Collecting and researching WW2 pilots flying logbooks

[Chugalug2]

Siko (if I may?), the Gaining an RAF Pilots Brevet in WWII thread is now well into its 10th year. Sadly, we have lost many of the members who qualified per the OP and told their stories of wartime recruitment, training, and operations, but happily we have Danny42C, who dive-bombed the Japanese Army in Burma for a living, having been trained in the USA Arnold Schools for his RAF wings. All the stories were woven on the armatures of various RAF Form 414's (Pilots Flying Log Book) of course. Even the stories of deceased fathers, etc, have been related by their children using this invaluable and precise record. At one point it was hoped that Luftwaffe WWII pilots might join our virtual crew-room, but it was not to be. The thread is still very active and drifts as it may, with the WWII RAF as its loadstone. You would be most welcome I know if you could tell the stories that you have researched so diligently, be they of British, Commonwealth, German, or whatever, nationalities. At the moment the subjects, inter alia, are Polish Code Breakers and RAF Overseas Station Architecture, but we amble as we may, thanks to our ever indulgent mods.

Danny is always urging us on, telling us that time is of the essence. As valuable as the OP posts are, the resultant discussion throws up anomalies, corrects long held misunderstandings, and generally takes us back to those desperately dangerous but adrenalin filled years. The stories told first hand of course are very special, and their "by the way" detail unique, but time alas has made it likely that Danny is probably the last to tell us his own story. So now we come to the NoK and the historians and researchers, such as yourself, to speak for those whose records survive them. I for one would be fascinated and grateful if you could tell us such stories. The more fleshing out of those ever terse log-book entries the better.

The stories need telling, but the telling itself can take its time, ever pausing to discuss anything and everything, from technical, administrative, logistical, morale, etc viewpoints. Our crew room, shabby and worn as it may be, has infinite capacity, giving those who take pride of place standing before its chipped fireplace a large and appreciative audience. If you've a mind to join us then please do. The tea, milk, sugar, and kettle are on the left as you come in, with the swindle cash tin right alongside. Grab a mug, help yourself, and find an unoccupied battered armchair near the fire. Danny would no doubt be along shortly to welcome you to our humble abode:-

Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW II