckingham palace on 12 March 1946. Goes on to discuss other relevant details concerned with investiture.
At the top a postagram congratulating Derrick Allen on his award of Conspicuous Gallantry Medal signed A T Harris. Six newspaper cuttings giving various accounts of actions in releasing rear gunner from jammed turret while Lancaster dives out of…
Notes that the King will hold investiture at Buckingham Palace on 12 March 1945. Derrick Allen requested to be at palace no later than 10.15. Goes on to details dress and who may accompany.
On the left a poem by Pte K R Hobbs (5th Northants Regt) entitled 'Spare a Thought' concerning mothers waiting in vain, Below ticket No 100 for entry of witness to investiture at Buckingham Palace. On the right, 20, 10 and 5 franc Belgian banknotes.
Two telegrams wishing Derrick Allen and his wife best wishes and future happiness. On the right a three-quarter length portrait of Derrick Allen in suit and his bride (was Miss Colbert) is wedding dress with bouquet.
Three quarters portrait of Sergeant Bob Frost and two airmen. On the reverse '(undecipherable) Hickey Dell Mounts Beulah, N Dak. U.S.A.
W Randle Barn Close, Lympstone, Devon'.
And 'Gibraltar A2
Group Cpt -rtd
Bill Randall - sgt in pic
Bob…
A three-quarter length portrait portrait of Sergeant Bob Frost holding the arm of his bride. She is carrying a floral bouquet and a lucky horseshoe.
On the reverse '21st June 1945 Northwick Park Harrow'
and…
The aircrew wearing Mae Wests are standing under the nose of Lancaster 'Y2'. The ground crew are kneeling. Frank Tolley is second from the left on the back row.
Additional information about this item has been kindly provided by the donor.
Frank Tolley's log book covers the period 29 December 1943 to 27 August 1945 and details his training schedule and operations flown. He served at RAF Fingal, RAF Malton, RAF Moreton-in-Marsh, RAF Sandtoft and RAF Kelstern. Aircraft flown in were…
A certificate awarding Flight Sergeant Colin Wood the Path Finder Force Badge.
This item was provided, in digital form, by a third-party using technical specifications and operational protocols that may differ from those used by the IBCC Digital…