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UNDEUTLICH SIGNIERT (XX). Blick auf den Römer.40 cm x 30 cm. Gemälde. Öl auf Leinwand. Rechts unten undeutlich signiert. Ausgeführt 1. Drittel 20. Jahrhundert. Circa 100 Jahre alt. Zeigt diese Region von Frankfurt am Main vor dem Bombenterror. Schätzwert 500 - 1.000 €. Versand kann organisiert werden.INDISTINCTLY SIGNED (XX). View onto the Römer. Painting. Oil on canvas. Indistinctly signed lower right. Executed 1st third of the 20th century. About 100 years old. Showing this region of Frankfurt am Main before the bomb terror. Estimated value 500 - 1.000 €. Shipping can be organised.

Marvel Comics Venom (1990's). To include the Incredible Hulk vs. Venom #1 (1994), Venom lethal protector #1 (1992), Venom funeral pyre #1 (1993) and others. Also the Amazing Spider-Man #375 (1993) and Carnage Mind Bomb #1 (1996). (8)

WW2 British Home Front Ephemera, being an interesting folder of insurance documents from the WW2 period from Eagle Star Insurance for Messrs J Denman & Co, Tooting, in relation to insurance against bomb damage during the London Blitz etc as part of the War Risks Insurance Act of 1939. Also accompanied by a large quantity of documents, registration cards etc of the Burt family, both pre-war, wartime and post war.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 8.75 x 11.28 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 6.77 x 11.27 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 8.75 x 10.5 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 8.25 x 11.27 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

Stereoscope - an early 20th century Stereoscope / Stereoscopic viewer along with a selection of ' The Great War ' WWI First World War interest slides / photographs. Includes: views of bomb damage, views of trenches, some of Zeppelin interest, warfare scenes, scenes of camps and other such views. Housed in a partial original box. 

Mahon (John) Harry Pollitt. A Biography, first edition, signed by the author's wife Marjorie Pollitt and c.62 others to front pastedown and free endpaper, all seemingly members of the Communist Party, photographic plates, newspaper cutting and 3 photographs loosely inserted, original cloth, spine ends and corners slightly bumped, dust-jacket, price-clipped, spine a little sunned, a few tiny nicks to spine head, lightly rubbed at joints and edges, upper joint with short tear to head, 1976; and a small quantity of ephemera relating to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, including a folding map illustrating "The Effect of One Hydrogen Bomb" dropped on the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, as well as a 15pp. pamphlet entitled "Stop the H-Bomb Race", v.s. (Sm.Qty.)⁂ Harry Pollitt (1890-1960) British politician who twice served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Great Britain. The loosely inserted newspaper clipping advertises a lecture given by Pollitt on "Marx and the Working-Class Movement". Of the loosely inserted photographs, one shows a young Pollitt talking with an unknown gentleman, and the others a house where Pollitt lived.

Ai Weiwei (Chinese, born 1957)Bomb Inkjet print, 2020, on Hahnemühle German etching paper, signed in black felt-tip pen, numbered 90/100 in pencil (there were also 25 artist's proofs), published by The Kitchen, New York, the full sheetSheet 1300 x 948mm (51 1/8 x 37 3/8in)For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

Kenner Star Wars Return of The Jedi Y-Wing Fighter, Cat No: 70510@ LFL 1983 complete, including 2 front canons, bomb assembly, in excellent original condition, laser canon sound untested, with leaflet and 397-032 un used decal sheet, original outer box is fair, one inner tab is loose.

Kenner Star Wars Return of The Jedi Y-Wing Fighter, Cat No: 70510@ LFL 1983 Made in Mexico sticker on base, complete, including 2 front canons, bomb assembly, in very good used unboxed condition, with Luke Skywalker X-Wing Pilot action figure, in fair condition.

A Third Pattern Fighting Knife, the 17cm double edge steel blade with raised medial ridge, one side etched with panel enclosing maker's name Wilkinson Sword, Made in England, with unmarked steel crossguard and ribbed alloy grip, leather scabbard lacking the upper securing strap, with copper chape, 30.5cm; a US M5A1 Bayonet, the crossguard stamped USM5A1 and MIL PAR COL, with chequered black plastic grip scales and correct K-M8A1 scabbard with webbing frog; an Inert British Army 2" Mortar Illumination Shell Case, with various markings including H & W 6/65; an Inert No.36 M1 Mills Bomb (Hand Grenade), the fuse screw top marked No.36.M1 10.18 M&P (4)

A pair of bomb fins, probably Luftwaffe, now planters 63.5cm, 36cm

A retro garnet and yellow metal bomb ring. The ring having a spherical head set throughout with round cut garnets to split shoulders on a multi strand tapering band having twisted detailing. Unmarked, tests indicate 14ct gold. Total weight approx 3.8g. Approx size I. Head measures approx 13.5mm.

A collection of newspapers with headlines covering historical 20th century events, including Hiroshima atomic bomb, Queen's coronation, the moon landing, and Kennedy assassination. (qty)

Matchbox Superfast 4d '57 Chevy - red body with black & white "Cherry Bomb" Tampo Print, clear windows, chrome interior, bare metal base - Near Mint with usual Factory Tampo Print flaws, in Good Plus to Excellent RARE TYPE L BOX WITHOUT NEW.

Matchbox Superfast 4d '57 Chevy - red body with black & white "Cherry Bomb" Tampo Print, clear windows, chrome interior, silver painted base - Excellent Plus with a couple of tiny chips & usual Factory Tampo Print flaws, in Excellent Plus "New" Type L Box.

