A letter and envelope from Harry Redgrave to Jessie. Harry writes about life at RAF Upwood including being put in charge of a beacon party, being in a crew doing ZZ landings and a colleague who keeps flying into a barrage balloon.
Letter from Harry Redgrave to his wife Jessie. Harry writes about his trip to Dorchester and Southend, seeing various family members and checking up on their bungalow, coming back on his motorcycle. Also mentions moving to a new station and hoping…
Letter to parents saying they are ready to depart but do not know where and when. Shows concern over uncertainty and writes of regard for parents and they should not worry about him. Telegram announces that he has arrived at Emsworth near Portsmouth…
Recounts his day and that his trip was a waste of time. They were supposed to get in air firing but they lost their target. Mentions recent weather and plague of small insects. Continues with gossip and catches up with friends news and his recent…
Writing from Tunisia that he is perfectly well as are the others. He is keeping letter simple in order not to write anything that may prevent the letter being delivered. Mentions the current climate and availability of grapes, figs, olives and…
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…
Informs H E Hudson that his son Sergeant James Douglas Hudson of 101 Squadron is missing, his aircraft having failed to return from training flight over the sea on 27 August 1940.
Starts with description of feelings and actions beginning of the war. Mother had tried to persuade her to join land army and mentions brief experience and unsuitability for farming. Decided to join the RAF. Details enlistment and initial training…
Marjorie Bailey wearing a pale jacket and skirt and black shoes, leaning her right arm against a stone wall. On reverse 'Marjorie Bailey, 25 August 1940, Torquay'.
45 aircrew are arranged in four rows, front row one sitting; all are wearing Sidcot suits, flying boots and gauntlets and are carrying flying helmets. Some airmen on the second row from front are holding a board on which is chalked ‘D Flight’ and…
S Belton received a Distinguished Flying Medal for his son Sergeant Spencer Lewis Belton. He was educated at Southend High School, worked in a bank and on his father’s farm.
Head and shoulders portrait of Sergeant Spencer Lewis Belton in uniform. On the reverse 'S.L.S. Belton D.F.M. 581261 reported missing Aug 10/11th 1940 of age March 5th-1940’ and ‘The Lawrence, 19, High Street, Doncaster’.
Three newspaper cuttings two birthday announcement for Sergeant Harry Bowers reported missing 14 August 1940. Third, on Second Lieutenant Louis Bingham Murray reported lost his life as a result of air operations.
One is a sergeant with half wing brevet and wireless operator flash on sleeve, the other is an airman. Captioned 'Horace and myself August 1940 Belfast'.
Top - eight members of Women's Auxiliary Air Force and seven Royal Air Force officers in two rows. Seven sitting in front and eight standing behind. All are wearing tunics and peaked hats. Joyce Donaldson is third from the right back row. There is…
Stars in June 1940 based on letters written to his mother. Tells of life in Rhodesia before being called up and travelling to England, Discusses war as well as work and social life and initial training in Rhodesia. Goes on to describe a little of…
A large group of men sitting and standing on the deck of a ship with a large funnel in the background. On the reverse 'P/O Baker, T England, August 1940, No 2 draught ex-Rhodesia'.