Prisoner of war's notebook dating back 100 years discovered in Canada returned to RAF Lossiemouth

A prisoner of war’s notebook dating back over 100 years has been returned to its RAF home after being found during a Canadian house clearance.

Great War aviator Lieutenant Frank Vivien Durkin’s notes from his time in captivity were found in an attic in Victoria, British Columbia.

Shortly after its discovery, the family who found it realised that a relative – Air Specialist 1 Erin Doolan – was stationed at RAF Lossiemouth alongside Lieutenant Durkin’s former squadron.

The unlikely coincidence has now led to 6 Squadron being reunited with the notebook.

Lieutenant Frank Vivien Durkin was an Observer with 6 Squadron, when it was part of the Royal Flying Corps, on the Western Front, until he was shot down in June 1917.

Detail from inside the notebook includes German newspaper clippings. RAF Lossiemouth Media Production Team

Erin recently handed over the notebook to 6 Squadron, where it will be given pride of place in Heritage Room alongside other precious artefacts detailing the Squadron 110-year history.

The notebook contains various newspaper clippings and articles that Lieutenant Durkin collated during his time in German captivity, including a profile of the infamous ‘Red Baron’, Manfred von Richthofen.

Air Specialist Class 1, Erin Doolan, said: “Frank Durkin appeared in my life a month ago when my family in Canada contacted me to say that they had found the notebook and asked if I could help return it to 6 Squadron.

“It was only by chance that I’ve been able to help as I’m about to leave Lossiemouth after three years, so it’s nice to give something back to the station before I go.”

Accepting the notebook on behalf of 6 Squadron, officer commanding, wing commander Gary Montgomery, said: “This year is 6 Squadron’s 110th anniversary, so it’s a really good opportunity to look back at the formative years of aviation and the bravery and sacrifice of those early aviators.

“It is amazing to see this notebook arriving back on 6 Squadron 108 years later and we’re eternally grateful to Erin and her Canadian family for making it happen.”