Matchbox Superfast 4d '57 Chevy - red body with black & white "Cherry Bomb" Tampo Print to sides & trunk only, hood without Tampo Print, clear windows, chrome interior, GLOSS BLACK BASE - Excellent with some chrome loss to exhausts & rear bumper along with usual Factory Tampo Print flaws, in Near Mint to Mint "New" Type L Box. RARE COMBINATION OF WITHOUT HOOD TAMPO PRINT & GLOSS BLACK BASE.

A blue and soft cream striped Durham quilt, the reverse being cream.225 x 180 cm. The vendor remembers that this was given to the vendor's mother by her (the mother's) Aunt and believes it can be dated to 1840s but we date it to early 20th century. The Aunt has taken the quilt to an air raid shelter during WWII to keep her her warm and thus is the only thing that survived from her home after it took a direct hit from a Luftwaffe bomb (1) generally good condition, wear commensurate with age, there is some fade around the edges but on the whole the blue remains pretty solid. There's some glare from the window on the pics, particularly of the back, this isn't on the quilt itself

A continental multi gem set suit of jewels, in yellow metal, comprising a bomb shaped ring on a plain shank, and a pair of earrings, mounted with aqua, tourmaline & amethysts, ring size P, 11g

Anonymous, in the style of Jacob Willen Gruyter, bomb barge off the coast and figures on the beach, panel 28x37 cm

A collection of 9ct Gold and yellow metal jewellery. Comprising of 9ct Gold garnet and diamond brooch with Chester hallmark, 9ct Gold amethyst set earrings, yellow metal bomb-shaped earrings and a yellow metal bar brooch set with three jade coloured beads.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 8 x 11.27 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

The USS Arizona (BB-39) was a United States Navy Pennsylvania-class battleship that served during World War II. It is primarily known for its tragic sinking during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The attack on the USS Arizona and other American naval vessels in Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into World War II.The USS Arizona was laid down in 1914 and commissioned in 1916. It had a displacement of over 31,000 tons and was armed with a main battery of twelve 14-inch guns. The battleship was named after the state of Arizona and played a role in various operations and exercises in the Pacific before the outbreak of World War II.On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona was moored at Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when it was struck by a bomb dropped by a Japanese aircraft. The bomb penetrated the ship's deck and ignited its forward magazine, causing a massive explosion. The resulting fire and subsequent sinking claimed the lives of 1,177 crew members, constituting the largest single loss of life on any U.S. battleship during the war.The wreck of the USS Arizona remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor to this day and serves as a memorial to the lives lost during the attack. The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated in 1962, was constructed above the sunken battleship and is visited by numerous visitors each year.The USS Arizona holds a significant place in the history of the United States and is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. It stands as a symbol of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent American involvement in the war.Measures 32 x 24.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 9.49 x 11.28 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 9.49 x 11.28 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

Shomei Tomatsu (1930-2012) was a renowned Japanese photographer known for his influential work that captured the post-World War II period in Japan. He was born on December 19, 1930, in Nagoya, Japan. Tomatsu's career spanned over five decades, during which he explored various themes and subjects, including the American military presence in Japan, the aftermath of the atomic bombings, Okinawa, and the cultural shifts in Japanese society. Tomatsu emerged as a prominent figure in the late 1950s and 1960s, a time when Japan was undergoing rapid social and political changes. He became associated with the influential photography collective "VIVO" and the magazine "Provoke," which sought to challenge traditional photographic conventions and explore new visual language. Tomatsu's work often focused on the consequences of war and the effects of modernization on Japanese society. One of his most notable series is "Nagasaki 11:02" (1961), which documented the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This powerful collection of photographs captured the physical and emotional scars left by the bomb and its impact on the survivors. It remains an iconic representation of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Throughout his career, Tomatsu received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to photography. His work has been exhibited worldwide, and he published several books, including "Oh! Shinjuku" (1969), "Chewing Gum and Chocolate" (1971), and "The Pencil of the Sun" (1995). Shomei Tomatsu's photographs continue to be recognized for their artistic vision and documentary importance. His work remains influential and serves as a testament to the power of photography in capturing historical moments and social transformations. Measures 9.25 x 6.74 Verso is blank.Mounted to archival quality paper.

BANKSY (born 1974) British (AR), Bomb Hugger, No, aerosol stencil on cardboard. 56 x 84.5 cm. These placards were produced for and given out at the 2003 London, Iraq Anti-War protest.

Glam Rock/Rock/Punk/Nu Rave/Post-Punk, a collection of assorted 7" vinyl, to include T-Rex - Ride a White Swan, Telegram Sam x2, Truck On, Get It On x2, Hot Love x2, Born To Boogie, and Sitting Here, The Stranglers - Five Minutes x2, European Female, Go Buddy Go, No More Heroes, Nice & Sleazy, Duchess, Nuclear Device, Bear Cage, Golden Brown, and Thrown Away, The Jam - Eton Rifles, Just Who's The 5 o'clock Hero, Town Called Malice, 'A' Bomb in Wardour Street, The Modern World, David Watts, Going Underground, and Down in the Tube Station at Midnight, X-Ray Spex - Germfree Adolescents, The Fall - How I Wrote Elastic Man, The Saints - One Two Three Four, Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster, Buzzcocks - What Do I Get, Crass - Reality Asylum and Persons Unknown x2, Fire Engines - Candy Skin, Magazine - Give Me Everything, Honeybane - You Can Be You, Ruts - Babylon's Burning and Staring at the Rudeboys, UK Decay - For My Country, The Damned - White Rabbit, and The Creatures - Sad C**t (45)

