Terence Kane’s fighter pilot career in the RAF was marked by courage and survival against incredible odds. Inspired by his brother’s love of flying, Terry signed up for a short service commission just after turning seventeen, and was fortunate to survive his initial training. In 1940 he found himself flying Spitfires with 234 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Hit by enemy fire he was forced to ditch his damaged plane in the English Channel. At just 19, Terry was one of the few Battle of Britain pilots to be captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war. Taken to Oflag 9A in Spangenburg, Terry’s life became a mix of hardship and resilience. Amid strict conditions, he found small ways to endure, including playing makeshift golf to pass the time. He eventually reunited with his brother in the camp before being forced on a gruelling march away from advancing Russian forces. On May 1st, Terry’s group was liberated after a tense encounter. Reflecting on his wartime experiences, Terry’s story is a testament to survival, resilience, and the indomitable British spirit.

Growing up near Coventry, Flying Officer Tom Holland witnessed the devastation caused by air raids. This, alongside his desire to fly, motivated him to join the RAF. Starting his flight training during WW2, he graduated from RAF College Cranwell, first in order of merit. Although he’d hoped - and was specially recommended- to fly Spitfires for reconnaissance photography, Tom was sent for additional training to operate flying boats. By the end of his training, Tom had had experience on a variety of aircraft, including Tiger Moths, Harvards, Oxfords and Lancasters, before being placed with 230 Squadron at the end of July 1948 to fly Sunderlands. The week he joined, the Squadron was deployed to Hamburg for the Berlin Airlift. Tom recalls what life was like flying, and working, on Sunderland aircraft during the Airlift. The interior stripped of as much unnecessary weight as possible, he recalls the precise logistics required to carry various loads into Berlin. Navigating the challenges of landing on water, to adverse weather conditions and pressure from Russian aircraft, Tom’s interview highlights the knife edge between peace and war during this period and he retains pride for what was achieved and the vital part he played. 

For Mary Overill, the war offered opportunities for life and work far beyond the bounds of her rural upbringing… although her first posting upon joining the WAAF sent her only 22 miles away to Plymouth! Six months later, Mary was posted to RAF St Eval in Cornwall where she worked with Squadron Leader Shackleton, son of the famous explorer, and she shares her memories of life and work during this time. In 1943, Mary was called to the Air Ministry in London, where she signed the Official Secrets Act and began working at the Cabinet Office Cipher Office (COCO). She vividly recalls operations there, and how regularly she saw Winston Churchill ‘disappearing off somewhere else’ in the building. Mary also shares memories of living in London during the war, navigating the dangers of bombings and experiencing the joy of VE Day. Her stories provide a glimpse into her extraordinary life during wartime, both at the RAF bases of her service and in the heart of London itself.