HISTORIC AVIATORS HA1 - 40

Signed by Pilot Sqn Ldr M Raw.

40th Anniversary 1st Flight of the Spitfire Signed Quill & Cozens
5 Mar 76 Jersey special postmark on 10p Jersey Spitfire stamp.Flown from RAF Coningsby in Spitfire MK.19 PM 631 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the first flight of the spitfire. Personally signed Air Commodore.H.I. Cozens CB,AFC The first Spitire Sqn Commander with 19 Sqn RAF Duxford & Jeffrey Quill pilot (Chief test pilot of Spitfire development ), 1940 during the Battle of Britain served with 65 Sqn. Details and black & white photo enclosed of R Mitchell and engine designer. Certified Copy No 1024 of 1250 and signed by Sqn Ldr P.R.Jones.

Signed by R.L.Jones 64 & 19 Sqn's Battle of Britain Pilot.

Capt.Albert Ball VC

Signed Lightning pilot.

RAF FDC Capt A Ball VC Signed Turnbull WW1 Pilot
6 Jun 76 Jersey 60th Anniversary of 56 Squadron. Captain Albert Ball VC 56 Squadron Fighter Pilot Awarded the Victoria Cross France 1917 After 44 Victories. Cover depicts Capt Ball, 56 Squadron SE5s on Patrol over the Western Front ( France ) in May 1917 and the Victoria Cross. Flown in Bristol Fighter of the Shuttleworth Collection on a local flight from Old Warden Airfield 25 July 1976.Personally Signed by Captain Eric L L Turnbull RFC ,In 1916 joined the Royal Flying Corps with 56 Squadron Fighter Pilot, who served with Captain Ball VC in France in 1917 with Photo of Captain Ball VC and WW1 Fighter. Certified Copy Number of 1250. Signed Newton project manager

Sir Alan Cobham

Pilot signed

as HA3b but Signed by all 6 Victor Crew

30 Jun 76 BFPS 1535 50th Anniversary First Flight Britain to Australia & Return RAF Marham . Cover depicts Sir A Cobham and his De Havilland DH 501 Seaplane landing on the River Thames by the House of Parliament after his World Record Flights to & from Australia in October 1926. Flown to RAF Luqa and return to RAF Marham in Victor Mk1 XA932. Personally Signed by Sir Alan Cobham son Michael Cobham Chairman of British Aerospace Committees. Full details enclosed and Photo of Sir Alan Cobham Certified Copy No 946 of 1250.RAF Ref No HA3c

Sir Arthur Harris Marshall of the Royal Air Force

Arthur Harris FDC Signed 5 Vulcan Crew.
15 May 76 BFPS 1531 60th Anniversary No 50th Squadron special postmark.Marshal Royal Air Force Sir Authur Harris. Commander in Chief Bomber Command 1942 to 1945. A Former CO of 50 Squadron. Cover depicts MRAF Sir Authur Harris and 50 Squadron Lancasters setting course on a bombing raid in July 1943, Flown in 50 Squadron Vulcan from RAF Waddington to trace the route of the raid on Cologne in 1942 on which Fg Off Manser a 50 Sqn Pilot won the Victorie Cross. Personally Signed by Vulcan Crew Capt Wg Cdr Ward, 1st Pilot Flt Lt Head, Nav Radar Sqn Ldr Williams, Nav Plotter Flt Lt Murphy and Air Electronics Officer Flt Lt Kitching. £1.25

Sir Thomas Sopwith

Pilot signed

Engineer signed

Special Signed.Mr.D.Simpson

Special Signed Sir Thomas Sopwith. .Certified Copy No of 1290.Signed Project Officer.

Sir Sidney Camm

pilot signed

20 Jul 76 BFPS 1533 25th Anniversary of the First Flight of the Hunter.Cover depicts Sir Sydney Camm and a Hawker Cygnet, Hart, Hurricane and Hunter aircraft of the RAF Museums Sir Sydney Camm Collection of Hawker Siddeley Aviation flying past at HAS Dunsfold in 1957. Flown in Hawker Hunter by original test Pilot Sqn Ldr Neville Duke and present OC Ops Wing at RAF Brawdy, Wg Cdr A Neale from Boscombe Down.Personally Signed by Sqn Ldr Neville Duke was a 92 Sqn Battle of Britain Spitfire Pilot. He joined Hawers in 1948 and became Chief Test Pilot in 1951. On 7 Sep 1953 he set the World Speed Record of 727.6 mph in Hunter 3 WB188 and Wg Cdr A Neale Full details enclosed and Photo of Sir Sydney Camm .Certified Copy No of 1245