WW2 Nagasaki atomic bomb pilot Fred Olivi signed 8x10 photo. Olivi was co-pilot of the bomber 'Bockscar' which effectively ended WWII by dropping the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki on 9th August 1945. rare signature!. Good condition. All autographs are genuine hand signed and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £10

PEIERLS RUDOLF: (1907-1995) German-born British Physicist. Peierls played a major role in the Manhattan Project. His co-authored 1940 memorandum with Otto Frisch set out the first step to the atomic bomb construction.Interesting autograph signed thoughts by Peierls about himself and his works, one page, folio, stating in part `I have never done any one great piece of work, but mainly small (but I hope useful) contributions to several branches of quantum theory.´ To the heading bearing the collector´s annotations with questions Peierls responds to, also indicating the date this statement was obtained, 23rd April 1950. VG 

FRISCH OTTO ROBERT: (1904-1979) Austrian Physicist. Designer of the first mechanism for the detonation of an atomic bomb. A key figure in the first nuclear fission theoretical explanation. An excellent A.L.S., `O.R. Frisch´, one page, folio, stating in part `I think my paper with Prof. L. Meitner in which fission was first explained in some detail, and my subsequent paper in which the liberation of very large energies was first demonstrated..´ Frisch concludes with a sentence in French `Auquun(sic) de mes ouvrage je considere comme un chef-d´oeuvre!´ ("I do not consider any of my works a master work!´). To the heading showing the collector´s annotations with questions Frisch responds to, also indicating at the base of the document the date this statement was obtained, 8th November 1947. VG  

TIBBETS PAUL: (1915-2007) American Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, pilot of the Enola Gay, the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb, Hiroshima, 6th August 1945. A colour printed 4to reproduction of Arthur Szyk's artwork entitled There Shall Be Wings, featuring Leonardo da Vinci and with images of various air balloons, airships and other aircraft to the borders, originally intended as the title page for a never-published stamp album series, signed by Tibbets in bold black ink with his name alone to the lower white border. With a rubber stamped caption beneath the signature, incorporating the date of the bombing of Hiroshima (slightly smudged), and a postage stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of solo Transatlantic flight also neatly affixed to the lower border. A couple of light, minor corner creases, otherwise VG 

PENNEY WILLIAM G.: (1909-1991) English mathematician and physicist who, as part of the British mission, became a group leader within the Manhattan Project during World War II and was responsible for predicting the damage effects from the blast wave of an atomic bomb. A good autograph statement signed, W G Penney, one page, 8vo, Aldermaston, Berkshire, 12th February 1957, on the printed stationery of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Penney's statement is written in response to an American collector's request and states, in full, 'May cooperation between our two great countries prove an affective contribution to the peace of the world'. VG 

[FERMI ENRICO]: (1901-1954) Italian-born American physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1938. Regarded as the 'architect of the atom bomb', Fermi was an important contributor to the Manhattan Project during World War II, serving as an associate director of the Los Alamos laboratory with broad responsibility for nuclear and theoretical physics. Fermi is portrayed by actor Daniel Deferrari in the film Oppenheimer (2023). FERMI LAURA (1907-1977) Italian-born American writer and political activist, author of The Story of Atomic Energy (1961) amongst other works. A.L.S., Laura Fermi, two pages, slim 4to, Leonia, New Jersey, 17th March 1940, to Sam[uel Goudsmit]. Fermi commences her letter asking 'Will you get very angry if I write to you about another Italian student? Please, use all your patience, and let me explain' and continues to outline the situation regarding her cousin, a student named Samuele Algranati, who wishes to leave Italy, 'matters have become worse since the 1 of March, new antisemetic laws have become effective in Italy: my cousin, having graduate in engineering last summer would be allowed to work only for Jews and with Jews…..For all these reasons my cousin is very anxious to leave Italy: according to the Italian laws he will be allowed to take with him something around 50 or 100 dollars - And as his family is not very wealthy he would not be able to take monney (sic) illigally (sic)……We believe that his only possibility is to be accepted as graduate student in one of the American Universities and work for his expenses. He has applied as far as I know at Columbia and M.I.T.', further asking Goudsmit for his advice and explaining that her cousin is good natured and well educated. Fermi concludes by writing of family members, including her children Giulio and Nella, and asks if they could meet in the late summer, 'We'll stay here while Enrico will be in Chicago'. VG Samuel Goudsmit (1902-1978) Dutch-born American physicist who served as a professor at the University of Michigan from 1927-46. During World War II Goudsmit was the scientific head of the Alsos Mission, affiliated to the Manhattan Project in order to assess the progress of the Nazi atomic bomb project.  

MEITNER LISE: (1878-1968) Austrian-Swedish physicist who, with her nephew Otto Robert Frisch, discovered nuclear fission in 1938. Meitner declined an offer to join Frisch on the British mission to the Manhattan Project, declaring 'I will have nothing to do with a bomb!'. Vintage fountain pen ink signature ('Lise Meitner') to the centre of a small oblong 8vo sheet of plain stationery. Accompanied by the original envelope. One light vertical fold to the centre, only very slightly touching one letter of the signature, otherwise VG 

[MANHATTAN PROJECT]: A rare original United States of America war department diploma, one page, oblong 4to, Washington D.C., 6th August 1945. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, was issued by the Army Service Forces, Corps of Engineers, Manhattan District, and certifies that William E. Stringer of E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co. Inc. 'has participated in work essential to the production of the Atomic Bomb, thereby contributing to the successful conclusion of World War II'. At the base appears the facsimile signature of Henry L. Stimson (1867-1950) American statesman who served as Secretary of War 1911-13 and 1940-45, thereby overseeing American military efforts during World War II. Together with an original cloth insignia patch issued to the personnel of the United States Army Manhattan Project District, the blue background representing the universe, with a white cloud and lightning bolt forming a question mark (representing the secret nature of the project) which extends down to split a yellow atom, representing atomic fission, and with a red and blue star to the centre of the cloud, being the insignia for the Army Service Forces to which soldiers working on the Manhattan Project were assigned. Some very light, minimal age wear, VG, 2 E. I duPont de Nemours & Co. Inc., better known by the shortened name of DuPont, are an American multinational chemical company which were formed in 1802. During World War II, as the inventor and manufacturer of nylon, DuPont helped produce the raw materials for parachutes and tyres. The company also played a major role in the Manhattan Project in 1943 by designing, building and operating the Hanford plutonium producing plant in Hanford, Washington. 

