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Click here to subscribeScarce 1941 War Time Board Game 'Benedicto or Beat the Blitz!' an incredible War Time pictorial War Time board game with obstacles such as Bomb Crater, Turned Back by Home Guard, Identity Card Inspection etc. Complete with rules and unopened packet of playing pieces. Board size 32 x 43cm approx., condition is good
A LATE 20TH CENTURY GOLD COLLECTION, to include a 9ct gold herring bone link chain, measuring approximately 440mm in length, import hallmarked 9ct gold, Birmingham, a 9ct gold graduated fringe design necklet, measuring approximately 400mm in length, import hallmarked 9ct gold, a drop pair of earrings, engraved bomb design, measuring approximately 45mm in length, a 9ct gold late 10th Century London blue topaz single stone pendant, pendant measuring approximately 16.8mm in length, together with a fine 9ct gold curb link chain, hallmarked 9ct gold, Birmingham, approximate gross weight 12.6 grams
WW2 RAF Pilot's Immediate Distinguished Flying Medal Awarded to Sergeant James Eric Williams who's gallantry over Bremen resulted in the award of the DFM, he would later loose his life on a training flight. Comprising: Distinguished Flying Medal "1255892 SGT J.E. WILLIAMS RAF". Retaining original ribbon and pin fitting ... Accompanied by a small quantity of original ephemera including Buckingham Palace Letter ... Letter giving details of his death at RAF Kinloss in October 1942. The citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal appeared in the London Gazette on the 24th July 1942. An Immediate Award"Sergeant Williams was the Captain of Wellington aircraft X.3351 which was detailed to attack Bremen on the night of the 2nd/3rd July 1942. After he had bombed his objective and whilst still in the target area, the aircraft was struck by what appeared to be flak but which subsequently has been found to be incendiary bombs from another aircraft and the port engine, hydraulics and flaps were put out of action. The remains of one incendiary bomb were found in the carburettor of the port engine on return. Height was lost from 10,000 feet to 4,000 feet before Sergeant Williams was able to regain control and the chances of reaching this country with the damage occasioned by the incendiary bomb seemed extremely remote. Despite all efforts. height was slowly but steadily lost and Sergeant Williams gave orders to his crew to prepare to abandon the aircraft. Shortly afterwards the aircraft was subjected to intense flak and avoiding action had to be taken, causing the aircraft to loose height to 1,000 feet. Sergeant Williams then informed the crew that he intended to try and get back to this country. Shortly before leaving the enemy coast, he had to open up fully his one good engine in order to maintain height and get as near to the English coast as possible in case of a forced alighting at sea, giving strict instructions that no SOS was to be sent owing to possible interception by hostile fighters. By superb skill in the handling of his aircraft and the one engine, he succeeded in making the crossing of the North Sea and regained his base, reaching the latter at only 100 feet. Here he calmly carried out the correct R/T procedure, requesting permission to land, which fact had a material bearing on the safe landing of other aircraft which were circling at the time. By use of emergency gear, he had managed to lock the undercarriage and then carried out a perfect single-engined landing without flaps on his own aerodrome. By his grim determination in the face of what appeared impossible odds, this NCO effected the safe return of his crew and aircraft to this country. This act is, however, but the culmination of an operational tour of outstanding success achieved by Sergeant Williams in all his 34 sorties. This NCO has been a shinning example to his fellow Captains in the Squadron, both by courage and intense devotion to duty."Sergeant Williams was screened from operations and on the 29th October 1942 he was Captain of a Whitley Bomber of 19 OTU based at RAF Kinloss. He had been briefed for a night training flight and all appears to have gone well, his aircraft had radioed it was preparing to land, whoever the Whitley was flying through an electrical storm and whilst on approach appears to have been struck and caught fire, both Sgt Williams and his Co-pilot Flying Officer Charteris of the RNZAF stayed at the controls to allow two other crewman to bail out.
