Operation Manna ( Dutch food drops )- A request .

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

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

A recent weblink from BBC Lincolnshire that might be of interest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-32572810

You may want to scroll to the bottom of this thread
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?128225-How-Low-Can-You-Go-(2014)/page7

Thanks Chris!

You may want to scroll to the bottom of this thread
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?128225-How-Low-Can-You-Go-(2014)/page7

For as long as I can remember such a tile was hanging on the wall in my parents home in commemoration of Operation Manna. They lived in Delft in the western part of the Netherlands and witnessed the droppings.

If it’s of interest, in our archives we’ve got an account by Flt Lt Ken Wightman AFC about his involvement in Operation Manna in 101 Squadron. Sadly Ken is no longer with us to answer questions but if you want it, PM me your email address and I’ll send it to you.

Hello,

Our production company produced this film for Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire. It is called ‘Memories of Manna’ and will be released free and online hopefully in the next few weeks. When it is Ill make sure to post the link. The film is 20 mins approx in length. Another film about the repatriation of POWs by Bomber Command will also be released.

I’ll let you know when both are released.

b wishes

Steven Hatton

The DVD launch earlier this month at Hemswell Court, also got a brief mention on the FlyPast Facebook page on 1st April https://www.facebook.com/flypastofficial and it was produced by Electric Egg, who have been known to post on here.

I viewed the DVD last Thursday at the AHL committee meeting and it was very evocative.

Very helpful, many thanks.

Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire has been involved with some veterans and they have completed some oral history interviews with them. At the moment their website is down and I don’t have a link to the DVD that’s been produced; however here are a few links that explain some of what has been happening.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Floral-tribute-Operation-Manna-unveiled-Lincoln/story-26366949-detail/story.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-29378393

http://lincolnshiretoday.net/en/lt/news/2165/Bulb-planting-ceremony-promotes-reconciliation.htm