The following are interesting photos and newspaper clippings of a general nature not specifically related to any one event or individual in particular. Neither do they particularly have to relate to the squadron. All have been kindly provided from many sources, the author or owner of which is indicated below each picture.
A great shot of Wellingtons in formation taken from the rear turret. almost certainly a 215 Squadron Wellington taken over India although the serial can not be made out 214 Squadron's Wellington coded U carried serial #Z8965
Source & Copyright Liam & Fg/Off William Venner
From the earlier days of the squadron
Christmas menu 1939
"A" Flight 214 Squadron
Source : Sgt William Walker
Christmas 1940
Dinner Menu from the new home of 214 Squadron
The Squadron moved to Stradishall on February 8, 1940
Sadly this is all that remains of the document
Note : A more complete version of this is shown in Photo Album 4.
Source : Sgt William Walker
A rare photo of a Wellington under repair in the field being fitted with a new starboard engine. It is hard to imagine such a great undertaking in such primitive conditions.
Aircraft serial & code is unknown but it belongs to 215 Squadron and was taken at Chaklala in 1942
A closeup of the above picture, note an engine is sitting on the ground and one is on the hoist. This would be an impossible job under these conditions, fortunately they didn't have Unions, Inspectors, Whimis regulations and Work Safety officers in 1942 or they would still be installing it today. Note the LAC Engine Fitter does not seem to have overly ambitious helpers.
Source and Copyright : Liam & Fg/Off William Venner
Guidance booklet for next of kin
Four words
Four words that tear the soul apart,
Cruel words, like demons hissing.
Four words that test the bravest heart,
Your son reported missing
The purpose of the following grim booklet is self explanatory, suffice it to say, it is probablly one of the most dreaded pieces of mail a family could receive from the RAF.
In typical military fashion it deals with this tragic, delicate issue with all the "matter of fact" compassion of a weather forecast
All information, pictures and articles on this site, unless otherwise indicated, are the property and copyright of the families of the No. 214 Squadron collectively or of an individual member.
The use of any materials from this site for any commercial purpose whatsoever is strictly forbidden.
