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Norman Parrinder biography
Information about Norman Parrinder written by his daughter Suzannah Aston. Mentions meeting her mother and marrying as well as some recollections about operations including force landing in neutral territory. Continues with comments on his feelings…
Letter concerning third batch of Ceylonese joining the RAF
Author (probably Roy J de Niese) gives some information on recruitment and training of Ceylonese volunteers for the RAF. Includes his recruitment and initial training in Ceylon, travel to Great Britain, enlistment, elementary flying training and…
My Wartime Memories by Richard Yates
Richard 'Dick' Yates was a wireless operator/air gunner on 35 Squadron flying Halifax. He was shot down and became a prisoner of war. Dick did his basic training at Blackpool. While at Cranwell for wireless training he flew in DH 86 and Valentia.
Biography of Reg Miles
A detailed Biography of Reg' service and post service life.
William Roy Peter Perry - recruits duty note
Gives personal details and lists document attached.
My overseas service by Raymond Barrett
Raymond spent his time in the R.A.F. overseas, this lengthy memoir covers the period July 1943 until August 1946. He served in the Middle and Far East and Italy. He was an Engine Mechanic/Fitter and this is his story. The memoir has maps of his…
RAF Volunteer Reserve - Notice Paper
RAF Form 2022 signed by JHP Dwyer
John Shipman's provisional acceptance in to the RAF
A brief note accepting John into the RAF.
Robert Wareing's memoir
Second version of a brief Resumé of Initial Flying Training and operational experiences on 106 Squadron, led by Wing Commander Bob Allen DSO with sorties against the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau Battleships in the Port of Brest. Slight amendment to…
Robert Wareing memoir
Brief Resumé of Initial Flying Training and operational experiences on 106 Squadron, led by Wing Commander Bob Allen DSO with sorties against the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau Battleships in the Port of Brest.
I Flew with Nine Wing Commanders
The detailed and wide ranging story of Peter Baxter's service in the RAF from an Airframe Apprentice to Flight Engineer Leader.
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…
Interview with Harold Yeoman
Harold Yeoman volunteered for the RAF hoping to become an air gunner and was surprised to find he would be trained as a pilot. He describes a crash landing in a Wellington returning from an operation to Cherbourg and being sent to Essen twice within…
Peter Potter biography - part
Describes childhood in great detail and work after the war started. Continues with account of training after being called up.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve enlistment for duration of present emergency
Gives reporting date and vacancy reporting for.
Royal air Force Volunteer Reserve notice to recruit to re-join for service
Made out for Henry Moss to present himself at Lord Crickets ground, St Johns Wood, London on 22 November 1943.
Interview with Harold Kirby. One
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 Tom Coles
Tom Coles was born in Watford and signed up for the Royal Air Force at the age of 18. He went to Canada for training, a period saddened by the loss of his sister who was in the Womens Auxilliary Air Force. Tom flew Manchesters, then went to 158…
Albert Cluett's medical grade card
Shows Albert Cluett was medically examined on 23 October 1940 in Salisbury. Placed in grade 1 (one).
Colin McDermott's Grade Card
A card issued to Colin after his medical examination.
Hubert's Enlistment Notice
It requires Hubert to report to the Blackpool Recruitment Centre. The notice records Hubert's, the Ministry of Labours local office and the Blackpool centre's addresses as well as the nearest railway station to the Blackpool Centre.
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…
Interview with Syd Marshall
Sidney Marshall grew up in Lincolnshire and worked as an agricultural engineer. He volunteered for the Royal Air Force at eighteen and trained as a flight engineer. On his first operation to Duisburg one of his Lancaster's engines was hit by shrapnel…
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…
Interview with William Anderson
Flight Officer William Anderson began his service in the Royal Air Force at the age of eighteen when he signed up in Edinburgh. In this interview he speaks about his training, reporting to Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, being paid at the London…