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Chappell (E.) World War II Royal Air Force Diary
Collection
SC.EC
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Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives
Title: E. Chappell World War II Royal Air Force Diary Collection
Creator:
Chappell, E.
Identifier/Call Number: SC.EC
Extent:
0.21 linear feet
Date (inclusive): 1941-1943
Abstract: E. Chappell, from North Barnsley,
Yorkshire, volunteered to serve with British forces during World War II on May 26, 1941, and
was called to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF) on June 30, 1941. He served in the RAF
until at least 1943. The collection consists of Chappell's World War II RAF diary, the
original diary case and pencil, and assorted pieces of ephemera that were tucked between the
diary's pages, and document's Chappell's experiences in the RAF during World War
II.
Language of Material: English
E. Chappell, from North Barnsley, Yorkshire, volunteered to serve with British forces
during World War II on May 26, 1941, and was called to serve with the Royal Air Force (RAF)
on June 30, 1941. He served in the RAF until at least 1943.
The
E. Chappell World War II Royal Air Force Diary Collection
consists of the original diary case and pencil, and assorted pieces of ephemera that
were tucked between the diary's pages. The diary includes Chappell's height, chest
measurement, waist measurement, collar, and shirt size, as well as his ID card number and
maps of the London Underground. He was stationed near Norwich through most of 1941 and 1942,
and often wrote about his boredom ("Not much to do but sit around"); leisure activities
including table tennis, droughts, playing cards, playing darts, riding his bicycle, and
sleeping through breakfast. He often noted films he went to see, and frequently noted
overnight disturbances caused by "Jerry." Other typical entry topics include night flying
assignments, leave, air raids, his work in the armory, and medical examinations. In August
of 1942, he sailed to Cape Town, South Africa, about which he noted "Lots of fruit here.
Everything's cheap." The last pages of the diary contain addresses of family and
friends.
Other Information:
This collection was purchased with funds generously donated by Gus and Erika Manders.
The collection is open for research use.
Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of
this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge.
Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials
protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires
the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any
use rests exclusively with the user.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchase, 2013.
For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style
manual, or see the
Citing Archival
Materials
guide.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Ephemera
Documents