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44 Squadron and the Wesserling Raid 21/22 June 1944
Six page document courtesy of the late Allen White - 44 Squadron Historian. Reproduces narratives from three 44 Squadron crews involved in the operation. Overall the operation lost 37 crews from 120 launched against Wesserling oil refinery near…
Operations order 25 January 1944
Lists crews and aircraft for operation on night 25/26 January 1944. Fourth member of each crew underlined in red. Includes two standby crews and duty personnel. First standby crew has aircraft letter 'C' alongside, Third row fourth crew member has…
Albert Evans Summary of Last Flight
A record of Albert's last flight to Berlin. It lists his route, bomb load and crew.
Telegram to Jack Wainwright's Mother
The message advises that her son is missing.
Telegram reporting loss of Stanley Shaw's aircraft
Telegram from 44 Squadron, RAF Dunholme Lodge to Air Ministry, Bomber Command headquarters, 5 Group records and RAF Scampton. Reports Lancaster of 44 Squadron missing, presumed over target on night 17/18 August 1943. Lists crew and whether kin next…
44 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF on operations
Map shows Holland, Belgium and West Germany outlined in red. Caption with title and 'An operational record and roll of honour' at top. Table of figures in black at upper left. A route in black is marked through Holland to Germany and return.
Lancaster commemorative drawing
A commemorative drawing of a Lancaster on the ground with its engines running. Below is written: 'MILAN 44 SQUADRON 14/15 FEBRUARY 1943' and below that: 'F/LT WALKER, F/SGT WARD, F/SGT CHARNOCK, SGT GOLDSMITH, SGT HUBBARD, SGT DAVIES.' It is signed…
Interview with Frederick Ball
Frederick Ball grew up in Yorkshire and trained as a motor mechanic, before joining the RAF in 1939. He completed two tours with 44 and 49 Squadrons, as a wireless operator flying from RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton.
Interview with Bill Spence
Bill Spence was born in Middlesborough. He abandoned his teacher training and joined the Royal Air Force in 1942, becoming a bomb aimer. He completed 36 operations during his time in Bomber Command. Bill tells of his experiences while training in…
Bob Smith's Memoirs - Book 1
Covers his recruitment and training. Includes a list of RAAF recruits.
Bob Smith's Memoirs
Bob's memoirs from his early training until he became operational.
Interview with Audrey Teasdale
Audrey left school aged 14 and began work as a clerical assistant for a tailoring firm in Leeds, before moving into furniture sales. She was 23 when the war started and was conscripted on 15 December 1942, electing to join the Women's Auxiliary Air…
Personnel occurrence report (Airmen)
Lists personnel entitled to medals and decorations and good conduct badges. Lists changes of address for next of kin.
Personnel occurrence report (airmen)
Lists movements in, movements out and discharges for airmen.
Interview with Glenn Atkins
Glenn Atkins was born in Newport Pagnell and was called up for National Service in 1951. He was involved in exercises to test the defences of Europe during the Cold War. When he was released from National Service he returned to his former company…
Interview with Thomas James Page
Thomas Page grew up in a farming family before joining the Royal Air Force in 1940, training as a flight mechanic. He was, initially, posted to 257 Squadron (Hurricanes) but soon went to Gloucester to train as a fitter, subsequently being posted to…
Interview with Philip Peel
Mike's son Phillip gives a detailed account of his father's RAF career, using logbook and letters, as well as recalling his father's anecdotes. Mike Peel was a Lancaster pilot and served on two squadrons before becoming a prisoner of war late in…
Interview with James Swaffield
James Swaffield was born and grew up in West London and flew as a navigator in the RAF. He discusses his life before, during and after the war. Highlights include: remembering his father, who served during the First World War and was awarded a…
Interview with Doug Packman
Doug grew up in Kent, and joined the Royal Air Force aged 18, as a flight engineer for 630 Squadron at RAF East Kirkby in 5 Group Bomber Command, flying Lancasters. He carried out 34 operations, followed by time as an instructor at RAF Syerston,…
Interview with Vernon Thomas Morgan
Vernon Morgan, from Cardiff, joined the civil service working at the Royal Ordnance Factory, and volunteered for the RAF in 1941. After pilot training in South Africa he returned to several different roles: CO of a satellite aerodrome, pilot for…
Sergeant John Walter Gifford Saunders 1324708
Recollections of John's service career, by his son Clive, including a letter from 44 Squadron Association. It describes John taking fellow RAF volunteers' compulsary swimming tests in their stead and his initial training in Rhodesia. He flew in…
Interview with Mike Chatterton
Mike Chatterton grew up on a farm. His father, John Chatterton was a Lancaster pilot during the war, before returning to university and becoming a lecturer, then later becoming a farmer. Mike joined the Royal Air Force from university in the 1970’s…
Interview with Geoff Golledge
Geoff Golledge volunteered for the Royal Air Force and trained as a wireless operator/air gunner. For a time he served as ground personnel with 44 Squadron at RAF Waddington, on the flare path. One night he brought 35 aircraft safely in to land. On…
Interview with Margaret Hourigan
Margaret Hourigan grew up in and around Nottingham. Despite holding Labour principles she volunteered for the WAAF’s as soon as War was declared and was called up in January 1940. Margaret served as a plotter in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force,…
Interview with James Froud. One
James Froud wanted to be a pilot. He was interviewed in London and called up to Lord’s Cricket Ground. Having twice failed navigation examinations, he was re-mustered and sent to RAF Eastchurch for a gunnery course. From there, he went to RAF…