Sir Sydney Camm Cover Signed Snelling Test Pilot
9 Jan 78 BFPO 3 London CDS Postmark. Sir Sydney Camm Hawker Siddeley Aviation Chief Aircraft Designer who Designed the Hunter . Cover depicts Sir Sydney Camm and a Hawker Cygnet, Hart, Hurricane and Hunter aircraft of the RAF Museums Sir Sydney Camm Collection of Hawker Siddeley Aviation fling past at HSA Dunsfold in 1957. Flown from Holme on Spalding Moor in Hunter T8MXL 602. Take off at 1459 HRS. Climb to 10,000 Ft, Pressure error calibration with chase aircraft from 130 to 350 Kts.Aerobatic Manoeuvring to Evaluate Navhars Performance.High Speed Low Level Handling to 570 Kts.Roller Landing. Landed 1529 Hrs Pilot Mr H.B.Snelling AFC,MA,MRAeS. Personally Signed by HAS Test Pilot M.H.B.Snelling, who made first Test Flight of Hunter T8MXL 602 ( for Sea Harrier development )details above. Black flight cachet and Dunsfold backstamp, photo of Hunter T8MXL and details enclosed. Certified Cover no of 2050 Signed by Fulluck RAF museum.RAF Ref No HA7d

Signed by J.Pickering 64 Sqn Battle of Britain Pilot.

ACM Lord Dowding RAF HA FDC
4 Sept 76 BFPS 1534 36th Anniversary of Battle of Britain.Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding.Commander in Chief Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.Cover depicts ACM Lord Dowding and Spitfires and Hurricanes intercepting Luftwaffe Bombers over Kent on 15th September 1940 . Blue flown cachet Flown in 72 Squadron Wessex Helicopter XV725 which took part in the Battle of Britain from RAF Biggin Hill

ACM Lord Dowding pilot signed.

Special Signed.Muriel Dowding

Jean Batten

Pilot signed

Amy Johnson

Pilot signed

Amy Johnson Own RAF FDC Signed Bain & Pilot.
4 May 76 Victoria Seychelles Special Postmark on Amy Johnson Seychelles Stamp.Amy Johnson Who made many world record flights & 40th Anniversary of World Record flight Gravesend to Cape Town by Amy Johnson. Personally Signed by Gp Capt Bain who regularly flew with Amy Johnson introducing her to the Beechcraft and Percival Gull. They became close friends maintaining contact until Army's tragic death in 1942.
In 1937 Group Captain Bain was posted to Command No 43 Squadron until the outbreak of war when he went to France with a Fighter Wing Servicing Unit returning to England after the French capitulation.
Further wartime appointments included that of a fighter controller at No 10 Group, a detachment to HMS Illustrious reinforcing Malta and Command of RAF Filton and RAF Eglington, Northern Ireland. He went overseas again to command No 71 O.T.U. at Khartoum, returning to Scotland in 1944 to command RAF Wick.His next posting was a two year command of No 1 F.T.S. in the Royal Indian Air Force. After further appointments in the United Kingdom Bain retired from the Royal Air Force in 1950 and Mr Haig Thomas who made the Commemorative flight in Gypsy Moth G ATBL ( the type Amy Johnson used ) with Photograph of Amy Johnson standing beside her Gypsy Moth.. Certified Copy No 1113 of 1215 Signed Hern RAF Museum . Details & black & White Photo of Amy Johnson. .

Flt.Lt.Lord VC

Pilot signed

RAF FDC Flt LT Lord Arnhem Signed King & Drew
1 Jul 76 BFPS 1518 Disbandment of 14 Air Despatch Regiment ( RCT ) Postmark, and 5c Dutch Numeral stamp datstamped Vliegbasis Deelen. Flt Lt D S A Lord VC 271 Squadron Dakota Pilot awarded the Victoria Cross Arnhem Airborne landing 1945. Cover depicts Flt Lt Lord VC , his 271 Squadron Douglas Dakota DC2 KG374 being shot down at Arnhemon 19 September 1944 and the Victoria Cross. Flown in 70 Squadron Hercules XV186 by Flt Lt Marlow from RAF Lyneham and delivered by Parachute at Keevil Drop Zone by 47 Air Despatch Regiment and received by 14 Air Despatch Regiment and reflown in yal Netherlands Air Force Dakota N9985Q to Arnhem. Backstamps 14 ADR. ADR47,Netherlands Legion, Arnhem 27 & RAF Museum.
Personally Signed by Flt Lt Harry King ( then Flying Officer became involved in the operation when he agreed to fly as a navigator for a Dakota crew, whose own navigator had been given leave to marry. The Captain of the crew of No217 Squadron was David Lord, who had previously been awarded the DFC for his part in operations in Burma.
Two successful sorties had been flown on the 17th and 18th September ,the first dropping paratroops into Arnhem, and the secord towing a glider to the area. By Tuesday 19th September the situation on the ground had deteriorated and 217 Squadron were briefed for aerial supply drop to the British troops.
As Flt Lt Lord approached the dropping zone his aircraft was hit by anti aircraft fire, and a fire broke out on the starboard wing, in the vicinity of the main fuel tank. Plt Off R Medhurst the co pilot ( son of Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Medhurst ) operated the fire Extinguisher equipment, but was unable to extinguish the fire in the wing, Flt Lt Lord however continued to the dropping zone intent on delivering fresh ammunition for the beleaguered troops on the ground.
As a result now assisted by Flt Lt King. This proved such a slow process that not all the panniers could be dropped on the first run. Despite the fact that the Dakota was now on one engine with flames spreading across the wing, Flt Lt Lord decided to go around again even though his aircraft could not maintain height. Sinking lower all the time, the last of the panniers was dispatched, and Flt Lt Lord gave the order to bale out. In the next instant the aircraft exploded. Flt Lt King who was standing in the open doorway was thrown clear and parachuted safely to ground, the sole survivor of the crew of eight.
On the morning of 20th September Flt Lt King was taken prisoner, along with the remainder of the 10th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, with whom he had sought shelter the previous day. Flt Lt D Lord DFC ( was Posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross). Also Signed by Capt U L Drew US Army Air Corps 375th Fighter Squadron PS1 Mastang Pilot who flew Fighter Escort at Arnhem and gained 6 Victories including 2 Messerschmitt ME26s the first Jet Fighters shot down in Aerial combat . Details enclosed and Photograph of Flt Lt Lord in his Dakota whilst dropping auppies to General Wingate in Burma.Certified Number of 1253 Signed project Officer.