TELLER EDWARD: (1908-2003) Hungarian-American nuclear physicist, known as 'the father of the Hydrogen bomb'. An important member of the Manhattan Project during World War II, Teller is portrayed by Benny Safdie in the film Oppenheimer (2023). Signed 8 x 10 photograph of Teller in a head and shoulders pose holding his spectacles in one hand. Signed in blue ink with his name alone to the lower white border. About EX

Oppenheimer, ‘father of the atomic bomb’, gives his most evocative and accurate assessment ever of the evolution of nuclear weapons, illustrating incredible foresight for the future use of the weapon he created that could ultimately destroy the world and human race -‘If they are ever used again, it may well be by the thousand or perhaps by the tens of thousands; their method of delivery may well be different and may reflect new possibilities of interception and the strategy of their use may well be different from what it was against an essentially defeated enemy. But it is a weapon for aggressors and the element of surprise and of terror are as intrinsic to it as are the fissionable nuclei.’  OPPENHEIMER J. ROBERT: (1904-1967) American theoretical physicist, credited as 'the father of the atomic bomb', The director of the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II, Oppenheimer is the inspiration for the film Oppenheimer (2023) in which he is portrayed by actor Cillian Murphy. An important and significant T.L.S., Oppie, one page, 4to, Princeton, New Jersey, 16th April 1952, to Stephen White of Look magazine, on the printed stationery of the Institute for Advanced Study. Oppenheimer writes to his friend, journalist Stephen White, to thank him for having sent the proof of his article, Russia's Newest Threat: A-Bomb Supremacy, evidently following discussions the two man had engaged in, 'As you say, it is quite along the lines that you discussed with me…..I think that you probably pull the dangers up a little too close in time; and many of the things you say, I do not myself believe to be strictly true. But, like all your friends, I add a “print it”, with the general feeling that you are talking about real things and talking about them in a reasonable way, and that this desperately needs to be done', the physicist continuing to add 'There are a number of reasons - - some developed since I saw you - - why I am reluctant to appear to be a part of just this story. I want to be very sure that I cry no wolves that are not genuine wolves' and further offering White a shrewd quotation that could incorporated into his article, 'I have thought that I wrote something long ago which you can perhaps use. This was in the autumn of 1945 in Philadelphia…..It was published in No. 1 of Vol. 90 of the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society. The sentence that I think you might wish to quote is “If they are ever used again it may well be by the thousands, or perhaps by tens of thousands”. The rest of the paragraph is: “their method of delivery may well be different and may reflect new possibilities of interception, and the strategy of their use may well be different from what it was against an essentially defeated enemy. But it is a weapon for aggressors, and the elements of surprise and of terror are as intrinsic to it as are the fissionable nuclei.”, concluding 'I do not know whether this will help; but it is meant to be helpful'. A letter of truly remarkable content in which Oppenheimer demonstrates extraordinary foresight for the future use of the atomic bomb. VG Stephen White's article Russia's Newest Threat: A-Bomb Supremacy appeared in the 3rd June 1952 issue of Look magazine. It was deemed important enough by the American House of Representatives that Melvin Price, representative from Illinois from 1945-88, and later chairman of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, had the full article contained in the Congressional Records in order to substantiate, and provide additional support to, Henry M. Jackson's address to the House of Representatives 'on the urgent question of maintaining [America's] atomic supremacy and of holding Russian aggression in check'.  White's competently argued article, written in private consultation with Oppenheimer and others, warns of the grave problem facing America from Russia ('the weapon is being turned against us') and informs the reader that 'This reporter has asked blunt questions about the new state of affairs. He asked them even though he knew that no responsible official would give him a direct answer. The law forbids talking for the record. But there was one significant comment each time. When he described the story he planned to write, he was invariably told grimly, “Print it”.' In August 1949, earlier than the Americans had anticipated, the Soviet Union carried out their first atomic bomb test. At this time Oppenheimer was chairman of the General Advisory Committee to the Atomic Energy Commission (created in 1947), a post he would remain in until August 1952, just months after writing the present letter. As chairman of the GAC Oppenheimer argued against the development of a more powerful nuclear fusion-based hydrogen bomb, warning of the enormous human casualties that would result from its use. Nevertheless, American president Harry S. Truman made the decision, in January 1950, to proceed with the development of the weapon, a decision which Oppenheimer officially acceded to despite his views on the hydrogen bomb being well known.  After leaving the General Advisory Committee in 1952, Oppenheimer chaired the State Department Panel of Consultants on Disarmament which urged that the United States postpone its planned first test of the hydrogen bomb and seek a thermonuclear test ban with the Soviet Union, on the grounds that avoiding a test might forestall the development of a catastrophic new weapon and open the way for new arms agreements between the two nations.  

