Part of the Flight Lieutenant Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons MBE Collection. See catalogue No 5374P for his service record..1) and .2) Pair of black leather calf length RAAF flying boots with leather sole and rubber heel. each boot is lined with soft brown leather with remnants of sheep wool attached to the right boot (.1). A buckle and strap at the ankle and calf height secure each boot when wearing. .3) Handwritten card with details of the boots' provenance..3) Handwritten in black ink: ' FLYING BOOTS. Worn by Squadron Leader Ian A. 'Joe' Lyons. Worn all through the Pacific - North Africa - New Guinea - Borneo - All through Japanese Occupation, 1942 Middle East. Donated by Mr I. A. Lyons'uniform, footwear, flying boots, flight lieutenant ian a. lyons

Articles have been from a local Bendigo newspaper and relate to F.G. Davey receiving the DFC. .1) features his photograph. .2) Outlines the details of his investiture ceremony. .3) details his service in No 44 Lancaster Squadron and his thirty Five bombing missions. Part of the F.G. Davey Collection. See catalogue no. 3536P for his service record..1) Rectangular clipping on cream paper featuring a black and white photograph of a man in a RAAF uniform. Title and caption in black type. Clipping is glued to a cardboard backing. .2 and .3) Rectangular clippings with title and text printed in black type on cream coloured paper. Partial newspaper articles in black type on the back of each.distinguished flying cross, f.g.davey, newspapers, medals

The story of Stanford Tuck's military career.Hard Cover - colour blue- on spine red seal with gold star on top and bottom. Photographs, The story of R.R. Stanford Tuck, D.S.O D.F.C with two bars To my wife and eight other proud travellers of the inner circle. Part of Companion Book Clubtuck, forrester, 65 squadron, distinguished service medal, royal air force, distinguished flying cross, italian bombers, 257 squadron, spitfire, prison camp

Historical record of the Australian Flying Corps from diaries of airmen and the Australian War Museum. No. 1 Squadron - private diaries of Lt. Colonel R. Williams. No, 2,3,and 4 Squadrons.Record of Australian Air Corps using personal diaries.Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume VIII - Australian Flying Corps. Maps and Illustrations Sixth editionmesopotamia, world war one, squadrons 1,2,3 and 4, private diaries, german offensive, air warfare, turkish retreat, gaza, mezzines ridge, somme, types of fighting aircraft

This volume is like a veteran 'gong' - winner with years of tough going and breathless incidents to draw from. The service and the blokes in it have been able to dig into this pile of gen. and present some amazing stories, pictures, poems, graphics and cartoons.Personal recounts from RAAF service personnel by way of stories, poems, cartoons, illustrations and portraitsRAAF Saga - The RAAF at War, green hardcover front, back and spine with black Text of title and a black silhouette picture on front cover showing aircraft. Front and back inside cover is a green sepia background with the RAAF insignia and a range of bombers being maintained.Message from Air Vice Marshall Chief of air staff C Jonesraaf, wwii, beaufighters, waafs, partisans, parachute, middle east squadron, kitty hawk, flying nurses, medical air evacuation unit, wewak, new guinea, jungle diary, the p24

Distinguished Flying Cross Ribbon belonged to "Flight Lieutenant Allan Josiah George Polkinghorne DFC", No. 414950 RAAF who was with 4 Squadron at time of his discharge.Ribbon - sloping purple lines from left down to right on a white background. White edging at left and right. Ribbon attached to metal backing with two mounting pins.award, dfc, raaf, ribbon, allan josiah george polkinghorne

Item in the collection of Reginald Charles Allardice No 418557 RAAF. Refer Cat No 3627.5 for his service details.Aerial B & W photo of a Sunderland Flying Boat over land. On the rear a paper is pasted to with typed writing in purple.On rear, “ BRITISH OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH, No CH 3210 Air Ministry photograph - crown copyright reserved. On patrol, a short Sunderland Flying Boat of the RAF Coastal Command sets out on a patrol. This particular aircraft is flown by the RAAF Squadron operating with Coastal Command The Sqd is on the 9,000 hours flying mark during its 16 months operating duty in this country”photography, sunderlands, military

From title page: The ANZAC Squadron. A history of No 461 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force 1942 - 1945 by Air Commodore Norman Ashworth, RAAF (Ret).Soft cardboard cover, dark blue & black print on front, spine & back. Yellow background with colour photos of a painting of a Flying Boat in action. On back is a black & white portrait photo of the author, Norman Ashworth. 275 pages, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black & white photos & maps.raaf, book, 461