As HA11ab but also Signed by General Adolf Galland (head of the Luftwaffe's fighters and an ace with over 100 aerial victories) Signed by Stefan Litjens, Knight’s Cross holder. Been a fighter pilot since 1937, at the beginning of the war witrh the 4th Squadron of the Fighter Wing No.53. On 11 Sep 41 shot down by bomber and lost his right eye. Despite this he flew again achieved another 14.victories over 400 missions 38 victories.

MRAF Lord Tedder crew

Var.crew signed BFPP 1554

SpI. signed Tedder (son)

as HA12a but signed by Trevor George Muhl DFM.Air Gunner 1st Tour Air bomber 2nd & 3rd Tours with 207 & 617 Squadrons.

Signed by Les Munro Dambuster pilot 617 Sqdn. Operation Chastise May 16/17 1943.

as HA12b Pilot Signed But also Signed by General Adolf Galland Luftwaffe WW2 Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain, who fought throughout WW2. General of the Fighters; ace with 104 victories in the west; jet ace with 7 victories; RK with diamonds Swords Capt James Francis Rigg USN 11 victories Navy Cross 2 Air Medals 4 DFC's

Flt.Lt.Beauchamp Proctor

Pilot signed

Beauchamp Proctor VC Own FDC Signed WW11 Pilot
16 Feb 77 BFPS 1553 60th Anniversary of the Formation of No 84 Squadron Flt Lt A W Beauchamp Proctor VC . Cover depicts Flt Lt A W Beauchamp Proctor attacking German troops 84 Sqn West Front August 1918 at the Victoria Cross . Flown in Whirlwing Helicopter from RAF Akrotiri to RAF Nicosia. Personally Signed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Denis Barnett. A New Zealander, he joined the RAFO whilst at Cambridge, being awarded a permanent commission in the RAF on completion of his degree. In 1935, he was sent to the USA to study instructional methods used by the American services. In late 1939, he was a member of a mission sent to Italy to investigate the purchase of Italian aircraft for the RAF.
As AOC, No 205 Group, the task fell to him of supervising the move of the RAF from Egypt to it's new bases in Cyprus and remained in Egypt whilst the AOC in C established the new HQ in Cyprus, eventually moving to the new HQ himself in October 1955. However, his tour in the Mediterranean ended in 1956 and he returned to the Britain to command the RAF Staff College. 1956 saw the gradual increase in tension between Britain. France and Egypt following the latter's nationalization of the Suez Canal. When this tension escalated to the point of armed conflict, he found himself appointed to command of the air task force to be involved in the Suez campaign, Operation Musketeer. His immediate staff was selected from officers then attending the Imperial Defence College where much of the early planning for this operation took place. His selection and the appointment of a planning staff divorced from the existing Middle East command structure whilst not a popular move with the resident Middle Eastern commanders (ACM Sir Hubert Patch and AVM W J Crisham) was logical in that Denis Barnett had more recent experience of operations and the situation in Egypt than any other serving Air Officer. The air task force was allocated he role of bombing the Egyptian airfields in order to achieve the required air superiority. He ordered operations to commence at 16:15 hours on 31 Oct 1956 and by 2 November he considered the Egyptian Air Force to have been eliminated as an effective fighting force, a view which was later confirmed by the Bomber Command Operational Research Branch.
From 1965 he was the Member for Weapons Research and Development on the Atomic Energy Authority, a post he held until 1972. Details & black & white photo enclosed. Certified Copy No of 1300.

As above but also Signed by M E Leng 73 Sqn , Ludwik Martel Polish 54 & 603 Sqn Sgt.R.Wolton, with 152 Squadron all 3 Battle of Britain Fighter pilots. Details enclosed

Johnnie Johnson

Johnnie Johnson pilot signed.

Special Signed by Air Vice Marshall Johnnie Johnson 19 Sqn,top scoring RAF WW2 Fighter Pilot Ace .

