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LISTER JOSEPH: (1827-1912) English Surgeon. Fountain pen ink signature (‘Lister’) on a piece removed from the conclusion of a letter [to William Broadbent] with two additional lines of holograph text and a further six to the recto, in part, ‘He has a fear that prejudice against his Profession may turn to his disadvantage and he is anxious to have support….’ Very slightly irregularly trimmed to the upper edge, otherwise VG £80 - 100
William Broadbent (1835-1907) English Neurologist, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
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TREVES FREDERICK: (1853-1923) British Surgeon, famous for his friendship with Joseph Merrick, ‘The Elephant Man’. A.L.S., Frederick Treves, one page, 8vo, Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square, 2nd October 1902, to Sir William Broadbent. Treves writes to confirm an appointment at Broadbent’s home on Friday at 1.45pm as proposed. Annotated in ink in another hand (most likely that of Broadbent) at the head of the page, asking that word be sent to two individuals. VG £80 - 100
William Broadbent (1835-1907) English Neurologist, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
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CARREL ALEXIS: (1873-1944) French Surgeon and Biologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1912. T.L.S., Alexis Carrel, one page, 4to, Paris, 3rd January 1944, to Dr. T. Malachowski (‘Mon cher Confrere’), in French. Carrel states that he has just received his correspondent’s letter and thanks him for his wishes, but is sad not to have had better news of Malachowski, continuing ‘I too have found myself suffering enough, over these last few months, to have to take a little rest’ and further remarking ‘The Foundation, however, is continuing its efforts. Some of its works are going to be published shortly, which will make its activities and the results obtained better known, despite the current difficulties’. VG £100 - 120
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FLEMING ALEXANDER: (1881-1955) Scottish Biologist, Nobel Prize winner for Physiology or Medicine, 1945. A good book signed and inscribed, being a hardback edition of Fleming - Discoverer of Penicillin by L. J. Ludovici, published by Andrew Dakers Limited, London, October 1952 (reprint). Signed by Fleming to the front free endpaper with a good presentation inscription, in full, ‘To Alice with best wishes for the New Year. I did not want it published and I have not read it but perhaps it may amuse you. Alexander Fleming’ and dated 30th December 1952 in his hand. Bound in dark blue cloth (some fading and spotting to the spine) and lacking the dust jacket. Some light overall age wear, about VG £300 - 400
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LORENTZ HENDRIK: (1853-1928) Dutch Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1902. Lorentz derived the transformation equations which formed the basis of the special relativity theory of Albert Einstein. A.L.S., H. A. Lorentz, three pages, 8vo, Leiden, 19th December 1910, to a Professor (‘Sehr geehrter Herr Doctor’), in German. Lorentz states that he was kept very busy on his return to Goettingen and was unable to contact his correspondent after receiving their manuscript, also explaining that he has not yet presented the work to the Academy, remarking ‘Ornstein had not yet finished his own work and it seems most appropriate to present these at the same time. I intend to do this Saturday coming….’ In concluding Lorentz adds ‘I would be delighted to receive the information about the objects we discussed and you promise in your letter’. A small, neat split to the edge of the central horizontal fold of each page, only very slightly affecting a couple of words of text, but not the signature, otherwise VG £200 - 300
Leonard Ornstein (1880-1941) Dutch Physicist who studied theoretical physics with Lorentz at the University of Leiden and subsequently carried out Ph.D. research under his supervision, concerning an application of the statistical mechanics of Josiah Willard Gibbs to molecular problems.
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THOMSON J. J.: (1856-1940) English Physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1906. A.L.S., J. J. Thomson, two pages, 8vo, Trinity Lodge, Cambridge, 10th July 1927, to a gentleman (B. A. Campbell of The Peel Institute). Thomson states that he sympathises with the work that his correspondent is doing and wishes he could help him although continues ‘I have however no experience either as speaker or lecturer of the kind of address you are trying to organise, and I have not for more than 30 years had opportunities for getting to know the way our working men look at religious questions or what are their special difficulties. I feel that I am not competent for the kind of work you are proposing and that if I attempted it I might do more harm than good’. Neatly annotated in red fountain pen ink at the head of the first page. VG £100 - 120
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THOMPSON WILLIAM BELL: (1922-1995) British-born Canadian Physicist, a pioneer in the field of plasma physics. A.L.S., W. B. Thompson, one page, 8vo, Didcot, Berkshire, 20th February 1958, to a gentleman, on the printed stationery of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Thompson sends his correspondent an autograph and adds ‘You may be able to get a photograph from the UKAEA press office in London - or possibly from some newspaper - the Empire News, I think carried the official one’. The handwriting and signature are a little scratchy in places. Two file holes to the top edge, only very slightly affecting the printed heading, and some light overall foxing. G £80 - 100
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BAIRD JOHN LOGIE: (1888-1946) Scottish Engineer and Inventor of the world’s first working television system. Brief T.L.S., J L Baird, one page, 8vo, Sydenham, 11th March 1937, to Lionel Armand Aucoin. Baird responds to his correspondent’s letter and sends a signed photograph (no longer present). With blank integral leaf. Rare. EX £200 - 300
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FREUD SIGMUND: (1856-1939) Austrian Psychiatrist. A.L.S., Freud, on one side of his personal printed correspondence card bearing his Vienna address, Berlin-Tegel, n.d., to a gentleman, in German. Freud thanks his correspondent for having sent him their work, although remarks ‘I am however currently involved in other work’ and concludes ‘I also have very little interest in the material you suggested’. One paperclip rust stain to the upper left corner and a light vertical crease to the centre, only very slightly affecting a few words of text but not the signature, otherwise about VG £1500 - 2000
