Scanned correspondence between John Brown, Manager of the Scarinish Hotel, March-July 1949, and guests George and Kathleen Morton. George Morton was one of the flight crew based at RAF Tiree with 518 Squadron – Meteorological Observers, during WWII. George brought Kathleen back to Tiree for their honeymoon in 1949. The correspondence includes a receipt for £12 and 8 shillings for one week’s room and board, plus transfers, and instructions regarding the use of ration cards.
Scanned copy of a Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book belonging to Fred B Green, AFC, who was a pilot with 518 Squadron based at RAF Tiree from February 1943 to May 1945. The log book shows that he flew missions on 1, 2, 5 and 6 June 1944, all in Halifax LL294, including a stint of 9 hours 50 minutes on 2 June. That flight was diverted to Stornoway, presumably on account of weather conditions.
Transcriptions of personal letters from Wilfred Lancaster (1909-1988) to his wife Elizabeth (Betty) when he was stationed at Kilkenneth, RAF Tiree during WW2. They provide an interesting insight into life at the airbase during that time. Includes photographs of Wildfred and two other airmen, Reggie Burton and George Parker.
Copy of a page from An Tirisdeach 679 about a visit to Tiree by the Free Czechoslovak Air Force Associates, an organisation dedicated to remembering the Czech men and women who served in the RAF during WW2. Includes a detailed biography of Flying Officer Leonard Revilliod (1922-1944) who died in a mid-air collision over Island House in 1944.
Hardback book ‘Forecast for Overlord’, by J M Stagg, 1971. A first-hand account of the weather forecasting that allowed the D-Day operations to be carried out on June 6, 1944. Written by General Eisenhower’s chief weatherman. Airmen at RAF Tiree collected the weather data that was used to forecast D-Day.
Black & white photograph of RAF personnel watching competitions on Tiree in 1943. A senior officer and his wife are scrutinising the Events scoreboard.
Black & white photograph of RAF personnel milling around the score board during competitions on Tiree in 1943. Team names include Cadets, SHQ, 518 Squadron, 281 Squadron, 8518 SE, 8281 SE, Works Flight, Kilkenneth, Sgts Mess, Messing, Signals, M&E.
Black & white photograph of RAF personnel participating in competitions on Tiree in 1943. The score board includes the names Henmark, Treharne, Godding, White, Quinlan, Fraser, Parrett, Treby, Williams, Mossop, Smith, Saunders, Percival, Redpath, Brown, Harrison, Mannion, Miller, Dixon, Burton, Barrett, Tomlinson, Pawson.
Black & white photograph of officers and crew of RAF 518 Squadron on Tiree in 1943. Eric Crow is pictured front row, second from right. He “was a great one for organising social events, dances, etc.” (see 2019.37 for event photos).