Signed by Owen V Burns Wop/Air Gunner with 235 Sqn Blenheim Battle of Britain Type service details etc enclosed. With wynn details . record

Major Scott p/s

Major Scott Signed Ballantyne stowed away Airship R34 1919.
30 April 77 BFPS 1566 60th Anniversary RAF Cardington R31, R32, R38. Major G.H.Scott RFC. Captain of many Airships including the R9, The first British Airship to fly ,The R34 on the record Atlantic flight, The R100 and R101 when it crashed in France and the 60th Anniversary of the R30 airships. Cover depicts Major Scott, the R101 Airship at RAF Cardington on 3 October 1930 also 217 Maintenance Unit and RAF Balloon Unit Badges . Flown at RAF Cardington in Parachute container suspended from RAF Balloon 6/74 & delivered by Parachute. Personally Signed by Flt Lt Ballantyne who stowed away on the airship R34 on its record breaking Trans - Atlantic flight in 1919. Blue flown cachet RAF cardington backstamp. With photograph of Major Scott and Ballantyne and details. Certified Copy no of 1392 Covers Signed

Leonard Cheshire

Cheshire Own RAF HA FDC Signed by Pilot
13 May 1977 BFPS 1570 Opening of RAF Linton on Ouse Bomber Command 40th Anniversary. Cover depicts Leonard Cheshire VC DSO DFC and Pilot Officer L Cheshire returning from Cologne to Linton on Ouse 13 November 1940. Blue flown cachet from RAF Linton on Ouse in Dominie on training exercise retraced most of the route taken by Pilot Office Cheshire in Whitley V P5005 ( N for Nuts ) on the night 12 to 13 Nov 40 for which he was awarded the DSO aboard the aircraft were the only 2 members of the original crew who survived the war.Gp Capt Leonard Cheshire VC of 102 Sqn who was awarded the Victoria Cross when OC 617 'Dambusters ' Squadron following a long range Mosquito ' Pathfinder' attack on Munich with the Mosquitos diverting to RAF Manston on the return flight due to little fuel remaining and Sgt Taffy Roberts The Navigator. Personally Signed by Dominie XS714 Pilot Captain Flt Lt T P Conlon.

Special signed by Gp.Capt. Leonard Cheshire Victoria Cross holder.

ACM Sir N.Boothman

Pilot signed.Sqn Ldr C P Lumb.

Special Signed by A.V.Marshal S.N.Webster.Won Schneider Trophy race 3 consecutive years

AM Billy Bishop

Pilot signed

HA RAF FDC Signed E Percival WW1 Pilot & Bishop
2 6 1979 Estoubmel Nord Postmark on French Stamp Air Marshal William Avery Bishop VC Cover depict Bishop VC attacks on Jasta 5 dawn 2 June 1917. Personally Signed by Air Marshall W A Bishops Son Art Bishop and Lt Edgar Percival. Australian Edgar Percival was a WW1 Fighter Pilot who served with 60 Sqn, Commanded by AVM Billy Bishop VC in France and then with 111 Sqn in Palestine. During the 1920's he operated many former WW1 aircraft in Australia and in 1931 founded Percival Aircraft, famous for the Gull, Mew Gull and Vega Gull, which built nearly 3000 proctors for military use in WW11.This cover was taken by courier from Estourmel in France to Wildenrath in Germany on the 2 June 1977, the 60th Anniversary of the attack that led to the award of the Victoria Cross to Billy Bishop. It was later flown to London by No 60 Sqn Subsequently Flown by Air Canada across the Atlantic to Toronto and back to London. RAF. Details and 3 Black & White Photos enclosed. Certified Copy No of 1312. Signed Project Officer.

Air Cdr.A.C.Deere

Pilot signed

Signed by R.L.Jones 64 & 19 Sqns Battle of Britain Fighter pilot

12 Oct 77 BFPS 1593 40th Anniv 1st flight of production Hurricane special Postmark. Gp Capt Sir Douglas Bader. Pilot Signed.

Signed by Gp Capt Sir Douglas Bader.
The legless Fighter pilot CO 242 Hurricane Squadron during the Battle of Britain,shot down in 1941 and taken prisoner, escaped was recaptured and sent to Oflag 7c Colditz Castle until released by the US Army in 1945

Maj.Mannock`

Pilot signed

Special signed by Peter Townsend.85 Sqn Battle of Britain.

T.M.Bulloch

Pilot signed.

Special Signed Sqn Ldr T.BullochDSO*DFC*Flying in Liberator attacked U - Boat

Sir Frank Whittle

Pilot signed

Air Commordore Sir Frank Whittle Signed.
28 Mar 78 BFPS 1603 Air Commordore Sir Frank Whittle The Jet Engine Pioneer and 60th Anniversary of RAF Digby where Sir Frank Whittle continued to develop his ideas for Jet Engines.Cover depicts Air Cdr Sir Frank Whittle, Gloster/Whittle E28/39 Jet Fighter W4041 successfully completing its maiden flight at RAF Cranwell on 15th May 1941 and RAF Digby badge.Flown in Jet Provost T3A XN552 on a Navigation Exercise to Commemorate the Maiden Flight of the Gloster Whittle E28/39.Hand Signed by Sir Rolfe Dudley - Williams & Sir Stanley Hooker,Engineers and Compatriots of Sir Frank Whittle who played key roles in the evolution of Jet Engines. Details and photogragh of Sir Frank Whittle.