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JUNG CARL: (1875-1961) Swiss Psychiatrist, founder of analytical psychology. T.L.S., C. G. Jung, one page, 4to, Zurich, 1st February 1949, to Mr. P. M. Shankland of Short Film Production in Hamburg. Jung states that his correspondent’s proposition is most interesting, although remarks ‘but it will be equally difficult to translate such a thing as my Essays on Contemporary Events into the language of the film’. Jung adds ‘I must confess that I have not the slightest imagination in this respect’ and suggests that his book should be given to ‘a number of better-class writers that are interested in the film’ and that a competition should be started amongst them ‘in order to see what kind of dramatic phantasies they develop while reading the Essays’. Jung also explains ‘My mind doesn’t function along these modern ways, but I could imagine that a fertile and dramatizing mind could get the necessary kick out of my peculiar way of looking at things’ and concludes by stating that he will hand Shankland’s letter around among his colleagues and see if something turns up that might be of use. A letter of interesting content. Three file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature. VG £400 - 600
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LIVINGSTONE DAVID: (1813-1873) Scottish Missionary & Explorer. Bold, dark fountain pen ink signature (‘Yours &c David Livingstone’) on a pale blue oblong 12mo piece, presumably clipped from the conclusion of a letter. Dated 1861 in pencil in another hand to the lower right corner. Lightly laid down, about VG £200 - 300
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SCOTT ROBERT FALCON: (1868-1912) British Royal Navy Officer & Antarctic Explorer. A.L.S., R F Scott, two pages, 8vo, Newcastle (although on printed stationery bearing his address at Oakley Street, Chelsea Embankment), 17th November n.y. (1904), to Mr. Murray. Scott thanks his correspondent for their kind invitation, although remarks ‘Unfortunately I have embarked on a series of lectures which occupy my time fully until after Xmas’ and further adds ‘I am at present going from town to town on this mission and shall have no rest until it is finished’. With blank integral leaf. About EX £600 - 800
Scott had returned to Great Britain on the Discovery in September 1904, just a couple of months before the present letter was written. His Antarctic Expedition had caught the public’s imagination and Scott became a popular hero. He immediately embarked on a series of lectures, as illustrated in the present letter, public receptions and also spent time writing his expedition record, The Voyage of the Discovery, before returning to his Naval career in early 1906.
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HIMMLER HEINRICH: (1900-1945) German Nazi official of World War II, Reichsfuhrer of the SS. D.S., H. Himmler, four pages, 4to, Field Command Post, 9th April 1943, in German. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Recommendation of Appointment for Captain of Police Wilhelm Radtke to become a Major of the Police, the document providing various details of Radtke’s educational background and career to date etc. Signed by Himmler to the first page of the document beneath a typed statement, ‘No objection to the appointment has been raised by the head of the chancellors’. The front page also bears several official ink stamps, one issued in the name of Dr. Otto Meissner given at the Presidential Chancellery, Berlin, 16th April 1943 and another indicating that Radtke’s promotion came into effect on 20th April 1943. Several file holes to the left edge, most with small tears, only very slightly affecting a few words of text, but not the signature, otherwise VG £300 - 400
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HITLER ADOLF: (1889-1945) Fuhrer of the Third Reich 1934-45. A scarce, early signed Christmas and New Years greetings card, the oblong 12mo printed card featuring the green printed text Die besten Gluckwunsche zum neuen Jahre. Signed (‘Adolf Hitler’) in fountain pen ink beneath the text, the future Fuhrer adding one additional word of text in his hand. Dated 30th December 1922 in fountain pen ink in an unidentified hand to the lower left corner. An early example of Hitler’s signature. Together with three oblong 8vo correspondence cards, each bearing facsimile signatures of Hitler and with his name printed in gold to the upper left corners beneath the Nazi eagle and swastika, Berlin and n.p., March 1936 - December 1943, each with different German text, two relating to Christmas and the New Year and one written to Otto Meissner. Some light overall age wear and minor faults, generally G to about VG, 4 £1000 - 1200
Otto Meissner (1880-1953) German Head of the Office of the President of Germany.
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SPEER ALBERT: (1905-1981) Nazi Politician & Hitler’s Chief Architect. Minister of Armaments and War Production 1942-45. An interesting T.L.S., Albert Speer, one page, 4to, Heidelberg, 12th December 1977, to Mr. Ramsay. Speer announces ‘You are correct in that the photocopies do indeed show the excavations for the bunkers. It is in fact a large bunker complex (not the one Hitler used), which was later transformed into a military hospital….’ and continues ‘The bunkers, constructed and built in 1938, corresponded with the perception of the effect of bombs at that time, plus additional safety precautions. Hitler’s personal bunker was built in two stages. The second part had a much stronger ceiling. This was necessary due to the use of heavier bombs during the course of the war. I was not involved in the construction. This was the responsibility of Piepenburg (now dead)….’ In concluding Speer recommends that his correspondent obtain a copy of the book Die Katakombe by O’Donnel, remarking that ‘It contains an exact drawing of the bunker complex in which Hitler commited (sic) suicide’. With a blue ink annotation in another hand. VG £150 - 200
The Fuhrerbunker was an air raid shelter located near the Reich Chancellery in Berlin. Part of a subterranean bunker complex, constructed in two phases and completed in 1944, the architects were Albert Speer and Karl Piepenburg. The Fuhrerbunker played a significant role at the end of World War II as the last of the Fuhrer Headquarters used by Hitler after he took up residence there on 16th January 1945. Hitler married Eva Braun in the Fuhrerbunker during the last week of April 1945, shortly before they committed suicide.
