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Interview with John Monaghan
John Monaghan was born in Blackpool but grew up in the Manchester area. He played clarinet in the Home Guard Band. He volunteered for the RAF and trained as a wireless operator. He was posted to 166 Squadron at RAF Kirmington. Amongst his operations…
Letter to Albert Millson from Air Ministry
The letter congratulates Albert and crew on their completion of so many sorties and a wonderful finish at the Albert Hall.
War diary 1942
Entry for activities on 18 January including cold weather, work on Hampden aircraft and bombing attack on base he was working at.
Entry for activities on 26 February - working on aircraft hydraulic system, and then going to cinema.
Entry for…
Entry for activities on 26 February - working on aircraft hydraulic system, and then going to cinema.
Entry for…
Letter from Idwal Davies to his mother
Idwal writes from Bari, Italy where his aircraft has broken down. They are in a small camp and the food is marvelous. Christmas dinner was very good.
Letter from Idwal Davies to his parents
Idwal writes he has had no mail but wishes his parents a merry xmas. He has met a man he went to school with. Food is very good at the camp.
Letter from Idwal Davies to his parents
Idwal writes that he has been sent on leave. Christmas dinner was very good, then he caught the train to Toronto. He has been ice skating. His selection board want him to train as a navigator/air bomber.
Letter from Idwal Davies to his parents
Idwal writes thanking his parents for their letter and contents. The food has improved.
Recent news
Roly writes to his mother about the recent bombing in Croydon. He describes meeting friends and visiting the theatre and working on his motorbike.
Letter from Roly Roberts to his mother
Roly describes his aircraft acting as stooge to draw fire on an operation, leave having been cancelled, an invitation to a dance at Lincoln Assembly Rooms and the arrival of his motorbike, albeit having been damaged in transit.
Thanks for the socks
Roly writes to his mother thanking her for the socks and describes how he has visited friends, playing tennis and attended a dance. He looks forward to his next leave and has started saving his ration tickets.
Another move
Writing to his mother Roly describes his recent move and how his 'gang' has been posted to different stations. Roly describes roller skating and going to a dance and being driven to his new station by a WAAF.
Dearest ma
![ERobertsRFJacksonTW[Date]-02.pdf](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/2733/50541/ERobertsRFJacksonTW[Date]-02.jpg "ERobertsRFJacksonTW[Date]-02.pdf")
Roly asks where his weekly letter from his mother is and describes receiving some hand knitted socks from Beryl. He asks 'pop' to look for insurance for a motorbike ridden by a pilot and reports a visit to the theatre, a dance and playing tennis.
Sergeant Reginald Frederick (Roly) Roberts
Describes enlisting in the aircraft apprentice scheme, recruitment and training. He flew 23 operations, one as wireless operator/air gunner, 12 as navigator/bomb aimer and ten as pilot. Pilots were Squadron Leader Allen, Sergeant Stretton, Pilot…
Farewell party, Officers' Mess, Waddington
Airmen and women dancing at a party.
On the reverse 'Taken at Farewell party, Officers' Mess, Waddington. Friday 28th December 1945. 617 and 9 Squadrons posted to Far East'.
On the reverse 'Taken at Farewell party, Officers' Mess, Waddington. Friday 28th December 1945. 617 and 9 Squadrons posted to Far East'.
Story of my war
Describes a two year delay in joining the Royal Air Force due to his reserved occupation making cables for barrage balloons. Covers recruitment and life during initial training, Recalls 'crewing up' with Harry Watkins (P), Doug 'Duggie' Hockin (N),…
Bomber Command reunion dinner
Arthur Harris speaks about the reduction of frontline soldiers available to the Germany army, due to the redirection of men to anti-aircraft defences and repairs to the German armament industry, as a result of bombing by the RAF and the 8th USAAF. He…
Barnes Wallis's 90th birthday party
Following the playing of the Dambusters' March, are speeches from the 90th birthday celebration for Sir Barnes Wallis. These include an introduction by Sir Arthur Harris, a message from Queen Elizabeth II, a speech by Bob Knights, a presentation,…
Dinner invitation
Invitation to the RAF Bomber Command reunion dinner.
Reunion dinner menu
Toasts, menu and guest list for the RAF Bomber Command reunion dinner at Grosvenor House.
MV Glenstrae entertainments
A list of entertainments on the ship. John Leigh was on the organising committee.
Letter from John Leigh to his wife
A ten page letter written by John whilst crossing the Atlantic. They reach New York and settle into a hotel then explore the city.
Letter from John Leigh to his wife
John writes that a cheque for £33 19/- has been sent to their bank. He then tries to explain the calculation. They have had a Gang show which was very funny.
Letter from John Leigh to his wife
John promises to sort out his letters. He thanks her for his Christmas parcel. His concert performance was well received. He has been playing rugby.
Letter from John Leigh to his wife
John writes that he has been working very hard on preparing for a Christmas concert.
Letter from John Leigh to his wife
John apologises for not having written sooner. He has been to the pictures. He is not sure when his next leave will be.