Signed by Major Paul Zorner Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves. Night fighter pilot. 108 missions & 59 victories.

The Viscount Trenchard

Pilot signed

Trenchard RAF Cover Signed Beetham.
1 Apr 78 BFPS 1607 60th Anniversary of the Formation of the Royal Air Force 1918 to 1978. Marshal of the RAF The Viscount Trenchard Trenchard father of the RAF.Cover depicts MRAF Lord Trenchard, Bristol F2B overflying RAF Staff College & RAF Staff College Badge.Personally Signed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Beetham,Chief of the Air Staff 1978 . Joined RAF 1941; World War II 1939-1945; Staff Headquarters 1947-1949; 82 (Reconnaissance) Sqn, East Africa 1949-1951; RAF Staff College 1952; Directorate of Operational Requirements, Air Ministry 1953-1956; Commanding Officer, 214 (Valiant) Sqn, Marham 1958-1960; Group Capt, Operations, Bomber Command Headquarters 1962-1964; Commanding Officer, RAF Khormaksar, Aden 1964-1966; Imperial Defence College 1967; Director of Operations (RAF), Ministry of Defence 1968-1970; Commandant, RAF Staff College 1970-1972; Assistant Chief of Staff (Plans and Policy), Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Europe 1972-1975; Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Strike Command 1975-1976; Commander-in-Chief, RAF Germany, and Commander, 2 Tactical Allied Air Force 1976-1977; Chief of Air Staff 1977-1982 Certified Copy 0989 of 1480 Signed Sqn Ldr Passby

