Memories of Stephen Braham, 91 years of age

I remember the 1939-1945 war extremely well. I have stories to tell that will keep it to this one according to the notes. I lived in Hounslow, Middlesex and at Heston Airport was the base I believe of Spitfires. When the squadron of Dianne flew out we counted them. The planes could only stay up for a short period of time. When the planes returned we counted them in and people clapped and if all 9 returned they clapped and cheered.

On one occasion one returned and we could see it was badly damaged. It did get back to the airport and crash landed. As young school boys we were interested to see it. We got on our bicycles and rode to the perimeter of the airport. We managed to get close to the barbed wire and saw that the plane was badly damaged and the fuselage was mainly missing. The part where the pilot sat was covered in blood. The squadron was Polish and the pilots lived in the house is adjacent to the airport. I will remember the gardens. On the off duty the pilots created mosaics in stones and any another material gardens looked wonderful. I thought it must've been a great relaxation when they were not flying. Ever since I saw this I have wondered whether the pilot made it.