Spiller, Herbert John (Oral history)

British NCO observer served flying Fairey Battles with 12 Sqdn, RAF in North West Europe, 1940; served with 103 Sqdn, RAF based in GB, 1942; shot down over France, 24/10/1942; evaded with help of French Resistance and returned via Spain to GB, 1942; served with 511 (Transport) Sqdn, RAF in GB and Russia, 1943-1946

REEL 1 Family and educational background. Reactions to outbreak of war, 3/9/1939. Recollections of period as air observer flying in Fairey Battle during operations based at Echemines and Souge airfields, France, 5/1940: qualities of Fairey Battle; hostility of Bretons towards retreating British; German air attack on trains at Rheims; nature of airfield; billets; second hand report of raid on Maastricht, Netherlands; problems night flying; patrolling missions; attempt to bomb German troops concentration at Givet; abortive raid on Dinant; bombing of St Hubert airfield; vulnerability of Fairey Battle; Fairey Battle adaptations; story of dogfight near Abbeville. REEL 2 Continues: story of dogfight near Abbeville; identification of civilians and troops from air; nature of Souge airfield; abortive mission to Evreux; devastating nature of German air bombing attack; high calibre of Luftwaffe; journey from Souge to Brest; evacuation by ship to GB; state of morale; question of RAF tactics of bombing raids deep within German territory; 'Cobber' Kain and his fatal crash. Recollections of being shot down whilst observer flying mission near Nancy, 24/10/1942: escape from aircraft; injuries on landing. REEL 3 Recollections of evasion in France and journey back to GB, 1942: assistance from French family; cross-country trek; decision to surrender; advice from abbe; journey to Paris; story of frightening experience with German band; attempt to get assistance from priest; contact with French Resistance; French hospitality; contact with Comete escape line at Fourmies; preparation of materials for escape to GB at Brussels, Belgium. REEL 4 Continues: escape route; journey to Paris; German investigation of papers; reason for travelling first class; journey to St Jean de Luz; refuge in Basque farmhouse; crossing into Spain; evasion of searchlights and reaching safety; subsequent betrayal of Comete escape line personnel; method of getting into Gibraltar; arrest in Gibraltar. Aspects of period as navigator with 511 (Transport) Sqdn, RAF in GB and Russia, 1943-1946: duties. REEL 5 Continues: mission in preparation for Tirpitz raid in Russia, 1944: relationship with Russians; results of raid; return flight to GB.