OPPENHEIMER J. ROBERT: (1904-1967) American theoretical physicist, often credited as 'the father of the atomic bomb', The director of the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II, Oppenheimer is the inspiration for the film Oppenheimer (2023) in which he is portrayed by actor Cillian Murphy. Fountain pen ink signature ('J R Oppenheimer') to the centre of a feint ruled oblong 12mo (13 x 7.5 cm) index card. Lightly affixed to the base of an A4 sheet of photographic paper featuring a reproduction of the front cover of Time magazine with Oppenheimer's portrait. About EX 

PENNEY WILLIAM: (1909-1991)Baron Penney. English Mathematician. Penney was at the head of the British delegation working in the Manhattan Project, and had a leading role in the development of Britain´s nuclear programme, a clandestine programme which started in 1942 during WWII and which produced the first British atomic bomb in 1952. Signed 3.5 x 5.5 photograph, `W.G. Penney´, a newspaper photograph carefully affixed to a postcard.  Signed in bold black ink to the lower white border. Overall age wear. F to G 

ENOLA GAY: Signed 10 x 8 photograph by two crew members of the Enola Gay, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber aircraft which dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 towards the end of World War II, comprising Paul W. Tibbets (pilot and aircraft commander) and Theodore J. 'Dutch' Can Kirk (navigator), the image depicting Tibbets standing alone in a full-length pose with the Enola Gay in the immediate background. Signed by both in blue inks to clear areas of the image, each adding the date of their mission, 6th August 1945, in their hands. Further dated 25th July 2004 by Tibbets to the lower right corner. With a very light blind embossed circular seal to the upper right corner, only very slightly touching Van Kirk's signature. VG 

TIBBETS PAUL: (1915-2007) American Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, pilot of the Enola Gay, the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb, Hiroshima, 6th August 1945. Signed 8 x 10 photograph, the light cardstock image depicting the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima following the dropping of the atomic bomb by the Enola Gay on 6th August 1945. Signed by Tibbets in blue ink to a light area at the head of the image, adding the word Pilot alongside his signature. About EX 

ENOLA GAY: A multiple signed colour 24 x 18 print by three crew members of the Enola Gay, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber aircraft which dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 towards the end of World War II, comprising Paul W. Tibbets (pilot and aircraft commander), Theodore 'Dutch' Van Kirk (navigator), and Thomas Ferebee (bombardier), the print entitled Atomic Warfare is Born and featuring an image of the Enola Gay in flight, reproduced from a painting by the artist Harley Copic and published by the Buckeye Aviation Book Company. Signed by Tibbets, Van Kirk and Ferebee in bold blue inks with their names alone to the lower white border. Rolled. A few very minor, light stains to the right border, otherwise VG

‘In fact……the first B-29 ever to appear at Wright Field was the one for the Manhattan District project’   RAMSEY NORMAN: (1915-2011) American physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1989. Ramsey was an important member of the Manhattan Project and, as chairman of the Weapons Committee, was tasked with determining the characteristics of the aircraft needed to deliver and drop an atomic bomb. An excellent T.L.S., Norman Ramsey, one page, 4to, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 11th July 1960, to Lieutenant General Leslie R. Groves, on the printed stationery of the Lyman Laboratory of Physics at Harvard University. Ramsey expresses his delight at having received Groves's congratulatory letter, adding that he also appreciated 'your praise of my work at Los Alamos' and continuing 'In this connection I should also like to thank you again for the excellent support which you gave to me in our work at Los Alamos and Tinian. I am afraid that we made a number of difficult requests of you but you always supported them both vigorously and effectively. I can well remember my pleasant surprise in discovering that you had succeeded in extracting from the Air Force one of their very first B-29's. In fact you may not realize that the first B-29 ever to appear at Wright Field was the one for the Manhattan District project. For a long time we had a high priority with the Air Force solely on the basis of the fact that any project that could extract a B-29 must be of greatest priority'. In concluding Ramsey conveys his hope that, if Groves is in Cambridge, 'several of the old Los Alamos group here - like Ken Bainbridge, Francis Birch, George Kistiakowsky, etc., could get together with you for lunch or dinner'. A letter of fine content and exceptional association. Some very light, extremely minimal wrinkling to the upper edge, otherwise EX Leslie R. Groves (1896-1970) American Lieutenant General with the United States Army Corps of Engineers who directed the Manhattan Project during World War II and was responsible for J. Robert Oppenheimer's appointment to the Los Alamos laboratory. Groves is portrayed by actor Matt Damon in the film Oppenheimer (2023). Kenneth Bainbridge (1904-1996) American physicist who was the director of the Manhattan Project's Trinity nuclear test in July 1945, remarking to J. Robert Oppenheimer immediately after the event 'Now we are all sons of bitches'. Bainbridge is portrayed by actor Josh Peck in the film Oppenheimer (2023). Francis Birch (1903-1992) American geophysicist, part of the Manhattan Project team during World War II, responsible for the design and development of the gun-type nuclear weapon known as Little Boy. George Kistiakowsky (1900-1982) Ukrainian-American physical chemist who participated in the Manhattan Project by carrying out research into implosion. Kistiakowsky is portrayed by actor Trond Fausa Aurvag in the film Oppenheimer (2023). 

A month after the bombing of Hiroshima, Conant writes – ‘The bomb was indeed better than some of us had anticipated…..’  CONANT JAMES B.: (1893-1978) American chemist, a leading member of the Manhattan Project, involved in its administration at the highest levels. An excellent T.L.S., J. B. Conant, one page, 4to, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 19th September 1945m to Lieutenant Colonel Whitney Ashbridge, on the printed stationery of Harvard University. Conant thanks his correspondent for their most welcome note and their congratulations, remarking 'The bomb was indeed better than some of us had anticipated in the days when you and I used to gather at Los Alamos' and concluding 'Hoping that our paths will cross sometime in the not too distant future'. A letter of good content and association. VG Whitney Ashbridge (1904-1980) American Lieutenant General of World War II, Commander of the Army Post at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project.  