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DE GAULLE CHARLES: (1890-1970) French General of World War II. Later President of the French Republic 1959-69. Wartime T.L.S., C. de Gaulle, one page, 4to, Carlton Gardens, London, 16th August 1940, to Madame Jeanne Fyfe-Poulain, in French. De Gaulle states that the sentiments expressed in his correspondent’s letter ‘are a valuable encouragement to me’ and continues to thank her for her offer of services, remarking ‘To allow me to make use of your assistance, I should be obliged if you would return the attached questionnaire to my private office’. Accompanied by two related documents, in French, and a contemporary English translation of a letter, one being a notice of appointment to Fyfe-Poulain, stating that she is to be engaged in the civil personnel of the French National Committee in London as an accounts assistant from 8th November 1943 at a salary of £22 per month, another stating that according to a decision made on the 8th October 1945 her salary as an accounts secretary has been fixed at £30, and in the letter issued by the Chief of the Delegation of the French Supply Council Fyfe-Poulain is served her notice, effective from 1st October 1948, explaining that, as a result ‘of the Staff reductions we have had to enforce further to the Budget cuts voted by Parliament’. Each of the three documents bear various official stamps etc. Some light creasing and minor age wear, generally about VG, 4 £200 - 300
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EISENHOWER DWIGHT D.: (1890-1969) American General of World War II, later American President 1953-61. Vintage signed 8 x 6 photograph of Eisenhower standing in a three quarter length pose wearing ceremonial robes, with two other officials standing to either side, also wearing robes. Photograph by the Irish Times and bearing their blindstamp. Signed by Eisenhower in blue fountain pen ink with his name alone to the image, partially across a darker area. Accompanied by a T.L.S. by Colonel Ernest R. Lee, one page, 8vo, Headquarters, U.S. Forces, European Theater, Office of the Commanding General, 6th November 1945, to Paddy MacHugh in Belfast, stating that he is replying in the absence of Kay Summersby and enclosing the picture ‘which General Eisenhower was pleased to autograph’. Together with the original envelope. Some light surface creasing and very minor silvering, about VG £200 - 300
The present photograph was taken on the occasion of Eisenhower receiving his Honorary Degree from the Queen’s University in Belfast on 24th August 1945.
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MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. Bold, dark fountain pen ink signature (‘Montgomery of Alamein’) on a slim oblong 12mo piece, matted in grey beneath a colour reproduction image of Montgomery and framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 9.5 x 11. VG £80 - 100
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MONTGOMERY B. L.: (1887-1976) British Field Marshal of World War II. A vintage printed 8vo pamphlet entitled Some Notes on the Use of Air Power in Support of Land Operations and Direct Air Support, issued for the 21 Army Group in Holland, December 1944. Signed (‘Montgomery of Alamein’) by Montgomery with a post-war signature in bold blue fountain pen ink to a clear area at the head of the paper cover. The front cover features various printed instructions that the information contained within the pamphlet is not to be published and that ‘This pamphlet must NOT fall into enemy hands’. Some light age wear and a minor stain to the covers, not affecting the signature, otherwise VG £80 - 100
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MOUNTBATTEN LOUIS: (1900-1979) British Admiral of World War II. Book signed, being a paperback edition of Combined Operations 1940-1942, prepared for the Combined Operations Command by the Ministry of Information, First Edition published by His Majesty’s Stationery Office, London, 1943. Signed (‘Louis Mountbatten’) in bold fountain pen ink by Mountbatten with his name alone to the half title page. With the ownership signature (‘Wren G. Jones’) of Miss Grace Jones, employed at the Admiralty during World War II, to the front cover. Some light overall age wear and some creasing to the colour printed paper wrappers, G £100 - 120
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ENOLA GAY: Signed 8 x 10 photograph by three crew members of the Enola Gay individually, comprising Paul W. Tibbets (1915-2007, American Brigadier General, pilot of the Enola Gay), Thomas W. Ferebee (1918-2000, American Colonel, bombardier of the Enola Gay) and Theodore Van Kirk (1921-2014, American Major, navigator of the Enola Gay), the historic image depicting the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima following the dropping of the Little Boy atomic bomb by the B-29 bomber Enola Gay on 6th August 1945 during the final stages of World War II. Signed by each in blue inks to clear areas at the head of the image, Tibbets adding ‘Pilot Enola Gay’ in his hand beneath his signature, Ferebee adding ‘Bombardier’ in his hand beneath his signature and Van Kirk adding ‘Navigator 8/6/45’ in his hand beneath his signature. EX £100 - 150
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TURING ALAN: (1912-1954) British Mathematician and Computer Scientist, famous for his work during World War II at Bletchley Park, Britain’s codebreaking centre, where he was responsible for devising techniques for breaking German ciphers, including those generated by the Enigma machine. An extremely rare ink signature (‘A. M. Turing’) and date, 18th – 21st December [1931] in his hand on a 4to page removed from a Vistors’ book. The page also bears eighteen other ink signatures and dates by various individuals. Autographs of Turing are extremely rare in any form not least as a result of his tragically early death at the age of 41. EX £2000 - 3000
The present page was removed from the Visitors’ Book for Abbey Grange and Westcott House, a boarding house associated with Sherborne School in Dorset. Turing attended the independent school from the age of 13, in 1926, before studying as an undergraduate at King’s College, Cambridge, from 1931-34.
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WORLD WAR II: Selection of signed pieces, cards, a few letterheads etc., by various British Politicians associated with World War II, many of whom served in War Cabinets, some foreign ambassadors etc., including John Simon (7), Leslie Burgin, Ernest Brown, Leslie Hore-Belisha, Kingsley Wood, Anthony Eden, Brendan Bracken, Oliver Lytellton, Lord Boothby, Samuel Hoare (3), Duff Cooper (2), Lord Woolton (2), Lord Beaverbrook, Oliver Stanley (2), Garfield Weston, Herbert Morrison (3), William S. Morrison, R. Stafford Cripps (3), Ernest Bevin, James Chuter Ede, Nevile Henderson, Ivan Maisky, Edward Raczynski etc. Some have small attached newspaper portraits and many are neatly annotated in the hand of collectors. G to generally VG, 48 £80 - 100
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DOWDING HUGH: (1882-1970) British Air Chief Marshal, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. A.L.S., Dowding, two pages, 8vo, Wimbledon, 16th February 1950, to Lord Beaverbrook. Dowding thanks his correspondent for a welcome gift of sugar from Jamaica and continues to inform him ‘Derek is to be given a Heavy Bomber Squadron as soon as he has gone through the various courses which appear to be entailed nowadays before one can attain to command’. He also comments on a happy visit from the family in the autumn and concludes ‘I hope your Max is well and happy; and that the asthma is behaving itself’. Two file holes to the left edge, only very slightly affecting a couple of letters of text, and some extremely minor, very light staining to some corners, not affecting the text or signature. About VG £300 - 400
Max Aitken (1879-1964) 1st Baron Beaverbrook. Anglo-Canadian Business Tycoon, Politician and Newspaper Proprietor. His son (referred to in the present letter) was Max Aitken (1910-1985) British Politician and Press Baron who served as a fighter pilot during World War II, participating in the Battle of Britain.