WW2 RAF Pathfinder Force Bomb Aimer's Flying Log Book. This RCAF Log Book records the flying of Flight Sergeant J.H. Pontefract a Bomb Aimer with 76 Squadron and later 635 Pathfinder Squadron operating the Halifax Bomber. The log covers the period August 1943 to March 1945 and includes 15 daylight and night operations. Slight wear writing clear. Flight Sergeant J.H. Pontefract began his flying training in Canada in August 1943. Posted back to UK, he flew his first operation with 76 Squadron on the 29th November 1944 with a trip to Essen. He completed nine trips with 76 and in January 1945 transferred to 635 Squadron Pathfinder Force and re-mustered as a Navigator. After a number of training flights including a bombing raid on Birmingham ! he flew his first Pathfinder Op to Hagen on the 15th March, he then completed a further 5 within the month his last being on the 24th March 1945 a daylight op to Bottrop.
WW2 RAF 115 Bomber Squadron Bomb Aimer's Operational Log Book. A good RCAF example recording a full tour of operations of Flight Lieutenant T. Sweeting a Bomb Aimer of 115 Squadron who's baptism of fire was the Peenemunde raid of August 1943. The log records flights from 6th April 1942 to May 1945 and records no fewer than seven operations to Berlin. Writing is clear, cover with some age wear ... Accompanied by a small original crew shot photograph in front of a Lancaster.... Small Route Map recording his operations ... Bomb Aimer Brevet.... etc. Flight Lieutenant T Sweeting volunteered for Aircrew and was posted to Canada his first flight on the 6th April 1942 in an Avro Anson. After qualifying he was posted back to the UK and then onto 115 Squadron operating the Avro Lancaster his first flight with the Squadron appears to be straight into Operations with a briefing for the attack on the German rocket base at Peenemunde on the 17th August 1943. Although a new crew by the end of August he would fly a further three ops, including his first of seven to Berlin. Regular operations followed until his last to Essen on the 26th March 1944. The log notes "1st operational tour complete 1st April 1944 25 sorties". He was then screened for ops and qualified as a Bombing Instructor and flew for the last time on the 10th May 1945
SUMPTER LEONARD: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Book signed, being a hardback edition of The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor, by Robert Weston and Robert Taylor, published by David & Charles plc, London, 1989 (Fourth Impression). Signed by Sumpter in bold pencil to the half title page adding DFC DFM 617 Squadron alongside his signature and further signed in bold pencil by the artist Robert Taylor, adding the date, December 1989, his hand, and by Bill Reid VC. Accompanied by the dust jacket and contained in the original cardboard presentation box marked with Sumpter's name ('LEN') in pencil. VG Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter's daughter attesting to the fact that the item included in the present lot was the personal property of her father.
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. An original embroidered Royal Air Force Bomb Aimers brevet issued to Sumpter, his 'wings' featuring the off-white thread embroidered letter B at the centre of a brown thread wreath and with an off-white thread wing to the right, all embroidered to a plain black cloth. Some light age wear, VG Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter's daughter attesting to the fact that the item included in the present lot was the personal property of her father.
A Mixed Accumulation of Items Consisting of Over Thirty Cigarette and Tea Card Booklets, loose on paper. All World mid-late XX Century stamps in boxes, mid-late XX Century picture postcards including Second World War Belgian bomb damaged ruins and an as new blank with album leaves 'Devon' peg fitting stamp album with slipcase.
