'February 1944. Bon is stationed at No.11 Air Gunnery School RAF Andreas I.O.M.'
Date(s): 1940s
Creator(s): Dale, Bernard George
Scope & Content: Bon illustrates activiites with accompanying captions including waiting for the Isle of Man boat from Fleetwood, returning from leave (24 February 1944), spotting from onboard John and Mable embarking at Fleetwood having settled 'Cice' in the Ladies Lounge, playing 'Brag' for matches with John on the crossing, approaching the Isle of Man from on deck, the couple's trip to Douglas on the MER on his first day off (1 March 1944), Cice spending her remaining coupons buying new shoes, watching the Phantom of the Opera at the cinema after tea, 'Thursday 2nd March Cice started working on a farm. So now we both leave home together in the morning', climbing a hill in Sulby glen, 'returning to Ramsey the Manx railway caused our imaginations to run away with us', climbing to the Albert Tower overlooking Ramsey, walking a route returning via Glen Auldyn and collecting brush wood to burn, organising decorations for the Mess Dance, tide out in Ramsey harbour, rowing with Queens Pier in background, pirate games out at sea, taking tea back on dry land, a bicycle outing, changing into swimwear, picnicing, sunbathing, playing rounders, watching the 'Gang Show' in the YMCA canteen in camp, waiting for the bus to Ramsey, attending Sergeants Mess open night and listening to swing, playing 'Brag' with those who stayed on, sailing in Ramsey bay and flying above and below cloud. Ends with Bon leaving with kit bag for an 'Ops' attachment in the UK and illustrations of flying exercises at Fiskerton, Lincs.
Language: English
Extent: 39 pages
Item name: pictorial diary
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: FILE
ID number: MS 15200/1
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