description
Object description
British officer served as pilot with 61 Sqdn RAF in GB, 1943; awarded VC for actions during raid on Dusseldorf, 3/Nov/1943; also comments by colleague
Content description
REEL 1: Recollection of operations with 61 Sqdn RAF in GB, 1943: story of being posted to 61 Sqdn, 1943; description of operation over Dusseldorf, 3/Nov/1943; identification of target and releasing bombs; flying height; description of night flying test; pre-flight checks; daily routine; briefing; defences in Ruhr area; flight route.
REEL 2 Continues: description of explosions in aircraft; use of corkscrew manoeuvre; nature of injuries; question of continuing mission and bombing target; story of going into spin over North Sea; emergency landing; nature of injuries and medical treatment; question of flying same aircraft; attitude to ground crew; problem of cold in aircraft; debriefing; parachutes; accommodation.
REEL 3 Continues: repetition of material in REEL 2.
REEL 4 Continues: fuel capacity of Lancaster; messing arrangements; dingy drill; link trainer; question of number of aircraft in raid on Dusseldorf; American terminology; recreational activities; accommodation and messing arrangements; opinion of food; meal before night operations; attitude to drinking alcohol; description of pre-flight briefing.
REEL 5 Continues: operations room; parachute room; various memories of other crew members; amusing story of Victoria Cross.
REEL 6 Continues:UNKNOWN SPEAKER: Recollections of period as fitter and air mechanic with 61 Sqdn RAF in GB, 1939-1945: history of 61 Sqdn RAF; role of ground grew; daily routine and duties; role of Maintenance Flight; story of William Reid VC and question of choice of aircraft for raid on Dusseldorf, 3/Nov/1943.
REEL 7: description of clerical work with A Flight and Maintenance Flight; story of Arthur Harris; Squadron motto; story of Wing Commander Valentine and Group Captain Walker; memories of various accidents on airfield.
