Browse Items (381 total)

  • Tags: bale out

YCrawfordJ[Ser#-DoB]v1.pdf
Covering the period 3 December 1941 to 1945 it details Jack's initial training, sailing from New Zealand to Canada and subsequent train journey, visiting a fox farm, canoeing, taking exams and getting the results and trips in the snow. Qualifying as…

PBawdenHH1602.jpg
Harvey Bawden, from Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, volunteered for the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942 at the age of eighteen. After initial training school and assessment as an air gunner, he was shipped to England via the United States. After…

ATrumanEG170315.mp3
Ernest Truman completed his initial training in Australia as a navigator before arriving in the UK. He was posted to 460 Squadron at RAF Binbrook. One of his ops was to destroy the oil refinery at Merseburg and he recalls the explosion was so bright…

SWarrenGC1580687v30002-0001.jpg
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.

MGoldbyJL139407-200810-010001.jpg
Two postcards written by John to his parents. He explains he has been in hospital with a broken ankle.

ABarryM180328.mp3
Max was born in Beaufort, Victoria and grew up on his parents’ dairy farm. Gaining a scholarship led to him becoming a student teacher and attending training college. He was called up when he was 18 and applied to become a reserve in the Air Force,…

ABuxtonAG220823.mp3
Alan was born in Parramatta, Sydney, in Australia. After going to the Middle East with the army, he returned to Australia, when Japan entered the war, and transferred to the RAF in November 1942.
Alan was posted to Bradfield Park for training and…

EMartinESBatchelderHE20170502.pdf
The story of John Martin's last operation, how he was shot down, escaped the aircraft and was captured. He was interrogated at Dulag Luft in Frankfurt then transferred to various Stalg Luft camps. His story covers in his life until he was repatriated…

EValentineJRMValentineUM430218-0001.jpg
Number 55. Thanks her for a parcel and he asks her to trace the sender of some books he has received. He also mentions that he is looking forward to a concert that the Symphony Orchestra will perform the following day. He goes on to explain how he…

SValentineJRM1251404v20010-0003.jpg
States that he managed to bail out before plane crashed. Would be moved to permanent camp soon. Request wife not to send anything yet.

PSaundersJWG18010002.jpg
Two pencil drawings by John. On the left an airman about to leave an open doorway of an aircraft with one of its engines on fire. He is wearing a flying suit and boots with an observer's parachute and chest harness. On the right an airman, wearing a…

AMartinA170830.mp3
Alfie Martin was born near Belfast in 1920. He applied for the Air Force but his mother was worried about the dangers and so he withdrew his application. He joined the army and when the RAF advertised for soldiers to transfer the RAF he volunteered.…

PHarbuttLN1801.jpg
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…

AMulhallJE160823.mp3
James was born in Gorton, attended Catholic schools, and became an apprentice plumber. In November 1942 he joined the Royal Air Force. He then trained as a mechanic at RAF St Athan before being posted to RAF Henlow to assemble Hurricanes. He then…

Diary kept by Keith Campbell 24 July 1944 to February 1945 describing being shot down, evading and capture and life as a prisoner of war. Some entries talk about operations. Ends with the forced march away from the Russians. Note on front - 'original…

BPatisonLEPatisonLEv1.pdf
A detailed account of a 467 Squadron Lancaster crew's operation to the Dortmund-Ems canal on 1 January 1945. Crew captain was Flying Officer M G Bache and crew is listed. Book covers crew early training and operations before the subject date. There…

EIrvinLLWhiteheadT430930.jpg
Addressed to Stalag Luft 1. Welcomes him to Caterpillar Club and encloses membership card.

MScottEW188329-170406-03.pdf
Contains welcome to the club and includes tag with date, card for Flight Sergeant E W Scott, a gold caterpillar badge and envelope.

EIrvinLLLayneAJ440307.jpg
Glad to hear that her husband's life was saved by one of Irvin's parachutes and welcomed him to Caterpillar Club. Regrets that was not possible to let her have badge until after the war.

SJenkinsonLP1316403v10028.pdf
Recounts details of operation and being attacked by Me 109s which were driven off and then by a Ju 88 which set them on fire. Bombs jettisoned and he baled out. Continues with account of evading and attempt to reach Switzerland. Describes capture and…

SJenkinsonLP1316403v10059.jpg
Gives itinerary of journey from being shot down, captured, and various prisoner of war camps (Dulag Luft, Stalag Luft 6, Stalag 357 and 355) and eventual repatriation.

MStewartEC87436-170727-02.pdf
A diary kept by LC Pipkin and subtitled Bomber Command, London. It records his time after baling out of aircraft after a fighter attack. He managed to evade capture and reached Spain.
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