Description
Object description
British NCO served as navigator with 630 Squadron RAF Bomber Command in GB, 1943-1944
Content description
REEL 1: Background in London and Bolton: memory of outbreak of war while training at School of Navigation, 9/1939; memory of house being bombed in Blitz, 1940; joined RAF, 9/1941. Aspects of training as navigator with RAF in GB and South Africa, 1942-1943: memory of journeys to and from South Africa; living conditions in South Africa and problem of food shortages in GB; posted to 630 Sqdn RAF, RAF East Kirkby, 11/1943. Aspects of operations as navigator with 630 Sqdn RAF in GB, 1943-1944: description of role in Operation Whitebait, 12/1943; selection of Berlin as target; use of code-names for targets; 12 missions out of 32 against Berlin; problem of German night fighters and flak; story of engagement with Me 210; attitude to casualties in Bomber Command; description of night raids on tyre factory in Clermont-Ferrand, France; story of reaching end of tour of operations, 1944; posted as instructor to Wellington Operational Training Unit; question of volunteering for second tour of operations; posted to 12 Sqdn RAF and duties flying to Germany after end of war, 1945. Reflections on period of service with Bomber Command, 1943-1944: opinion of food and accommodation; memory of receiving award at Buckingham Palace; story of re-joining RAF following demobilisation, 8/1945. Aspects of post-war service with RAF, 1945-1981: summary of various postings as navigator with RAF; further comments on training at School of Navigation and joining RAF, 1941; story of retirement from RAF, 1981 and reason for further period of service; description of duties with Britannia fleet in GB and Middle East; story of moving to Bolton, 1971. Further comments on operations as navigator with 630 Sqdn RAF Bomber Command in GB, 1943-1944: comparison of British and German bombing tactics; problem of formation flying; story of incendiary bomb on wing; story of aircraft crashing on take-off; attitude to loss of crews; question of fear; story of flying boat; memory of flying body of Lady Mountbatten back to Singapore; amusing story of incident in Australia.