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Interview with William Anderson
Flight Officer William Anderson began his service in the Royal Air Force at the age of 18 when he signed up in Edinburgh. He recalls his training, reporting to Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, being paid at the London Zoo, and having to quickly…
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…
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father with general conversation about attending St. Joseph’s College, Naini Tal. Mentions joining the air force as a career, a school inspector will be visiting, and Brother Colagne.
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father with general conversation about attending St. Joseph’s College, Naini Tal. Starts with a conversation about the high rainfall for the year, then discusses having been in trouble with the police, regarding an…
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father with general discussion tennis matches in London, visiting relatives and trips to the Tate Gallery and the Science Museum. He has written to the Civil Service Commissioner’s providing a character reference and…
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father about London life, family news in general and sporting activities. Has sent in his application for the Royal Air Force and Mr Moore his tutor is hopeful he will pass the exams. His brother and he have been…
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father about about visiting auntie Maisy in Kensington over Christmas, reports of some of his friends getting into Sandhurst, but failing to get into Cranwell.
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father about situation in London, war breaking out and his intention to volunteer for the Royal Air Force. He provides details about working on the farm picking plums, getting fit and tanned.
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father about losing his father’s dog, Prince; applying to the Royal Air Force; and leaving the farm to move back to London as war looks inevitable. He comments that the city is calm and will send some photos of…
Letter from David Boldy to his father
Letter from David Boldy to his father about being on the waiting list for the Royal Air Force volunteer reserve and daily life of relatives and friends. Describes black out precautions in London pointing out how he got used to see in the dark. Thinks…
Medical grade card for David Boldy
Military medical grade card for David Boldy
George Bubb's attestation
Front page contains general conditions of contract and has signature of George Bubb and is dated 7 May 1941. At the bottom a signature of officer or non-commissioned officer serving the notice. Inside pages contain certified copy of attestation and…
National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939 grade card
Grade card front page contains registration number SPF 20606 and George Bubb's name and address filled in. Date examined on was 29 June 1940. Grade one. At the bottom signatures of chairman of the board and G Bubb. Centre right is stamp of Birmingham…
George Bubb's Royal Air Force and Local Defence Volunteers documents
At the top a postponement of calling up for service document with G Bubb service number name and address. Dated 21 MAy 1941. States that recipient should report when ordered, In the meantime will remain in the reserve without pay or allowances and…
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Notice to recruit to rejoin for service
Notice for Leslie Clodd to join for service on 19 March 1941 at No 9 Reception Centre Blackpool.
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…
Interview with Cyril Abbotts
Cyril Abbotts volunteered for the Royal Air Force while he was an engineering apprentice with W T Avery at Smethwick. After his reception and basic training at Lord’s Cricket Ground, he trained as a pilot at RAF Bowden and Moose Jaw in Canada. On…
James Banks Statement of Service and Certificate of Discharge
Service in the Royal Air Force (25 April 1935 to 23 January 1948), then released as Temporary Flight Sergeant. Mentioned in despatches 14 June 1945. Contains dates of enlistment and discharge as well as personnel details, trade of photographer, his…
James Banks Airman's Service and Pay Book
Contains personal and service information for James Banks
who enlisted for nine years of service 25 April 1935.
Includes leave pass for 13 April 1947 to 19 April 1947.
who enlisted for nine years of service 25 April 1935.
Includes leave pass for 13 April 1947 to 19 April 1947.
Letter to James Banks from the Air Ministry
From the director of manning regretting that James Bank's re-enlistment in the air force cannot be authorised.
Letter to James Banks from the Royal Air Force Association
From the General Secretary stating that he had received further information from Air Officer Commanding Records that James Bank's re-enlistment had been turned down on medical ground and that no purpose would be served by further medical board.
Telegram to Desmond O’Connell from the Royal Air Force
Telegram to Desmond O’Connell from the Royal Air Force with instructions to report via a specific train at London King’s Cross.
Interview with Roy Briggs
Roy Briggs was born in Battersea, London. After leaving school he undertook an engineering apprenticeship with Benham and Sons, producing equipment for the war. He describes his life during the Blitz. When he joined the Royal Air Force he trained as…
Welcome letter from Secretary of State for Air
Welcome to the Royal Air Force and that selection for aircrew training is a great distinction. Explains how waiting list works and explains why he will have to wait. Encourages him to keep fit while waiting and to carry on with current job.
Interview with Syd Marshall
Sidney Marshall grew up in Lincolnshire and worked as an agricultural engineer. He volunteered for the Royal Air Force aged 18 and trained as a flight engineer. On his first operation to Duisburg one of his Lancaster's engines was hit by shrapnel and…