To mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE day) we are remembering all the people who helped bring about the end of World War Two. Here at Bradford District Museums & Galleries Photo Archive we are celebrating the stories of two Bradfordian war veterans; their successes and their contributions to the war effort. This blog was written by Olivia Johnston, our Photo archive assistant.
CHARLES HAROLD WOOD – C. H. Wood Collection
Within our collections there are several photographs taken in Bradford during WWII, depicting the aftermath of air raids on the city centre, as well as some aerial photographs taken between 1939-1945. Our largest photography collection is by Charles Harold Wood, who shifted from industrial and aerial photography to working in the Royal Air Force during the war.
C. H. Wood left his trusted associate in charge of his photography business during the war years, writing to a client:
“In the very near future I shall be taking a commission in the Royal Air Force, to devote the whole of my time to the work referred to…Mr Baron will for the time being continue to conduct this business for me.”
A key example of the value of Wood’s invention is in the famous moonlight ‘Dambusters’ raid on the Mohne and Eder dams. Lancaster crews underwent an intensive six-week course, flying all day under realistic ‘moonlight’ conditions. Without the filter goggles there was no way so much could have been achieved in such a short period.
In 1946 C. H. Wood was awarded the M.B.E. for his work with the R.A.F. His work continued to have an impact for decades; a variation of the filters used in goggles was standard practice across the aviation industry to teach instrument-only flying until digital simulators were introduced.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROBERT TURNER D.S.C. R.N.V.R – Belle Vue Collection
Another figure in our archive is Lieutenant Commander Robert Turner D.S.C. R.N.V.R.. He visited the popular Belle Vue Studio on Manningham Lane and was photographed wearing his war uniform complete with medals of distinction. In 2023 Turner’s son, grandson and great-grandsons visited Bradford Industrial Museum to view his portrait.
Lt. Commander Turner was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in June 1943, and the Atlantic Star by the navy. His family weren’t clear the exact reasons why, but Turner’s mother had suggested it was for secret work. It is known that he made several trips to Dunkirk to pick up allied soldiers, this could be the reason for the D.S.C.
Following the war in 1947 the Ministry of Defence naval division offered Turner a permanent post commission. He remained associated with the navy until 1962, in case they needed to call upon his expertise again. You can read more about the family’s visit to the photo archive here
Bradford District Museums & Galleries Photo Archive
These photographs are some of the more-than 500,000 negatives, prints and digital photographs held within our photo archive. The archive covers a vast range of topics relating to Bradford and the district, from the turn of the century to modern day.
Visit photos.bradfordmuseums.org to browse our collections, including C. H. Wood’s and Belle Vue Studio, and to purchase photo prints and downloads!