Dinky Toys Direct From The Epic Film “Battle of Britain” Shop Display Card Stand, in excellent original condition, H.48cms W.49.5cms D. 18cms complete with boxed 719 Spitfire MkII, motor driven propeller, in mint original condition, inner card packing leaflet and unused decal sheet outer picture box is very good and 721 German Junkers Ju 87B Stuka with dropping cap firing bomb! in mint original condition, inner card packing leaflet and unused decal sheet, outer card picture box is fair. (3 items)

Hot Wheels Blackwalls Truckin Machines Boxed Set Hong Kong circa 1976, contains: American Hauler, American Tipper, GMC Motor Home, Letter Getter US Mail, Backwoods Bomb and Funny Money Brinks, all in mint boxed original sealed condition, box has slight age wear.

Three Boxed Dinky Toys Military Models, 612 Commando Jeep, 604 Land Rover Bomb Disposal unit with surveillance robot kit (plastic) and 682 Stalwart Load Carrier, all in mint boxed original condition, 604 acetate window in box has a tear.(3 items)

Thomas Gunn set V001Reichenberg piloted flying bomb with dolly, test pilot Hanna Reitsch and Officer with umbrella, LUFT016A Prinz Wittgenstein on crutches, and King and Country FOB133 Private Godfrey from 'Dad's Army', LAH208 Hitler in shorts, RAF13 Flight Lieutenant 'Mickey' Martin, RAF18 WAAF Officer and RAF19 WAAF Sergeant in original boxes (Condition Excellent, one large paint flake and two small paint flakes from rear skirt of WAAF Sergeant, boxes Very Good) (9)

Boxed Tri-ang Battle Space and Military wagons, Battle Space boxes R249 Exploding car, Khaki, R639 Sniper car with three commandoes, (lacks three figures, rails and trigger, R239 Red Arrow bomb transporter, (both bomb supports lack one retaining tab), R567 Radar tracking car (lacks commandos),window boxes R216 Rocket launcher grey, red rocket and blue launcher, R343 4-Rocket launcher NATO, R341 Searchlight wagon, R248 Ambulance car, wagons generally good condition, boxes fair, together with R630 POW car, R566 Satellite launching car (lacks chimney), R216 Rocket launcher, good condition, in repro boxes, R152 0-6-0 Diesel shunter and a repainted coach, (13 items).

Dinky Toys 721 Direct From The Epic Film “Battle of Britain” 721 German Junkers Ju 87B Stuka with dropping cap firing bomb! with a packet of caps, in mint original condition, inner card packing, leaflet and unused decal sheet, outer card picture box is good, some age wear, 15/11 in biro.

Rex Mundi; The Imaginaries; Paradigm; Tribe; Black Ops; The Gift; The Portent; Atheist; War Lands; Battle Pope; Bomb Queen; and others, all by Image.

Ronald Clark Queen Victoria's Bomb Publisher Jonathan Cape. Jacket design by M. Mohan. Excellent condition. 1st edition 1967. From single vendors book collection. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99. 30kg box UK £15, EU £40, ROW £60

Family group: A Great War 1916 ‘French theatre’ M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant W. H. Flett, 1/6th (Perthshire) Battalion, Royal Highlanders, for his gallantry at Neuville St. Vaast on Vimy Ridge, 3 April 1916 - when the Germans blew up two mines under the battalion’s position and then tried to clear them with bombs. Despite suffering multiple wounds - Flett continued to supply and encourage his men in their defence of the position. He succumbed to these wounds, 19 April 1916 Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. W. H. Flett.); Memorial Plaque (William Henry Flett) all housed in a custom made hinged wooden case, the medals have worked there way loose, good very fine British War Medal 1914-20 (2) (2. Lieut. A. D. Flett; A. B. Flett.) generally very fine or better (6) £1,200-£1,600 --- M.C. London Gazette 16 May 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry during a bombing attack. Although hit several times, he continued to assist in the supply of bombs and to encourage his men till he was finally disabled.’ William Henry Flett was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in January 1883. He was one of five brothers, three of whom died during the Great War. Flett was educated at The Leys and Edinburgh University, a talented sportsman who outside of his school career went on to play rugby for Edinburgh Wanderers. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and was working in that capacity in Canada with the outbreak of the Great War. Flett attested for the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Vancouver in March 1915, and was initially posted in the ranks to the 47th and 30th Battalions. He was discharged to commission in the Imperial Army in August 1915, and was posted as a Second Lieutenant for service with the 1/6th (Perthshire) Battalion, Royal Highlanders. Flett served with the Battalion on the Western Front from January 1916. By the beginning of April 1916, Flett was serving with the Battalion at Neuville St. Vaast on Vimy Ridge. The Germans exploded two mines near their positions on 3 April 1916, and it was in the aftermath of this that Flett distinguished himself: ‘Lt. Flett was in charge of a section of line held by his Regiment when the Germans fired two mines and attempted to bomb the Black Watch out of their position, He is reported to have acquitted himself with marked courage and devotion. Even after having his foot smashed, he continued to pass up bombs, but was wounded a second time by a bomb, sustaining a compound fracture of the thigh. He was taken to hospital, where it was found that, in addition to his other wounds, he was hurt in both arms.’ (Letter to his family from a fellow officer refers) Lieutenant Flett died of his wounds on 19 April 1916, and is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas de Calais, France. Arthur David Flett was the elder brother of the above, and was born in 1880. His education was the same as his brother, as was his sporting prowess - he was additionally Treasurer of the Edinburgh University Athletic Club and Secretary of the Scottish Football Union. He initially served in the ranks at the Inns of Court, Officer Training Corps, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Royal Scots (T.F.), 2 August 1916. Second Lieutenant Flett transferred to the 16th (Service) Battalion (2nd Edinburgh), and was killed in action on the Western Front, 9 April 1917. The latter date was the first day of the Battle of Arras, and: ‘One group of German machine-gunners fought to the death, and was only put out of action by a gallant charge led by 2nd Lieuts. A. D. Flett and Thurburn, both of whom fell dead just before their men closed with the Boches.’ (Regimental History refers) Second Lieutenant Flett is buried in Bailleul Road East Cemetery, St. Laurent-Blangy, France. Annie Binny Flett was the sister of the above, and served during the Great War with the Y.M.C.A. in the French theatre of war from November 1916 (MIC gives the BWM as being her sole entitlement). Sold with photographic image of W. H. Flett, and file of copied research relating to the above.

