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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…
Tom Wharmby's crew biographies
Four biographies of 199 Squadron servicemen killed in action, with notes regarding the inscriptions on their headstones.
Flying Officer Ronald Herman Downes Cook, wireless operator/ air gunner;
Sergeant Ronald Hughes, navigator;
Sergeant John…
Flying Officer Ronald Herman Downes Cook, wireless operator/ air gunner;
Sergeant Ronald Hughes, navigator;
Sergeant John…
To Isabel Bain from Commanding Officer no. 75 Squadron
From Andrew's squadron commander expressing his sympathy at her loss. Andrew was popular for his 'cheerfulness, willingness and quiet confidence' and was a skilful air-bomber. He was on his 11th operation from the base.
To Isabel Bain from British Red Cross Society
Letter from British Red Cross Society informing Isabel of the location of Andrew's grave at Doberitz, near Berlin.
To a wounded hero
Poem about losing a loved one and subsequent memories.
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…
They live, though they have died
Eulogy published in The People
The Story of Harold Gorton
Describes in detail air raid shelters, rationing, shopping,the absence of traffic and school life. There is a description of the Gorton extended family complete with a family tree. Harold Gorton met Lilian Carmen Mary Morgan, at Oxford university.…
Still they seek those vanished aircrew. Work of R.A.F investigators
Account of the investigations of the Air Ministry Casualty Branch on the the fate of those declared missed in action.
Poppies
A woman explains to his son the symbolism of the poppies. In the final line she weeps because 'the world is forgetting again'.
Obituaries of Edward Milling
First obituary in memory of “my dear husband Fred” from “loving wife and baby Brenda”; second from his parents and his brother John.
Notes by Reg Payne
Notes by Reg Payne about his wartime service. The loss of friends and colleagues and the effect on parents and individuals is discussed. There is also a summary of his operations between 22 November 1943 and 01 May 1944. He records the target and the…
Newspaper cuttings and thanks for condolences
Note to Doris Weeks enclosing thank you card for the expressions of sympathy and two newspaper cuttings detailing the death of Flight Sergeant Malcolm Payne
Memory of Mailly-Le-Camp
Part of a memoir describing the operation to Mailly-le-Camp 3/4 May 1944.
Lost! afar in distant lands
Describes loss, the grief of survivors and hope for future redemption.
Loose on the wind
Starts with a poem and then a series of stories which together form the memoirs of Harold Yeoman, an officer who served in Bomber Command during the war, initially as a pilot on Wellingtons and then as an Intelligence Officer. He relates his…
Letter to prisoner of war John Valentine from his wife Ursula
Her first letter to John since she heard that we was a prisoner of war. She describes the time when he was missing and the reactions of friends to the good news. Suggests starting a game of chess and asks him to tell her what he wants her to send…
Letter to prisoner of war John Valentine from his wife Ursula
Writes she is not sure if he received her first letter when he was at Dulag Luft. Describes her feeling and events over three weeks and reactions of all when she found out he was a prisoner. Hoping there would be a postcard soon. Describes recent…
Letter to Mrs K Wynn from Florence Russell
Florence is upset that her son Gordon and Mrs Wynn’s husband are now presumed dead. Goes on to write about financial help from RAF Benevolent Fund. Catches up with family news and of other acquaintances including one who died in Japanese prisoner…
Letter to Mrs Hobbs from G Letient
Writes that he has personal papers, that he has hidden from the Germans, which belonged to 'english aviators' who were killed in a crash of a Lancaster ND 583 near his house on 15 March 1944. Some papers had addresses and he writes to enquire…
Letter to Mrs Hobbs from G Letient
Thanks Mrs Hobbs for her letter and tries to answer her questions. Crash was sudden, no time for crew to suffer. Sgt Hobbs was still at his post. He obtained copy of pilots tag 'Rodbourne, 16.9.006, Blood, RAF'. No papers belonging to Hobbs. Location…
Letter to Kathleen Wynn from Dorothy Pratt
Letter of sympathy over bad news of Ian.
Letter to Kathleen Wynn from Bessie George
![E[Author]B-GWynnK[Date]-0001.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/1018/11484/E[Author]B-GWynnK[Date]-0001.jpg "E[Author]B-GWynnK[Date]-0001.jpg")
Letter of condolence over news that husband is missing.
Letter to his mother from Rosemary Stapp, a girl friend of Hedley's in the United States
Writes she is grieved shocked over Hedley going missing. Writes that initial contact through high school correspondence developed into something much more. Writes of Hedley's visit to her family and present of silver wings. Encourages them to not…