OPPENHEIMER J. ROBERT: (1904-1967) American Theoretical Physicist, known as the 'father of the atomic bomb' for his role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. T.L.S., Robert Oppenheimer, one page, 4to, New Jersey, 25th June 1956, to Marjorie Robinson, on the printed stationery of The Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton. Oppenheimer thanks his correspondent for her letter, and for the invitation to lecture at Douglass College, informing her, 'I wish that it were possible for me to accept, however, I have agreed to give the William James Lectures at Harvard in the spring of 1957…' With three file holes to the left edge, and light age wear, otherwise VG
WALLIS BARNES: (1887-1979) English Scientist & Inventor of the bouncing bomb used in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid), 16th May 1943. T.L.S., Barnes Wallis, with holograph salutation, one page, 4to, Effingham, Surrey, 16th May 1973, to W. Thomas. Wallis thanks his correspondent for the photographs, slides and journal (no longer present), continuing, in part, 'I find all this information absolutely quite fascinating, particularly the article on St. Ouen at Rouen… I must confess that I am not acquainted with the term “Petrie polygons”, and should be grateful if you could tell me that is the meaning of this expression?' further adding, 'I am particularly grateful for your permission to keep all the slides, as I do occasionally lecture on architecture in which I refer to the static determination of the Gothic Arch. It is evident that our remote ancestors had a very considerable knowledge of mathematics.' With minor age wear, otherwise VG
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, small 4to, Effingham, Surrey, 22nd May 1975, to Mr. D. A. Warren. Wallis replies to his correspondent's letter and confirms that he will be pleased to meet at a mutually convenient time, asking for a proposal of some suitable dates 'in order that I might see how they fit in with my own engagements, but I am fully booked for the next fortnight'. About EX
SUMPTER LEONARD: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Signed 10 x 7½ photograph by Sumpter, the image depicting a Lancaster bomber aircraft in flight over a reservoir. Signed ('Len Sumpter') in blue ink to a clear area of the background, adding Dams Raid 1943 in his hand beneath his signature. VG
SUMPTER LEONARD: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Signed 9.5 x 7 photograph by Sumpter, the image depicting a bomber aircraft in flight. Signed ('Len Sumpter') in blue ink to a clear area of the background, adding Dams Raid 1943 in his hand beneath his signature. A couple of slight corner creases, only very slightly affecting the signature, otherwise VG
DAMBUSTERS THE: A multiple signed commemorative cover issued to commemorate the formation of 617 Squadron and depicting an image of the air crew seated together in several rows beneath a Lancaster bomber and with an image of Guy Gibson VC above, individually signed by five members of 617 Squadron, all of whom participated in Operation Chastise, comprising Les Munro(1919-2015, New Zealand Flight Lieutenant of World War II, Pilot of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-W, on the Dambusters Raid, 16th-17th May 1943),George Johnson (1921- , British Squadron Leader, Bomb Aimer of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T, on the Dambusters Raid, 16th-17th May 1943),Grant McDonald (1921-2012, Canadian Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, on the Dambusters Raid, 16th-17th May 1943), Fred Sutherland (1923- , Canadian Flight Sergeant, Front Gunner of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N, on the Dambusters Raid, 16th-17th May 1943) andRay Grayston (1918-2010, British Flight Sergeant, Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N, on the Dambusters Raid, 16th-17th May 1943). All have signed in black inks to clear areas of the cover. Post marked at RAF Scampton, 21st March 2009. Together withArthur T. Harris (1892-1984) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Signed commemorative cover honouring Harris, depicting a colour image of Lancaster bombers in flight and with an inset portrait of Harris. Signed ('Arthur T. Harris MRAF') by Harris in blue ink to a clear area of the cover. Post marked 15th May 1976. VG, 2
