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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…
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…
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.
A Guide for Airmen on joining the RAF
Information for new recruits.
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 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…
Keith Thompson's very early service
Two telegrams telling him to report to Lord's,
RAF F2150 RAFVR, deferment of call up,
his service number 'ticket' drawn out of a hat and address of someone with a service number fifteen after Keith Thompson's.
RAF F2150 RAFVR, deferment of call up,
his service number 'ticket' drawn out of a hat and address of someone with a service number fifteen after Keith Thompson's.
Interview with Oscar Goodall
Oscar was born in Australia. His father was a machine gunner - he was wounded seven times and died from his wounds two months before Oscar was born. His example influenced him to join the Royal Air Force. As an Air Cadet Corps member, he went to the…
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…
Arthur Pearce - the aeroplane diary 1943
Contains personal information, address and telephone numbers of acquaintances. Entries for registered for RAF 9 Jan 43, fireguard duty days, swimming, medical appointment, passed selection board for Air Gunner 26 MaR 43,Holiday dates, call up papers…
Interview with Bill Ballantyne
Bill Ballantyne was in his first year at Cambridge University and a member of the Air Squadron when war was declared out in 1939. Upon joining the air force, he was posted to South Africa, where he trained as a pilot on Tiger Moths. He joined 267…
Service record from August 1942 until November 1946 November
Starting with conscription in 1942 as a flight mechanic at RAF Skegness. Working up to a flight engineer but failing as he started working at RAF Halton training as a flight mechanic, then attending a fitter course. Volunteered for the flight…
Interview with John Green
John Green was born on the 22nd of September 1921 in Penge, South East London. He registered for the Royal Air Force to prevent being called up by the Army and was drafted in 1942. He was posted to the Isle of Man, where he volunteered as a drogue…
Interview with Colin Deverell
Colin Deverell was born in Croydon. Upon leaving school, he worked for Oliver Typewriter Company, where he gained engineering skills to become an amateur rigger for Imperial Airways, before finding employment with Rollaston Aircraft Services in 1939.…
Fifty airmen
Fifty airmen wearing tunic and side caps sitting and standing in four rows in a park with trees in the background. On the reverse 'Photograph of flight 9/12 A.C.R.C London, 20/9/41'.
Memories and Reminiscences of Bob Sharrock
Bob Sharrock's story. He was born near Wigan, his father a coal miner. He worked locally until old enough to sign up. He trained at Lords cricket ground, Torquay then St Athan. Posted to Dishforth, he suffered a compressed spine during a Halifax…
Contract of Enlistment
A contract issued to Rex Searle for six years regular air force service.
RAF Reception Depot, West Drayton
Twp photographs of the RAF Reception Depot at West Drayon, from an album. They are captioned on the image.
A Guide for Airmen on joining the RAF
AM Pamphlet 130 giving guidance on expected behaviour, Leave, NAAFI health and work.
John Shipman's Enlistment Notice
To report to No.3 RAF Recruitment Centre Padgate.
John Shipman's provisional acceptance in to the RAF
A brief note accepting John into the RAF.
John Valentine Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve notice paper
Copy of attestation. Includes questions to be put to recruit before enlistment as well as oath and certificate of attesting officer.
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve enlistment for duration of present emergency
Gives reporting date and vacancy reporting for.
We shall fight on unconquerable
Top - article subsidiary headline: US hears premiers words. Round up of news from France and broadcast by prime minister Winston Churchill relayed to the United States. Bottom - article headline every man to arms accompanied by photograph of RAF…
Interview with Bob Smith
Bob Smith was born in Brisbane, Australia. He recalls moving to the family farm in 1932 and being a member of the Air Cadets during his school years. Upon leaving school, Smith undertook training as a bank clerk. Following the events of Pearl…