Showing 26 results

Oral history testimonies and trancript from veterans of the Second World War, discussing their experiences. Includes a number of members of York Normandy Veterans Association. Interviews were held with Douglas Petty, Harold May, Albert 'Bert' Barritt, George Meredith, Ken Cooke, Pat Evans, James Mason, Ken Smith, Ron Goldstein and Jack Millin. Relevant consent for dissemination was also obtained from either the subject, or their relatives if since deceased. These consents are held by the archives service.

Also includes a partial transcript of the interviews, and a complete digital copy of the resulting PhD. Please see series, sub-series and item level descriptions for more details about the contents of this collection.

Oral history testimonies and trancript from veterans of the Second World War, discussing their experiences. Includes a number of members of York Normandy Veterans.

The files include MPEG 1/2 Audio Layer 3 files (interviews with format identified by DROID), MPEG-4 audio files (interviews without format identified by DROID) and a Microsoft Word document (transcripts).

The date range for these records (2016 - 2020) spans from the earliest creation date to the last-modified date. The last-modified dates were inadvertently altered by preservation actions but the original last-modified dates were recovered and are recorded at file level.

Interview with Douglas Petty 'took place on July 24th 2017 in the presence of Nick Beilby (NB) at the interviewee's home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Douglas Petty: 'Douglas Petty was born in 1923. He volunteered for the RAF aged 20 as a Flight Engineer. He worked on Halifax and Lancaster bombers, serving with Canadian 429 (Bison) Squadron at RAF Leeming in 1944 and 1945. After the war, he worked in civil aviation for some years before taking a job as Mechanical Engineer with the Forestry Commission in North Yorkshire. Petty was awarded the Legion d’Honneur in 2017 in recognition of his participation in bombing raids which assisted the successful completion of the Normandy Landings.'

In the interview, Douglas discusses his decision to record his memories of the Second World War and how his father never talked about his own experiences of the First World War.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: b9b5c99847cf01eea1771fdd28e3e46c
Original Creation date: 24/07/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 24/07/2017
File size: 30.399 MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Five interview recordings. The interview 'took place on October 3rd 2017 at the interviewee's own home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Jack Millin: 'Jack Millin was born in 1924. He served as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 12 Squadron, South African Air Force in Italy from 1944 to 1945. After the war, Millin changed careers from working in the painting and decorating trade to leisure equipment hire and sales, relating to skiing and outdoor pursuits. He also taught painting and decorating on a part-time basis. He is the former President Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Air Crew Association and the current Chairman of Tameside Armed Forces Community.' (transcript).

The interviews include discussion about military training, becoming part of a South African Air Force crew, service in North Africa and Italy, coming back from war, First World War veterans, the difference in how veterans are treated in different countries, not talking about his experiences to friends and family, joining the Aircrew Association, and Remembrance Day services.

