Recorded interview with Flight Lieutenant Ray Cooledge, 11 September 2024

Interview with Ray Cooledge, who served as an RAF airframe fitter and as a pilot in Dakota transport aircraft, including operations between India and China during the Second World War.

Ray Cooledge served initially as RAF ground crew with 17 Squadron in the UK. After pilot training he served as a ferry pilot and as a senior officer’s personal pilot. He was posted to India and flew Dakota transport aircraft with 353 and 52 Squadrons. Operations in India included flights between India and China and supply-dropping to ground forces. He continued to fly as an RAF pilot after the war.