Catalogue

Interview
814, LO/178/129
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Draper, Donald Squadron Leader, 1920 - , Interviewee, Male, Pilot, Royal Air Force;
Speaker: Pallett, T., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a schoolboy in Coventry, and wartime service in the RAF. Describes his training as a Hurricane pilot and postings to Manston and France. Recalls Dunkirk evacuation and the battle of Britain. Talks about being shot down in Walham Marshes and later in the North Sea. Recalls the morale of the squadrons and posting to Malta. Describes flying Secret Operations Executive (SOE) agents into France in Lysander aircraft, being shot down on one trip and his escape back to Britain. Recalls going to Canada as an instructor in 1943 and returning to England to fly with wartime flying ace Johnny Johnson on D-Day 1944. Describes special bombing mission on the prison at Amiens and a house in Oslo, Norway. Compliments the ground crews and aircraft factory workers for their contribution to the war effort. Describes returning home after the war, working for West Indian Airways and flying with the 'Black Arrows' display team in a Hawker Hunter. Talks about flying jet aircraft.
Place of birth: Coventry
Education: Broad Street school, Coventry; Jesus College Cambridge
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County:
Location: Town/Place: Coventry
Periods Covered: 1940s, 1950s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 18/6/1985
Playing time: 45 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.