Derek Dowding (1919-1992) 2nd Baron Dowding, son of Hugh Dowding. British Fighter Pilot of World War II who, following the end of the war, commanded a bomber squadron (as the present letter confirms) at RAF Upwood before being posted to America with the British Joint Service Commission.
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[DOWDING HUGH]: (1882-1970) British Air Chief Marshal, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. An original transcript of an interview between historian Robert Wright (1906-1992) and Francis Wilkinson following an interview conducted by Wright on 22nd & 23rd November 1968 while in the process of researching his book Dowding and the Battle of Britain (1969). The typescript, prepared on 25th November 1968, consists of over one hundred 4to pages and inevitably contains many interesting references to Lord Dowding, as well as Winston Churchill, Keith Park, Trafford Leigh-Mallory, the Battle of Britain, Fighter Command etc. Unpublished in its entirety. VG £80 - 100
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[DOWDING HUGH]: (1882-1970) British Air Chief Marshal, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. An original typescript entitled Dowding - Notes on His Life prepared by historian Robert Wright (1906-1992) while in the process of researching his book Dowding and the Battle of Britain (1969). The typescript contains over 200 4to pages, the result of Dowding’s own recollections, covering his early life and family background, experiences with the Royal Flying Corps, recollections of various individuals including Hugh Trenchard, Robert Watson Watt, Winston Churchill etc., as well as his post-War career, belief in Spiritualism and Flying saucers etc. VG £100 - 150
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[DOWDING HUGH]: (1882-1970) British Air Chief Marshal, Commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. An original manuscript prepared by historian Robert Wright (1906-1992) while writing and researching his book Dowding and the Battle of Britain (1969). The lengthy manuscript, entitled First Draft Outline consists of 4to pages, divided into ten sections, with various neatly arranged holograph notes and observations by Wright regarding the structure of his book. VG £200 - 300
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BENNETT DON: (1910-1986) Australian Air Vice Marshal of World War II, leader of the Pathfinder Force. T.L.S., Don Bennett, one page, 4to, Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex, 29th October 1980, to Alan W. Cooper. Bennett thanks his correspondent for having sent an extract ‘of the Recommendation for my C.B.’ and further adds ‘I am afraid the copy of the Recommendation for the D.S.O. is something which I thought you had only shown me for perusal and I left it with the Chairman of the meeting to return to you’, continuing ‘Unfortunately therefore I have not retained a copy and if it were convenient for you to do so, I would greatly appreciate it if you could obtain one for me.’ Some light creasing to the edges and a tear to the lower right edge, not affecting the text or signature, G £100 - 120
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
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PORTAL CHARLES: (1893-1971) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Commander-in-Chief of Bomber Command 1940. Bold blue fountain pen ink signature (‘Portal of Hungerford M.R.A.F.’) and inscription, ‘To Gordon Cotton, hoping that he will soon be quite well….’, on an oblong 12mo card, dated October 1945 in his hand. About EX £80 - 100
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HARRIS ARTHUR T.: (1892-1984) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. An excellent vintage signed sepia 11.5 x 9.5 photograph, the wartime image depicting Harris, wearing his uniform, seated in a half length pose behind his desk which is occupied with various papers, pens, a magnifying glass, telephone and a communication system which he leans forwards to operate. Signed by Harris in bold dark fountain pen ink to a clear area of the image. Wartime signed photographs of Bomber Harris of this quality are rare. Some light age wear and a crease to one corner of the photographer’s mount, about VG £300 - 400
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HARRIS ARTHUR T.: (1892-1984) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. An intriguing A.L.S., Arthur T. Harris MRAF, one page, 8vo, Goring on Thames, 12th May 1981, to [Alan] Cooper. Harris apologises for the delay in replying to his correspondent’s letter and continues ‘If you wish to deliver Albert Speer’s letter here personally, please ring for a date’. Harris has added his telephone number in his hand at the head of the page and explains ‘My tel No. as above is ex directory so don’t lose it or you will be unable to get put through even by the P.O. tel. enquiries’. VG £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Albert Speer (1905-1981) Nazi Politician & Hitler’s Chief Architect. Minister of Armaments and War Production 1942-45.
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SPEER ALBERT: (1905-1981) Nazi Politician & Hitler’s Chief Architect. Minister of Armaments and War Production 1942-45. A good T.L.S., Albert Speer, one page, 8vo, Heidelberg, 18th July 1980, to Alan W. Cooper. Speer thanks his correspondent for their letter and adds that he is pleased they enjoyed their visit, further remarking ‘I appreciate your giving a copy of our taped conversation to Sir Arthur Harris, and I am delighted with his reaction’. Speer continues to state that he would very much like to meet Harris, although comments ‘But I am nervous of any reaction caused in the world by such a meeting’. With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope. Together with a printed small oblong folding 8vo memoriam card for Speer, issued in the name of his wife Margarete Speer and her family, with an A.L.S. by Hilde Schramm Speer (1936- , German Politician, daughter of Speer) to the inside, to Mr. Cooper, thanking him for the sympathy expressed on the death of her father and remarking ‘I know how much he liked to pass on his knowledge about the past to the following generation’. Some extremely minor, very light creasing, VG, 2 £150 - 200
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Arthur T. Harris (1892-1984) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during World War II.
