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I new I had a great uncle who was a flight sergeant in the RFC, but knew little more about him. Much to my absolute surprise, today while in the Spitfire museum at Manston Kent I came face to face with a photo of him in a display cabinet. Couldn't believe it!!!
Anyway, in the cabinet is his Aviation Pocket Book. Does anyone know anything about these? I'm hoping it might be a diary of his time in the RFC. I'm going to contact the curator in the hope I can get a good look at it and maybe be allowed to get a copy done somehow.
It was such a fantastic moment, if it wasn't for the fact the photo of him was at my eyelevel I might have completely overlooked it to be forgotten for ever. God bless my Great Great Uncle Charlie (DCM)! :0)
Great find!
I think the book would have been a contemporary version of a "Flying for Dummies" sort of thing, given the very new technology they were working with. How to rig the wings, start the engine, etc.
That or a log book, but I suspect the former is more likely.
Either way, great to see history living and breathing!
I think your right Cap'n. Still likely to be very interesting and if it only contains his number, that would be great, we might then be able to find out how he gained his DCM.
Good luck with your search!
I'm doing something similar with a truly fascinating distant relative with an astonishing history in France in WWII. Each new discovery feels like a real achievement.
I've just finished re-reading Sagittarius Rising by Cecil Lewis.
An incredible story of flying in WWI and well worth reading.
Good luck with finding out more information - and let us know how how you get on.
Thanks very much, I'll look out for that!