The Viscount Portal

Pilot signed

Viscount Portal of Hungerford RAF FDC Signed Pike.
HA25c RAF FDC 22 April 1978 Isle of Man 50th Anniversary of No 3 Flying Training Squadron.Picture cachet of Viscount Portal of Hungerford and Victory Parade London 1945 and Flying Training School crest badge.. Green flown cachet flown RAF Leeming in Jetstream training Sqn over Grantham, Feltwell, South Cerney and Leeming on 2nd April to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Formation of No 3 F.T.S. Personal Signed by Marshal of the RAF Sir Thomas Pike, GCB,CBE,DFC.
17 Jan 1924: Flight Cadet, 'B' Sqn, RAF College 16 Dec 1925: Appointed to a Permanent Commission.16 Dec 1925:Pilot, No 56 Sqn. 2 Oct 1928:Attended Instructors' Course, Central Flying School.19 Dec 1928:Instructor, No 5 FTS. 6 May 1929: Instructor, Central Flying School. 5 Aug 1930:Attended Long Aircraft Engineering Course, Home Aircraft Depot. 1 Oct 1932:Engineering Staff, RAF Depot, Middle East 13 Nov 1934:Instructor, No 4 FTS.19 Jan 1937:Attended RAF Staff College. 1 Jan 1938:CFI, No 10 Flying Training School, Tern Hill 14 Feb 1939:Staff Officer, Deputy Directorate of Peace Organisation. Sep 1939:Air Staff, Directorate of Organisation. 4 Feb 1941:Officer Commanding, No 219 Sqn.29 Sep 1941: Air Staff - Night Fighters, HQ No 11 Group. 2 Feb 1942: Officer Commanding, RAF North Weald. 5 Aug 1942 SOA, HQ No 11/12 Group.16 May 1943:Officer Commanding, No 1 Mobile Operations Room Unit. 21 Feb 1944: SASO, HQ Desert Air Force.23 Jun 1945:Commandant, Officer Advanced Training School. Jul 1945:Commandant, No 1 OATS. (RAF Digby from 13 Sep 1945)12 Oct 1946: Director of Operational Requirements.1 Jan 1949: Attended Imperial Defence College. 9 Jan 1950:AOC, No 11 Group. 21 Jul 1951: Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), HQ Allied Air Forces Central Europe. 12 Jun 1953:Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Policy) 9 Nov 1953: Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. 8 Aug 1956: AOC in C, Fighter Command. 1 Jan 1960: Chief of the Air Staff. 1 Jan 1964:Deputy Supreme Commander Allied Powers Europe. 8 May 1967:
Another 'old boy' of Bedford School, he entered the RAF College at Cranwell in 1924 and attained the rank of Flt Cdt Cpl prior to graduating in 1925. He started his flying career as a fighter pilot with No 56 Squadron at Biggin Hill initially flying Gloster Grebes and later Armstrong Whitworth Siskins. Qualifying as an instructor he then served at No 5 FTS, Sealand before returning to the Central Flying School to train instructors. Whilst at the CFS he was a member of the School's five man aerobatic team of Gipsy Moths in 1930. As was the norm in the pre war years, he decided to further his knowledge and experience by training as a engineer which required him to attend the two year Engineering Officer's course at the Home Aircraft Depot, Henlow.
Suitably qualified, he was posted to the Middle East as an engineer. Remaining in the Middle East he returned to training as an instructor at No 4 FTS at Abu Sueir, Egypt. His middle eastern tour completed he was selected to attend the RAF Staff College at Andover, but instead of being posted to a staff position on completion, he returned to flying training, this time as Chief Flying Instructor at Tern Hill. However, in 1939, he received his staff posting which was in the Deputy Directorate of Peace Organisation. When this deputy directorate became superfluous and its functions absorbed in the Directorate of Organisation, he remained until early 1941.
He at last returned to operations as CO of No 219 Squadron, equipped with Beaufighter night fighters at Tangmere. He soon made his mark, shooting down a German aircraft on his very first patrol and a further three night victories brought him a Bar to his DFC which he had won earlier in the year. Having developed some expertise as a night fighter pilot, it was no surprise to find his next posting being as a Staff officer at HQ Fighter Command with responsibility for night fighters. Command of RAF North Weald and a further spell as a staff officer was followed by a posting overseas.
Initially taking command of a mobile operations unit, in early 1944, he was promoted to air commodore and appointed SASO to the Desert Air Force, remaining as such for the remainder of the Italian campaign. On his return to Britain, he assumed command of the Officer's Advanced Training School before once again entering the Air Ministry as Director of Operational Requirements. He held this post during an important period of RAF history as plans were brought to fruition for the replacement of the numerous wartime piston engined aircraft by the new breed of jet powered fighters and later bombers.
However, having overseen the introduction of many new types and prepared the way for the further introduction of others, he returned to study, this time at the Imperial Defence College. Following completion of the IDC course, he returned to the fighter world as AOC, No 11 Group. His first NATO appointment came in 1951 when he assumed the duties of Chief of Staff (Operations) at the, then, HQ in Fontainbleu, France. Returning to the Air Ministry as ?, he was soon appointed Deputy Chief off the Air Staff with a seat on the Air Council following the unfortunate and untimely death of Air Marshal W A D Brook. Having commanded a fighter squadron, station and group, he completed the set when he was appointed AOC in C, Fighter Command in 1956.
At the turn of 1960, he was appointed to the ultimate post in the RAF, that of Chief of the Air Staff. He held the post during a period of major changes in defence policy, such as the scrapping of Blue Streak, cancellation of Skybolt and the decision to hand over the guardianship of the nuclear deterrent to the Royal Navy. In 1962, he undertook a World Tour visiting RCAF and USAF bases as well as RAF units overseas. During this tour he addressed both the RCAF Staff College and the United States War College. Unlike his predecessors, his spell as CAS did not bring his career to an end, having been offered the post of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander. Accepting the appointment somewhat reluctantly he served for three years, but at the end of it, he knew that his initial reluctance had been proved correct.
In retirement, he became an active member of his local community. He was President of RAFA for 10 years between 1969 and 1978 and was made Deputy Lt of Essex in 1973, retaining the post until 1981. He died in the RAF Hospital at Halton in 1983.
Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
"Wing Commander Thomas Geoffrey PIKE (16202) - No.219 Squadron.
This officer, who recently assumed command of the squadron, has shown great skill in intercepting enemy aircraft at night. During his first night patrol, he intercepted and, it is believed, destroyed a aiding aircraft. He has since destroyed 3 enemy aircraft, of which 2 were destroyed during one night. His keenness and example have had a splendid effect on other members of his squadron."
Citation for the award of the Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Wing Commander Thomas Geoffrey PIKE, D.F.C. (16202), No.219 Squadron.
This officer has displayed outstanding skill and keenness in his efforts to seek and destroy the enemy at night. One night recently while his aerodrome was being bombed, he took off to engage the attackers when the aerodrome was illuminated by the glare from a large number of incendiary bombs.Details & Black & White photo enclosed of Viscount Portal of Hungerford. Certified Copy No of 1299. Signed Project Officer.

Special.signed by D.J.H.Hill.Pilot of British Island Airways during temporary suspension of !st class

Air Cdr.West VC

Pilot signed

SpeciaI signed Air Cdre Freddie West VC WW1 fighter Ace

Maj.McCudden VC

Pilot signed

Special sgn.Wg..Cdr.B Evenden Cerw Member for test flight R34 (Airship.)

Signed by Frederick Korner Knight’s Cross Luftwaffe fighter pilot with 36 victories in North Africa from 250 missions.

