Frank Tolley (now 93) was a Bomb-aimer in the RAF 625 Squadron during WW2.

He initially volunteered as a Gunner with the newly formed RAF Regiment (close protection of RAF Airfields) before taking PNB Training (Pilot, Navigator and Bomb-aimer training) where he was selected to be a Bomb-aimer.

He trained in Ansons, Wellingtons, Halifaxes (Ontario, Moreton-in-the-Marsh and Halfpenny Green) and then flew missions in Lancasters (Lincolnshire), later flying four of the eight Manna missions delivering food to the Dutch and also the repatriation of soldiers back from Italy.

After leaving the RAF he had a successful career selling pressed steel sections and running his own Agency.

This was a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand about that perilous time in Lancasters.

I, only last Thursday evening attended a talk at our Oxford Vintage Sports Car Club, who hosted a fantastic gentleman, 94 year old Frank Tolley BEM
he was a Bomb Aimer and took part in Operation Manna, in fact I think he was going out there this week…………….

a really lovely chap, extreamly with it and a good memory, he was accompanied by a lady from the RAFBF who recorded the talk. I do know that he lives near Sale, and is a regular helper at the Manchester IWM.

sorry I have no more contact details.

Jules