DAMBUSTERS THE: A printed 4to souvenir brochure for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of No. 617 Squadron RAF, The Dambusters, at Derwent Dam, Derbyshire, individually signed to the inside pages by various individuals associated with 617 Squadron and Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, of 16th-17th May 1943, comprising Daniel Walker (1917-2001, Canadian Flight Officer of World War II, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Navigator of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943), Les Munro (1919-2015, New Zealand Flight Lieutenant of World War II, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-W, 16th-17th May 1943), Basil Feneron (1920-1993, British Royal Air Force officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943; two signatures, one an extremely weak example to the glossy front cover), Edward Johnson (1912-2002, British Royal Air Force Flight Officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Bomb Aimer of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N, 16th-17th May 1943; two signatures), Joe McCarthy (1919-1998, American Flight Lieutenant of World War II, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T, 16th-17th May 1943), Kenneth Brown (1920-2002, Canadian Bomber Pilot of World War II who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943; two signatures, one an extremely weak example to the glossy front cover) and Robert Knights (1921-2004, British Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant, a bomber pilot with 617 Squadron who participated in the three major attacks on the Tirpitz during World War II, culminating in the sinking of the German battleship on 12th November 1944). About EX
[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943)British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. A pair of dark brown leather flying gauntlets used by Burns during World War II, and being the gloves worn by him on the Dambusters Raid. The gauntlets were issued by the Air Ministry and each feature official stamps and markings to the inside, the right hand glove with the clearer markings and featuring the date 1940. The gauntlets measure 14.5" in length and have straight working zips with the original oval leather pullers attached. Interestingly, and somewhat poignantly, the left hand glove bears the ink ownership name of W[illiam]. A[lbert]. Gillen. Some overall age wear, G Provenance: Accompanied by a copy of a typed inventory of the Burns Archive prepared by a previous owner in 2001 when he acquired the material from Dorothy Mundon, the sister of Stephen Burns. The present gauntlets are listed on the inventory, and also included in the lot is a copy of a handwritten letter from Mundon to the previous owner explaining that she has been through the inventory and that it is correct, and further stating that 'flying gloves worn by Steve in Dams Raid' are included. William Albert Gillen (1917-1943) Canadian Flight Sergeant who served with the RAF in 57 Squadron at the same time as Burns. Gillen was killed in action on 9th January 1943. There could be a number of reasons why Burns was later to wear the gloves of his flying colleague, although it would appear most plausible that Burns would have subsequently been handed the gloves for his own use following the tragic death of Gillen. Following Burns' involvement in the Dambusters Raid he returned home to Dudley for a short period of leave during which time he gave the gloves to his younger brother, Freddie. Burns flew as Rear Gunner in Pilot Officer Geoffrey Rice's crew for the Dambusters Raid of 16th May 1943 and the near fatal events of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H are well documented, not least by Alan Cooper in his book The Dam Buster Raid - A Reappraisal 70 Years On (2013), in which he wrote 'Geoff [Rice] himself was not immune from trouble as he reached the Zyder Zee, hugging the surface of the water which was dark and unforgiving, he hit the water. He pulled up the stick but the damage was already done. The underside of the Lancaster was torn out and with it the bomb. So much water came in that Sergeant Burns, his rear gunner, was up to his knees in water and at one time the water came over his turret. The tailwheel had been forced up into the aircraft, breaking the main spar of the tailplane and finishing up near the Elsan toilet, which was near the rear door'It has also been written that Burns, to avoid drowning, smashed the Perspex windows of the rear turret, evidently whilst wearing the present flying gauntlets, so that the water could drain out, having remarked to Rice 'Christ! It's wet at the back, Skipper'.Items of flying clothing (especially those with exceptional provenance) used by any of the crew members from the eleven Lancaster bombers who successfully returned to RAF Scampton at the conclusion of Operation Chastise very rarely appear at auction and are highly desirable.
