Local Memoirs

Photographic Memories of a Flight Commander

A Harrow on gunnery training at Evanton

Flight Commander, 281 Squadron.

Sgt. Cook in a Lysander, took this shot of me in a Botha just off Tarbot Ness

Here are some of my photos from my time as a Flight Commander during WW2.

518 Halifax over Tiree, training flight.	518 Halifax over the Caledonian Canal with Ben Nevis in the background.

Blind Flying Panel and Instruments,Botha.	Bristol Pegasus engine off for Inspection.

Flight Gang	Jimmy Agutter’s Servicing Gang

On July 30, 1942 I had an engine failure in a Botha at 50 feet, three cylinders blowing off. I managed to get 5 miles to Fearn and belly land. Crew got away with it and I got 14 days sick leave with a torn forearm muscle on the left arm.

September, 1942. Starboard undercarriage collapsed on landing at Evanton.	Same prang with fire tender and crash crew.

A crashed Whitely V being dismantled near Wick.	A Botha ditched in the Cromarty Firth and was towed up and beached at Invergordon.

Passing out parade Evanton.	Passing out parade Evanton.

Dalcross Drome from 8,000 feet.

Dalcross Drome from 8,000 feet. Taken for the court of inquiry on Flight Sergeant Telfer, who spun in and burnt out in a Botha in May, 1942. You can see the black burn mark at the intersection of the runways being built.

Evanton Drome from 8,000 feet.