One of five interview recordings. The interview "took place on October 3rd 2017 at the interviewee's own home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Jack Millin: "Jack Millin was born in 1924. He served as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 12 Squadron, South African Air Force in Italy from 1944 to 1945. After the war, Millin changed careers from working in the painting and decorating trade to leisure equipment hire and sales, relating to skiing and outdoor pursuits. He also taught painting and decorating on a part-time basis. He is the former President Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Air Crew Association and the current Chairman of Tameside Armed Forces Community." (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about military training, becoming part of a South African Air Force crew, service in North Africa and Italy, coming back from war, First World War veterans, the difference in how veterans are treated in different countries, not talking about his experiences to friends and family, joining the Aircrew Association, and Remembrance Day services.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 92d7d90894df355e2f0090792076672b
Original Creation date: 03/10/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 03/10//2017
File size: 7.587MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of five interview recordings. The interview "took place on October 3rd 2017 at the interviewee's own home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Jack Millin: "Jack Millin was born in 1924. He served as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 12 Squadron, South African Air Force in Italy from 1944 to 1945. After the war, Millin changed careers from working in the painting and decorating trade to leisure equipment hire and sales, relating to skiing and outdoor pursuits. He also taught painting and decorating on a part-time basis. He is the former President Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Air Crew Association and the current Chairman of Tameside Armed Forces Community." (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about military training, becoming part of a South African Air Force crew, service in North Africa and Italy, coming back from war, First World War veterans, the difference in how veterans are treated in different countries, not talking about his experiences to friends and family, joining the Aircrew Association, and Remembrance Day services.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: f58ac3cb5c601e5e97b309e025068359
Original Creation date: 03/10/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 03/10//2017
File size: 15.765MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of five interview recordings. The interview "took place on October 3rd 2017 at the interviewee's own home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Jack Millin: "Jack Millin was born in 1924. He served as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 12 Squadron, South African Air Force in Italy from 1944 to 1945. After the war, Millin changed careers from working in the painting and decorating trade to leisure equipment hire and sales, relating to skiing and outdoor pursuits. He also taught painting and decorating on a part-time basis. He is the former President Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Air Crew Association and the current Chairman of Tameside Armed Forces Community." (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about military training, becoming part of a South African Air Force crew, service in North Africa and Italy, coming back from war, First World War veterans, the difference in how veterans are treated in different countries, not talking about his experiences to friends and family, joining the Aircrew Association, and Remembrance Day services.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: c2405fe6bb7e13a910a22a9aaeb573f6
Original Creation date: 03/10/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 03/10//2017
File size: 6.318MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of five interview recordings. The interview "took place on October 3rd 2017 at the interviewee's own home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Jack Millin: "Jack Millin was born in 1924. He served as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 12 Squadron, South African Air Force in Italy from 1944 to 1945. After the war, Millin changed careers from working in the painting and decorating trade to leisure equipment hire and sales, relating to skiing and outdoor pursuits. He also taught painting and decorating on a part-time basis. He is the former President Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Air Crew Association and the current Chairman of Tameside Armed Forces Community." (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about military training, becoming part of a South African Air Force crew, service in North Africa and Italy, coming back from war, First World War veterans, the difference in how veterans are treated in different countries, not talking about his experiences to friends and family, joining the Aircrew Association, and Remembrance Day services.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: fa269fe523983c82f0845b774e4b47cc
Original Creation date: 03/10/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 03/10//2017
File size: 13.616MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of five interview recordings. The interview "took place on October 3rd 2017 at the interviewee's own home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Jack Millin: "Jack Millin was born in 1924. He served as Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 12 Squadron, South African Air Force in Italy from 1944 to 1945. After the war, Millin changed careers from working in the painting and decorating trade to leisure equipment hire and sales, relating to skiing and outdoor pursuits. He also taught painting and decorating on a part-time basis. He is the former President Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Air Crew Association and the current Chairman of Tameside Armed Forces Community." (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about military training, becoming part of a South African Air Force crew, service in North Africa and Italy, coming back from war, First World War veterans, the difference in how veterans are treated in different countries, not talking about his experiences to friends and family, joining the Aircrew Association, and Remembrance Day services.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 4b506dc8ced8c29469b2a8c5eb7b0594
Original Creation date: 03/10/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 03/10//2017
File size: 12.546MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Microsoft Word file containing partial transcripts for the interviews in this series. Excludes transcript of Albert Bert Barritt (HBE/1/3).

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 69002eb9e9467e125317702449675851
Original Creation date: 28/01/2020
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 28/01/2020
File size: 0.1184MB
File format: Microsoft Word for Windows
File extension: docx
Backup storage location:

Interview with Harold May 'took place on 13th March 2017 at the interviewee's home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Harold May: Harold May was born in 1918. He began his armed service career in the Pay Corps before joining a Royal Artillery Field Regiment. May became one of a four man Observation Post party and served in North Africa and Italy. After the war, May worked for the Co-op. He began work in the accounts office and later became the Regional Manager of multiple stores across the North East of England. He is a dedicated member of the local Rotary Club and the Magic Circle.