Gp.Capt G.Burges Pilot signed

16 Sept 78 BFPS 1624 38th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Sir Keith Park. Flown in Sepecat Jaguar

Special sgn.Sir K.Park (son)

Sqn.Ldr.Ginger Lacey. Flown in Vulcan

RAF FDC Own Cover Signed by Sqn Ldr J.H.Lacey
23 September 1978 BFPS 1626 Sqn Ldr J.H.Lacey. The Highest Scoring Battle of Britain Pilot Credited with 18 Victories and Battle of Britain Open Day at Stanmore Park ( HQ 11 Fighter Group Support Unit. Cover depicts Sqn Ldr J.H.( Ginger )Lacey and his 501 Squadron Hurricane attacking German bombers over Southern England on 15th September 1940 . Flown in Spitfire MK2A P7350 of the Battle of Britain memorial flight at RAF Stanmore Park over the route RAF Northolt to Stanmore to Heathrow to RAF Northolt. Personally Signed by Sqn Ldr J.H.Lacey DFM WW11 Fighter Ace with 28 victories and Battle of Britain Fighter pilot. Backstamped Royal Air Force Coningsby.Certified copy No 0411of 1285signed by Sqn Ldr Lewis RAF Stanmore Park..Detailed incert and photogragh of Sqn Ldr J.H.Lacey.

ACM Sir T.Leigh - Mallory

Pilot signed

HA31c ACM Sir T.L.Leigh Mallory Signed Steedman DFC
28 Nov 78 Gibraltar Special postmark on Gibraltar RAF Nimrod 18p Stamp.Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford L.Leigh Mallory Air Officer Commanding 12 Group of Fighter Command During the Battle of Britain and opening of the Battle of Britain Museum Hendon HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.Cover depicts ACM Sir Trafford Leigh Mallory,12 Group Spitfires on Patrol over Southern England in September 1940 and 8 Squadron badge. Flown in 8 Sqn Shackleton AEW WL756 from RAF Gibraltar to RAF Lossiemouth.Personally Signed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman KCB,CBE,DFC.During WW11 flew on operations with No241 ( Hurricanes and Spitfires) Squadron in North Afica and Italy and served a short tour as ADC to the AOC, Desert Air Force. In 1945 he flew with No2 ( Spitfire ) Squadron from bases in liberated Europe. Full details enclosed and photogragh of Sir Trafford Leigh - Mallory. Orange flown cachet and 8sqn backstamp.Certified Copy No of 1300 Signed Project Officer.Detail enclosed with Black & white Photo of Leigh Mallory.

Personally Signed by Battle of Britain Fighter pilotv & Air Gunner D E Mansfield Wop/Air Gunner 236 Sqn Battle of Britain Photo Copy letter enclosed, Wg.Cdr.G.L.Sinclair Battle of Britain fighter pilot with 19 Sqn & 310 ( Czech ) WW11 Ace 10. Details enclosed.

Capt.Robinson

Pilot signed

Special.Capt.Werner Verrnehren (Zeppelin Captain)

Signed by CoI.Perry Shuman US Marine Fighter pilot in the Pacific. 6 victories & Major Franz Eisenach Knight’s Cross. Originally a destroyer pilot with 11/2G76 in 1940/41. Details enclosed.

AVM Bennett

Pilot signed

HA Bennett Own FDC Signed Bennett
6 October 1978 BFPS 1620 40th Anniversary of World Seaplane Record. Blue flown cachet Flown in Vulcan of No 35 Sqn from RAF Scampton. Personally Signed by Personally Signed by Air Vice Marshal D C T Bennett. He was initially told that he would be appointed a Group Capt in Training Command, but when this was downgraded to Squadron Leader, he declined the offer, He was eventually granted the rank of Wing Commander and sent to establish a Navigation School at Eastbourne. Having successfully set up this school, he requested an active assignment and was appointed CO of No 77 Squadron. He flew on operations as often as possible but always with a different crew by replacing that crew's pilot, that way he was able to assess the efficiency of all his crews. April 1942 brought a move to the command of No 10, newly equipped with the four-engined Halifax. Later the same month (27th), he took part in a combined raid by No's 10, 35 and 76 squadron against the Tirpitz. Hit by flak his aircraft caught fire and he set course for Sweden. Unable to make Sweden he ordered his crew to bale out whilst he remained at the controls before making his own escape. Landing in deep snow he located his wireless operator and with the help of friendly Norwegians he managed to cross the border into Sweden and eventually return to Britain resuming command of his squadron one month after baling out and to receive an immediate DSO. However, when No 10 Sqn was posted to the Middle East, he did not accompany them as he was summoned to HQ Bomber Command to see the AOC in C, Arthur Harris, his old CO from the flying boat days.Details enclosed with Black & White Photo of AVM Bennetts Seaplane Mercury being loaded on to the Deaplane Maia before the World Record flight to South Africa on 6th October 1938. Certified copy of 1292

as HA33a but signed by D.L.Perry & N.C. Stevens 35 Sqn. Flt.Eng.

As HA33c but also Signed by General Adolf Galland Luftwaffe WW2 Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain, who fought throughout WW2. General of the Fighters; ace with 104 victories in the west; jet ace with 7 victories; RK with diamonds Swords

As HA33a But Signed by Major George A Doersch 10½ Victories P47 Thunderbolt, P51 Pilot. 359th Fighter Group. Details enclosed

28 Nov 1978 BFPS 1623 . Cover depicts Wing Commander R R Stanford Tuck and Stanford Tuck attacking a Schwarm of JG26 Schlageter by Oberst Leutnant Adolf Galland. Brown Flown cachet Flown in VC 10 XV 107 Flt Lt Nicolson VC.

