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Colin Cole and crew in front of a Lancaster
Seven aircrew dressed in uniform, standing in front of a Lancaster. A lorry is visible in the background. Captioned 'Woodhall Spa, Sept 1944 Mid-Upper Gunner, Flight Eng. Bomb Aimer, Skipper, Nav, w/op 'Me' Rear Gunner' On the reverse 'Colin Cole L…
Interview with Les Munro
John Leslie Munro was born in the area of Gisborne, New Zealand. He only completed two years of secondary education because of the economic slump and, in 1936, began work on a sheep ranch and then a mixed farm. On the outbreak of the Second World…
Airmen and Lancasters at at Archangel Yagodnik USSR
Flight Lieutenant Knights and crew. Ernie Twells is third from right, standing in front of a Lancaster. Flight Lieutenant Knights is third from the left.
The two starboard engines of a Lancaster viewed from inside the aircraft. In the background…
The two starboard engines of a Lancaster viewed from inside the aircraft. In the background…
Flight Lieutenant Bob Knights and crew
A group of six airmen, Ernie Twells is third from right, standing in front of a Lancaster. Flight Lieutenant Knights is third from the left. All have their hands behind their backs except one man who has his right hand in his pocket.
Ernie Twells and airmen
Ernie Twells and five airmen colleagues before he became aircrew. Captioned 'Ernie Twells 2nd from right'. On the reverse the names and addresses of four of the other men.
Bob Knights and seven crew wearing flying gear standing in front of…
Bob Knights and seven crew wearing flying gear standing in front of…
617 Squadron veterans
A group of five veterans in civilian clothing. Captioned 'From Left: Leonard Cheshire, Ralph Cochrane Johny Farquier'.
Bob Knights' Obituary
The obituary of Flight Lieutenant Bob Knights. It details his operations on the Tirpitz, his early life, his training in Florida, his time with 617 Squadron and his role with BOAC after the war until his retirement in 1976.
Interview with Benny Goodman. One
Benny Goodman discusses some of his operations as a pilot with 617 Squadron. He discusses attacking the Tirpitz and the use of Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs, which required the Lancaster plane to be modified. On a flight against the U-boat pens in…
Interview with Benny Goodman. Two
Benny Goodman grew up in London and hoped to become a pilot. He volunteered for the Air Force and was, originally, posted to RAF Abingdon as a ground gunner before beginning his flying training. After qualifying as a pilot in Canada, he became an…
Interview with Kenneth Trent
Ken grew up in London and joined the Royal Air Force, as a pilot, on his 18th birthday. After exams and interview at RAF Uxbridge, he went to Number 9 Receiving Wing in RAF Torquay and an Initial Training Wing in Stratford-upon-Avon. He then trained…
Robert Anderson's memoir
Robert Anderson describes his training in Tasmania and Canada, and his tour of operations to targets in France and Germany with 106 Squadron.
David Maltby's pilot's flying log book
Royal Air Force pilot's flying log book for Squadron Leader David Maltby covering the period from 20 August 1940 to 13 September 1943. Detailing his flying training and operations flown and instructor duties. He was stationed at RAF Uxbridge, RAF…
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…
Interview with Bob Leedham
Bob Leedham was a flight engineer who carried out 21 operations on Stirlings. At the outbreak of war Bob was an apprentice motor mechanic and, along with other apprentices, was left to operate the garage when all the engineers were called up. In 1940…
Interview with Maureen and Sidney Stevens
Sidney was inspired to join The Air Force when he was working as an Air Raid Precaution Warden and his own home was bombed on one occasion. The house next door was also destroyed and the lady who had offered him a cup of tea only hours earlier died.…
Pilot with dog
A pilot wearing battledress sits on a lawn in centre holding a small dog in front of him. Identified as S/Ldr J McCarthy at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa. Taken between 25/10/1943-12/07/1944. Additional information about this item was kindly…
Group Captain Johnny Fauquier, Lancaster and Grand Slam bomb
A Group Captain, wearing battledress with pilot's brevet and medal ribbons, and a peaked cap stands with his right hand on a large bomb in the bomb bay of a Lancaster. On the reverse '[....]. Johnny Fauqier'. Reported as Gp Cpt J E Fauquier, OC 617…
A bomber pilot’s journey through WWII
Biography of Squadron Leader David James Baikie Wilson, DSO, DFC and Bar (1917 - 1947). He flew operations as a pilot with 214, 196 and 617 Squadrons before becoming Head of Aerodynamic Development and Testing, and Test-Pilot at A V Roe & Co Ltd.…
The Exploits of Warrant Officer Arthur Pritchard
A biography of Arthur Pritchard written by his daughter. It covers his training, operations and the night he was shot down. Despite speaking no French he was assisted to a hideout in Paris where he remained until Paris was liberated in August 1944.
Flight Sergeant Poynton, FO Jack Smith and Sergeant George Bailey
Photo 1 is a half length portrait of Flight Sergeant Poynton, annotated '1944', 'Died at Willington, Burton/Trent Feb 2003' and signed 'Sincerely yours Tommy From Reg 29/3/44 90 Sqdn'.
Photo 2 is a half length portrait of Flying Officer Jack Smith,…
Photo 2 is a half length portrait of Flying Officer Jack Smith,…