Upon turning 18, Betty Hutton decided to join the air force and began her military career in the RAF Balloon Command, working in both London and Manchester. When the air force started to reduce the use of barrage balloons – at the same time deciding it wasn’t a role fit for a woman after all, much to the serving women’s chagrin – Betty opted to become an aircraft mechanic. After successfully completing her training Betty began working on the Whitley aircrafts, but as an assistant she wasn’t allowed to do any of the critical mechanical work herself. Determined to progress her role, she undertook further training and passed out as a Fitter 2A, holding sole responsibility for carrying out mechanical work on the Wellington aircraft, which she found frightening but exhilarating. Betty’s story of course contains personal accounts of loss and sadness that serve as stark reminders of the heartbreak and devastation of war, but it’s abundantly clear to see – despite the great modesty with which she shares her memories – the significant contribution her hard work and commitment made to the war effort.

In this honest interview, Paul talks candidly about his personal experiences of flying for the RAF. Upon Chamberlain's announcement of war, Paul remembers not feelings of fear or dread, but rather somewhat of a celebration, as he recalls commemorating the occasion by opening a 'decent bottle of wine'. John would then go on to join the RAF where his first real engagement with the enemy was during the Battle of Britain where he fought with 501 squadron against the Germany's Luftwaffe. Interestingly, Paul remarks that he actually enjoyed being a part of the Battle of Britain, although it's clear he felt sorry for the other pilots flying the Fairey Battles. During this interview, Paul reflects on his time serving the RAF, he reminisces about some of the friendships he made and unfortunately, the death he faced at every corner. John emerged from the Battle of Britain a new man, he was awarded 8 kills, 2 probable's and 11 damaged, yet despite this, Paul remains modest about his achievements. After his time with the 501, Paul would move on to serve with the 229 where he spent 3 years out in the Middle East where he was not permitted to return home once. He later tells his scary and exhilarating story fighting in Malta where he barely survived his encounter with the Axis forces.

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.