[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943)British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. A most emotive original wooden painted model of an Avro Lancaster bomber, made by Richard MacFarlane and given by him to his friend and colleague Stephen Burns as a gift. The model features four engines with propellers (one now missing) and windows for the crew, bomb aimer, mid gunner and rear gunner, the wings and tail fins featuring painted Royal Air Force markings and with the squadron code DX-X to each side. The model measures 8" in length and has a wingspan of almost 12" and stands on a plain wooden plinth loosely attached by a piece of thin metal. Some light overall age wear, minor damage to one tail fin and the paint scratched in places (most notably to the underside of the aircraft and the plinth), G Provenance: Accompanied by a copy of a typed inventory of the Burns Archive prepared by a previous owner in 2001 when he acquired the material from Dorothy Mundon, the sister of Stephen Burns. The present model aeroplane is listed on the inventory, and also included in the lot is a copy of a handwritten letter from Mundon to the previous owner explaining that she has been through the inventory and that it is correct.Also included is a copy of a newspaper article written about Burns, prior to his involvement in the Dambusters Raid, in a provincial newspaper in which it states that the Rear Gunner has returned home to Dudley on leave with a model of the Lancaster in which he regularly flies. Richard MacFarlane (1921-1943) Scottish Flight Officer, Navigator of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, 16th May 1943. MacFarlane joined 57 Squadron on 9th December 1942 where he met up with Rear Gunner Stephen Burns (who had been attached to the Squadron a month earlier) as well as wireless operator Bruce Gowrie, bomb aimer John Thrasher, flight engineer Edward Smith and air gunner William Maynard. The crew were without a pilot until Geoffrey Rice arrived in February 1943. MacFarlane, Burns and their colleagues flew on nine operations before being posted together from 57 Squadron to the new 617 Squadron being formed to undertake training for a special mission. Whilst at 57 Squadron Burns flew in the Avro Lancaster DX-X W4252 upon which the present model is based. Included in the lot is a copy of a page from his log book recording his flight, as a mid-upper gunner, on 5th February 1943 from RAF Wyton to RAF Scampton, piloted by Flight Sergeant Langley. Avro Lancaster DX-X W4252 remained with 57 Squadron although was shot down in an operation over Kiel on 4th/5th April 1943 whilst being piloted by Squadron Leader S. N. T. Wallace. He and the six crew members all lost their lives and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial (Source: RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, 1943, edited by W. R. Chorley, Volume IV, 1996)
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Sumpter's wartime R.A.F. commission, one page, large oblong folio, Court at Saint James, 27th June 1943. The partially printed document, completed in bold red ink, in an attractive calligraphic hand, states, in part, 'To Our Trusty and well beloved Leonard Joseph Sumpter DFM Greeting: We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, do by these Presents Constitute and Appoint you to be Officer in Our Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve from the Twenty Seventh day of June 1943. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge your Duty as such in the Rank of Pilot Officer…' Bearing the rubber stamped signature of King George VI to the upper left corner, and two further rubber stamped signatures at the foot, one being that of John Slessor (1897-1979, British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Commander-in-Chief Coastal Command 1943-44). With a blind embossed seal to the lower left corner. Framed and glazed in the original black wooden frame to an overall size of 18 x 13. VG
[SUMPTER LEONARD]:(1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. An original embroidered Royal Air Force Bomb Aimers brevet issued to Sumpter, his 'wings' featuring the off-white thread embroidered letter B at the centre of a brown thread wreath and with an off-white thread wing to the right, all embroidered to a plain black cloth. Some light age wear, VG Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter's daughter attesting to the fact that the item included in the present lot was the personal property of her father.
[SUMPTER LEONARD]:(1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Three vintage RAF badges belonging to Sumpter, most likely issued during World War II, comprising a gold coloured metal Service Dress Cap Badge featuring an Eagle; a gold and silver coloured metal Service Dress Cap Badge featuring the King's crown, with maroon velvet in the void of the crown; and a metallic clasp (twice marked silver) featuring a blue enamelled Bomb Aimers brevet, reminiscent of a sweetheart brooch. About VG, 3Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the items included in the present lot were the personal property of her father.
