Today we are adding to the Library an article by Tim Willasey-Wilsey, Visiting Professor of War Studies at King’s College London. It concerns Hall Mettam, a member of the RAAF, whom Tim met in Beirut in 1974 just before the… Read More ›
THE RAF
Geoff Baker, RAAF, 97 Squadron.
A further addition to the library today … A personal account by Stan Hurd of a friend, Geoff Baker, “an ordinary person who went to war that changed his life. It tells the story of his experiences flying a Lancaster… Read More ›
Wound Stripes
Another item about uniform ensignia which has been transferred from the old site.
The Goldfish Club
We are continuing to migrate pages from the old website (amending them when necessary along the way) and here is a particular favourite:
Wartime Opposition to Bombing
During the war, public opinion in Britain and the Dominions was firmly on the side of Bomber Command. However, there was also some determined criticism of Bomber Command’s campaigns, not least by George Bell, Bishop of Chichester, who argued the… Read More ›
Den Burg, Texel, Xmas Eve
The annual lighting of candles on the 167 graves at the War Cemetery at Den Burg, Texel, took place yesterday evening, Christmas Eve. This is a very simple but extremely moving and quietly spectacular ceremony, and for the last three… Read More ›
16/17 December 1943: FIDO & Landing Aids
One of the reasons why 16/17 December 1943 was so disastrous was the extreme limitations of landing aids. The only facilities available for such severe bad weather conditions were FIDO and a system known as SBA … 16/17 December 1943 – FIDO &… Read More ›
Air Sea Rescue – Allan Templeton
Some Pathfinders had very unusual – and dramatic – pre-Pathfinder war service. Allan Templeton was one of these … Pre-Pathfinder War Service: Allan Templeton
An Aussie Navigator gets his Wings
Norman McIntyre, later of 97 Squadron, PFF, at the ceremony which marked the completion of his training as a navigator: RAAF Navigator receives his Wings
RNZAF Boys on Ship to Canada
An unusual photograph of trainee aircrew leaving their homeland: RNZAF Boys on Ship to Canada
Mentioned in Despatches
Allan Templeton (his first name was Arthur but he was known by his second name) was a wireless operator from Newfoundland. He had a flying career packed with incident even before he joined the Pathfinders in February 1945. See: Pre-Pathfinder… Read More ›
Medicine in Bomber Command
A quick overview of medical services on the bomber stations …
RAF Wartime Organisation
The Chief of Air Staff and the structure of the RAF in 1942, the year the Pathfinders was formed …
MRES (Europe) Map
The areas of Europe searched for missing RAF personnel …
Bonzo Joined the RAF …
Here is a delightful photograph and story in another of the RAF’s brilliant PR campaigns. BONZO JOINED THE RAF IN ITALY