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WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. A good, bold blue fountain pen ink signature and sentiment, ‘With all good wishes, Barnes Wallis’, and date, July 1964, in his hand, on an oblong 8vo sheet of paper. Accompanied by three unsigned photographs of Wallis (two the same image) seated at his desk. Some extremely light, very minor creasing, VG, 4 £100 - 120
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WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. T.L.S., B. N. Wallis, with holograph salutation, one page, 4to, Effingham, Surrey, 17th February 1972, to Mr. Bartlett. Wallis informs his correspondent that he has been ‘instructed by the Royal Air Force that I should not sign any Covers unless they are sent to me direct from the various Royal Air Force Stations concerned’. VG £100 - 150
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617 SQUADRON: An extremely rare, complete set of vintage signed cards by the seven Commanding Officers of No. 617 Squadron RAF during World War II comprising
Guy Gibson (1918-1944) British Wing Commander, the first Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 21st March - 3rd August 1943. Victoria Cross winner for his actions during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) on the Mohne and Eder Dams in Germany, 16th May 1943. Rare, bold pencil signature (‘Guy P Gibson W/C’) on an oblong 12mo card.
George Holden (1913-1943) British Squadron Leader, the second Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 3rd August - 16th September 1943. Extremely rare, dark fountain pen ink signature (‘G. W. Holden S/Ldr’) on an oblong 12mo card.
Harold Martin (1918-1988) Australian Air Marshal, the third (Temporary) Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 16th September - 10th November 1943. Pilot of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Martin was a crew member of the third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam. Dark fountain pen ink signature (‘Mick Martin’) on an oblong 12mo card.
Leonard Cheshire (1917-1992) British Group Captain, the fourth Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 10th November 1943 - 12th July 1944. Victoria Cross winner for his flying operations during World War II. Dark fountain pen ink signature (‘G L Cheshire’) on a 12mo card.
James Tait (1916-2007) British Group Captain, the fifth Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 12th July - 29th December 1944. Dark fountain pen ink signature (‘J. B. Tait’) on a 12mo card.
John Fauquier (1909-1981) Canadian Air Commodore, the sixth Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 29th December 1944 - 28th March 1945. An amusing fountain pen ink signature (‘J. E. Fauquier, Bomber Command’) on an oblong 12mo card, with the additional words ‘vs. P. McLaughlin, Coastal Command’ beneath his signature, alongside a small original pen and ink colour cartoon sketch by Fauquier showing him standing in a full length pose, in uniform, heavily hitting McLaughlin, also in uniform, over the head with a baseball bat.
John Grindon (1917-2002) British Wing Commander, the seventh Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, 28th April - 8th August 1945. Blue ink signature (‘John Grindon, C.O. 630’) on a small, slightly irregularly clipped piece, neatly laid down to an oblong 12mo card.
Each of the signatures are professionally and attractively matted together in blue, each above individual commemorative covers issued for the Commanding Officers of 617 Squadron and featuring their colour oval portraits. Also included within the frame is a colour reproduction of 617 Squadron’s badge, depicting the bursting of a dam, in honour of Operation Chastise, and the amusing double entendre French motto Apres moi le Deluge (‘After me, the flood’). Framed and glazed in a wooden frame to an overall size of 34 x 28. VG to EX
The present unique set of signatures represent the only time a complete set of autographs of the Wartime Commanding Officers of 617 Squadron have ever appeared at auction. £6000 - 8000
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COCHRANE RALPH: (1895-1977) British Air Chief Marshal of World War II, remembered for his role in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th
May 1943. A.L.S., Ralph A Cochrane,
one page, 8vo, Shipton-Under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, 14th November n.y., to Mr. Stanhope. Cochrane regrets that he has no suitable photograph available to send to his correspondent, although wishes him success with his collection. VG £100 - 150
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MARTIN HAROLD: (1918-1988) Australian Air Marshal of the RAF, Pilot of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Martin was a crew member of the third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam. A.L.S., Mick, (also bearing his name ‘Air Marshal Sir Harold Martin’ as part of his address at the head), one page, 4to, London, 14th December 1981, to Alan [Cooper]. Martin explains that he has been putting together some notes for a small contribution to the Royal Institute’s series on Measurement and is aware that his correspondent has a copy of Jack Leggo’s navigation flight logs and asking if he could have some copies as ‘They would be of great interest to me and “aide memoire” ‘. Martin also writes ‘On the copies of information about the height lights you inked around certain paragraphs. To save me writing time I would like to lift complete sentences here and there. I can’t think of a shorter or better way of saying the same thing’. Two file holes to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature. Together with an unsigned printed 8vo Service of Thanksgiving for Harold Martin at St. Clement Danes, 4th January 1989. Generally VG, 2 £150 - 200
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Jack Leggo (1916-1983) Australian Flight Lieutenant, Navigator of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Leggo was, alongside Martin, a crew member of the third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam.
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TOWNSEND BILL: (1921-1991) British Flight Lieutenant, Pilot of Lancaster ED886/G AJ-O of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Townsend was the pilot of the only aircraft to attack the Ennepe Dam. A.L.S., Bill Townsend, one page, 4to, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, 26th March 1978, to Alan [Cooper]. Townsend states that he is sorry to have to return a photograph (no longer present) ‘without being able to make even a guess at the identity’, although adding ‘There is something vaguely familiar about the Flying ‘O’ in the middle of the back row but I cannot tie it down’. Townsend also states that he is pleased that his correspondent is making some progress with their book and remarks ‘If you want a photograph of myself, I have quite a selection now….or maybe you want one taken during the war’, and concludes ‘I forget if I put you in touch with Chiefy Powell of 617 Squadron who may be able to help with identifying your photograph. He lives at….’ . VG £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
George Edward Powell (1911-1986) British Flight Sergeant of World War II, known as ‘Chiefy’ Powell. Disciplinary NCO of 617 Squadron 1943-45. Powell was also responsible for the burial of Guy Gibson’s dog, Nigger (who also served as the Squadron’s mascot), on the night that Gibson led the Dambusters Raid
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RICE GEOFFREY: (1917-1981) British Pilot Officer, Pilot of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Wartime A.L.S., Geoff, three pages, 8vo, Lincoln, 8th November 1943, to Mr. & Mrs. F. A. Rice (‘My Dear Dad & Anne’), on the printed stationery of RAF Station Coningsby. Rice writes a largely social letter home, commenting ‘I flew over Burbage & Hinckley yesterday (Sunday) about 3.30pm. We did about 3 circuits & there were lots of people waving to us. Hope you saw us!’ and also referring to various relations, including his Grandfather. Rice also enquires ‘Did you hear Noel Coward’s postscript last week. Absolutely wizard. Also last night the programme by Jack Byfield & his ensemble with organ before the midnight news. Grand stuff’ and sends a letter (no longer present) ‘from a civilian padre who stayed here with us for a week. He is one of a few parsons sent round by the Archbishop to visit RAF stations. He was a nice old chap & I flew him up to Prestwick near Glasgow. He was very grateful & gave me a “quid” to share among the crew’. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Rice. The printed address in the upper right corner of the second and third pages of the letter have been torn and neatly cut away, and with a couple of very light, extremely minor paperclip rust stains to the upper edges of two pages, none of which affect the text or signature, otherwise about VG £200 - 300
Just three days after writing the present letter,on 11th November, Rice was involved in an attack on the Antheor viaduct and later in the same month he was awarded the DFC.