SUMPTER LEONARD: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th – 17th May 1943. The Observer’s and Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book belonging to Sumpter and recording his service during World War II, the 8vo hardbound log book issued by the Royal Canadian Air Force and containing over 140 pages of entries in Sumpter’s hand dating from 15th October 1941 to 2nd September 1945, covering his participation in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) of 16th-17th May 1943 as well as other important operations, and also featuring a number of significant signatures of his superiors, including those of Guy Gibson VC, Henry ‘Dinghy’ Young, David Maltby, David Shannon and James Tait. Completed in Sumpter’s typically neat hand, in a variety of colours of ink, the Log Book details the dates of flights, types of aircraft flown, names of pilots and other crew members, various observations and remarks and numbers of hours flown etc., commencing with his training in Canada and completion of his Air Observers Advanced Navigation Course, Bombing Course and Gunnery Course, his posting to 57 Squadron in September 1942 and bombing operations over Genoa, Turin, Stuttgart, Berlin, Nuremberg, St. Nazaire, his subsequent transfer to 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton as one of David Shannon’s crew from April 1943 and various training operations including night and day cross country flights, low level flights etc., the flying summary for April 1943 approved and signed by both Gibson and Young individually; a number of other exercise flights in the days leading up to Operation Chastise, the historic flight of 16th May 1943 recorded by Sumpter as departing at 21.50 in Lancaster L-929 and listing his fellow crew members of Shannon, Walker, Goodale, Buckley, Henderson and Jagger (the latter entry later annotated by Sumpter ‘killed o.a.s. 4.5.44’), with the remarks ‘Op. No. 14 via Holland to the Hun. Satisfactory attack on Eder Dam 18 miles west of Kassel. Average ht. 100 feet’, the same page featuring the flying summary for May 1943 signed by Maltby; Sumpter’s flights resume on 2nd June 1943 and detail many flights as part of Shannon’s crew including a bombing operation over Bologna (‘uneventful excursion’), a sweep over the North Sea in search of a lifeboat, his posting with 617 Squadron to RAF Coningsby in September 1943 and various tactical exercises, his participation in Operation Garlic on 14th & 15th September 1943 (a failed attempt at a low level raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal in which Maltby was killed) Sumpter remarking ‘Ops recalled. Circled S/Ldr Maltby’s crash. Ops. Dortmund-Ems Canal. Visibility nil but target found’, many other low and high level bombing exercises, as well as several operations over a ‘Special Target’ on 16th & 22nd December 1943, an operation over Limoges (‘complete devastation’) and one over the Antheor Viaduct in February 1944, as well as St. Etienne (‘considerable damage’) a Michelin rubber works (‘large fires’), a Powder Explosive works in South France (‘Demolished’) during March 1944, Sumpter’s flights with Mosquitoes following their introduction to 617 Squadron in April 1944 including operations as a marking aircraft over Paris, Brunswick and Munich, Special Duty operations on D-Day, 6th June 1944, an operation in the Pas du Calais area (‘Good raid on rocket installation’), Sumpter’s return to flying Lancasters as part of Marshall’s crew in February 1945 including attacks on ‘E’ boat and midget submarine pens, an abortive attack on a rail viaduct at Bielfeld and two later attacks on the same target (‘50% successful’), as well as a raid on Berchtesgaden (‘The Eagles Nest. Hitler’s Chalet in the Bavarian Alps, Austria. Load 1 x 5 tons’) on 25th April 1945, etc. Sumpter’s last flight is recorded on 2nd September 1945 in a Lancaster and he concludes the entry with his signature (‘L J Sumpter F/L his mark’) beneath the word Finis and a total of 900 hours and 10 minutes flying time. With several other pages of summaries of operations towards the end of the log book. Signatories throughout include Guy Gibson VC (1918-1944, British