Tom grew up learning about famous flights which influenced him to join the Royal Air Force aged eighteen. As an RAF volunteer reserve, he learnt how to fly Gypsy 1 Moths and Tiger Moth biplanes, and when the war started, he was introduced to Hurricanes and Spitfires. He was sent to Montrose Scotland and learnt to fly Hawker Harts, Hawker Fury’s, and Hawker Audax’s, undertaking training in engines and navigation. Tom went to RAF Boscombe Down to fly in the Battle of Britain as part of the 249 squadron, which earned the Victoria Cross. He lost eight of his squadron who were shot down by the Luftwaffe, and twenty others who were badly wounded. Many the RAF were badly burned due to Hurricane aircraft fuel tanks catching fire. Tom explains the difficulty of attacking from the air in freezing temperatures, chasing flying missiles (V-1's, known as Doodlebugs) and his experiences of bailing out by parachute. After the Battle of Britain, Tom went to the Middle East to reinforce the army. His squadron split in two and as the senior flight commander he led the second group, assisting in the Siege of Malta campaign under intense bombing raids. Tom returned to England after nine months, withstanding torpedo and bombing attacks on the ship home. He later joined the Americans in the 9^th United States Airforce and was a test pilot at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He worked for the British Embassy and was a member of the United Nations. He reflects on the sadness of losing his squadron friends and the joy of meeting his wife during the war and their sixty-seven years of marriage.

Geoffrey Abbott recounts his illustrious career, from the factory to the frontlines. Having left school at sixteen, Geoffrey took up work making engines in a factory, but soon swapped this for servicing spitfires for the RAF.   After training as an engine fitter, Geoffrey quickly found himself posted across the globe, supporting wartime efforts in the Middle East and Africa. Geoffrey recalls his journeys across the sea, his aircraft expertise, and the hardships he faced away from home.  His interview illuminates the non-combatant wartime experience, highlighting the role of machinery mastery as indispensable. An often forgotten perspective, Geoffrey provides insight on the uncertainty of the supporting cast and the contentious condition of having to work amidst conflict. Geoffrey’s story is one of resolve and bravery, underpinned by his desire to help and a genuine passion for planes.  .  

Starting as a Bevin Boy, Alan Hewett, struggled to settle down after being demobbed. Determined to follow his dream, Alan joined the RAF. Originally stationed at RAF Melksham, Alan met his future wife, Eve. Later he was sent to North Luffenham, working as a mechanical engineer, Alan replaced Dakota aeroplane engines during the Berlin Airlift. Although RAF Luffenham wasn’t a very social place, Alan reflects on how his downtime was spent there. After serving as an instructor at Melksham and on tour in Iraq, Alan was meant to be demobbed. Instead he took a job at RAF Crawley, building the De Havilland Comet 2 flight simulator. At RAF Little Rissington, Alan became the chief in charge of simulators for the NATS, which later became the Red Arrows. Lastly, Alan reflects on the independence and self-reliance that his time spent in the RAF taught him. He details how his 22 years of service shaped his confidence, work ethic, and even his marriage, affording him with an overall ‘great life’.