The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Collection relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, No. 76 Squadron RAF, Canada and United Kingdom, 1943-1944.
Collection consists of letters, airgrams, telegrams and postcards, primarily written by Flight Sergeant Etherton to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, a young woman living in Edmonton. The pair met in June 1943 while Etherton was training in Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). The letters largely discuss Flight Sergeant Etherton's time on leave and what he does to pass the time, and his plans for the pair's future. Included is a marriage proposal in October 1943. There are also mentions of RAAF/RAF/RCAF training in Canada, the United States and Britain, and issues faced by Bomber Command, such as altitude sickness and internal politics regarding the makeup of crews.
Also included are eight letters written by Jean, but returned to her following Etherton's death. The later letters and telegrams relate to the death of Flight Sergeant Etherton when his aircraft failed to return from a raid over Russelsheim near Frankfurt, Germany on 13 August 1944.
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 30 Advanced Flying Unit. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between August and October
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 19 Operational Training Unit. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between January and Fe
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 Augus
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 41 Base, Royal Air Force. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between March and May 194
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 19 Operational Training Unit. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between November and
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 76 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Ronald Henry Etherton died while taking part in a bombing mission on 13
Outdoor portrait of 423088 of Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton RAAF with his sweetheart Jean Ayre. They met while he was stationed in Canada with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS). Outdoor portrai
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 30 Advanced Flying Unit. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between August and October
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 Augus
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 19 Operational Training Unit. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between November and
Outdoor portrait of 423088 of Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton RAAF wearing a flying suit. Outdoor portraits of 423088 of Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton RAAF during his aircrew training. He enlisted on
Letters relating to the Second World War service of 423088 Flight Sergeant Ronald Henry Etherton, 19 Operational Training Unit. In letters to his sweetheart, Jean Ayre, written between January and Fe