Copies of Illustrated diaries produced by Bon Dale (Bernard George Dale) whilst stationed at RAF Andreas and RAF Jurby during the Second World War
Date(s): 1940s
Creator(s): Dale, Bernard George
Administration / Biographical History: During the Second World War Bernard George Dale served in the RAF as a gunnery and aircraft recognition instructor. He met his future wife Cicely Jackson met at Hull Art School before the outbreak of war. Bernard created a beautifully illustrated picture book depicting a ‘perfect leave’ with Cicely in July 1941, during which they enjoyed a romantic day by the sea. In August 1942, just over a year after their romantic day out at Thornwick Bay, Bernard and Cicely were married in Chester. They relocated to the Isle of Man when Bernard was posted to RAF Andreas and RAF Jurby. When the war ended, they moved to London, where Cicely finished her studies at the Royal College of Art. The couple's son Simon was born in 1952.
Bernard trained to be an art teacher and taught for ten years, before becoming a commercial artist. In their later years, the couple became antique restorers with a specialism in Chinese and Japanese art. Bernard died in 1998 and Cicely in 2017.
The three wartime picture books are held at the Imperial War Museum with the 'perfect leave' book available to view here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/a-perfect-wartime-date?fbclid=IwAR2IisWW4L-0w7eZQlnWUBsWjiv1DwR6RFNgwNgPqAKBOOX9qujAHF1O9fw&fs=e&s=cl
Language: English
Extent: 2 items
Item name: pictorial diaries
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: SERIES
ID number: MS 15200
Record class: Private
Access conditions: Copies to be obtained from the Imperial War Museum. Viewable by request during library opening hours at the Manx National Heritage Library and Archives, Manx Museum, Douglas, Isle of Man. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.im