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Flying Officer Aubrey "Tommy" Coles DFC
Lists training and operational postings and dates. Starts with training as pilot in Canada and goes onto training back in United Kingdom. Mentions first operation to Frankfurt with 640 Squadron before going to 158 Squadron at RAF Lissett. Continues…
Aubrey Coles’ Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book
Aubrey Coles’ Pilot’s Flying Log Book from 28th September 1942 until 19th December 1945. Initial training at No. 33 Elementary Flying Training School followed by No. 38 Service Flying training School, No. 14(Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit, 20…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave announces that he has passed the final exam and is preparing for the graduation party. He believes leave will soon be granted and hopes to see Betty soon.
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave tells his fiancée, Betty, that he now receives her letters more often. He expresses homesickness and the desire to be with her, looking forward to finish the course. Dave says he saw some local Indians. The letter closes with words of love.
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave tells Betty he receives letters more often now. He then writes about the weather and comments that he will have his final exams in one month. Dave updates Betty on the last movies he saw; and on the people she knows who are also attending the…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave thanks his fiancée, Betty, for a letter and a photograph. He considers sending Betty a picture of himself. He hopes to have a rest during the Christmas holidays. Dave plans to send a parcel of items to Betty and describes a small financial…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave has received letters from Betty and is waiting for a parcel. He describes working hard for various exams. Dave has not yet decided where to spend his Christmas holidays. Dave updates Betty on the latest films he has seen; and emphasizes his love…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave advises his fiancée, Betty, that he has received a letter and a parcel. He informs her that he has settled in the new place, but has to work even harder than at Elementary Flying Training School. Dave explains that the course is difficult, but…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave informs Betty that he was unwell, but is now much better and continues with his flights. He hopes to return home soon, but fears he might be ordered to stay in Estevan after the course. Dave relays news that his instructor at Elementary Flying…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave hopes his fiancée, Betty, had a happy birthday and asks if she has received his gift. He tells about the cold weather and snow, but says that the flights continue. Dave lists the films that he has recently watched; and expresses the desire to…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave relays which letters he has recently received from Betty. He recalls a memory of time spent together; and looks forward to the day he can return home to marry her. Dave writes about the very cold weather and snow. He misses the cohort that he is…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave writes about the pleasure in receiving letters from his fiancée, Betty. He begins to number his letters, starting at number 10. Dave tells about the new station, his desire to see new places and the impossibility of taking photographs. He…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave has returned to work, following four days' leave for Christmas in Winnipeg. He apologises for writing infrequently. Dave explains that he has saved Betty's Christmas present, until he can give it to her in person. He describes the intense work…
William Holmes memoir - training in Canada
Describes crossing the Atlantic to Canada and journey to Bowden, Alberta and then on to Estevan, Saskatchewan. Day by day account of activities, flying and life in Canada, Concludes with journey back across Canada
William Holmes' Royal Canadian Air Force pilot's flying log book
Royal Canadian Air Force pilots flying log book for W C Holmes, covering the period from 18 August 1942 to 18 May 1945. Detailing his flying training, operations flown and post war flying with 512 squadron and transport command. He was stationed at…
Jim Allen’s Royal Canadian Air Force pilots flying log book
Royal Canadian Air Force pilots flying log book for J H Allen, covering the period from 2 December 1942 to 14 January 1947. Detailing his flying training, operations flown, instructor duties and post war squadron duties. He was stationed at, RCAF…
Interview with William Holmes
William Holmes remembers his time as a pilot in the RAF. He gives a vivid and graphic account of the dramatic crash-landing which left him badly injured and brought him to join the Guinea Pig Club. William remembers various episodes of his…
Jack Hayley’s Royal Canadian Air Force pilots flying log book
Pilots flying log book for Jack Hayley, covering the period from 9 June 1942 to 30 June 1950. Detailing his flying training, operations flown and post war flying. He was stationed at, RAF Newquay, RAF Clyffe Pypard, RAF Heaton Park, RCAF Moncton,…
Interview with Jack Hayley
Jack Hayley was born in Caterham and worked for an insurance company before he joined the Royal Air Force and trained to be a pilot. He trained in Canada and, after going through an Operational Training Unit in England, he was posted to 625 Squadron…
Interview with Cyril Abbotts
Cyril Abbotts volunteered for the Royal Air Force while he was an engineering apprentice with W T Avery at Smethwick. After his reception and basic training at Lord’s Cricket Ground, he trained as a pilot at RAF Bowden and Moose Jaw in Canada. On…