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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 Stuart Stephenson MBE
Stuart was five when war broke out and recalls some of his early memories. In the early 1970s the Lancaster PA474 was flown to RAF Waddington from RAF Henlow, ostensibly to be a gate guardian. In 1973 the Lincolnshire Echo announced that it was to be…
Interview with James Froud. Two
As part of the Pathfinder Force, Jimmy explains that they did a lot of training using radar, wire runs and bombing ranges, as well as radio range with the wireless operator. Jimmy also describes the fighter affiliation they carried out. They…
Interview with Jeff Gray
Jeff Gray was a farm labourer in Aberdeenshire when he volunteered for the Royal Air Force. He trained to fly in Texas and completed 30 operations as a pilot with 61 Squadron. After leaving the RAF he worked for BOAC flying Yorks and VC10s.
Interview with Mick Kettleborough
Michael Kettleborough lived in Woodhall Spa during the war, where his mother billeted RAF crew members in her home. One of them, Jack Gibson, asked for an early Christmas as there were some big operations coming up. Shortly before Christmas 1941…
Interview with Betty Repton
Betty (nee Jackson) worked in a library in Macclesfield before the war. When the war broke out, she went to Manchester to volunteer for the Air Force and trained as a telephonist. She did a course at Sheffield General Post Office before being…
Interview with Ken Sleaford
Ken Sleaford was born and raised near Coningsby on the family farm. He describes life on the farm before and during the war, when it was handed over to the Air Force, to be converted into an airfield and incorporated into RAF Coningsby. Ken recalls…
WO Donald Keith Fraser
Memoir describing his life and service career in the RAF. He also gives a list of 29 operations he participated in with notes on specific operations, and recounts a brief history of the Lancaster.
Bomb Aimer's Notes
![MRobertsEJH[See#-DoB]-170712-030017.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/1901/35315/MRobertsEJH[See -DoB]-170712-030017.jpg "MRobertsEJH[See#-DoB]-170712-030017.jpg")
The notes indicate the bomb distribution in the bomb bay, the total weight of the bomb load, the all up weight of the aircraft, height of the bombing, forecast winds and heading and target indicator colours. Aircraft code 'G'. Target St Pierre du…
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from Flying Officer F N Lawrence
Asks if Cheshire has vacancy for wireless operator on his squadron. Served under him at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and recent returned after evading on the continent.
Signal request to Leonard Cheshire for lecture
Request Cheshire gives lecture at RAF Aston Down and possible dates. Handwritten note 'unable to attend'.
Signal request to Leonard Cheshire for lecture
From FCST RAF Aston Down requesting Cheshire to give lecture between 26 November and 1 December. Handwritten note 'Refused by letter - until further notice, 24-11-43.
Letter to John Madge's wife listing the other members of the crew that were lost
The crew members were Capt 12543 Fl/Lt J S Runnacles, Flt Eng 144617 F/O Cowan, Nav 1392529 WO JM Crawford, Special BA 1349742 FS J McF Farrell, BA 162871 F/O HC Annett, W.Op 11876056 WO H J Moore, Rear Gunner 1853239 Sgt LA Oldfield.
Signal to Leonard Cheshire from FLS Aston Down
Requests that Cheshire give a lecture on either Dec 16 or 17th.
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from G Gardiner
Making arrangements for a Cheshire to visit Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Farnborough. Goes on to discuss aircraft navigation instrument problems with which RAE may help. Concludes with discussion of photographs and thanks for recent visit to…
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from Guy Gibson
Congratulates Cheshire on award of Victoria Cross.
Interview with Colin Wood
Colin Wood grew up in Sheffield and worked as a plumber until he volunteered for the RAF. He trained in Canada and flew operations as a navigator with 106 Squadron from RAF Metheringham. On arrival at the station, his pilot and three others made…
Interview with Maurice Kemp
Before joining the Royal Air Force in January 1944, Maurice helped to build Coningsby aerodrome. After attending an Aircrew Reception Centre at Edgbaston, he passed as a wireless operator gunner, finishing as a gunner. He joined up at Lord’s…
An Airman's Tale
Geoff Payne's autobiography divided into five chapters.
Chapter 1. Under Training. Covers the period between being assessed in Birmingham Geoff before setting off to London in August 1942 for training at Lords. Initial training was at RAF…
Chapter 1. Under Training. Covers the period between being assessed in Birmingham Geoff before setting off to London in August 1942 for training at Lords. Initial training was at RAF…
Signal from Leonard Cheshire to RAF Aston Down
States regrets unable to attend
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Wing Commander F H Thomas
Writes that it would be impossible for Cheshire to make any arrangements. He would let Thomas know when things became easier. Address states Somerset, but now in Gloucestershire.
Signal from Leonard Cheshire to Wing Commander Thomas
To FLS Aston down stating he would attend on 17 December subject to operational commitments.
Signal from Leonard Cheshire to Group Captain P C Pichard
Writes that he hopes to see him at Coningsby on 9 December 1943
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Squadron Leader L F Moyna
To officer at RAF Film Production Unit unit.Thanks him for his letter and offer of cooperation and help.
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to station commander RAF Coningsby
Letter to Group Captain A C Evans Evans requesting he look into five electro-plated tankards which went missing on squadron move to RAF Woodhall Spa