Browse Items (188 total)
- Type is exactly "Text. Poetry"
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Kaleidoscope – the morning after - 1943
Five verse poem describing feelings the next morning after a harrowing night operation. Describes emotions and surprise that the crew survived.
Fifty years on
Poem of four verses of seven lines each in remembrance of those who flew and the freedom that they died for.
We were only just beginning to enjoy our teenage years
A poem sent to Betty Turner's friend Billy to celebrate their 80th. Betty describes the wartime hardships she endured, hint at the bereavement after the loss of the men she loved, stresses the sense of duty toward her country, friendship and…
This is why I joined the RAF
A poem written in December 1942 after her first love was shot down over France. After his death Betty resolved to join the Royal Air Force and became a wireless operator. According to a note, she later found out that some of what she wrote down went…
Ode to an air gunner
Describes the role played by the air gunner and his attitude toward danger. In the afterlife, the air gunner goes straight through the Heavens's gate as his wartime suffering is considered equivalent to expiation.
Les Rutherford's prisoner of war diary
Prisoner of war diary of Les Rutherford, captured the 20 December 1943 and then detained at Stalag Luft 3 (Belaria). It consists mostly of sketches and cartoons but also information on camp life, photographs and German newspaper cuttings. The diary…
Poem 'Spare a Thought', ticket to investiture at Buckingham palace, and Belgian bank notes
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.
Tags: arts and crafts
The Homing Bomber
Poem written on RAF Waddington notepaper called The Homing Bomber. It describes a damaged bomber and its wounded crew making its way back to the UK.
Letter with poem from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey’s letter contains general gossip and a long humorous poem about his training and his life in the Royal Air Force.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey starts with a poem about his recent leave and continues with banter to acquaintances and the hope that he may move south.
Tags: arts and crafts; RAF Inverness
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes about basic and wireless operator/air gunner training in the form of a poem.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes that little has happened since his last letter as operations had been suspended due to high losses after recent operations. He reports that he is now a grade 1 ‘W/OP.AG’ which results in more money. He concluded with a poem,…
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes about life at Royal Air Force Tiree including the bad weather and terrible beer. He includes a poem about what he has learned in the Royal Air Force and his friends back home.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes that he has received a large consignment of letters and he includes a poem addressed to some of his correspondents. He concludes with messages to friends.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes thanking friends for correspondence and that he is getting used to Scotland. He mentions a letter from a colleague in the services and includes a couple of short poems. He advises that he has booked leave.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey starts with a poem and then goes on to say this should be his last until after the New Year. He concludes with friendly banter.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey starts with a poem and continues with some banter. He continues with some light hearted comment on life in general. The letter has been opened and signed by censor.
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes a humorous poem making fun of all his pre-war work mates.
Tags: arts and crafts; RAF Inverness
Letter from Peter Lamprey to W Gunton
Peter Lamprey writes a funny rhyming poem to his former work mates.
Tags: arts and crafts; RAF Inverness
Stephen Dawson's memoir notebook
The notebook contains written accounts of 32 operations to targets in Germany, Italy and France between June and November 1943 and a list of his crew. Accounts include bomb loads and descriptions of operations including Pathfinder operations while on…
Peter Hattersley's Service Diary
A service diary written by Peter Hattersley covering the period from November 1930 to 24 September 1948.Initially he served in the Royal Engineers but in February 1936 he joined the RAF. It covers his training and operations including a newspaper…
Tags: 1 Group; 106 Squadron; 44 Squadron; aircrew; Anson; arts and crafts; Battle; C-47; Distinguished Flying Cross; Hampden; pilot; prisoner of war; RAF Abingdon; RAF Bawtry; RAF Blyton; RAF Catfoss; RAF Cosford; RAF Cottesmore; RAF Evanton; RAF Finningley; RAF Little Rissington; RAF Manston; RAF Netheravon; RAF Oakington; RAF St Athan; RAF Syerston; RAF Thornaby; RAF Uxbridge; RAF Waddington; Stalag Luft 3; training