ISBN 0-8905-198-6275 page softcover book with pale yellow cover and title in a white box. Cover has a painting of a Sunderland flying boat attacking a submarine. At the bottom of the front cover is a red, white and blue RAAF roundel. Includes illustrations, photos, maps and aircraft designs."N Bainingham"books, military history, anzacs

Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar awarded to Squadron Leader Ian Frank Tamagno. The medal has been mounted in a gold rectangular frame. The medal has been mounted on a maroon backing material. The medal is in the form of a silver finished cross suspended by a white and violet diagonally striped ribbon. Below the cross, is a gold plated engraved presentation plate. The inscription on the plate is the following, 'D.F.C. (and) Bar Awarded to Sqn. Ldr. I. F. Tamagno Presented to Frankston R.S.L. 7.10.81ww2, distinguished flying cross and bar, squadron leader ian frank tamagno

W.M. Matheson 409169 F/LT who lives at Wycheproof, relates his wartime experiences as a Flying Officer - William "Murdoch" Matheson made 194 operational flights and his accounts of missions and descriptions of different locations are interesting.An autobiographical account of service with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in World War II. A hard covered blue book with gold inscription. Contents describe the author's overseas service in World War II. Two final chapters are the End of the War and Reflections. The Wycheproof Historical Society/With Best Wishes/Murdoch/409169 F/LT MATHESON WILLIAM MURDOCHno 601 county of london squadron, royal auxiliary air force, 1939 war, murdoch matheson, pilots foggia italy photo, italian war map, end of, the war 1945

Sir Charles Edward Kingsford Smith is a famous Australian, well known in civil aviation history for his courageous endeavours in flight. He broken many flight records for long distance and time travelled and he was also a war hero in World War 1. He has been referred to as being “known to millions of Australians as “Smithy” … he was one of Australia’s true twentieth-century legends”. In honour of his place amongst the world’s famous pioneers his image is featured on Australia’s $20 note, Sydney airport is named after him, there is a memorial to Kingsford Smith, Taylor and Ulm at the Anderson Park, also in Sydney and his plane “Southern Cross” is on view at Brisbane Airport. Kingsford Smith wrote ‘The Old Bus’ (1932) and he and Ulm were co-authors of ‘Story of 'Southern Cross' Trans-Pacific Flight’ (1928). His also wrote a book about his own life ‘My Flying Life’ which was published after his death in 1937. and the story of his life was filmed in Australia in 1946. A BRIEF HISTORY OF SIR CHARLES EDWARD KINGSFORD SMITH (1897 – 1935) … Kingsford Smith was born 9th February 1897 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His parents were William Charles Smith and Catherine Mary, nee Kingsford. His mother’s maiden name of “Kingsford” was added to the family name when they spent time in Canada from around 1903 to 1907, after which they returned to Sydney, Australia. In 1915 Kingsford Smith enlisted in Australian Imperial Force. He served in 4th Signal Troop, 2nd Division Signal Company at Gallipoli Peninsular as a ‘sapper’ or combat engineer and later in Egypt and in France as a dispatch rider. In 1916 Kingsford Smith was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps as a sergeant. He was discharged after training in England and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. He was appointed fling officer and soon joined the 23rd Squadron in France. He brought down four machines in his first month there and also did invaluable work attacking enemy targets. He was wounded and shot down and later awarded the Military Cross ‘for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty’. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1918 and served as a Flying Instructor with the R.F.C. Kingsford Smith was not allowed to participate in the 1919 England to Australia air race because of assumed lack of navigational experience. He and his pilot friend Cyril Maddocks formed a business and flew joy-flights in both England and America. In America he did some stunt flying with a Flying Circus. Kingsford Smith returned to Australia in 1921 and found employment as a pilot. He soon realised the value of air transport in such a vast country. He formed a partnership with pilot Keith Anderson in 1924 and they purchased two Bristol Tourer biplanes. Their business broadened to include Charles Ulm and became the Interstate Flying services in Sydney. Together they performed important ‘demonstration’ flights including a flight around Australia in 10 days and 5 hours using very limited navigational equipment. Kingsford Smith immediately started to search for support to do a trans-Pacific flight. This support came from the New South Wales government, Sidney Myer and G. Allan Hancock, an American oil magnate. On 31st May 1928 Kingsford Smith, Charles Ulm and two American crewmen, Harry Lyan and Jim Warner, took off from Oakland, California and flew to Brisbane via Hawaii and Suva. This historic flight took 83 hours and 38 minutes. Their Fokker plane had three engines and was named the “Southern Cross”. This amazing achievement resulted in huge financial subscriptions. Kingsford Smith was awarded the Air Force Cross and appointed as honorary squadron leader, Royal Australian Air Force. Kingsford Smith flew his Southern Cross plane from Point Cook in Victoria to Perth nonstop. Then in September – October 1928, with Charles Ulm and an Australian crew, he piloted the Southern Cross from Sidney to Christchurch New Zealand. This flight showed that was possible for regular passenger and mail services across the Tasman Sea. Kingsford Smith flew his plane to England to an order for four aircraft, planning to use them for an inter-capital air service in Australia. Sadly on 1st April 1929 he was forced to land, having lost radio contact with the ground and having run into bad weather over north – west Australia. Keith Anderson and Robert Hitchcock both perished before the search party reached them. Once official enquiries were completed the flight to England continued in June and was completed in record time of 12 days and 18 hours. In January 1930 Kingsford Smith piloted the “Southern Cloud”, one of the new Avro Ten planes, on the first flight of his airline, the Australian National Airways, from Sydney to Melbourne. The “Southern Cross” was overhauled in Holland by the Fokker Aircraft Co. and in June 1930 Kingsford Smith achieved an east-west crossing of the Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland in 31.5 hours. Kingsford Smith returned to England and took delivery of an Avro Avian biplane that he named the “Southern Cross Junior” and flew solo from England to Darwin, Australia. This record breaking flight took less than 10 days. He beat four other planes that had left England before him and he was 5.5 days faster than Hinkler. Sadly Kingsford Smith’s “Southern Cloud” was lost during a flight from Sydney to Melbourne in 1931 with no surviving crew or passengers; in 1958 the wreckage was discovered in the Snowy Mountains. Later that year Kingsford Smith flew his “Southern Cloud” from Australia to Timor, collecting mail from a damaged Imperial Airways plane in Timor. Other flights followed. Kingsford Smith was knighted in 1932 for his services in Aviation. He returned to selling joy flights then established the Kingsford Smith Air Service, a flying training school in Sydney. In 1933 Kingsford Smith flew the amazing record flight in “Miss Southern Cross” – a Percival Gull - from London to Wyndham in Western Australia in just over ten days. The Australian Commonwealth then gave Kingsford Smith a large grant and he was also appointed as aviation consultant to Vacuum Oil Co. Another flying record was made when Kingsford Smith and Sir P.G. Taylor flow “Lady Southern Cross” from Brisbane to San Francisco in order to sell her there; the west-east-trans-Pacific flight made aviation history. They returned to Australia to make an attempt at the trans-Tasman flight but their attempt failed due to engine failure; they managed to get back to Sydney safely, minus most of their cargo. Kingsford Smith had his unsold “Lady Southern Cross” shipped back to England, from where he and J. T. Pethybridge in the “Lady Southern Cross” attempted another record breaking flight from England The Old Bus Author: Charles Kingsford Smith Publisher: Distibuted by Herald Feature Service Date; 1932Label on spine cover with typed text RA 629.1309 KIN flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, the old bus, charles kingsford smith

The original aircraft depicted was assigned to the US 5th Air Force, 49th Fighter Group, 9th fighter Squadron and flown by Lt. Reynold from May 1942 until early August 1942. The aircraft was nicknamed "Stardust". On 8th August 1942 this P40 was assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force as Kittyhawk A29-136 and assigned the code letter "N", retaining the "Stardust" nickname. This aircraft was often flown by Flying Officer Bruce Watson of 75 Squadron RAAF.1/48 plastic scale model of a P40E-1 Kittyhawk painted to represent 75 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force in New Guinea in mid 1942.kittyhawk

This badge was issued to Mrs M Deacon (mother) of 67 Cramer St, Preston to commemorate her son Flying Officer Stanley Alfred DEACON (255057) who was lost in a Consolidated Catalina A-24-22 of No. 20 Squadron RAAF, on the night of 08/09March 1943. The aircraft flown by the Commanding Officer of No. 20 Squadron W.Cdr Francis Bloomfield Chapman (271349) with Flying Officer S.A.Deacon as R.D.F. Operator (ie. radio officer) and 7 other crew members departed Cairns, and later reported being on fire, probably force landing 30 miles south east of Gasmata. A 3-4 day air search failed to find any sign of the aircraft or survivors. Gasmata is located in New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, Bismarck, New Guinea. Stanley Alfred Deacon is commemorated at the Australian War Memorial and the Rabaul Memorial. https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10307635 Obverse: Circular metal (silver-coloured) badge with raised image of woman with floral bouquet. Raised lettering (see below) Suspended from badge, a rectangular metal strip (suspended by two rings) with small star held by split pin. Reverse: Hinged metal pin clasp Engraving (see below)Obverse: FOR AUSTRALIA Reverse: ISSUED BY THE C'WLTH GOVT A.F. 3713 AMOR SYDNEYww2., mothers and widows badge

This coat was owned and worn by Lieutenant T L(known as Leigh) Simpson D.F.C. who joined the Royal Flying Corps during Workd War 1. He was born in Hamilton Victoria and had an interest through his family in flying, before the war. In 1916 he transferred from the Light Horse Field Ambulance to the 68th Australian Sqd. Royal Flying Corps. He was promoted to lieutenant of the 3rd Squadron. During the war he was a pilot and photographer and took hundreds of reconnaissance photos over occupied territory. He was involved in photographing enemy positions and supplying information to the artillery batteries which then shelled those positions. He was involved in a number of missions involving direct contact with the enemy including Baron von Richtofen and was involved in the "dog fight" which led to von Richtofen's death. In May 1918 he had been promoted to Flight Commander and temporary Captain when his cousin Captain Duigan was wounded. He represented Australia at von Richtofen's funeral and presented the Australian wreath. Following his discharge after being seriously wounded, he returned home and became a grazier in the Dunkeld area. He maintained his interest in aviation throughout his life with a strong connection with Reg Ansett and was a director of Ansett Airways Pty Ltd for many years. He died in Dunkeld in 1960This flying coat is significant because it was owned by Lieutenant Thomas Leigh Simpson DFC while he was in the Australian Flying Corps during World War 1. World War 1 Flying coat. Tan leather, nap finish. Lining wool fabric. Map pocket on front of chest. Internal pocket on left front behind map pocket and external pocket below the waist on the left hand front towards the side.L Simpson on the inside left front.t leigh simpson, royal flying corps, baron von richtofen, australian aviation

Ballarat born Robert Jenkins (6th Field Company Engineers) embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A40 Ceramic in November 1915. Twice wounded ("shell-shocked"), he returned to Australia in April 1919. Robert Edward Jenkins enlisted in the army (V195393) in December 1941 and in October 1942 joined the RAAF. At discharge, he was a Flight Lieutenant in 514 Squadron.Postcards, photographs, flying log book and film negatives of Robert Edward Jenkins (RAAF s/n 419813) and Robert Jenkins (r/n 3295)robert jenkins, robert edward jenkins, 6 field company engineers, 514 squadron, georgina jenkins (nee lynch), philip henry rutlidge

Saint-Omer is a commune and sub-prefecture of the Pas-de-Calais department 68 km west-northwest of Lille on the railway to Calais. The town is named after Saint Audomar, who brought Christianity to the area. (Wikipedia) During World War I on 8 October 1914, the British Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived in Saint-Omer and a headquarters was established at the aerodrome next to the local race course. For the following four years, Saint-Omer was a focal point for all RFC operations in the field. Although most squadrons only used Saint-Omer as a transit camp before moving on to other locations, the base grew in importance as it increased its logistic support to the RFC. Many Royal Air Force squadrons can trace their roots to formation at Saint-Omer during this period. Among which are No. IX Squadron RAF which was formed at Saint-Omer, 14 December 1914 and No. 16 Squadron RAF which was formed on 10 February 1915. (Wikipedia)Black and white postcard showing a group of children and some adults surrounding a horse drawn cart. The cobble stone street is lined with double story buildings. chatham-holmes family collection, saint-omer, world war, world war 1, postcard

During the First World War on 8 October 1914, the British Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived in Saint-Omer and a headquarters was established at the aerodrome next to the local race course. For the following four years, Saint-Omer was a focal point for all RFC operations in the field. Although most squadrons only used Saint-Omer as a transit camp before moving on to other locations, the base grew in importance as it increased its logistic support to the RFC. Many Royal Air Force squadrons can trace their roots to formation at Saint-Omer during this period. Among which are No. IX Squadron RAF which was formed at Saint-Omer, 14 December 1914 and No. 16 Squadron RAF which was formed on 10 February 1915. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014) During World War II, the Luftwaffe used the airfield. When the RAF's legless Battle of Britain ace, Douglas Bader, parachuted from his Spitfire during an aerial battle over France, he was initially treated at a Luftwaffe hospital at Saint Omer. He had lost an artificial leg when bailing out, and the RAF dropped him another one during a bombing raid.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Omer, accessed 14/07/2014)Four postcards of Saint Omer in Francechatham-holmes family collection, saint omer, france, ww1, postcard

This is a part of the A.J. Roddy Collection. The Family have glued a piece on the envelope which says, "Dad's Discharge Paper/ Royal Irish Rifles & Royal Flying Corps./ 7-1-1915 to Dec 1921. Copy a the Discharge paper of Pte2 James Roddy, Royal Irish Rifles & Royal Flying Corps RAF 7-1-1915 to Dec 1921 and CoverCover: Cover for Certificates/ and other Documents of a/ soldier on Demobilization or Transfer to the Reseve/ or Discharge.// Front of Paper: Top right: Form 2067/ Royal Air Force/ Serial No/ Character Certificate of No 133458/ Rank Pte2 Name Roddy James/ Royal Flying Corp (Regiment (crossed out))/ Born in the Parish of / near the Town of South in the / County of ......... on the / Date 11.7.1897/ Trade as stated by him on Enlistment Postman/ 2 parallel lines/ * Description on Leaving the Colours/ Heoght 5ft 6in. Identification Marks:-/ Complexion Fresh Scar above 1st Lumbar/ Eyes Grey. Vertibrae/ Hair Brown/ Signature of Soldier/ (was signed J. Roddy/ * To prevent impersonation/ In the event of any doubt arising as to the bona fidis of the/ bearer, the above description and signature should be carefully compared with present appearance and hand writing. (16:957) WT 3183C/1875 5m.17/18. P&P Ltd/ Photostat copy of Original Opening the paper inside: The character here given is based on continous records of the holder's conduct and / employment throughout his Military Career./ This is to Certify that No 133458 Rank Pte2 Name Roddy James/ has served with the colours in the Royal Irish Rifles & Royal Flying Corps for 3 83/365 years. 1915-18/ Serving in the Royal Flying Corps as a Batman, and during/ the whole of this period carrying out his duites in a/ satisfactory manner/ There is no record of him having incurred any service/ entries on his conduct sheet during this period./ for service in the R.A.F. see form 280/ Signature ..... Squadron Leader/ Date December 1921 Commanding R.A.F. Records Ruislip/ If further particulars as to his character and record of service are required within three years of above date, apply to/ where he is registered for Civil Employment,/ afterwards to the Officer in Charge of Records./ * This space is intended to be filled in by any organisation which has registered the man's name and is prepared to/ supply further information.// Back of paper: Particulars of Service/ Date of Enlistement 7.1.15/ Preceeded on Furlough pending Transfer to the Army/ Reserve, or Discharge on... passed medically fit for the Army Reserve on/ Due for Final Discharge on../ Cause of Transfer or Discharge - Transferred to R.A.F. 1-4-18. under the provisions of the/ Air Force (Constitution) Act Oct. 1917./ Campaigns, Medals and Decorations/ France from 15.6.15 to 3.12.16/ 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory/ Medals. /Education and other Certificates and dates/corps, ww1, collection, royal, a j, roddy, flying, irish, rifles, pte2, james, 1915

MacRobertson's Old Style Butter Scotch 6 ozs Nett tin box / containing 2 x envelopes addressed to Mrs L. Chancellor , A.C.F. Branch , Taraxville , Golden Square , postmarked 19.11.1942. , 2 1/2 penny red Australia stamp, WW2 Penny - a Plane Certificates showing promotion to various ranks - in the Penny - a Plane Campaign - 16 x certificates - Flying officer / 5 x certificates Flight Lieutenant - signed A.R. Cutler V.C. / 4 x certificates - Squadron Leader / 27 x Seargean Pilot - some bearing the name of LYDIA CHANCELLOR. / Piece of paper 'Francis Greenway - his Life & times '/ Newspaper clipping from the Argus Newspaper 17.10. 1942. ' Penny -a Plane Fund Grows, describes campaign which is related to the amount of 'Jap' planes shot down - e.g. 'No 1 cards which contain 100 stamps - one for every Jap plane shot down - have been completed'ephemera, mementoes, lydia chancellor collection, collection, macrobertson's old style butter scotch tin 6 ozs nett / mrs l. chancellor 2 1/2 penny red australia stamp /penny - a plane certificates /campaign / a.r. cutler v.c.

RAAF Radar Fiftieth Anniversary - Bendigo. Detailed Programme of Events.. The events started on Saturday 21st of March 1992 and continued for five days until Wednesday 25th. Some of the dignitaries taking part were: Parade Commander Wing Commander Peter Bevan, Squadron Leader John Harris, Wing Commander Marty Rowland, Wing Commander Eric Gidley, Squadron Leader Graham Lloyd, Walter Fielder-Gill, Ken Whalen, Flying Officer John Letchford, Max O'Halloran MBE.military, airforce, raaf radar

Black and whire photograph of Pilot Officer N W Hobson 9 SqnPilot officer N W Hobson in co-pilots seat of a 9 Sqn RAAF UH-1H Iroquois helicopter. Hobson served in Vietnam between April 1969 and April 1970 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFL)9 squadron raaf, helicopter pilot

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (First Oak Leaf Cluster) Squadron leader Alan R Reed distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as and RD-4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 24 August 1968. On that date, he flew his aircraft repeatedly through intense hostile ground fire to obtain complete photographic coverage of the target. In addition, he voluntarily remained in that hostile environment for as long as fuel would allow, to act as a spotter and to pass firing corrections to friendly artillery. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader Reed reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.Black and White photo in black and white frame of SQN LDR Alan Reed receiving a citation to accompany Distinguished Flying Cross 21 /08 /1968. with supporting info.flying cross, alan reed

Ill, p.287.non-fictionOn 17 May 1943, nearly 350 million tons of water crashed into the valleys of the Ruhr when the Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron breached the giant Moehne and Eder Dams with colossal ‘blockbuster’ bombs. The Dam Busters tells the story of the raid and the squadron of fearless airmen who carried it through. Again and again, the crews of 617 Squadron Bomber Command used their flying skills, their tremendous courage and Barnes Wallis’ highly accurate bouncing bombs to deal devastating blows to Nazi Germany. world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - britain, dam buster raid - germany

Ill p.254.non-fictionOn 17 May 1943, nearly 350 million tons of water crashed into the valleys of the Ruhr when the Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron breached the giant Moehne and Eder Dams with colossal ‘blockbuster’ bombs. The Dam Busters tells the story of the raid and the squadron of fearless airmen who carried it through. Again and again, the crews of 617 Squadron Bomber Command used their flying skills, their tremendous courage and Barnes Wallis’ highly accurate bouncing bombs to deal devastating blows to Nazi Germany.world war 1939 – 1945 – britain – aerial operations - europe, royal air force - 617 squadron

Index, ill (b/w plates), p.342.non-fictionThe story of Douglas Bader's life is the stuff of legend. After losing both his legs in a flying accident he returned to the RAF at the beginning the Second World War to become Britain's most famous airman and hero. In the Battle of Britain he led his squadron of Spitfires to kill after kill, keeping them going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. And Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with a charm and determination that was to become an inspiration to all around himbader douglas - biography, battle of britain - history

p.224.non-fictionA memoir by a WWI fighter pilot, with the adventurous spirit of 'War horse' and the charm of 'The little prince'. A singular, lyrical book, 'Sagittarius rising' is at once an exuberant memoir from the Lost Generation and a riveting tale of the early days of flight during World War I. Cecil Lewis lied his way into the British Army's Royal Flying Corps at age sixteen and was ordered to a squadron on the Western Front only a year later. At the time, flying was so new that designers hadn't even decided on basic mechanics such as how many wings a plane should have. Despite this, Lewis mastered virtually every kind of single-engine plane in the RFC, going on to excel in active duty and even to dogfight the Red Baron--and live to tell the tale. Full of infectious charm and written with the prose and pacing of a novel, 'Sagittarius rising' beautifully recounts Lewis's harrowing exploits in the sky alongside his wild times of partying and chasing girls while on leave in London. His coming-of-age story is unlike any other WWI memoir you've read before. world war 1914-1918 - aerial operations - britain, cecil lewis - memoir