Browse Items (126 total)
Sort by:
Rear view - Ralph Briars memoir
Starts with tribute to crew and has colour photograph of a 617 Squadron Lancaster over Lincoln. Writes of his joining the RAF, selection as an air gunner and his basic training. Goes on with description of gunnery training, before going to OTU at RAF…
Interview with Syd Grimes
Sydney Grimes grew up near Southend and joined the RAF as a wireless operator in 1940. He flew a total of 41 operations - 24 operations with 106 Squadron and 17 operations with 617 Squadron. He then served on 9 Squadron at RAF Bardney for 2 months…
Targets and A&AEE Boscombe Down
Left page title 'Targets'
Top left - a note 'got to here'. Top right - an aerial oblique view of a city-scape with some large buildings and some damage visible. Captioned 'Essen' on the reverse 'Essen'.
Middle - an aerial oblique view of a…
Top left - a note 'got to here'. Top right - an aerial oblique view of a city-scape with some large buildings and some damage visible. Captioned 'Essen' on the reverse 'Essen'.
Middle - an aerial oblique view of a…
Bomb aimers briefing 12 June 1944 - Caen
Shows several bomb loads with some crossed out. Details preselector settings and other information. Includes timings, route and marking method. On the reverse bombing instructions, oboe marking and mentions 617 Squadron dropping 12000 pound bombs. At…
Munich and of the Tirpitz
A vertical target photograph of Munich being bombed. Much of the detail is obscured by anti-aircraft fire. Captioned '66 WS. 24/25.4.44 // NT8” 18500 [arrow] 026 0145 Munich.RD. A 6RS. 6JCL 29 SECS F/O KNIGHTS A 617.'
A target photograph of the…
A target photograph of the…
Bob Knights' Obituary
The obituary of Flight Lieutenant Bob Knights. It details his operations on the Tirpitz, his early life, his training in Florida, his time with 617 Squadron and his role with BOAC after the war until his retirement in 1976.
Railway tunnel and bridge, Saumur, operation narrative
Relates that in response to request from the Army a planned operation was cancelled at late notice and replaced by operation against the railway tunnel at Saumur. As accurate bombing was required it was decided to use the recently available 12,000…
Interpretation report - Saumur tunnel - provisional statement of damage
Concentration of craters at south end of target area, severe damage to tracks and embankment. Notes direct hit in roof of tunnel a few feet from south entrance and lists six other areas of damage.
Crew list for Saumur tunnel operation
Provides date - night 8/9 June 1944, target- railway tunnel and bridge, Saumur, zero hour - 0200. Leader and marker no 1 - Wing Commander Cheshire flying Mosquito. Lists pilot and navigator of two other markers flying Mosquito. Lists 25 other crews…
Saumur
Target photograph showing open countryside with railway line running from top left to middle right. Caption '19, W.S 8/9 6.44, NT 8", 0'5 0223, Special Target A. 1 x 14000, 15 secs, F/O Knight'. On the reverse '51:92/5'.
Saumur
Target photograph shows bomb explosion in centre of image. Caption ' 114, W.S, 8/9.6.44, N.T. 8", Special Target, H. 1 x 14000, F/Lt Clayton H, 617''. On the reverse '51:92/6'.
Saumur
Target photograph showing open country with tracer emanating from centre right. Caption '110, W.S. 8/9.6.44, NT 8", 320,0245, Special Target, K1. 1 x 14000, 15 secs, F/Lt Wilson N, 617'. On the reverse 51:92/8'.
Saumur
Target photograph showing open countryside. On the left a road runs top to bottom with buildings along both sides. Tracer shown middle right. Caption '96, S.W1, 8/9.6.44, N.T. 8850, 226 degree, 0212, Saumur, P, 1 x 14000, 15 sec, F/O Kell P, 617'. On…
Saumur
Target photograph showing blurred open countryside. Caption ' 102, W.S. 8/9.6.44, N.T. 8, 10500, 329 degrees, 0217, Special Target, Q, 1 x 14000, 15 secs, S/Ldr McCarthy, Q, 617'. On the reverse '51:92/10'.
Saumur
Target photograph shows open countryside with line feature running top centre to bottom right. Bomb explosion centre left with tracer tracks along the bottom. Caption 'W.S., 8/9.6.44, N.T. 8, Special Target, Q, 1 x 14000, S/Ldr McCarthy, Q, 617'. On…
Saumur tunnel
Target photograph shows open countryside. Railway line runs from top centre to middle right, with one leading the Saumur tunnel. Caption '101, W.W., 8/9.6.44, NT8", 324, 0230, Special Target, T, 1 x 14000, 15 secs, F/O Willsher, T, 617'. On the…
Saumur
Target photograph shows bomb explosion left centre. Caption '107, W.S., 8/9.6.44, NT. 8", Special Target, U, 1 x 14000, F/Lt Keans, U, 617'. On the reverse '51:92/13'.
Saumur
Target photograph showing open country. Railway line runs top centre curving to bottom centre. Bomb explosion right middle to the right of railway line. Caption '92, W.S., 8/9.6.44, 9,300, 080, 0211, Special Target, V, 1 x 14000, 15 secs, P/O Cheney,…
Saumur
Target photograph showing open countryside with rali line running top centre to centre. Bomb explosion centre slight below middle to the left of rail line. Caption '100, w.s., 8/9.6.44, NT 8", 312, 0214, Special Target, W, 1 x 14000, 15 secs, S/Ldr…
Saumur
Target photograph showing open countryside with railway line running from top left towards centre. Caption 'W.S., 8/9.6.44,,NT 8", 285 degrees, 0213, Special Target, Z, 1 x 14000, 15 secs, F/O Ross, Z, 617'. On the reverse '51:02/16'.
Saumur railway tunnel
Reconnaissance photograph of Saumur tunnel entrance and surrounding area taken on 9 June 1944 after attach with 12,000 lb bombs. Description notes direct hit on roof of entrance to tunnel and two other 100 foot craters on the approach to tunnel. On…
Crew list for operation against submarine pens in Le Havre
Specifies date - 14/15 June 1944, target and zero hour 2235 hours. Lists crews with Wing Commander Cheshire leading along with two other markers flying Mosquito and 22 crews flying Lancaster all armed with one Tallboy bomb.
E-boats and E-boat shelters, Le Havre, narrative
Account of operation against sheltered E-boats in Le Havre harbour. Tasks to assist Navy in their fight against E-boats who were operating against allied invasion forces. States pens would be invulnerable even to 12,000 lb bombs therefore, bombs…
Interpretation Report, Le Havre, provisional statement of damage
Describes damage to E-boat pens mentioning some direct hits and definite damage to north-west corner. Mentions other hits and heavy damage to small craft, a floating dock, jetties and basins. Limited damage outside dock area.
Extract from bomber command summary of operations, Le Havre E-boat pens - effect of 12,000 lb bombs
Mentions two or three direct hits which penetrated the roof as well as some near misses. Describes damage to roof and foundations and subsequent collapse of the roof.