A fine Great War ‘Battle of Loos 1915, V.C. action’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Private Saxon Smith, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, for gallantry at Hulluch on 8 October 1915; he was killed in action on the Somme on 15 September 1916 Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (12702 Pte. S. Smith. 3/C. Gds.); 1914-15 Star (12702 Pte. S. Smith. C. Gds:); British War and Victory Medals (12702 Pte. S. Smith. C. Gds.) mounted court-style for display; Memorial Plaque (Saxon Smith) this in its card envelope with Buckingham Palace enclosure, extremely fine (5) £1,400-£1,800 --- D.C.M. London Gazette 14 January 1916; citation published 11 March 1916: ‘For conspicuous gallantry when bombing the enemy, retaking a sap and advancing forward to bomb an enemy sap.’ Annotated gazette states: ‘8 October 1915.’ Saxon Smith was born in July 1891 at Hollinwood, Lancashire. He landed in France on 7 April 1915, and joined the 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, who had been in France since the start of the war. In late September and October 1915 the Battalion took part in the Battle of Loos, and it was for his actions near Hulluch on 8 October that Smith was awarded the D.C.M. For this same action Lance-Sergeant Oliver Brooks, 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards, was awarded the Victoria Cross: ‘The 3rd Battalion Grenadiers were holding an advanced trench, difficult to defend and almost surrounded by the enemy, who succeeded in bombing two of their companies out of it to a second position in rear; and the consequences of the mishap might have been serious. The 3rd Battalion Coldstream were posted on the immediate right, and behaved with admirable courage and promptitude; they stood quite firm and at once went to the aid of their comrades in trouble. At the time they too were being pressed, and the enemy got a momentary footing in one of their advanced saps, but No. 3 Company, well supported by No. 1, quickly bombed him out of it, capturing three prisoners. Another effort was however necessary to restore the situation, and No. 6738 Lance-Sergeant O. Brooks, of his own initiative, followed by six bombers, and supported by a section, all of them of the 3rd Battalion, started bombing down the captured trench. A fierce fight followed lasting three-quarters of an hour, which ended by driving the intruders out of their gains; so confident were the bombing party that they were eager to continue operations and invade the German lines, but enough had been done for present. The trench that had been temporarily lost was then reoccupied, and the original position entirely recovered. The expenditure of bombs by the Battalion that afternoon was 5,000.’ (Regimental history refers) Whilst the six bombers that accompanied Brooks were each awarded the D.C.M. for the same action, it has been established that Smith was not one of that party, he having performed similar deeds on the same day. He was killed in action, whilst still serving with 3rd Battalion, in the Battle of the Somme on 15 September 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Sold with an original news cutting with portrait announcing award of D.C.M.; and copied research.

Miscellaneous Militaria. A miscellaneous lot including a post Second War brass Royal Marines belt buckle, an inert mills bomb, Great War “On War Service” brass badge, reverse numbered 54537, cloth badges and other items including an original Second War Pegasus transfer for an Airborne jeep (given to the vendor at a veteran’s weekend in 1997) generally good condition (lot) £50-£70 --- Please note that this lot is not suitable for shipping, but can be hand-delivered within the United Kingdom by prior arrangement with Christopher Mellor-Hill or James Carver.

A rare and well-documented Second War evader’s D.F.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant W. R. Laws, Royal Air Force, who took to his parachute over Belgium after his Halifax was attacked by night fighters returning from Pilsen in April 1943
Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (745880 Sgt. W. R. Laws, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted court-style, good very fine (5) £3,000-£4,000 --- D.F.M. London Gazette 16 July 1943. The original recommendation states:
‘Sergeant Laws was the Wireless Operator of the crew of a Halifax aircraft of No. 102 Squadron which was detailed to bomb the Skoda Works at Pilsen on 16 April 1943.
On the return journey the aircraft was attacked by fighters and set on fire over Belgium and the Captain gave the order to bale out. Sergeant Laws landed in a wood north of Montbliart, about 20 k.m. S.E. of Maubeuge. He was uninjured and, after burying his parachute and mae west in the undergrowth, he decided to walk south and get as far away as he could from the aircraft. He evaded capture and eventually arrived back safely in this country.
For the courage and determination shown by this N.C.O., in effecting his escape, I recommend the immediate award of the D.F.M.’