Wing Commander in the R.A.F. during World War II. Gibson was the first Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, the ‘Dambusters’, and in June 1943 became the most highly decorated serviceman in the country), Henry Melvin ‘Dinghy’ Young (1915-1943, British Squadron Leader of World War II, Young was second in command during Operation Chastise, the ‘Dambusters’ raid, and part of the attack on the Mohne dam. On the return journey, Young’s aircraft was brought down by anti-aircraft fire, resulting in the death of Young and his entire crew), David Maltby (1920-1943, British Squadron Leader in the R.A.F. during World War II. Maltby flew in 617 Squadron during Operation Chastise, the ‘Dambusters’ raid, being killed a few months later during Operation Garlic; 3 signatures), David Shannon (1922-1993, Australian Flight Officer in the R.A.F. during World War II. Shannon flew in 617 Squadron during Operation Chastise, the ‘Dambusters’ raid; 7 signatures), James Tait (1916-2007, British Group Captain in the R.A.F. during World War II. Tait conducted 101 bombing missions during the war, including the one that finally sank the German battleship Tirpitz in 1944. He succeeded Leonard Cheshire as commander of 617 Squadron),A. S. Palmer (3 signatures), C. H. Johnson (2 signatures), Walter H. Shaw, Donald George Long (1919-1943, British Squadron Leader with 57 Squadron who was killed at the age of 24, along with his entire crew, during an operation to Hamburg when his Lancaster crashed near Luneberg; 2 signatures), G. W. Curry (3 signatures), J. H. Leland, Ralph Allesbrook (d.1943, British Flight Officer in the R.A.F. during World War II. Allsebrook’s 617 Squadron Lancaster was shot down during an attack on the German Dortmund-Ems Canal in September 1943; 2 signatures), William Suggitt (1920-1944, British Flight Commander in the R.A.F. during World War II. Suggitt joined 617 Squadron in 1943, tragically being killed less than five months later, his plane crashing in poor weather just north of Chichester; 3 signatures), J. Ward, A. G. Ward, Eric Gray-Ward etc. An extremely rare and historically important Log Book belonging to one of the Dambusters and recording Operation Chastise, one of the most famous and significant actions carried out against Germany during World War II. Some light overall age wear, the front and back boards a little loose and with some wear to the edges of the spine and dark blue cloth binding. About VG
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. A unique personal hardback 4to scrapbook, complied by Sumpter during his service with 617 Squadron, 1943-45, with a postcard photograph adhered to the cover, the image depicting a Lancaster in flight high above the English countryside, beneath a partially torn label stating '…J Sumpter. Navigator…'. The scrapbook containing 53 pages of various newspaper cuttings, original photographs, and a telegram, and numerous annotations in Sumpter's hand, including, 'R.A.F. Left huge fires raging in Berlin' (newspaper cutting, 18th January 1943, annotated 'This is a report on flight made with F/L Curry (Pilot), P/O Henderson (Nav), F/S Sumpter (Bomb Aimer), F/S Higgins (M/V), F/S Shepherd (W/OP), Sgt. Henderson (F/E), F/O Longden'); 'Ruhr Floods Arms Cities From Mined Dams' (newspaper cutting, 16th May 1943); a photograph of the Mohne Dam, above which Sumpter has written, 'Nets on Mohne Dam erected after repair to Dam. Taken April 47 by self'; a newspaper cutting entitled 'Dam raiders meet King', the final sentence of the article stating, in part, 'Their Majesties spoke to every Officer and N.C.O. in the squadron…', next to which Sumpter has written, 'This is a lie!'; a typed telegram to Sumpter, signed by Air Chief Marshal Arthur Harris, 23rd May 1943, the message stating, 'My warmest congratulations on the award of your Distinguished Flying Medal'; a newspaper cutting depicting bomb damage headlined, 'Bomb-Aimers view of RAF Target' (annotated 'February 8th '44' and 'Limoges'); newspaper cutting, 'First picture of our 5½-Ton bombs' havoc', with further newspaper photographs of the Limoges raid annotated 'Before' and 'After', and with two original photographs