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Loading bombs on to Lancaster
Close up of three bomb trolleys with bombs and carriers, armourer winching up bomb, nose and centre section of Lancaster with nose art.
Lancasters in the snow
Snowy landscape with five Lancasters on their dispersals, in the foreground tractor and bomb trolley with large bomb, armourers waiting to load.
Lancaster, crew and bomb
In foreground, large bomb on its trolley, standing behind seven aircrew in flying clothing, Lancaster in background.
Lancasters in the snow
Snowy landscape, taken from an elevated view point showing large number of Lancasters lined up either side of the cleared taxiway or perimeter track. Some personnel are standing in the snow. Engine trestles, bomb trolleys with bombs, and hangars in…
Interview with Cecil Harry Chandler
Cecil ‘Chick’ Chandler trained as a flight engineer and was posted to 622 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall. On his first flight the undercarriage failed. He was horrified to find that it was different to the model he had been trained on and he had to…
Interview with Cyril Gosling
Cyril Gosling trained as an armourer at Kirby in Blackpool and was first posted to 49 Squadron where he worked on the guns and turrets. As part of his role he would go on flights in the bombers to check the accuracy of the guns by firing at drogues.…
Don Falgate's crew and aircraft
Lancaster in background, seven aircrew in flying clothing standing behind a large bomb on a trolley. On the reverse 'Crew of Lancaster P (Peter) DV229 463 Squadron RAAF Waddington Lincs 1943. Lancaster P (Peter) DV229 lost over Orleans night 10th…
Interview with Harry Harris
Harry ‘Sam’ Harris grew up in Scotland and volunteered for the Air Force. He trained as a navigator in South Africa. On the penultimate day of his training he flew over a multitude of lifeboats bearing the survivors of a torpedoed ship. The next…
Interview with Harold Mercer
Harold Mercer worked as a milkman before being called up in April 1942. He served in the RAF, initially as a transport driver and then trained to become an air gunner. He was sent to RAF Weston-super-Mare, where he played in the military band, before…
Interview with Eric Peel
Eric Peel worked in the Cotton Exchange in Liverpool before he volunteered for the RAF. He trained as an armourer and was, initially, posted to 56 Squadron at RAF Sutton Bridge where he worked on Hurricanes. He was then posted to 103 Squadron at…
Interview with Hilary Robinson
Hilary Robinson grew up in Yorkshire and volunteered for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She trained as a driver and served at RAF Elsham Wolds and at 1 Group Headquarters at RAF Bawtry Hall. She married and lived on a farm after the war.
Interview with Frank Saunston
Frank Saunston joined the ATC in 1941 and the RAF in 1942. He worked as a transport driver at RAF Peplow and then as a forklift driver at RAF Methwold on the bomb dump. He describes his role and his duties and gives details regarding the bombs used.…
Aircrew with bomb trolley in front of Lancaster
Seven aircrew, six seated on bomb trolley, with pilot standing, in front of Lancaster, E, parked on dispersal. All aircrew wearing flight suits. Some are wearing Mae Wests.
Wellington O-KJ
Wellington bomber on the ground, with wheels chocked, and bomb bay doors open. Letters O and KJ appear on the fuselage. Visible in the background is a control tower with a truck in front.
Halifax Mk 2 with aircrew and ground crew
Halifax Mk 2 squadron letter F, taken from the front, with two rows posed in front, 19 individuals, mix of aircrew and ground crew. Bomb trolley front right with bomb redacted. Airfield dispersal background.
Bessie Birkby and ground crew
Bessie and eight other ground crew from 625 Squadron at RAF Binbrook, sitting on a loaded bomb trolley.
Ray Charlton Memoir
A twelve-page type written memoir by Ray Charlton, entitled 'Ramblings of my Memories'. It begins with his acceptance for aircrew in August 1942, continues with his call up in July 1943, and then a training period until joining a crew as Flight…
We're On Tonight
A description of what happened before and during and operation. The battle order was posted, the crew checked over their aircraft, the bomb load was planned, the crew received their briefing, dinner was eaten (bacon and eggs), they dressed,…
Ten mechanics
A group of ten mechanics in front of and sitting on a truck. One man is dressed in shorts and shirt, the rest are in boiler suits. All are holding mugs. Three are sitting on the front of a truck. Behind is a bowser.
Maintenance yard
A view from roof height looking down on a yard with two small trucks, a cordoned off flag pole and a man with a motorbike. On the reverse 'Yes, that really is me.'
Six airmen with 12000 blast bomb
Four airmen standing behind a 12,000 blast bomb on a trolley. Another airman is sitting on the bomb at the right end and a further one is standing to his right. In the background right another figure. 617 Squadron armourers 1944. Additional…
Six airmen with 12000 blast bomb
Four airmen standing behind a 12,000 blast bomb on a trolley. Another airman is sitting on the bomb at the right end and a further one is standing to his right. In the background right another figure standing, part of a man on a bicycle and the…
Bombs in bomb dump
A corporal wearing tunic and side cap on the right with another airman behind on a tractor. They are looking at a 12,000 lb and a 1000 lb bomb on trolleys in the centre of the image. There are other parts of bombs on the left and an earth bank behind…
Bombs in bomb dump
In the front a 1000 lb bomb on a trolley. Behind a 12000 lb bomb on a trolley. In the background left trees. Taken in 1944. Additional information about this item was kindly provided by the donor.
Bombs in bomb dump
In the front a number of 1000 lb bombs without tails piled three deep. Behind a 12,000 lb bomb on a trolley with an airman sitting on the right end. In the background trees and open fields. On the reverse '51:68'. Additional information about this…