In the interview, Harold discusses his memoir in the Rotary Club Book, being in the Pay Corps, being in Iraq, not thinking of himself as a 'veteran', heroism, coming home after the war, the increasing freedoms afforded to women, and a story about a family in Italy with a cow.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 8bdbb524b7889c040274821f119e91ea
Original Creation date: 13/03/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 13/03/2017
File size: 36.967
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Interview with Albert 'Bert' Barritt.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 15d2a2b2e2b70f84fa28298d0ea5547d
Original Creation date: 25/07/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 25/07/2017
File size: 18.851
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Interview with George Meredith 'took place on August 7th 2017 in the presence of Elsie Johnson (Elsie) and Nick Beilby (NB) at the interviewee's home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about George Meredith: 'George Meredith signed up for active service in London aged 17 and initially served in the Rifle Brigade. He later became a Driver in the Royal Army Service Corps and landed in Normandy on June 7th 1944. When he was demobilised, Meredith worked at the LNER Depot at Stratford as a Fireman . He then moved to Norfolk where he became a lorry driver and continued in that role up to retirement. In later life, he lived in Lincoln and Scarborough. In retirement he was very active in the Pickering wagon group, restoring wagons on the North York Moors Railway. He passed away on September 3rd 2017, aged 92.'

The interview includes discussion about what it means to be a veteran, the Lincoln NVA, going to Normandy, coming back from war, wearing medals, Remembrance Day services, favourite rations (baked beans), getting involved with the play 'Bomb Happy'.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 018aedc238c657f694efc1c5e14324d9
Original Creation date: 07/08/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 07/08/2017
File size: 21.214
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Two files recording interviews with Ken Cooke. The interviews 'took place on August 7th 2017 in the presence of Nick Beilby (NB) at the interviewee's home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ken Cook: 'Ken Cooke was born in 1925. He served as an Infantryman in the Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment). He landed on Gold Beach on June 6th 1944. After the war, Ken returned to York and worked for Rowntree’s for nearly fifty years..'

The interviews include discussion about whether Ken considers himself a veteran, coming home from war, how long it took for soldiers to open up about their experiences, the British Legion, the NVA, being on television, medals, D-Day.

One of two files recording interview with Ken Cooke. The interview "took place on August 7th 2017 in the presence of Nick Beilby (NB) at the interviewee's home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ken Cook: 'Ken Cooke was born in 1925. He served as an Infantryman in the Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment). He landed on Gold Beach on June 6th 1944. After the war, Ken returned to York and worked for Rowntree’s for nearly fifty years..'

The interview includes discussion about whether Ken considers himself a veteran, coming home from war, how long it took for soldiers to open up about their experiences, the British Legion, the NVA, being on television, medals, D-Day.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: b6a39aff8d7a75617c3be184c8edc24c
Original Creation date: 07/08/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 07/08/2017
File size: 33.997
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of two files recording interview with Ken Cooke. The interview "took place on August 7th 2017 in the presence of Nick Beilby (NB) at the interviewee's home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ken Cook: 'Ken Cooke was born in 1925. He served as an Infantryman in the Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment). He landed on Gold Beach on June 6th 1944. After the war, Ken returned to York and worked for Rowntree’s for nearly fifty years..'

The interview includes discussion about whether Ken considers himself a veteran, coming home from war, how long it took for soldiers to open up about their experiences, the British Legion, the NVA, being on television, medals, D-Day.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 9a6ee666c0e43d0dd43e07f9d9bd4166
Original Creation date: 07/08/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 07/08/2017
File size: 2.358MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

The interview took place 'on October 31st 2017 at the interviewee's home' (transcript)

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Pat Evans: 'Pat Evans was born in 1923 and joined the WAAF in November 1941 when she was just under 18 years old. She worked as a Radar Operator during her wartime service. She served at various stations including Cranmore and others across Britain' (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about talking with others about what happened during the war, reunions, and medals.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 9c9878a6c602c63a470379cdedd3d839
Original Creation date: 31/10/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 31/10/2017
File size: 21.715
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Two interview recordings. The interviews 'took place in Mr Mason’s own home on November 6th 2017' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about James Mason: 'James Mason was born in March 1926 in South Yorkshire. He was called up in 1944 and joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He then made his way through Holland and Belgium to Germany (Dusseldorf in particular) and took part in the victory parade in Paris. Prior to being called up, he worked as a coal miner and was a member of the Home Guard' (transcript).

