A Young Cadet in Wartime Texas — Remembered at 100
In 1944, a young British cadet named Bill Olsen left home and crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly at the No. 1 British Flying Training School in Terrell, Texas. Thousands of miles from his family, he found himself welcomed into a close-knit North Texas community determined to support the war effort in every way they could.
Today, Squadron Leader Bill Olsen (Retired), age 100, is one of only two surviving cadets who earned their wings in Terrell. From his home in Yorkshire, he sat down with our Chairman, Bill Huthmacher BEM, to record more than an hour of memories—stories of training flights, friendships, loss, and the kindness of local families who opened their homes to “the boys in blue.”
These interview clips are being shared exclusively as part of our Festive Fundraiser. Once these voices fall silent, recordings like these will be all we have left. Your support helps us capture, preserve, and share them before they are lost forever.
Why Your Gift Makes a Real Difference
When you contribute to the No. 1 BFTS Museum, you are helping to protect fragile, irreplaceable history and keep it accessible for generations to come.
Preserve first-hand testimonies
Digitally record, archive, and share interviews with surviving cadets and local residents before these voices are lost.
Protect historic artifacts
Conserve log books, uniforms, photographs, and training materials that tell the story of wartime aviation and international cooperation.
Educate future generations
Develop exhibits, talks, and educational resources that help visitors—especially younger audiences—understand the courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie that defined this chapter of WWII.
Honor those who never came home
Remember the twenty men who died during training in Terrell, and ensure their names and stories are not forgotten.
Maintain a living bridge
Uphold the enduring bond between the people of Terrell, North Texas, and the British and American airmen who trained here.
Help Us Keep Their Story Alive
We are privileged to steward an extraordinary archive and to share the memories of the men who trained at No. 1 BFTS and the community that embraced them. But this work is only possible with the support of people like you.
If these stories move you—if you believe they deserve to be heard by future generations—please consider making a donation today.