Thread by @LydiaJane13

🧵Friends, I have a treat for you. I’ve been loaned a set of original photos/news clippings which belonged to Eric Kirkland, an RAF Navigator on 254 Sqn Coastal Command. Eric flew on Beaufighters, attacking enemy shipping in the North Sea/Dutch/German coastal areas 1/10

Most (if not all) of these photos were taken by Eric himself. He was based at RAF North Cotes, Lincs. The photos were all taken April/June 43 - significant dates for those of you who’ve read #AboveUsTheStars

Eric’s Beaufighter attacked the Strasburg on 13.6.43. The incident made all the papers. This from the Times:

Here’s Eric’s view of the attack on the Strasburg , in his own words:

On the same day the Strasburg was hit, the Emden was also attacked. I’ll let Eric do the talking:

It seems Eric’s boys were regulars in the newspapers:

Remember in #AboveUsTheStars when Jack’s Halifax was nearly shot down by 3 flak ships? Here’s one - seems Eric really feared them too:

However it wasn’t all work and no play for these boys. I love this one, a postcard from Eric’s mate Reg.
“This Might Brighten Your Billet!’

Huge thank you to @chris_kirkland5 for the loan of these precious family heirlooms!
There are loads more photos and news cuttings but I’ve shared the best with you. Enjoy!

@WeHaveWaysPod @Hush_Kit @air_museum @RAFMUSEUM