Letters to Ronald Henry Etherton

Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 76 Squadron, Royal Air Force.

In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between June and August 1944, Etherton describes his experiences of serving in the Royal Air Force as a navigator in England. Some of these experiences include being involved in a record-breaking flight in a Halifax bomber, going to see a film in York on his day off, the impact of the English weather on his spirit, being satisfied with his navigation work, the joy of receiving letters, having his sleep patterns disrupted by night flying, being posted to 76 Squadron, being disappointed in his new base, and being part of successful bombing raids.

In every letter, Etherton assures Jean of his love, and often writes hopefully about their future together.

Ronald Henry Etherton died while taking part in a bombing mission on 13 August 1944.