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Interview with Joy Colbeck
Joy Colbeck was born in Maidstone, Kent and served within the Women’s Royal Naval Service during the war. Her brother, John, joined the RAF on the 28 of April 1943, qualified at as an air gunner in April 1944, before being transferred to an…
Interview with Alan Avery Farr
Allan Avery Farr was working at the market in Birmingham before he joined the RAF. He wanted to have the quickest entry to see action and so trained as an air gunner. He trained in Canada where he was offered a post as an instructor but he wanted to…
Interview with Joan Rosemary Macklin
Joan’s maiden name was Fellows. She speaks of her school days up to leaving at 16 and a half when she took up an apprenticeship with a dressmaking shop in Hastings. When war was declared the dressmaking business suffered, so she went to Islington…
Interview with Sylvia Fraser
Discusses her father's pre-war charabanc business and the pub he ran during the war. Also mentions her work in a factory in Grantham and the occasion when a possible spy took his own life when he was arrested.
There are occasional interjections by…
There are occasional interjections by…
Interview with Margaret Saint
Margaret Saint was employed by Airworks Limited as a civilian office worker throughout the Second World War, and met her future husband, Trevor, an air gunner, who she married in June 1945. Daughter of a Welsh miner, the family moved to the Cotswolds…
Interview with Gwendolen Wadmore
Gwendolen Wadmore was born in London in 1922, and lived there throughout the Second World War. Her early memories are marching with the Girl Guides. She left school at 14 and began work in a tailor’s shop; at the start of the war she was employed…
Interview with Jack Delfosse
Jack was born in London and went to Highgate School where he learnt navigation, Morse code and marching. On leaving he became a medical student but left half way through the course. He then joined the Royal Air Force and initially trained on Harvards…
Letter from Donald Baker to his mother
Reports arrival of first two letters for two months and catches up with news from home. Mentions he is still getting letters from 'girlfriends' and that he thinks a lot of wives taking opportunity for a spot of fun while husbands are locked up.…
Letter from D and G Withall to their daughter Margorie
In reply to information that she was engaged to Bill and stating that she was old enough to make up her own mind. Catches up with family news.
World War II & Flying Memoirs
Writes of travelling to Scotland before start of the war and then joining the RAF Volunteer Reserve. Continues with account of training in England before going to Lakeland Florida for primary flying training, Cochran field for basic and advanced…
Letter to Frances Grundy from Doug Worrad
REDACT or DELETE
Thanks her for kind letter and notes that on 192 squadron., her father was known as a fine senior officer. Relates damaging or destroying three aircraft during the war, unfortunately all British, including a Tiger Moth, a Halifax…
Thanks her for kind letter and notes that on 192 squadron., her father was known as a fine senior officer. Relates damaging or destroying three aircraft during the war, unfortunately all British, including a Tiger Moth, a Halifax…
The growing up of 'Johnny' Johnson, top fighter ace
Four photographs of Johnny - as a baby, a nine year old, a teenager and on his wedding day. The article gives brief details about his life.
Interview with Johnny Johnson. Two
George ‘Johnny’ Johnson was born in rural Lincolnshire. As a child he won a scholarship to Lord Wandsworth’s Agricultural College in Hampshire. He volunteered for the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of the Second World War and was selected for…
Interview with Margret Young
Margaret Young grew up in Scotland and worked in a ladies shoe department. She volunteered for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at the age of 18 and served as a wireless operator. She talks about the medical and reception centre and training,…
Interview with Martin Arthur Catty
Martin Catty grew up in London and was evacuated to Westward Ho! with his school at the beginning of the war. He completed a short training course at Cambridge University in 1942 and joined Air Force. After training he flew 40 operations as a…
Interview with Len Harper
Len Harper registered for the air force in April 1939, influenced by the positive experience of his brother who had joined in January. Upon completing training at the Wireless Training School, RAF Yatesbury, he was posted to RAF Wittering, where he…
Interview with Reg Harrison
Reg Harrison grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and enjoyed watching aircraft when they flew over. He had his first flight as a youngster when he was lent five dollars by a shopkeeper. He volunteered for aircrew as soon as he was of age and began his…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave warns his fiancée, Betty, that he had to change station again. The journey was long and tiring. It is located near the town of Assiniboia from which the station takes its name. He concludes with affection for Betty.
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave confesses that he was waiting for Betty's letters and he was missing her. He talks about weather, flight hours, colleagues and free time.
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave informs his fiancée, Betty, that he received twelve letters and that he wanted to reply to all of them. He remembers the past and says he went to Assiniboia. Dave reports about his flights and the course. He concludes with words of love for…
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave is glad to have received news from his fiancée, Betty. He is still waiting for the 20-hours flight test. Dave has sent Betty a birthday present and wishes her well. He concludes with words of love, looking forward to seeing her again.
Letter from Dave Davies to Betty Hughes
Dave writes that he received more letters and thanks Betty for sending a newspaper article. He is very busy with exams and has passed a flight test. Dave describes flight exercises and considers the possibility of changing camp after the course. He…
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 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 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…