|
|
|
RAF Burn
RAF Burn is situated 2.5 miles south of Selby. Constructed as a three runway Bomber Command station in July 1942, Burn was initially occupied by 1653 Heavy Conversion Unit converting crews to the Liberator. It was assigned to No. 4 Group on November 11, 1942 when it became home to No. 431 Squadron, newly formed as an RCAF unit at Burn. 431 Squadron left in July 1943 and the airfield was not used for operations again until the arrival of No 578 Squadron in February 1944. The only VC awarded to 4 Group was won by a 578 Squadron pilot, Cyril Barton. In total 55 Halifaxes were lost during operations from Burn.
The airfield closed in July 1945 and was used by The Royal Army Service Corps to store surplus military vehicles on its runways. Today the site has returned to argiculture but all the runways and most of the hardstandings still exist. Part of the site is used by a gliding club.
A memorial to 578 Squadron stands beside the main road in the village.
Squadrons stationed at RAF Burn:
- 431 Squadron Nov 1941 to July 1943
- No 578 Squadron. Feb 1944 to April 1945
21st Jul 1944
22nd Feb 1945 578 Squadron Halifax lost
If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.
|
Those known to have served at RAF Burn during the Second World War 1939-1945. - Blake P.. Sgt. (d.2st Feb 1945)
- Blundell L. Sergeant
- Braithwaite James Edward. F/Lt.
- Callingham J. Flight Seargeant
- Collins Joseph. Able Sea (d.22nd February 1943)
- Coram T S. Pilot Officer
- Dunn Michael. 3rd.Eng.Off.
- Fawns Herman Stanley. WO2. (d.22nd June 1943)
- Harries Ken William Owen Wyndham. Mechanic
- Hill Ray.
- Holdstock Reginald Thomas William. F/Sgt.
- Inge C. Sargeant
- Maton Ronald J.. (d.31st Mar 1944)
- Pink Philip Claude. Flt.Sgt. (d.21st Jul 1944)
- Ridley J A. Sargeant (d.11th September 1944)
- Rix James A. Sergeant
- Roberts DFM.. Reginald Leonard Arthur. Sgt.
- Rosenberg Phyllis. Cpl.
- Tregoning J M. Flight Seargeant
The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed,
please
Add a Name to this List
|
|
|
The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website.
Announcements
- 1st of September 2024 marks 25 years since the launch of the Wartime Memories Project. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over this time.
- The Wartime Memories Project has been running for 25 years. If you would like to support us, a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting and admin or this site will vanish from the web.
- 19th Nov 2024 - Please note we currently have a huge backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than
264989 your information is still in the queue, please do not resubmit, we are working through them as quickly as possible.
- Looking for help with Family History Research?
Please read our Family History FAQs
- The free to access section of The Wartime Memories Project website is run by volunteers and funded by donations from our visitors. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web.
If you enjoy this site
please consider making a donation.
Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the War? Our
Library contains an ever growing number diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. |
|
Wanted: Digital copies of Group photographs, Scrapbooks, Autograph books, photo albums, newspaper clippings, letters, postcards and ephemera relating to WW2. We would like to obtain digital copies of any documents or photographs relating to WW2 you may have at home. If you have any unwanted
photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them.
The Wartime Memories Project will give them a good home and ensure that they are used for educational purposes. Please get in touch for the postal address, do not sent them to our PO Box as packages are not accepted.
World War 1 One ww1 wwII second 1939 1945 battalion
Did you know? We also have a section on The Great War. and a
Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations.
|
|
Want to know more about RAF Burn? There are:3 items tagged RAF Burn available in our Library
These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War. |
|
Sgt. P. Blake air gunner. 578 Sqd (d.2st Feb 1945) My uncle Sgt P. Blake was a gunner with 578 sqdn he died
on 21.02.1945 while flying on a raid over Germany bombing the Rhenania Ossag oil refinery at Dusseldorf. They flew out of Raf Burn. He was the son of David and May Blake of Edinburgh.
|
Sergeant James A Rix 578 Squadron My uncle, James A Rix, flew from RAF Burn with 578 Squadron in
1944.
Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
I have a copy of the crew photo taken at my uncle's wedding shortly
before being shot down. James Rix now lives in Australia with his wife and had 3 daughters
|
Pilot Officer T S Coram 578 Squadron Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
|
Sergeant L Blundell 578 Squadron Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
|
Flight Seargeant J M Tregoning 578 Squadron Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
|
Flight Seargeant J Callingham 578 Squadron Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
|
Sargeant C Inge 578 Squadron Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
|
Sargeant J A Ridley 578 Squadron (d.11th September 1944) Handley Page Halifax III, NA568 LK-Q, took off 11th September 1944 16.04 hrs, Op: Gelsenkirchen. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed 18.30 hrs. in Kirchhellen. All crew survived and made POW except Sgt J A Ridley who sadly was killed. Sgt J A Ridley is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.
Crew:
P/O T S Coram RAAF
Sgt L Blundell
F/S J M Tregoning
F/S J Callingham RCAF
Sgt C Inge
Sgt J A Rix
Sgt J A Ridley
|
Mechanic Ken William Owen Wyndham Harries 578 Squadron My father Ken Harries, was trained with the 31 S.F.T.S. in Collins Bay, Ontario, near Kingston during the war until 1944 when he returned to the UK. I have some photos of him with his group at Burn Aerodrome and wouldn't mind sharing them. I know very little about him during this time since I was a baby. He met my mother (a Canadian)in Kingston, Ontario. They married in 1942 and I was born in April 1944.
He went ahead with his group to the UK and my mother and I followed on a cargo ship in October 1944.
While in the English Channel, a German U Boat was below us and the Capt. told my mother to keep her baby quiet. We lived in Selby and were there during the flood in 1947. It kept us on the 2nd floor for 2 weeks.
Unfortunately, my mother was homesick and we returned on the Aquitania in 1947 to Canada. My father never followed. He remarried later and worked at Gatwick Airport until he retired. He died 29th October 2002 at 83 yrs. of age.
I am coming to visit my step-mother next year, and I wondered if anyone remembers my father. I would love to meet you. He used to draw pencil sketches on the back on old papers and he was apparently a lot of fun. He was a handsome man with brown hair and was 6 feet tall. He had a friend named "Taffy" and they often visited a couple named the Pollards in Kingston (I think) They even called her "Mom".
|
Ronald J. Maton 578 Sqd. (d.31st Mar 1944) Ronald Maton was a Wireless Operator in 578 Squadron, stationed at RAF Burn.
He was killed on 31st March 1944 at Silverstone, whilst returning from raid on Nuremburg.
|
Ray "Bunker" Hill 431 Squadron My late Father, Ray Hill was posted to Burn in early 1941 to be part of the new 431 Squadron.
The Squadron in front of Wellington SE-A at Burn in 1943.
|
3rd.Eng.Off. Michael Dunn SS Stanburn Michael Dunn died when the S.S. Stanburn a 2,450 grt steam cargo ship registered in Cardiff, sank on 27th of October 1946 after hitting an object at position 35° 15’ N, 11° 55’ E. He was aged 26, was born in Jarrow in 1919, the son of William and Catherine Dunn (nee Mulheron) of Jarrow.
Michael is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial.
|
Flt.Sgt. Philip Claude Pink 578 Squadron (d.21st Jul 1944) Because my family (The Pinks) is almost extinct, I am desperate to find out
more about my first cousin, Philip Pink, who was tragically killed in action
at the young age of just 21 while serving with Bomber Command.
Philip was the son of Ada Pink, my father's sister, born in Sutton,
Surrey c1923 but actually brought up by our grandmother, Harriet, to avoid
the stigma associated with illegitimacy at that time.
He was a flight sergeant based at RAF Burn with 578 Squadron and was
killed on 21st July, 1944. I would love to hear from anyone who can remember
him or has any information about him or his wife, Muriel, who he married in 1942, or their baby girl who I think was called Jean.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
|
WO2. Herman Stanley Fawns 431 (Iroquois) Squadron (d.22nd June 1943) On the night of the 21st/22nd of June 1943 Wellington HF518 took off at 23.33hrs from RAF Burn for an operation on Krefeld. One of 705 aircraft that took part in this operation. The visibility was extremely good that evening and the city was very heavily bombed. Much damage was caused and many lives lost with almost half of the city being burned out. Over 70,000 lost their homes. 44 aircraft were lost on this operation. Wellington HF518 may have been hit by flak or shot down by an enemy night fighter and was lost without trace.
