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Interview with James Flowers
Horace James Flowers was born and grew up in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire. He became an apprentice butcher before being released to volunteer for the Royal Air Force in 1944. He trained as an air gunner at RAF Bridgnorth, RAF Wigsley and RAF Syerston…
More than one liberty
![MBartlettA[Ser#-DoB]-150520-02.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/94/892/MBartlettA[Ser -DoB]-150520-02.jpg "MBartlettA[Ser#-DoB]-150520-02.jpg")
Relates an incident at an officers’ mess ball which contrasts the attitude of peacetime station commander to those found on operational stations. Describes events surrounding a station ball at a training base in the midlands. Includes general…
Letter to his wife from Herbert Gray.
![EGrayHMGray[Wi]440628.pdf](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/107/1042/EGrayHMGray[Wi]440628.jpg "EGrayHMGray[Wi]440628.pdf")
Starts with suggestion that a recent news film of daylight operation to Le Havre, which he was on, gives a good idea of what bombing is like. However as most of his operations were at night he goes on to describe these. Describes emotions and…
A poem to Billy
A poem sent to Betty Turner's friend Billy to celebrate their 80th. Betty describes the wartime hardships she endured, hint at the bereavement after the loss of the men she loved, stresses the sense of duty toward her country, friendship and…
This is why I joined the RAF
A poem written in December 1942 after her first love was shot down over France. After his death Betty resolved to join the Royal Air Force and became a wireless operator. According to a note, she later found out that some of what she wrote down went…
Ode to an air gunner
Describes the role played by the air gunner and his attitude toward danger. In the afterlife, the air gunner goes straight through the Heavens's gate as his wartime suffering is considered equivalent to expiation.
Interview with Charlie Darby
Charlie Darby joined the Royal Air Force in September 1943 and recounts in great detail, his training as an air gunner/wireless operator on Wellingtons and Ansons at RAF Bridlington, RAF Bridgnorth, RAF Castle Kennedy, RAF Acaster Malbis and RAF…
Interview with Charles Philip Blackham
Philip Blackham became an apprentice engineer at Diesel engine company Mirrlees, Bickerton & Day, of which became a sales manager post war. He served in the Home Guard becoming a driver, then he enrolled in summer 1940 with initial training at…
Interview with Harold Kirby
Harold Kirby grew up in London and worked in an accounts department before joining the Royal Air Force. He served as a fitter with 460 Squadron at RAF Binbrook before remustering as a flight engineer. He flew two tours of operations with 467, 97 and…
Interview with Harold Kirby
Harold Kirby joined up the Royal Air Force encouraged by two friends, but ended up training as a flight mechanic at RAF Halton on medical grounds. Harold became them airframe fitter, volunteered as a flight engineer, passed the physical but was then…
Interview with Bert Turner
Bert Turner was a member of the Air Training Corps before the war. He volunteered for the Air Force and was called up 2 August 1942. After training he became a flight engineer with 196 Squadron. He flew some bombing and mine laying operations before…
To Jessie from Harry Redgrave
A letter from Harry Redgrave to his wife Jessie. Harry writes in detail about the funeral of two airmen in which he was a pall bearer. He also discusses plans for getting to Southend.
From Andrew to Mr Williamson
![EBainAWilliamson[Mr]430720-0001.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/square_thumbnails/1245/16466/EBainAWilliamson[Mr]430720-0001.jpg "EBainAWilliamson[Mr]430720-0001.jpg")
Letter in which Andrew describes how he feels about life in the squadron and how Isabel has now left the WAAF and is looking after uncle and his son.
From Andrew to Isabel's Aunts Mary and Margaret
Letter in which Andrew describes life on the squadron, including the comradeship of his crew and appreciation of Isabel. Includes envelope.
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from Sergeant Thomas Joseph McLean DFM
States that Cheshire's previous wireless operator Flight Lieutenant Hill has suggested he write to Cheshire. Provides his history as air gunner with 102 Squadron in 1942 where he was credited with four aircraft destroyed one probable and two damaged.…
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from Flight Lieutenant H Goodwin
A Rhodesian flight engineer, he requests information on how to get posted to Cheshire's squadron. Previous tour on 78 Squadron and currently on 425 Squadron, which is becoming all French Canadian. Happy to drop rank but wished to remain with…
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from Flying Officer F N Lawrence
Asks if Cheshire has vacancy for wireless operator on his squadron. Served under him at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and recent returned after evading on the continent.
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Flying Officer R A Stult
States he would be pleased to have Stult there but he cannot affect postings. Suggest Stult put in an application for him and crew. He would need to come with his crew as it would be impossible to find him one there.
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Sergeant Thomas McLean
Assures the sergeant that he will try his best to fulfil his request and that he would write if he has any success..
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Squadron Leader Noel Vincent
To Royal Australian Air Force liaison officer at Bomber Command. Writing that Flight Lieutenant D J Shannon desires to continue with operations and does not want to return to Australia. Mentions Shannon's wife is in Royal Air Force serving in same…
Letter from Leonard Cheshire to Air Commodore A C H Sharpe
To 54 Base Coningsby forwarding the names of two pilots who were anxious to return to operational duties on Mosquito. Squadron Leader C F Campbell DSO, DFC and Flight Lieutenant R T Fleming DFC. Includes operational history.
Letter to Leonard Cheshire from Flying Officer A Hickman
An air gunner who has completed two tours. Requests advice on how to get back on operations.
Letter from Group Captain D D Christie to Air Commodore Sharpe
Letter to Headquarters 54 base Coningsby. Infomation concerning Squadron Leader Campbell not able to return to operations and Flight Lieutenant Fleming already offered for Mosquito training
Letter from Air Commodore A.C.H. Sharpe to Leonard Cheshire
From Headquarters 54 Base Coningsby. Letter covering Group Captain Christie's letter concerning Squadron Leader Campbell and Flight Lieutenant Fleming.