The interviews include discussion about the British Legion, being demobilised, not talking about the war at home, medals, meeting a girl who lived on a barge on the river Rhine, and his box of memorabilia.

One of two interview recordings. The interview 'took place in Mr Mason’s own home on November 6th 2017' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about James Mason: 'James Mason was born in March 1926 in South Yorkshire. He was called up in 1944 and joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He then made his way through Holland and Belgium to Germany (Dusseldorf in particular) and took part in the victory parade in Paris. Prior to being called up, he worked as a coal miner and was a member of the Home Guard' (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about the British Legion, being demobilised, not talking about the war at home, medals, meeting a girl who lived on a barge on the river Rhine, and his box of memorabilia.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 3b033e9b348d261ec62eab6eda414484
Original Creation date: 06/11/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 06/11/2017
File size: 11.264
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of two interview recordings. The interview 'took place in Mr Mason’s own home on November 6th 2017' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about James Mason: 'James Mason was born in March 1926 in South Yorkshire. He was called up in 1944 and joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He then made his way through Holland and Belgium to Germany (Dusseldorf in particular) and took part in the victory parade in Paris. Prior to being called up, he worked as a coal miner and was a member of the Home Guard' (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about the British Legion, being demobilised, not talking about the war at home, medals, meeting a girl who lived on a barge on the river Rhine, and his box of memorabilia.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: b1d874f443b62952469d4d7cc408cf84
Original Creation date: 06/11/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 06/11/2017
File size: 17.46
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Two interview recordings. The interviews 'took place in the presence of Smith’s wife, Gloria, (GS) and Nick Beilby (NB) and was held on July 24th 2017 at the interviewee's home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ken Smith: 'Ken Smith was born in 1925 in Leeds. He worked as an Apprentice Draughtsman with Thomas Green and Son, a Mechanical Engineers. After being called up, Smith served as a Signaller in the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. He landed on Gold Beach on June 6th 1944. Following the war, Smith worked in the insurance business with the Prudential until retirement' (transcript).

The interviews include discussion about demobilisation, coming home as a casualty, not talking about wartime experiences, keeping his medals in a drawer for 60 years, joining the NVA, the British Legion, and commemoration events.

One of two interview recordings. The interview "The interview took place in the presence of Smith’s wife, Gloria, (GS) and Nick Beilby (NB) and was held on July 24th 2017 at the interviewee's home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ken Smith "Ken Smith was born in 1925 in Leeds. He worked as an Apprentice Draughtsman with Thomas Green and Son, a Mechanical Engineers. After being called up, Smith served as a Signaller in the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. He landed on Gold Beach on June 6th 1944. Following the war, Smith worked in the insurance business with the Prudential until retirement" (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about demobilisation, coming home as a casualty, not talking about wartime experiences, keeping his medals in a drawer for 60 years, joining the NVA, the British Legion, and commemoration events.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 8bc5d556b2e658a1d5c9e138090c1aed
Original Creation date: 24/07/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 24/07/2017
File size: 3.236
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