William Robert Laws, a native of Henley-on-Thames who was born in September 1918, enlisted in the Royal Air Force in November 1939. Having then attended No. 2 Signal School at Yatesbury, and No. 8 Air Gunnery School at Evanton, in addition to conversion and operational training units, he joined No. 102 Squadron, a Halifax unit, at Pocklington, in October 1942.

Initially joining Flying Officer Milnes’ crew, he completed four sorties in November-December, namely raids on Stuttgart, Mannheim and Turin (twice), one of the named trips resulting in serious flak damage.

‘The story of ‘J’ of 102 Squadron was an epic. The aircraft was hit by a burst of heavy flak at 17,000 feet, shortly after crossing the Alps, having been coned by searchlights. The starboard outer engine was put out of action and the aircraft spun down to 13,000 feet. Bombs were jettisoned and the aircraft headed for home. At 5,000 feet near Amiens the aircraft was again coned and hit by flak. Both port engines failed and the aircraft lost height to 2,000 feet. At this point the port inner picked up and the aircraft was able to limp home to Bradwell Bay on two engines. From S.E. of Paris until leaving the French coast the aircraft was followed by enemy fighters which, however, made no attack, probably expecting the Halifax to be forced to land. As ‘J’ was leaving the French coast she was illuminated again and a burst of flak blew out the port outer engine. The crash-landing was made at Bradwell Bay with no hydraulics, the captain expressing the greatest appreciation of the help he was given by that station. The Flight Engineer was injured but the rest of the crew only sustained minor cuts. The aircraft unfortunately swung into an Army hut after landing and casualties were sustained by Army personnel.’ (Official records refers).

A ‘Gardening’ trip and a raid on Dusseldorf having followed in January 1943, Laws participated in strikes on Cologne, Lorient and Nuremburg in February, and Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Essen in April - the latter trip once more proving to be of the hair-raising kind, his Flying Log Book noting: ‘Held in searchlights cone for ten minutes and heavily shelled - hit in many places.’ As it transpired, his very next sortie, against the Skoda Works at Pilsen on the night of 16/17, with Squadron Leader Lashbrook, D.F.M., as his pilot, was to prove his last, Halifax HF. 663 falling to the guns of Major Wilhelm Herget of I/NJG/4. Laws’ experiences on that night, and subsequent evasion, are neatly summarised in Valley of the Shadow of Death: The Bomber Command Campaign, March-July 1943, by J. Alwyn Phillips:

‘Halifax HF. 663 of 102 Squadron, 4 Group, captained by Squadron Leader W. I. Lashbrook, D.F.M., was one of the aircraft shot down by night fighter, which obviously had a field day in the nigh perfect weather conditions, when the bombers could be spotted so easily. Fortunately for this bomber crew the underground movement played an important role in helping shot down aircrew evade capture. It was on the return flight at about 04.00 hours, six hours after they had left their base at Pocklington, that the Halifax was attacked by a fighter over Belgium. The bomber immediately caught fire and the order to bale out was passed along, as the intercomm had failed. Sergeant W. R. Laws the wireless operator was the third out after the navigator, Flying Officer K. J. Bolton and the bomb aimer, Pilot Officer Martin with Flight Sergeant Knight, the flight engineer and the pilot immediately behind. Sergeant Laws in his report did not think that the gunners had a chance to get the bale out message. On his parachute descent he saw his aircraft break in two and fall in flames. He landed uninjured in a wood, and like all airmen buried his ‘chute and Mae West straight away and walked quickly south to get away from the crash site.

He rolled down his trousers to cover his conspicuous flying boots, then using his escape compass, he walked through a village. He saw a signpost identifying it as Montbliart. Here he left the road and walked across country, through some woods for about two hours, before stopping in a field to eat some chocolate and Horlicks tablets from his kit. After it became light he studied his map but he was unable to make out his position at Montbliart and did not know whether he was in France or Belgium. At nightfall on the 17th, he continued walking south and used his water bottle to acquire some water from a brook, making sure to put in the purifying tablets before drinking and taking a benzadrine tablet to stay awake. Walking on he passed through the villages of Seloignes and Villers La Tour before he lay up for a rest.

On the morning of the 18th he removed his badges from uniform before continuing on. Eventually he came to an isolated chateau, where a man who looked as if he might be the game keeper, came up to him and spoke in French. Luckily Sergeant Laws could speak French fairly fluently and explained to the man that he was an English airman and wanted to know where he was. The man stated that he was a Pole and was caretaker of the chateau which was unoccupied. He also said the chateau was in Belgium, near Les Taillettes, about 7 kilometres from the French frontier. The man took him onto the chateau and allowed him to shave with his razor and later gave him an old blue mackintosh. In return Sergeant Laws gave him 500 Francs from his escape pack. The caretaker, however, was quite scared to have the airman about the place and advised him to carry on and keep to the woods and walk south to France.

About midnight on the 18th-19th, he again set out and at daybreak crossed the French frontier north of Watigny. He then sheltered in a bombed out house where he ate some of the bread and cheese he had been given by the Pole and went to sleep. When he awoke he set off again walking along the road to Fligny, which he reached at 14.00 hours and continued on to Auge. It was here that a bad storm broke, with exceptionally heavy rain, so soaking wet he approached an isolated farmhouse and sheltered under its front porch. A girl of about 24 opened the door and spoke to him then invited him into the house to shelter from the storm. As Sergeant Laws replied in French, the girl did not know who he was, but when inside he had explained he was an R.A.F. airman. She and her family became very frightened when they found he had no identity discs to show and his ability to speak French so fluently made them even more suspicious of him, but they did give him some food and allowe...

Collectables: Militaria - WW2 armbands - home guard, bomb reconnaissance , LDV etc - good lot (6)