The WW2 Diary of Lancaster Pilot Bruce Johnston

DIARY NOTES

Location
3 Lancaster Finishing School Feltwell, near Thetford, Norfolk

Solo’d the Lanc - Piloted a Lancaster bomber without an instructor for the first time – shows the speed that they were training pilots, in that Johnston had only seen a Lanc up close for the first time 3 days earlier, and had not flown in one til today

2:55 - 2 hours and 55 minutes – Johnston’s flight time for “credit” to his pilot’s log

Don - Morrison, friend of Johnston in Canada

Punk - Sick, poorly

Nugie - Nugent, Canadian pilot and friend who trained with Johnston, and was later posted to 15 Squadron at Mildenhall

Mildenhall - Home base of 15 & 622 Squadrons, in Suffolk

Hall - Friend who trained with Johnston in England, and was later posted to 15 Squadron at Mildenhall

Payne - Friend who trains with Johnston, and was later posted to 15 Squadron at Mildenhall

Phillips - Canadian pilot friend who trained with Johnston, and was later posted to 514 Squadron at Waterbeach

Waterbeach - Home base of 514 Squadron, near Cambridge

115 Squad - 115 Squadron

Witchford - Home base of 115 Squadron, near Ely

June 3, 1944 (Saturday)

Solo’d the Lanc this afternoon. They’re very nice but quite heavy. I think I’ll like them. Got 2:55 altogether today.

There’s a parcel for me but I haven’t been able to get it today, will do so tomorrow. Wrote to Don tonight – I feel punk – my nose is running, head stuffed etc! It didn’t bother my ears today though.

Nugie went to 15 Squadron at Mildenhall – Hall and Payne both went there. Phillips went to Waterbeach and another guy went to 115 Squad at Witchford.

Cecil “Nugie” Nugent

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