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Interview with Thomas Edward Noton
Thomas Edward Noton was born in Greenwich on the 4th of April 1923. Upon leaving school he began a toolmaking apprenticeship, however, before finishing the course, Noton decided to join the Royal Air Force at the age of eighteen. He explains why he…
Interview with Jack Harris. One
Jack Harris was born in Gillingham, Kent. At sixteen, he undertook employment as a clerk in the intelligence department of the Air Ministry.He describes the brief evacuation of his department to Harrow in 1939 and receiving permission to leave his…
A Guide for Airmen on joining the RAF
Information for new recruits.
Ernest Smith's Volunteer Reserve notice paper
Notice of reserve service and copy of attestation to Volunteer Reserve (pilot section). Includes details of Ernest's address, date of birth and work.
Interview with John Robert Watson
John Robert Watson joined RAF Bomber Command in 1943, volunteering after he witnessed his next-door neighbour's house being destroyed by a bomb. Against his father's wishes, John joined Bomber Command initially as a wireless operator, before…
Interview with Percival Trotman
Applying for RAF Bomber Command in May 1940, Percival Trotman was called up in September 1940, training as a pilot at RAF Towyn in Aberystwyth. Being present at Coventry when the town was bombed, he recalls deciding that the Germans deserved to have…
Summary of Medical Board examination of Malcolm Staves
The results of a medical examination of Malcolm Staves with a summary of medical classification.
Results of Medical Board for Malcolm Staves
A record of the results of Malcolm Staves' medical.
Postponement of Calling up for Service
A document issued to Malcolm Staves advising him that his calling up is postponed.
Malcolm Staves' Grade Card
On completion of his medical Malcolm Staves was allocated a grade card at Grade One level.
Letter to Malcolm Staves
A letter requiring Malcolm Staves to attend a medical examination in Hessle.
Malcolm Staves' Enlistment Notice
A document requiring Malcolm Staves to enlist in the RAF on 16 February 1943.
Interview with Taff Owen
Aneurin ‘Taff’ Owen was born neat Dolgellau, near Penmaenpool in Wales, and joined the Royal Air Force at the age of 18 in 1942. Taff was a farmer’s son and as such was put into a reserved occupation, so some of the areas of the Royal Air Force…
Acknowledgement of Philip Batty's application to rejoin the Royal Air Force
Philip Batty applied to rejoin the Royal Air Force having left after his wartime service.
Philip Batty's certified copy of attestation
Official documents recording that Philip Batty joined the regular Royal Air Force from the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Liz Humphrey's Notice Paper
Royal Air Force form enrolling Liz Humphrey into the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
Hedley Madgett diary 1940
A few general entries for January 1940. Entries for October/November 1941 include two attempts to volunteer for pilot, successful at the second attempt in November. Entries on general events and other concerning activities involved in joining Royal…
Interview with Ronald Last
Ronald Last grew up in Dorset and worked as an apprentice for the local Gas and Water company before volunteering for the Air Force. He attended the reception centre at Lord's Cricket Ground and describes the medical tests and inoculations recruits…
Interview with Fred Hooker
Fred Hooker was a mid-upper gunner on 102 Squadron at RAF Pocklington, where he flew three operations before being shot down. Born in Hartley Wintney in 1924, Fred’s first experience of the RAF was visiting RAF Odiham as a member of the Air…
Interview with George Hextell
George Hextell joined the RAF as a flight engineer and flew operations with 51 Squadron on Halifaxes. After being shot down over Holland, he became a prisoner of war. Gives a detailed account of how his capture, imprisonment and liberation. Describes…
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Observer Section) Notice Paper
Notice paper for five years reserve service for James Douglas Hudson dated 29 June 1939. Gives conditions and contains certified copy of attestation with personal; details. Concludes with signatures, oath and certificate of a justice of the peace or…
Conditions of entry and service in the aircraft crew selection (air observers)
For entry to Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, notes for information of candidates. Covers introduction, conditions of entry and service, training, financial provision and general note. Concludes with appendix on medical examination.
Interview with Betty Greenwood
Betty Greenwood was born in 1926 in Belton, Lancashire; she attended Princess Mary high school was and privately educated in Paris but returned due to the threat of war. At sixteen she was offered various jobs but decided to join the Royal Observer…
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 James Albert Dellow
James ‘Jim’ Albert Dellow had to register the start of the war he as he was 18 years old. On being asked which service he would prefer, he opted for the Royal Air Force as a pilot. Whilst waiting for his call up, he worked in an insurance office…