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.

John grew up during World War Two and found it an exciting time. His hometown was bombed, and he witnessed the build-up for D-Day. His brother was killed near the end of the war while working in bomb disposal. When it was time for National Service after the war he joined the RAF and was posted to Wunstorf airfield in Germany. He felt sorry for the Germans when he saw the devastation caused by Allied bombing, which he saw to be worse than that caused by German attacks on Britain. At the airfield he became a lorry driver, helped load the planes and assisted in guarding the airfield.  He enjoyed the work and saw a variety of aircraft, both RAF and civilian, including Yorks, Tudors, Dakotas and Liberators. He found the variety of aircraft interesting but each one presented different loading issues, such as different heights and cargo bay size. As time went on the Airlift became more organised, with less paperwork slowing down the flights. German labourers were used to work on the transports and whilst talking to them many of them said they had served on the Russian front, never on the Western front, against the British or Americans! As part of his ration he received 100 cigarettes a week, and, as a non-smoker, he could trade these on the black market for goods or German marks. His time spent in Germany helped him feel less hostile towards Germans and now he is proud to have been part of the Airlift.

John Edward Lee joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot navigator after working at the Ministry of Supply. He trained abroad before completing the RAF observer course in navigation, bomb aiming, signals, and gunnery. After training in Lossiemouth Scotland, he joined the No. 76 Squadron as a Lancaster navigator. John flew in thirty-one bombing raids and experienced several close calls flying at 18,000 feet, under attack and blinded by enemy searchlights. He later recalls the stunning sight of thousands of ships below as he flew across the channel on D-Day. After his crew disbanded, they reunited at RAF Moreton-in-the-Marsh. John then extended his service, becoming a navigation instructor and radar specialist, teaching crews’ telemetry for atom bomb drops. He later trained on Vickers Valiants and Wellington Bombers, issuing targets and briefing missions in Russia. John described his RAF career as fascinating and fulfilling, proud of his role and contributions.