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Recorded interview with Flying Officer Peter Willis, 14 January 2013

Film & Sound, In Storage, X005-6738

Recorded interview with Peter Willis, who flew Hudson and Warwick aircraft while serving with 269 Squadron in the UK and Azores during the later part of the Second World War.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Warrant Officer Arthur Taylor, 9 May 2013

Film & Sound, In Storage, X005-6744

Arthur Taylor served as an RAF ground wireless operator and fitter during and after the Second World War. He fought in France in 1940 and was safely evacuated from Dunkirk.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Wing Commander Thomas Francis Neil, 8 December 2015

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-3325

Tom Neil served as a pilot in Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft during the Battle of Britain and after in the UK and Malta during and after the Second World War.

Image pending

Medal Bar of Squadron Leader Clifford Percival Rudland

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, 1990/1243/D

Clifford Rudland served with No. 263 Squadron from 1940–1942, flying Westland Whirlwinds and Hurricanes. In 1941 he destroyed two Messerschmitt Me 109s in the air and damaged a Junkers Ju 87 on the ground during a sortie in France.

Six medals on individual ribbons with different stripe patterns in multiple colours, © RAF Museum

Medal Bar of Air Vice Marshal Harold Arthur Cooper Bird-Wilson, CBE, DSO, DFC and Bar, AFC and Bar

Aircraft & Exhibits, In Storage, X003-6817

Arthur Bird-Wilson survived several crashes during his long and successful career as an RAF pilot during and after the Second World War. He was commended for ‘fine fighting qualities and determination in his attacks’.

Twelve medals on individual ribbons with different stripe patterns in multiple colours, © RAF Museum

Trolley Accumulator, Mk I

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Three, 85/V/46

The batteries in aircraft were small so the Trolley Accumulator was used to provide the high power needed to start aircraft engines. The engine was used to recharge the batteries in the trolley.

Metal trailer with a large wheel on each side and small wheel beneath the charging set, RAF Museum

Aircraft Recognition Cards

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 69/K/414

Aircraft recognition was a vital skill for the Royal Observer Corps and aircrew. Many hours were devoted to studying photographs or drawings of aircraft. Illustrated playing cards added some fun to the process.

Aircraft Recognition Cards | 69/K/414, © RAF Museum

Medals of Corporal Ernest Gladstone Reeves

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar Five, X001-2418

The details of where Corporal Reeves served and what his role was are not known, other than that he worked as groundcrew during the Battle of Britain. He represents ‘the Many’ who supported ‘the Few’, without whom the Battle could not have been won.

Three six-pointed bronze star medals and three round silver medals - all on individual clasps and five with ribbons, © RAF Museum

Post Instrument Mark IIC

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar Five, 67/I/698

Post Instruments were used in the Second World War by members of the Observer Corps as an aide to assess the height, bearing and location of enemy aircraft.

Side view of a complex instrument made of metal, with a measuring stick fixed in the middle, © RAF Museum

Flying Helmet Type B

Aircraft & Exhibits, London, Hangar One, 77/U/636

Similar in shape to the 1930 Pattern flying helmet, the most recognisable feature of the Type B was the large zipped covers housing the telephone receivers.

Soft brown leather helmet with chinstrap and large leather headphone domes over ears, © RAF Museum