as a Met assistant,
I was then 16 and a half,
and I was posted to RAF
This was a Wellington bomber
and in fact, at Moreton,
in an aircraft in a Wellington.
I think that was in early 1942.
I was sat on a spar as I
onto the side of the aircraft
I think for the first time
corkscrew left or corkscrew right.
So that was my introduction
that I also wanted to fly
wellington
© RAF Musuem
My first flight I sat on a spar and held on tight.
Stan Holmes served as a Meteorological Air Observer in No. 251 Squadron. Stan joined the Met Office on deferred service, working on RAF Stations until starting aircrew training. After demobilisation, Stan continued in meteorology and worked alongside the RAF for his entire career.
| Role Met Air Observer | Age 20 |
I read every Biggles book in the library.
Stan HolmesWe attached candles to hydrogen balloons.
Stan HolmesThe 1000 bomber raid.
Stan Holmes
The locals all knew there was a secret plane with no propellor.
Stan HolmesWe lived in luxury flats near Regents Park and ate our meals at London Zoo.
Stan Holmes
My experiences in Iraq had become a constant, invasive thought
Paul Twitchell
I'd just bombed them. Didn't think they'd be too pleased to see me.
Robert Iveson
The most daring prank of World War II.
Phillip Dawson
He steals things, he hides things. That's the guy for me.
Charlie Hammerton
Could you drop a nuclear bomb?
John Peters
We had no machinery. But the kids with a cd player gave me an idea.
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies
It's so difficult for a mum to hand your son over to the RAF
Emma Knutzen
Do they know who I am? I'm just a kid from Woolwich
Trevor Edwards
The safety of the casualty comes last.
Ayla Holdom
My 21st birthday present was to still be alive
Roy Finch