Signed by R.R. Stanford Tuck 92 & CO 257 Sqn Battle of Britain Died 1987 Ace 27 Victories .

Major W.G..Barker

Pilot signed

Special Signed.ACM C.F. Cheminant.GBE KCB DFC

17 No 78 Hong Kong Postmark FIt.Lt.H.B.Gray. Flown in Wessex From site RAF Kai Tak to RAF Sek Kong.
FIt.Lt.H.B.Gray Pilot signed.

Historic Aviators FDC Flt Lt H.B.Gray Signed
17 No 78 Hong Kong Flt Lt Gray GM WW11 RAAF Hong Kong POW Camp resistance leader executed by the Japanese in 1943 and opening of RAF Sek Kong.Cover depicts Destruction of the air defence of Hong Kong 1942 RAF Kai Tak.. On the back flown cachet Flown from the site of RAF Kai Tak to RAF Sek Kong via Sham Shui PO and big wave bay in Wessex Mk2 XR515 of Number 28 ( AC ) Squadron Pilot. Flt Lieutenant P.J.Rogers. Personally Signed M Pledger Sqn Ldr OC 28 ( AC ) Sqn, ADA Honley Gp Capt Craf ( HK ) and ME Carleton Smith Brigadier Commander Gurkha Field Force.

Signed by Japanese Zero Zengi Abe pilot Led dive bombers off Japanese carrier Akagi at Pearl Harbor with the target Battleship Row. Later in the war, he sank the British battleship HMS Hermes.

14 April 1979 BFPS 1635 . Sqn.Ldr.J.Pattle flown in Gloster Gladiator.

RAF J Pattle FDC Signed Allisstone.
14 April 1979 BFPS 1635 Sqn.Ldr.J.Pattle flown in Gloster Gladiator.on an air test from Old Warden Aerodrome on 16th May 1979.Cover depicts Squadron Ldr M T St John Pattle and Air Battle over the Albanian Frontier 28 February 1941. Personally Signed by Group Captain M J Allisstone Officer Commanding RAF Quedgeley. Red backstamp No 7 Maintenance Unit 24 May 1979 RAF Quedgeley Glos. Certified Copy No 544 of 1291 Signed Project Officer.RAF Ref No HA37c

Lord Douglas

Pilot signed

Marshal RAF Lord Douglas double signed
12 May 1979 BFPS 1641 30th Anniversary Lifting of the Berlin Blockade. Picture cachet of Marshal of the RAF The Lord Douglas of Kirtleside and Avro Yorks unload at RAF Gatow during Berlin Airlift 1948 to 1949.Black Flown cachet flown from Farnborough to Templehof Berlin via RAF Laarbruch Personally signed by Gp Capt R M Robson OBE ADC MBIM RAF In 1979 Commanding Officer RAF Gatow in Berlin and Colonel Vernon L Frye was Commander of the 730th Air base group and Tempelhof Central Airport Berlin Germany and in this capacity serves as the United States Air Force in Europe ( USAFE) Representative in Berlin.
USA Command Pilot with over 3000 hours flying time F6,F 100 , F 105 & F - 111 details enclosed Full details enclosed. Certified copy of 1285 RAF Ref no

as HA38c But also Signed by General Adolf Galland Luftwaffe WW2 Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain , who fought throughout WW2. General of the Fighters; ace with 104 victories in the west; jet ace with 7 victories; RK with diamonds Swords Brig General Richard E Galer USMC 13 Victories.

23 August 1979 BFPS 1656 Major Hawker VC Flown in Hercules.

HA RAF FDC Signed Rt Hon Winston Churchill MP
23 8 79 Amien Major L G Hawker VC . Cover depicts Major Hawker VC his 24 Sqnm DH2's in action over the Western Front in 1916, 24 Sqn badge and the Victoria Cross. Flown in 24 Sqn Hercules C1 XV306. taken from Amiens to Bertangles Airfield site and thence to Bapaume where Hawker fell. Flown from Cambrai to Lyneham to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the first flight of the Hercules C 130 on 23rd August 1954. Personally Signed by Rt Hon Winston S Churchill MP, Sir Winston Churchill's grandson WW11 Prime Minister . With Photo of Major Hawker VC in RFC uniform. Certified Copy of 1300. Signed Project Officer

As above but also Signed by Sqn Ldr S V Holloway 25 Sqn died 1991, Flt LtL Martel ( Polish ) & R.Wolton 152 Sqdn died 1993 . All 3 Battle of Britain fighter pilots.details enclosed

Capt.Lidell VC

Pilot signed

Special signed .Wg .Cdr.R.Beamont.Battle of Britain fighter pilot

BFPS 1646 postmark special. Red & Blue cachets. Signed

as above but Red cachets