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Sydney Grimes' observer's and air gunner's flying log book
Royal Air Force observer's and air gunner's flying log book for Sydney Grimes, wireless operator, covering the period from 2 July 1942 to 22 August 1945. Detailing training, operations flown, instructional duties and post war flying. He was stationed…
Henry Ansell
Head and shoulders portraits of Henry Ansell in civilian clothes, shirt and tie. A second portrait is taken in profile. On the reverse 'April 1st 1943, RAF Scampton'.
Bomb aimers briefing 10 September 1944 - Le Havre
Shows a single bomb load for operation. Details weights, distributor, preselection and false height settings. Shows timings and other detail. On the reverse; marking, safety measures, call signs and timings. Formation order for Waddington,…
Commemorative Dam Busters envelope
An envelope with a 15c Canadian stamp commemorating the first non-stop transatlantic flight. There is a 617 squadron badge and on the left a Lancaster. Underneath is a Vulcan and under that 'Commemorating 617 Squadron Association Reunion Toronto…
Visitors from famous Dambusters' squadron
A newspaper cutting announcing that Ernie Twells and the 617 squadron association will attend a presentation at Matlock. It describes the attempts made to sink the Tirpitz. Handwritten at the top is 'Long Eaton Advertiser 10/11/77'.
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 Bessie Birkby
Bessie Birkby grew up in Sheffield and volunteered for the Women’s Auxilliary Air Force in 1942. She initially worked in Balloon Command in Scotland and then trained to be a driver in North Wales. She was then posted to 625 Squadron at RAF Binbrook…
Dr Maurice Brook Interview
Maurice grew up Rothwell in Yorkshire, joined the Air Training Corp, and then joined the Royal Air Force at the age of 18, after spending time with Cambridge University Air Squadron. He completed his pilot training in Canada before going to the…
Interview with Eric Clarke
Eric was born in Doncaster and had a difficult childhood. He was attracted by nearby RAF Finningley and decided he wanted to join the RAF, when war was imminent. He was registered as an aircraftman second class and trained to be a wireless operator.…
Interview with Ronald Davis
Ron volunteered for the Royal Air Force aged 18. Due to poor eyesight, he was unsuitable for aircrew and became an airframe fitter. After assessment at RAF Cardington, he went to Bournemouth for drilling and firearms training. He was posted to RAF…
Interview with Alexander Charles Gilbert
Alexander Gilbert, DFC, joined the Royal Air Force in November 1940, and started service on the 7 April 1941. He had a long and varied career in the RAF, rising to the rank of Squadron Leader. On call up, he was trained as a Flight Engineer Air…
Interview with Alma Leedham
Alma Leedham grew up in London and worked for Hawker aircraft on the Hurricane at the start of the war. She later trained as a driver in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and served at RAF Scampton driving tractors taking bombs to the aircraft. Alma…
Interview with Frank Simpson
Frank Simpson was born in Manchester and, after joining the RAF, volunteered to be an air gunner. He flew in ‘Ollie’s Bus’, which was named after the Canadian pilot. He describes seeing the German aircraft with the Schrage Musik, the upward…
Interview with Bluey Mottershead
Bluey was born on a farm in Shropshire. His best friend, from his youth, joined the Royal Air Force as aircrew and was killed at RAF Honington when a German aircraft bombed the station. A desire for revenge made him enlist for flying duties in…
Interview with Leslie Robert Pearson
Les Pearson was in reserved occupation as an apprentice in general mechanical engineering, but he volunteered as aircrew. He initially trained as a pilot but was re-mustered as a bomb aimer. He flew operations as a bomb aimer with 153 Squadron from…
Interview with Iain Urquhart Robertson
Iain was a National Service air gunner in the 1950s and served with 214 Squadron at RAF Upwood in Huntingdonshire, after being called up at the age of 18. Upon completion of training, he flew on Wellingtons and fighter affiliation with Spitfires. He…
Interview with Jack Smith
Jack volunteered for the Royal Air Force in September 1940. He went to RAF Padgate and then on to RAF Blackpool, where he trained as a wireless operator. Jack proceeded to a radio school at RAF Compton Bassett and then RAF Bramcote. He was posted to…
Interview with Gordon Topham
Gordon Topham was born in Salisbury, but his family settled in Norwich, Norfolk and he joined the Royal Air Force at the age of 17, qualifying as a flight engineer in July 1944. Gordon’s father used to drive steam wagons and was involved with…
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his arrival in Lincoln for his posting to RAF Scampton for a three week course.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his social activities, describing his billet and domestic details.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his social activities, purchasing a car and the weather.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of social activity on the station and domestic details.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of his promotion to flight lieutenant and his duties on parade.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes about arrangements for his 48 hour pass, buying a car, domestic details and possible postings to RAF Wigsley, and the Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Syerston.
Letter from Harold Gorton to his wife
He writes of the weather and his orderly officer duties.