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RICE GEOFFREY: (1917-1981) British Pilot Officer, Pilot of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Wartime A.L.S., Geoff, one page, slim 4to (official folding German Prisoner of War Kriegsgefangenenpost letter), Stalag Luft III, 6th November 1944, to Mr. & Mrs. F. A. Rice (‘My Dear Old Dad & Anne’). Writing in pencil, Rice states that he was pleased to receive a letter and know everything is well at home, also enquiring ‘You have not mentioned yet whether my uniform & belongings have been sent home. Will be interested to know. Particularly my photos, letters & telegrams etc. & my suitcases & wallet. I had about £5 in that I think, but other contents more important!’ He continues ‘Since my first request for a parcel I have changed my mind a bit. If you can send anything, pyjamas, socks, a blanket, razor blades, toothpaste & soap & a scarf are really the most important. Also please include some DFC ribbon with wings’ and also remarks ‘We hear there is an all round increase in pay. Would you see bank for me & see if it is coming through alright. In Auntie Doll’s letter she says I have a quarter share with the twins of Grandad’s will. Do you know about it?’ before concluding ‘Merry Christmas to everyone. Have one for me!’. Hand addressed by Rice to the verso, also completing the sender’s details as F/LT. G. RICE and with his prisoner number 5349 at Stalag Luft III. Some very light, minor staining and a little age wear, otherwise VG £200 - 300
On 20th December 1943 Rice was shot down during an operation with 617 Squadron to attack an armaments factory in Liege, Belgium. Rice was the only survivor of his crew after having been hit by flak above Merbes-Le Chateau. He was to spend the next five months on the run, with the aid of the Resistance, but was betrayed to the Secret Police and became a Prisoner of War within the notorious Stalag Luft III (scene of the Great Escape) from where the present letter was written.
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) ribbon and wings which Rice requests in the present letter were awarded to the pilot in November 1943, the citation singling out his efforts during the raid on the Dortmund-Ems canal and praising his ‘great determination and courage’.
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[GOWRIE BRUCE]: (1918-1943) Canadian Warrant Officer, Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Gowrie was a member of pilot Geoffrey Rice’s crew. A poignant Wartime A.L.S., Tom Gowrie, by Bruce Gowrie’s brother, himself serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, two pages, 8vo, Dishforth, Yorkshire, 12th October 1944, to Mr. F. A. Rice, the father of Geoffrey Rice, on the printed stationery of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Gowrie commences ‘You will probibly (sic) know who I am by my name’ and continues to explain ‘Mother wrote and told me your son had written you and that he was a prisoner of war, as my brother was a member of your sons crew I am anxious to find out all I can. As we still have hope that he is still alive. Your son is about the only one who can give us the real facts’. Gowrie further adds ‘The air ministry listed my brother as killed and also gave me his grave number. I was wondering if they did the same with your son’ and concludes by stating that he would very much appreciate any news. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Gowrie and annotated in pencil in Rice’s hand ‘Replied 21/10/44’. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, otherwise VG £100 - 150
On 20th December 1943 Bruce Gowrie was involved in a fatal air crash whilst flying as a member of Geoffrey Rice’s crew during an operation with 617 Squadron to attack an armaments factory in Liege, Belgium. Rice was the only survivor of his crew after having been hit by flak above Merbes-Le Chateau. The pilot was eventually captured and made a Prisoner of War in Stalag Luft III and Gowrie, along with his five colleagues, was buried in Gosselies Communal Cemetery near Hainaut in Belgium.
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WALKER DANNY: (1917-2001) Canadian Flying Officer, Navigator of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Walker was a crew member of the first aircraft to attack the Eder Dam. A.L.S., “Danny” Revie Walker, one page, 4to, London, Ontario, n.d. (‘Sunday’, 1977), to Alan [Cooper]. Walker confirms that he grew up in Blairmore, Alberta and adds ‘At the time of enlistment I was a Ast Forest Officer (Assistant) for the Department of Lands & Mines, Province of Alberta’, further continuing ‘The squadron (617) meets late September in England to honour Sir Barnes Wallis on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Nine of us plan on attending & if you have any questions David Shannon will have my whereabouts. We have requested accommodation in the RAF Club, Piccadilly, London but understand accommodation is somewhat limited’. One extremely small stain and a few very light creases to the upper edge, not affecting the text or signature, VG £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Barnes Wallis (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943.
David Shannon (1922-1993) Australian Bomber Pilot of World War II who took part in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943.