- Pilot: W/C. John Coverdale MiD 27048 RAF Age 37
- Nav: P/O George Charles William Parslow DFM 146687 RAFVR Age 21
- Air/Bmr: F/O John Brian Godfrey Bailey DFC 48551 RAF Age 22
- W/Op/Air/Gnr: W/O2 Herman Stanley Fawns R/93489 RCAF Age 25
- Air/Gnr: F/O Bruce Samuel Fudge J/17663 RCAF Age 21
I found a document a few years ago on the Internet, translated from German, about the recovery of the plane and bodies on the ocean shore in German held territory. Bodies were identified by their tags. I will try to find it again for your documentation. Stanley Fawns was my father's step-brother.
|
Able Sea Joseph Collins H.M.C.S Weyburn (d.22nd February 1943) Able Seaman Collins was the Son of Daniel and Julia Collins; husband of Ellen Margaret Collins, of Milnsbridge, Huddersfield.
He was 24 and is buried in the Zahara de los Atunes Cemetery in Spain.
Ā
|
F/Sgt. Reginald Thomas William Holdstock 578 Squadron Reg Holdstock served with 578 Squadron at RAF Burn
|
F/Lt. James Edward Braithwaite 622 Squadron   James Braithwaite was an American WW2 veteran, and flew in a Lancaster heavy bomber as a pilot for the RAF flying with 622 Squadron.
On 24th of September 1941, he took a physical, and interviewed with the Clayton Knight committee in Pasadena, California. He was recommended for pilot training. On 21st of October 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (in Vancouver Canada). On 9th of October 1942, he received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, upon graduating from flight school number 4, course 58, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada. Following graduation he went on 20 days leave back to America on 10th of October 1942. He then attended Flight Instructor's School 2, in Vulcan, Alberta Canada and graduated from there 3rd of January 1943.
James stayed on in Canada as a flight instructor, teaching other cadets how to fly. In early November 1943, he shipped out to England
He was discharged from the RAF on 3rd of December 1943, and at the same time received a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S Army Air Force. On 4th of December 1943, he was transferred (on paper) to the 8th Air Force, and then attached to the Royal Air Force, London.
On 6th of December 1943 he was assigned to the 12th Replacement Depot, Station 591, Tidworth, England, then 15th of February 1944 he started multi engine bomber training in short Stirling bombers at school 1653 HCU (Heavy Conversion Unit) at RAF Burn. 24th of April 1944 he started Lancaster finishing school 3 at RAF Feltwell. After finishing Lancaster training, he was posted to 622 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, and was assigned to Lancaster LL782 (GI-H) to replace a pilot that was killed in action. He and his crew flew 10 successful missions, participating in the allied transportation plan (the systematic destruction of German and French transportation infrastructure in preparation for the Normandy invasion).
On their 11th mission 1st of May 1944 to Trappes, France, they were shot down by a German night fighter. One of Lancaster's engines was hit, the propeller blown off, plane and engine caught fire, and went into a dive. After regaining control, the 5 surviving crew members bailed out. The two rear gunners were killed in the attack. A third crew member, the flight engineer. fell to his death after bailing out. He lost his parachute, when the plane was hit, and he decided to hang onto the radio man, and they jumped together. When the chute opened, he lost his grip, and fell to his death.
My father, being the last out, was burned on the face, neck, and arms. He was turned over to the German authorities for medical treatment.
He spent 22 days in a Paris hospital, and then was sent to Stalag Luft 3.
Two of his crew evaded capture until France was liberated, but the radio man was captured, and ended up a POW as well. In February 1945 Stalag Luft 3 was evacuated, and the prisoners were marched to other Stalags.
He marched for 12 days, ending up at Stalag 7a, in Bavaria, where he stayed until being liberated on 29th of April 1945 by the U.S. Army.
Then on 7th of May 1945 the war in Europe was officially over.
Dad received a purple heart for his injuries 21st of May 1945 and on the 3rdof June 1945 had a full physical, including a mental exam at the 7th General Hospital in England. (The report stated that he lost 30 lbs while in captivity). He had a second interview 6th of June 1945, and was then transported by troop ship back to the USA. Upon arrival, he was given 75 days leave and told to report to the Army Air Force Base (AAF re-distribution Station 3) in Santa Anna California on 1st of September 1945 for re-assignment. By then, the war in the Pacific was also over. He was put on reserve status, and was assigned to an Air Reserve Unit. He stayed in the Reserves until 1965, when he was discharged with the rank of Major at age 49.
|
Sgt. Reginald Leonard Arthur Roberts DFM. No. 578 Squadron Reginald Roberts served as a flight engineer with his squadron, which was a heavy bomber (Halifax Mk. III) unit that was part of RAF No. 4 Group. His squadron was initially based at RAF Snaith but later moved to RAF Burn.
|
Cpl. Phyllis Rosenberg    My First Fourteen Days in the W.A.A.F.
