Description
Object description
British civilian served with Metropolitan Police and as aircraftman and officer with Royal Air Force, including 201 Sqdn Coastal Command, in GB, 1938-1945; served with Metropolitan Police in GB, 1945-1966
Content description
REEL 1 Background in Deptford and Mottingham, GB, 1918-1938: family; education; civilian work and leisure activities; joining of Territorial Army; reaction to Munich Agreement; activities following mobilisation of searchlight battery, 1938; cricket; joining of police force. Aspects of period as civilian with Metropolitan Police in GB, 8/1938: details of life and training at Peel House including involvement with sports; posting at Bethnal Green; accommodation in Hackney; outbreak of war; details of patrols and air raids; story of an air raid and subsequent disciplinary action including interview to join Royal Air Force; lunch breaks; story of unexploded bomb on Hackney Road; details of air raid warning system; contact with air raid victims; attitude of police to service in armed forces.
REEL 2 Continues: breaking up disputes between fascists and communists and memories of colleagues; details of boxing matches including medical problems and treatment. Aspects of period as aircraftman with Royal Air Force in GB: details of route marches with Royal Air Force; story of air raid; pattern of training and marriage; journey back to unit following marriage and punishment for late return; weapons training at Stranraer including background to becoming an officer; posting to Coastal Command. Aspects of operations as officer with 201 Sqdn Coastal Command Royal Air Force in GB: memories of colleagues; aircraft used in training; make-up of Short Sunderland crew; own role in crew.
REEL 3 Continues: communications; briefings; loss of planes; description of patrol over Bay of Biscay; memories of Flight Lieutenant Leslie Barry Beverstock; duties of gunner; rations including length of patrols and airsickness; story of search for and attack on German ship including landing in sea on return; changes to crew; details of Flight Lieutenant Leslie Barry Beverstock. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Air Force in GB: posting to Fairey training unit; training given to Canadians; sports; offer of service in Royal Air Force; question of stress during operations; service of brothers in Royal Air Force.
REEL 4 Continues: news of brother's death; service of brother in army; final duties and demobilisation. Aspects of period as civilian with Metropolitan Police in GB, from 1945-1966: period in Bethnal Green including training with horses; memories of colleagues; story of visit to canteen; details of service including in Lewisham and Catford. Aspects of period as civilian in GB from 1966: civilian work in security.