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SUMPTER LEN: (1911-1993) British Flight Sergeant, Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Sumpter was a crew member of the first aircraft to attack the Eder dam. A.L.S., Len Sumpter, two pages, 8vo, Luton, Bedfordshire, 9th July 1982, to Alan [Cooper]. Sumpter states that he has been looking out for his correspondent’s book, and also comments on another by John Sweetman, ‘I found a lot of it pretty hard going, although some parts were interesting enough’. Sumpter further writes ‘Now we have lost our spiritual home Scampton, where we had some fine reunions, the chance of get-togethers are about non-existent now, except for the few that meet at the RAF Club in London. We in the “sticks” are getting out of touch with things’. He also mentions a book Cooper is writing about the Battle of Berlin, commenting ‘A good subject, but after my Berlin days. My three there were in ‘42’. VG £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
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HOBDAY SYDNEY: (1912-2000) British Flight Lieutenant, Navigator of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Hobday was a crew member of the third aircraft to attack the Eder Dam. A.L.S., Sydney (“Hobby” as was), one page, 8vo, Heathfield, Sussex, 7th December 1992, to Alan [Cooper]. Hobday thanks his correspondent for having sent him some copies of covers (‘I was most impressed’) and further remarks ‘I hope that you can amend my entry of service particulars. 1. My name is Sydney with two Ys. 2. No 1 RW 1 Feb 1941. 3. Shot down - similar to E C Johnson’. In concluding Hobday congratulates Cooper on his literary efforts. About EX £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
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RODGER DAVE: (1918-2004) Canadian Flight Lieutenant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Rodger was a crew member of the first aircraft to attack the Sorpe Dam. An interesting A.L.S., Dave Rodger, one page, 4to, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, 18th January 1977, to [Alan] Cooper. Rodger states that he is glad to see that his correspondent is still working hard on a book and continues ‘I am enclosing a photostat (still present) of the page in my log book as is from 1943. Reading down the aircraft type you will see that we had to take the spare aircraft that night. Maybe that was good luck and we needed all we could get’. Rodger further writes ‘Sorry, I can’t tell you too much about Guy [Gibson] but I was never in his social presence very much. I must say that he was a very capable young man and no one had any doubts who the leader was’. Accompanied by the oblong 4to photocopy of a page from Rodger’s Log Book covering 16th May 1943 and his low level attack on the Sorpe Dam. Some light creasing and minor staining, only very slightly affecting the text and signature, otherwise about VG, 2 £150 - 200
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Guy Gibson (1918-1944) British Airman of World War II, Wing Commander of 617 Squadron. Victoria Cross winner for his actions during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) on the Mohne and Eder Dams in Germany, 16th May 1943
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HOWARTH BILL: (1921-1990) British Flight Sergeant, Front Gunner of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-W of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. A.L.S., Bill, one page, 8vo, Oldham, Lancashire, 30th December 1979, to Alan [Cooper]. Howarth sends his correspondent some photographs (no longer present) and remarks ‘Regarding the one you say is in the “Lancaster at War” Vol.2. showing the Lancasters taking off from Blida, N. Africa, you had that one in batch you recently sent back to me’. Together with two signed Christmas greetings cards by Howarth (both also signed on behalf of his wife, Doris; one in capital letters), the small 8vo folding cards featuring different colour images to the covers and one with an additional A.N.S. in Howarth’s hand, ‘Managed to trace our old Flight Engineer Frank Appleby after 20 years. Bill’. VG to EX, 3 £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Frank Appleby (1921-1996) British Flight Sergeant, Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-Wof 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943.
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POWELL GEORGE EDWARD: (1911-1986) British Flight Sergeant of World War II, known as ‘Chiefy’ Powell. Disciplinary NCO of 617 Squadron 1943-45. Powell was also responsible for the burial of Guy Gibson’s dog, Nigger (who also served as the Squadron’s mascot), on the night that Gibson led the Dambusters Raid. A.L.S., with his initials G E P, one page, small 4to, Eastbourne, 8th December 1981, to Alan [Cooper]. Powell states that he is sorry that he cannot help his correspondent with an identification, ‘I am sure it’s one of our crew, I know some of the ground crew but can’t remember their names’, also enquiring as to how Cooper’s book is progressing and in concluding remarking ‘I was sorry to hear Geoff Rice had died. He was with me in 57 Sqdn.’. Together with a T.L.S. by Sarah Clarke, Chief Reporter of the Eastbourne Gazette and Eastbourne Herald, one page, 4to, Eastbourne, 15th April 1986, to [Alan] Cooper, forwarding a photocopy (still present) of Powell’s obituary which appeared in the newspaper. VG, 3 £150 - 200
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
Geoff Rice (1917-1981) British Flight Lieutenant, Pilot of Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943.
