Some recently acquired photographs taken at RAF Exeter from May 1942 – June 1943. Whilst a Czechoslovakian day fighter Squadron, RAF 310, were operating from Exeter.

These photos arrived by courtesy of Dave Trevor who found them in a job lot at an auction possibly originating from a home in Liverpool.

There is some evidence they may have belonged to an ex RAF Ground Crew member, whose surname may have been Wearne ?

Added information and identification has also been provided by Tom Dolezol a specialist historian on the Free Czechoslovakian Air Force.

This picture below possibly taken during 1942 depicts a recently established anti aircraft pit this was at Heath House Farm. Exeter airfield had been subjected to numerous aerial strafing and bombing since 1940, Situated close to the Exe Estuary it was an easy target for the enemy to find.

This is an interesting picture and shows the pride of the Czechoslovakians of 310 Squadron, outside of the Squadron HQ building the airmen had created a garden.

Tom Dolizel observed “The rear left hand garden shows the Czechoslovak airman’s garden, the front left hand garden shows the outline of Czechoslovakia.” The text in the top right hand corner of this garden is ‘Pravda vítězí ‘ the Cz national motto of ‘Truth prevails’

In the back ground a 310 Squadron Spitfire is parked in front of a blister hanger

Extra Pictures From Tom Dolezol https://fcafa.wordpress.com/

WW2 RAF Anti aircraft Gunner Albert Strong sets up home in one of the accommodation huts after demob

Bert Strong who was in the RAF Regiment is fifth man in  the middle line from the right, he served as an anti aircraft Gunner at RAF Exeter during 1940-41.

In the picture below also taken at RAF Exeter he is fourth man from left in the middle row.