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Ray Charlton Memoir
A twelve-page type written memoir by Ray Charlton, entitled 'Ramblings of my Memories'. It begins with his acceptance for aircrew in August 1942, continues with his call up in July 1943, and then a training period until joining a crew as Flight…
Alan Payne’s South African Air Force observers or air gunners log book
South African Air Force observers or air gunners log book for Alan John Payne, navigator, covering the period from 7 November 1942 to 8 August 1946. Detailing his flying training, operations flown, instructor duties and post war squadron duties. He…
Michael Beetham's pilot's flying log book. One
![LBeethamMJ[Ser#-DoB]v1.pdf](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/704/11815/LBeethamMJ[Ser -DoB]v1.jpg "LBeethamMJ[Ser#-DoB]v1.pdf")
Pilots flying log book one for Michael James Beetham, covering the period from 2 March 1942 to 17 November 1945. Detailing his flying training. Operations flown, instructor duties and post war squadron duties. He was stationed at RAF Perth, USAAC…
Before I was in the RAF by Reg Payne
An account by Reg Payne of his wartime experiences. Too young to sign up at the start of the war he spent two years in the Home Guard. Training started at age 18 and lasted for two years. He served at RAF Skellingthorpe and his brother served at RAF…
Aviation Memory
A detailed account of Reg Payne's service in the RAF. He starts with a list of 18 RAF bases where he served in his 5 years of service. He was 16 when war was declared but volunteered for the RAF at 17. After tests he was selected for training as a…
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.
Wallet and personal items
Wallet with good luck black cat card and photograph of a young girl inside. In front a driving licence and a sergeants mess subscription book from RAF East Kirkby.
Frank Hobbs sergeants mess subscription card
Inside table for amounts paid. One entry for nine shillings on 24 February 1944. On the reverse RAF East Kirkby stamp.
Frank Hobbs’ observer’s and air gunner’s flying log book
Observers and air gunners flying log book for Frank Hobbs, wireless operator, covering the period from 15 March 1941 to 16 March 1943 when he was killed in action. Detailing his flying training and operations flown. He was stationed at RAF Pembrey,…
Letter to Mrs K Hobbs from officer commanding 630 Squadron
Informs Mrs K Hobbs that her husband Flight Sergeant Frank J Hobbs is missing in action on night of 15/16 March 1944. Offers possibility that crew were able to abandon aircraft. Mentions that the request in previous telegram was included to avoid…
Letter to Frank Hobbs from Mrs Hobbs
Starts with discussion about laundry. Mentions she enjoyed reading about his sporting adventures. Catches up with family news and possibility of her coming up to see him, though this would be difficult to arrange. Writes of letters from other…
Letter from Frank Hobbs to his daughter
![EHobbsFJStorerB[Date]-030001.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/871/10032/EHobbsFJStorerB[Date]-030001.jpg "EHobbsFJStorerB[Date]-030001.jpg")
Apologising for no letter and a long time since leave. Writes about shows they have seen and those they will see on next leave and asks how things are going at school.
Letter to Mrs Hobbs from RAF East Kirkby station padre
Letter from Reverend Squadron Leader G R Cooper RAF East Kirkby to Mrs Hobbs, expressing sympathy that Frank Hobbs was reported missing from air operations over Stuttgart on night 15/16 March 1944. Writes of importance of work a wireless operator and…
Interview with Vera Willis
Vera Willis nee Tomlinson volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force because she wanted to be a driver. Her driving career in the RAF involved driving long distances as well as driving aircrew to dispersal. Some crew gave her letters for…
Interview with Alma Leedham
Alma Leedham grew up in London and trained as a driver in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She served at RAF Scampton driving tractors taking bombs to the aircraft.
Interview with Vera Willis
Vera Willis volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force because she wanted to be a driver. Her driving career in the RAF involved driving driving aircrew to dispersal.This content is available as embedded video:
Bombing leaders instruction signal 22 April 1944
Signal provides weapons settings for tonight. Details distributor, delay and TV settings for bomb sight. Details photo flash and camera settings. Provides specific settings for 52 Base, East Kirby Base and 617 Squadron. Concludes with instructions on…
John Chatterton's pilot's flying logbook
Pilot’s flying log book for Flight Lieutenant John Chatterton 30 March 1942 to 15 April 1954 detailing training schedule, instructional duties and operations flown. Served at RAF Dunholme Lodge, RAF Syerston, RAF East Kirkby and RAF Swinderby.…
Interview with Alan Payne
Alan Payne was born in Wendover, Buckinghamshire. He volunteered for aircrew with the Royal Air Force and after initial training was sent to South Africa where he trained as an observer. When he returned to the UK, he was allocated the role of bomb…
Interview with Les Manning
Les Manning grew up in London and worked in a factory before he volunteered for the Royal Air Force. He flew operations with 57 Squadron before being shot down over France. He spent three months living with supporters of the Resistance in a small…
Interview with Keith Ganney
Flying Officer Keith Ganney joined the Air Force in 1942 and trained in Canada. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 57 Squadron from RAF East Kirkby.
Interview with George Eric Cromarty
Mr Cromarty joined the Royal Air Force as an AC2 and served as ground personnel before training as an air gunner. He flew operations as the rear gunner with 630 Squadron from RAF East Kirby. He discusses what operations and life on a station were…
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…