(Innsworth, Glos)
by Phyllis Rosenberg.
(dob 8.3.23)
Monday, 2nd of June 1941
Am feeling no effects at all from inoculation. We move from Reception Wing to Training Wing this morning. Hut No. 404. Much nicer. Little mats by beds. Nearly everyone has uniform now. Our squad is beginning to look something.
First time on parade ground. Very thrilling. Feet make different sounds as they touch asphalt. R.A.F. Sergeant drilled us. Terribly powerful shout. Reflect that men shouting orders at you is all right. Rather inspiring. But women – NO! Most unfeminine and undignified. Sometimes orders from sergeant drowned by aeroplanes flying over. Learned to salute, learned to march properly and right-dress etc. Hard work but fun.
Fairly wet on reaching technical hut for lectures. Were given a welcoming address by W.A.A.F. officer. Followed by lecture by another officer on “History of the R.A.F. and W.A.A.F.” Very interesting. Then lecture on “Hygiene” by woman doctor. Elementary but absorbing. Lunch! Endless queue. Very good meal eventually.
More lectures after lunch. “Gas”, “Economy and Waste” and “General Appearance”. (We are not to wear nail varnish, bright lipstick or have our hair touching our collars. Remove cap like a man when entering building. Never remove tunic without special permission. Button undone considered “undressed”)
Dead tired at end of day. Mimi reacting badly already. Others seem undemonstrative, but cheerful. Thankful for bed.
Tuesday, June 3
More drill. Tantalising moment – when we marched over threepenny bit lying in roadway. Could see it coming towards me with the puddles of rain as we marched and watched it disappear under my feet. A ripple of amused disappointment went through the parade as we left it behind. More lectures. “Services Etiquette”, “Living Accommodation on Stations”. “Ranks in the Services”.
P.T. (wore issue knickers – known as blackouts). Romped round enormous drill hall, getting very dusty. Played simple relay games and got very puffed.
R.A.F. do technical training on this depot. Few aeroplanes lined up. Our lecture huts are in the same block. Only emotion left in me right now is heartfelt wish that girl in front would decide which is her left foot and start off on it!
More lectures after lunch. "First Aid”, “Gas”. “Crime and Punishment” (only it wasn't called that). Saluted warrant officer by mistake. He smiled.
Wednesday, June 4
Marlow is varnishing Robinson's nails with varnish borrowed from Mcdermot. Macdermot is cleaning her shoes with brush borrowed from Standing. Standing is in the wash-house washing shirts and collars belonging to Davies and Hurbridge. Davies and Hurbridge have gone to fetch post for our hut. Samson is cleaning Harding's floor-space because Harding is feeling like 2d all in halfpennies on account of her inoculation. I find myself helping Donkin with marking her kit- but then I am wearing Donkin-lent collar stud. And that's the way it goes here. Can't imagine this sort of atmosphere in upper reaches of Kensington or where-else. You don't meet it often – except perhaps on the stage. Can see it will endear me to Service.
Thursday, June 5
Have been here a week today. Letters from home are of paramount importance. Parcels are tremendous thrill. Had letter from younger sister, who is radio operator in W.A.A.F. Said training is nasty part and not to worry because once you get on your station you have wonderful time. Read letter to hut. Everybody pleased to hear it.
When I remember how some of these girls arrived here – excitable, waving their arms about, dashing everywhere, talking like anything – I marvel at the change. It isn't that they've lost their good humour. Not that at all. Just that they've caught (probably from the officers who lecture us) a sort of integrity. An economy of words. An economy of movement. Maxim now is: Never shout when you can talk – never talk unless you must. Jolly good thing! Probably accounts for the security-minded W.A.A.F. that we hear so much about. The ones that have finally exploded fact that women can't hold their tongues – can't keep secrets. Rubbish.
Friday. June 6
Pay parade. Long business. Said my number, saluted smartly and was so surprised at getting 10d from pay officer that I turned wrong way and nearly fell over! Hitch-hiked into Cheltenham in evening. Sat on top-most barrel of beer on Watney's lorry. Nice way of travelling! Saluted right and left in streets. Quite enjoyed it.
Funny how I hate to hear women shout orders. Men should shout. Men should have loud voices and muscles. But not women. Women should be gentle and dignified. It is unfeminine to scream “By the left – QUICK MARCH, and if they don't scream it, it's just ineffectual and hopeless – which is worse, of course. Wonder is there a way out of this.