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[GIBSON GUY]: (1918-1944) British Wing Commander of 617 Squadron, Victoria Cross winner for his actions during Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) on the Mohne and Eder Dams in Germany, 16th May 1943. Small selection of A.Ls.S. by various relatives of, or other individuals associated with, Guy Gibson, comprising Joan Stiles (1916-1993, sister of Gibson) A.L.S., Joan L. Stiles, one page, 8vo, Langley, Berkshire, 11th December 1989, to [Alan] Cooper, apologising for her delay in replying to his interesting letter owing to illness and stating ‘I would like to help with your book on Guy’s childhood, although owing to boarding school, we had very little time together after the age of 10’; Joan Civil (1921-2001, cousin of Gibson) A.L.S., Joan E. Civil, three pages, 8vo, Tavistock, 10th November 1989, to [Alan] Cooper, thanking him for his letter requesting information about Guy Gibson and commenting ‘We left Porthleven when I was three years old, and after that although I know the families did meet occasionally on holiday in Cornwall, I have no memories of actual contact with Guy. The fact that, being a year or two younger, I wore some of his baby clothes, is of interest to no-one but me! As a small boy Guy had a reputation for being naughty. Presumably the discipline of school and the R.A.F. channelled his adventurous spirit into better ways. I do remember one incident when the family were staying with us before we left Porthleven. He was in trouble about something, locked himself in the bathroom, and threw the key out of the window!’ and a second A.L.S., Joan E. Civil, two pages, 8vo, Tavistock, 27th November 1989, to [Alan] Cooper, enclosing two photographs and explaining ‘The wedding photograph [of Gibson’s parents] was taken on the front steps of ‘Parc-au-Cairn’, my grandparent’s house in Porthleven’; Margaret Hill (Driver at RAF Scampton during the time Gibson was based there) A.L.S., Margaret Hill, one page, 8vo, Norwich, 17th April n.y., to [Alan] Cooper, briefly reporting on some confusion with letters and envelopes. Also including five modern reproduction photographs, two being the ones referred to by Civil in her letter, most showing Gibson as a very young boy, accompanied by his siblings in India. VG to EX, 9 £100 - 120
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
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DAMBUSTERS THE: Small selection of A.Ls.S. and T.Ls.S. etc., by various relatives of crew members who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, including Lillian Burpee (wife of Lewis Burpee 1918-1943 Canadian Pilot Officer, Pilot of Lancaster ED865/G AJ-S of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Burpee was killed in action on the raid) Two T.Ls.S., Lillian Burpee, each one page, 4to (folding air mail stationery), Ottawa, 18th September 1979 and n.d., both to Alan Cooper, stating that she has not forgotten about his repeated requests for information about her late husband, Lewis Burpee, and also assuring him that she will look for any photographs she may have of Burpee and his crew; Marna Young (sister of John Hopgood 1921-1943, British Flight Lieutenant, Pilot of Lancaster ED925/G AJ-M of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Hopgood was killed in action on the raid) A.L.S., Marna Young, two pages, 8vo, Marlborough, Wiltshire, 17th February 1985, to Alan Cooper, congratulating him on his book The Men Who Breached The Dams and ‘the splendid way you have portrayed this epic event’, further commenting ‘We have had many requests for information on my brother - John Hopgood’s - part in the raid, but yours has undoubtedly been the most worthwhile result. The family are very grateful to you for the sensitive & enlightening way you have portrayed the men who took part, especially John - he died to live forever! We were also very interested in the technical details of the raid which have now been taken off the secret list, & were not allowed to be mentioned by Guy Gibson or Paul Brickhill in their books’; L. G. Byers (sibling of Vernon Byers 1919-1943 Canadian Pilot Officer, Pilot of Lancaster ED934/G AJ-K of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Byers was killed in action on the raid) T.L., unsigned, one page, 8vo, Saskatchewan, 4th November 1977, to [Alan] Cooper, stating that ‘My aunt phoned me to tell me that Vernon was born in Sept 1929’ (his birth date being a point of some confusion), and continuing ‘She wanted to stress...that Vernon was very sportsminded with a keen team spirit...You should know that Vernon was my father and mothers pride and joy and that if ever there were a gifted and capable leader and faithful and devoted servant my brother was that man. I am sure the men he served with loved him as much as we and everyone who knew him did’, together with a modern photograph of Byers etc.; Margaret Bulloch (wife of George Gregory 1917-1943 Scottish Pilot Officer, Front Gunner of Lancaster ED925/G AJ-M of 617 Sqaudron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Gregory was killed in action on the raid. His widow later married his best friend, Walter Bulloch) A.L.S., Margaret Bulloch, two pages, 8vo, Ayrshire, n.d., to [Alan] Cooper, informing him that Gregory was a printer for the Co-Op in Govan, Glasgow, and rang the bells at Govan Old Parish Church and was a member of the Boys Brigade, further writing ‘I would love to have a copy of George’s original recommendation for the D.F.M. as he never spoke of it. I was very pleased to go with him to the Palace to receive the Decoration, I have the D.F.M. myself’. G to generally VG, 7 £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
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DAMBUSTERS THE: Small selection of A.Ls.S. and T.Ls.S. etc., by various relatives of crew members who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, including Mrs. M. A. Gowrie (relative of Bruce Gowrie 1918-1943 Canadian Warrant Officer, Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943) Two A.Ls.S., Mrs Gowrie and Mrs M A Gowrie, each one page, 4to and 8vo, Saskatoon, 5th October 1977 & 5th October 1978, both to [Alan Cooper], stating that Gowrie was born on the 15th April 1918 and never worked for any one, ‘Just finished his Radio course when he joined the army forces’, also reporting that she can not locate Gowrie’s log book (‘I must have destroyed it at some time’) and that she received $900 from the Government at the time of his death, ‘He had not spent any of his pay’; May Hopkinson (sister of Donald Hopkinson 1920-1943 British Flight Officer, Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED864/G AJ-B of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Hopkinson was killed in action on the raid) A.L.S., May Hopkinson, two pages, 8vo, Oldham, Lancashire, 29th September 1977, to [Alan] Cooper, explaining that she is Hopkinson’s youngest sister, ‘I was only 16 when he was killed, but I would like to help in any way I can....’, and with an 8vo page of holograph biographical notes confirming Hopkinson’s date of birth, education and employment before joining the RAF in 1941; Edward McFadden (pupil of Kenneth Earnshaw 1918-1943 British Flight Officer, Navigator of Lancaster ED925/G AJ-M of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. Earnshaw was killed in action on the raid) Lengthy A.L.S., Edward McFadden, seven pages, folio, William’s Lake, Canada, 10th July 1977, to [Alan] Cooper, discussing at length his experiences of being taught by Earnshaw in Canada, in part, ‘He was our teacher for only two short terms, but he has left an impression exceeding that of all the others...He pitched for the village baseball team...it was wonderful to have a person like this, a baseball player, and a man of the world, within reach - he was our boss, our leader, but always remained on our level. Ken Earnshaw was not only athletic and strong, but was physically tough as well...(he)...had a volatile side to his nature, and was known to erupt violently from time to time.....To my knowledge Ken Earnshaw never attended church....On the day of Ken’s death, May 16, 1943, my mother also passed away. The shock and sorrow of those distant days was deepened by the word of Ken’s untimely end. We had received word some time before that his tour of duty was complete and that he would soon be back in Canada. The loss of our greatly respected teacher was a bitter disappointment’. Some light age wear, G to about VG, 5 £100 - 150
Alan Cooper - Aviation Historian and Writer whose works include The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron The Dambusters (1982).
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