Catalogue

Interview
818, LO/182/133
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Dean, Donald, 1917 - , Interviewee, Male, Group Captain, Royal Air Force
Speaker: Pallett, T., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Former Group Captain recalls introduction to flying and wartime service in the Royal Air Force as a pilot. Describes flying training, air sea rescue work, posting to Bomber Command and flying Whitley planes. Recalls being shot down and subsequent rescue. Describes being part of 77 Squadron at RAF Topcliffe in Yorkshire under Don Bennett. Talks about the work of the "Pathfinders Group", briefings and bombing missions. Recalls the some of the people he flew with and loyalty to aircraft. Describes the "corkscrew" manouvre for engaging enemy aircraft and other details of flying. Describes debriefing on return from a mission, size of a squadron and details of hazards of flying.
Place of birth: St Marylebone, London
Education: City of London School,
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County:
Location: Town/Place:
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 6/1/1985
Playing time: 45 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

Page Automatically Generated

Use the browser's back button to return to the previous screen.

Home>>Catalogue>>Search


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