Saturday, June 7
The sun came out! Everyone felt better. Lovely parade, with aeroplanes and butterflies diving over the parade ground. Mock gas attack. Awful. Equipment was stifling. Sat in trench for HOURS listening to wheezing and squeaking of gas-masks.
More lectures. Long one on “Topical Geography and Politics” (think that's what it was called). Given by intelligent W.A.A.F. officer of high rank. All officers here who lecture are the nicest possible. Reflect that it can't be much fun being an officer or N.C.O. on a depot like this. You never have time to get to know anybody before they are whisked away. An endless and thankless job I should think.
Sunday. June 8
Lovely, restful day. Most girls put up their aching feet and slept. My feet don't seem to be affected. Bathe them every night in surgical spirit. They are getting as tough as iron girders.
Went to Cheltenham again. Am lucky with passes. Odd hut numbers go out on even days. Have managed to get two Sundays. Reflect how quickly am falling into Service swim. Salute naturally now. Stand to attention when speaking to N.C.O. Am very frightened of N.C.O.s. Say “Ma'am” and “Sir” to officers as if I'd done it all my life.
Have already lost one glove and one button-stick. Am told that if I get new ones they will be paid for out of my “credits”. “Credits” seem to be extra money you get tacked on to pay – allowances, etc. Will look forward to that.
Monday. June 9
Had photographs taken for identity card. Stood in slow drizzle of rain clutching numbered card, while little man dived under traditional black velvet hood. Don't dare imagine result.
Tuesday. June 10
Drill. Lectures. Pink-faced airmen burst into lecture hut by mistake right in middle of very anatomical lecture given by medical officer. Camp cinema at night. Social hub of camp. Run by Padre. Only place where WA.A.F. and R.A.F. are allowed to mix. Saw “Moscow Nights”. A good many years old.
Wednesday, June 11
Usual routine. Got identity photo. Gosh! I look very angry. Evening great fun. Organised concert in N.A.A.F.I. Great deal of “rookie” talent. Strange, tall, untidy flight sergeant (W.A.A.F.) played the fool and the drums very well indeed.
Thursday, June 12
Last day of routine drill, lectures and P.T. etc. Had fire drill demonstration. Lanky flight sergeant gave terribly funny demonstration of how NOT to fight a fire.
Posting-out parade tomorrow. Tremendous tension. Scare now is one might not get posted straight away on account of sometimes there is no vacancy for little while for trainees in some trades. Girls get held up this way sometimes and become “runners”. Means you do odd jobs until the training course is ready for you. No fun at all.
Dance organised in N.A.A.F.I. for airwomen who are being posted. Airmen invited. Lots of heat, smoke and lemonade.
Friday, June 13
Ominous date! Last day of all.
Rehearsal of posting-out parade. And march past. Hundreds of us. I am “right marker” in No. 1 Squad, No. 1 Flight. Don't know how that happened. Something to do with me being tall, I think. Impressive anyway. Hundreds of us. Had thorough testing in all lecture subjects. Sort of exam. Were divided into teams and scored on points. We lost.
Parade after tea with C.O. taking the salute at the march past. Most thrilling. Buttons glistening in sun. Never would have thought they could make us look so smart. Marched off to technical hut to hear our “postings”. Frightening experience. Hundreds of names read out in deathly silence by W.A.A.F. officers. Got terribly nervous listening for mine. Terribly hush in that huge hut. Mimi goes to Newcastle. Poor Mimi! She is now a triumph of self-possession and resignation.
My name at last!. Didn't recognise it at first. It was called again. Said “Oh! Me? Sorry Ma'am!” Jumped up and fell over!
Mum was posted to the Intelligence Section at H/Q No.2 Group Bomber Command at Castle Hill House, Huntingdon
1942: Promoted to Corporal Clerk G.D. (Maps).
1943: Moved with Group 2 to Bylaugh Hall nr Dereham, Norfolk
End of 1943 moved again to Mongewall Park, Wallingford, Berks
2 Group Bomber Command now became part of 8 Group (PFF) Tactical Air Force.
1944: Posted to Holme-on-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire, Intelligence Section
Attended briefings and de-briefings
Issued Target Maps and Escape Aids to Halifax crews.
11.44 Posted to R.A.F. Burn, Yorks. Disbanded.
1945: Posted to R.A.F. Lissett, Yorks. Disbanded.
Demobbed 26th of May 1946.
|
Recomended Reading.Available at discounted prices.
|
|
|