One of two interview recordings. The interview "The interview took place in the presence of Smith’s wife, Gloria, (GS) and Nick Beilby (NB) and was held on July 24th 2017 at the interviewee's home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ken Smith "Ken Smith was born in 1925 in Leeds. He worked as an Apprentice Draughtsman with Thomas Green and Son, a Mechanical Engineers. After being called up, Smith served as a Signaller in the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. He landed on Gold Beach on June 6th 1944. Following the war, Smith worked in the insurance business with the Prudential until retirement" (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about demobilisation, coming home as a casualty, not talking about wartime experiences, keeping his medals in a drawer for 60 years, joining the NVA, the British Legion, and commemoration events.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 11b04cfe12c692d5c23376941819e706
Original Creation date: 24/07/2017
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
Original last-modified date: 24/07/2017
File size: 15.366MB
File format: Not determined by DROID. Thought to be MPEG-4 Audio File
File extension: m4a
Backup storage location:

Two interview recordings. The interview 'took place on 7 November 2016 at the interviewee's home' (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ron Goldstein: 'Ron Goldstein was born on August 16th 1923 in London and was called up in October 1942 and served Wireless Operator in Light Ack Ack in the UK. He later served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and was later re-trained as a Loader/Operator and ended his wartime career in the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars as a Corporal in March 1947. After the war, Goldstein worked for his Father’s clothing company and later became a Manager for other clothing companies. He is Jewish and joined AJEX after war' (transcript).

The interviews include discussion about demobilisation, the heroes return lottery scheme, not talking about the war, war films, losing his brother, working in factories, drinking culture, AJEX, Remembrance Day, the lack of freedom in interviews, digital books, the poem 'Vigil' by Jeremy F. Robson 'written by a Jewish person at a German railway station', wanting to record his experiences, having a diary ('you could get shot for keeping a diary'), learning to use a computer.

One of two interview recordings. The interview "took place on 7 November 2016 at the interviewee's home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ron Goldstein: "Ron Goldstein was born on August 16th 1923 in London and was called up in October 1942 and served Wireless Operator in Light Ack Ack in the UK. He later served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and was later re-trained as a Loader/Operator and ended his wartime career in the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars as a Corporal in March 1947. After the war, Goldstein worked for his Father’s clothing company and later became a Manager for other clothing companies. He is Jewish and joined AJEX after war" (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about demobilisation, the heroes return lottery scheme, not talking about the war, war films, losing his brother, working in factories, drinking culture, AJEX, Remembrance Day, the lack of freedom in interviews, digital books, the poem 'Vigil' by Jeremy F. Robson "written by a Jewish person at a German railway station", wanting to record his experiences, having a diary ("you could get shot for keeping a diary"), learning to use a computer.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: f1c4b5367f05e01fff2b7df36780427d
Original Creation date: 07/11/2016 (not validated by DROID).
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
File size: 113.796MB
File format: MPEG 1/2 Audio Layer 3
File extension: mp3
Backup storage location:

One of two interview recordings. The interview "took place on 7 November 2016 at the interviewee's home" (transcript).

The interview transcript (HBE/1/11) provides the following background information about Ron Goldstein: "Ron Goldstein was born on August 16th 1923 in London and was called up in October 1942 and served Wireless Operator in Light Ack Ack in the UK. He later served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy and was later re-trained as a Loader/Operator and ended his wartime career in the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars as a Corporal in March 1947. After the war, Goldstein worked for his Father’s clothing company and later became a Manager for other clothing companies. He is Jewish and joined AJEX after war" (transcript).

The interview includes discussion about demobilisation, the heroes return lottery scheme, not talking about the war, war films, losing his brother, working in factories, drinking culture, AJEX, Remembrance Day, the lack of freedom in interviews, digital books, the poem 'Vigil' by Jeremy F. Robson "written by a Jewish person at a German railway station", wanting to record his experiences, having a diary ("you could get shot for keeping a diary"), learning to use a computer.

Parent folder: 2020/008
MD5 Checksum: 290fd975f712c9a53e60c1dab910cbcf
Original Creation date: 07/11/2016 (not validated by DROID).
Last-modified date: 09/04/2020. Altered during digital preservation activities by Frances Bell.
File size: 46.425MB
File format: MPEG 1/2 Audio Layer 3
File extension: mp3
Backup storage location: