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- Collection: Thomson, George
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1943 calendar
Cover and first page of book
A Canadian experience
Recounts a family visit to Canada. Comments on host, visit to 442 Squadron and Canadian casualties and fellow prisoners of war. Goes on to recount other activities during visit. Finally mentions attending reunion of the Mildenhall Register.
A day with an RAF recruit
Lists activities from 0600 hours until lights out at 2030 with appropriate humorous religious quotes.
A large group of aircrew
A large group of airmen sitting and standing in five rows, wearing battledress, some with pilot's brevet and others with half brevet. In the background a hangar door.
A message of welcome from the Secretary of State for Air
Welcome to the RAF and notes selected for aircrew training. Explains how training will progress and other advice and information.
A young man walking backwards
Starts with description of early childhood, growing up and attending school in the Glasgow area. Having been in the air training corps, he volunteers for the RAF. Briefly covers his training before joining 15 Squadron flying Lancaster from RAF…
Absent from camp pass
For George Thomson, permission to be absent from RAF Heaton Park.
Account of being shot down and prisoner of war
Shot down 12/9/44. Captured after 8 days. List camps Dulag Luft, Stalag Luft 7 and Stalag IIIIA. Liberated by the Russians.
Account of events during final operation and capture
Give details of how crew get together before flight. Battle order, crew briefings, manning aircraft, operation flight details, baling out, evasion route/events and kit. Notes on interrogation, and dispersal to Stalag Luft 7.
Acknowledgement of letter
Acknowledgement of letter from Mrs Thomson by air ministry accounts which would receive their attention.
Address notes
Addresses for some of George's postings and other members of family.
Advice of goods (personal effects) despatched
Advises dispatch of personal effects of George Thomson from central depository to his father.
Air and ground crew
Seven aircrew and two ground personnel standing and squatting in front of a Lancaster. Text indicates pilot Flight Lieutenant Wesble Perry DFC RAAF, Pilot Officer G Schmerberg, navigator, Flight Sergeant Park, WOp, Pilot Officer R Conway RAAF, bomb…
Air crew and an airman
Left - seven airmen wearing battledress with brevet, George Thomson's crew.
Right - full face portrait of and airman with number 18433 (prisoner of war).
Second enlarged version of the crew photograph.
Right - full face portrait of and airman with number 18433 (prisoner of war).
Second enlarged version of the crew photograph.
Air mail letter to Mr and Mrs Thomson from S W Haines
![EHainesSWThomson[Fam]441207-0001.jpg](https://ibccdigitalarchive.omeka.net/files/square_thumbnails/1157/51482/EHainesSWThomson[Fam]441207-0001.jpg "EHainesSWThomson[Fam]441207-0001.jpg")
Writes that the best news they had ever received that George was safe though a prisoner. Mentions how sad they were when heard he was missing. Consoles them over time they had to wait for news. Hopes war would soon be over and George would be back…
Aircraft recognition list for RAF and some Luftwaffe
List of aircraft with corresponding wingspan.
Argentine chocolates box
Box and information cards.
Award of DSO to Wing Commander William David Gordon Watkins
Newspaper cutting announcing award as well as previous award of DFM, DFC and mention in despatches. Included b/w photograph of him wearing tunic with observer brevet and flying helmet.
Best wishes from the Caterpillar Club
Card with club details.
Bill Parke and Geoff Stokes
Flying officer William Parke (left) and his friend pilot Flying Officer Geoff Stokes standing in front of Lancaster 'LM238, LS-T' at RSF Mildenhall during 1944. Both completed tours and were awarded Distinguished Flying Cross.
Bird in Hand
Four men wearing civilian suits standing in front a 'Bird in Hand' column with hawk cut out figure on top, Beck Row outside the perimeter of RAF Mildenhall.
Identification kindly provided by Toby Clempson of the Unidentified photos of the British…
Identification kindly provided by Toby Clempson of the Unidentified photos of the British…
Bomber Command Association membership card
Made out for Mr G B Thomson as life member.
Bomber Command loss
Gives details of loss of George Thomson's Lancaster. Notes operation details, location of loss and cause. Notes shot down by night fighter piloted by Oberfeldwbel Heinrich Schmidt (2NG6). List crew with status: pilot Norman Overend and mid upper…
Brief account of being shot down and as prisoner of war
Brief details of shoot down, capture and time at Dulag Luft and Stalag Luft 7 in 1944 before moving to Stalag 3A early 1945. Liberated by Russians and flight home.