annotated 'Marker Bombs exploding on roof at Limoges (raid) factory' and 'Limoges. Taken during raid. By Flashbomb'; a newspaper cutting 'RAF pin-point 'Busters'on tyres centre', beneath, an original photograph depicts a bomb on its carriage, surrounded by ground staff, annotated, 'The 12,000lb bomb for blast effect. First used Sept. 1943'; a reprinted photograph, captioned by Sumpter, 'Michelin Tyre Works Clermont-Ferrand'; '1,500 tons smashed this tank depot' (newspaper cutting 3rd April 1944); a typed telegram to Sumpter, signed by Air Marshal Robert Saundby, 24th May 1944, the message stating, 'My warmest congratulations on the award of your Distinguished Flying Cross' opposite a newspaper cutting depicting Sumpter in head and shoulders pose, above the headline, 'D.F.C. for Kettering Dam Buster'; 'Fleet of Nazi Ships Sunk at Le Havre' (newspaper cutting 13th June 1944); an original aerial photograph of a bomb dropping high over Northern France, to which Sumpter has added, '13,400lb Bomb. Penetration type. Submarine pen 'Buster'. Picture taken over Northern France, 24.6.44. Just after the release of a 13,400lb bomb. This type was first used in May 1944. Main use is for destroying underground works'; an original photograph of servicemen and women at a dance, clearly showing Sumpter dancing with a woman from the W.A.A.F., annotated, 'Squadron party July 18th 1944. Partnered by Diana Mitchell-Dawson (Cpl)'; three original aerial photographs, one depicting the submarine base at La Rochelle, France (26th December 1941), and two others depicting the midget U-boat shelters at Pooters Haven, Holland, annotated '617 Squadron alone - Tallboy bombs, 3.2.45'; an original photograph of the Bielefeld Viaduct, above which Sumpter has written, 'Bielefeld Viaduct. Photographed by myself May 1947, showing temporary repair 2½ years after raid'; an original aerial photograph annotated '22.2.45 Railway viaduct Bielefeld Germany (nr. Hanover), This was destroyed. Nine spans were demolished', Sumpter indicating with ink the viaduct on the photograph; an original aerial photograph of the submarine pens at Farge, Germany, annotated '27.3.45 617 Squadron alone. "Grand Slam" bombs', with three press cuttings of the raid, Sumpter also indicating in ink the targets on the photograph; a reprinted photograph, a detailed image of the damaged inflicted at Farge, photographed from within the submarine pen, annotated, 'Taken late 1945. Farge'; an original aerial photograph of Ijmuiden harbour, annotated, 'Ijmuiden. 7.4.45. Ship attacked is by jetty in lower left of the picture. Tonnage 14,000'; a reprinted photograph of a Lancaster bomber releasing a 22,000lb bomb, annotated, '22,000lb bomb on release. Note straps hanging. Bomb doors were removed for this bomb, also mid upper turret. Taken over the target. Only 5 crew carried, P-B/A-Eng-Rear Gunner-Nav'; newspaper headline 'Berchtesgaden hit by 12,000lb bombs', with a further press cutting (26th April 1945); a reprinted photograph depicting aircraft flying at high altitude, annotated, 'Armada on the way to Berchtesgaden 25.4.45'; a magazine photograph of Hitler's Berghof at Berchtesgaden, above which Sumpter has indicated the location of the Eagles Nest; a photograph (possible reprint) of the destruction of the Mohne Dam taken at ground level, written on the page below Sumpter reveals, 'Bought for 1 cigarette from a German on Mohne Dam. June 21st 1947'; a newspaper photograph depicting R.A.F. Bomb Disposal personnel examining three 'bouncing bombs' at Reculver, Kent (1980); a single page, being a hand written performance chart of Sumpter's navigational skills, with error rates stated for various tasks, including the comment, 'Sight analysis to date. Star sights taken on ground but wrong star used', written in Sumpter's hand, and signed by the course instructor, C.A. Johnson, dated 13th February 1942. With several pages neatly removed, the spine slightly loose, but with all pages firmly intact, and with age wear to the cover, otherwise GSumpter had already served two stints in the Grenadier Guards before transferring to the RAF in 1941. After training in England and Canada, he was posted to 57 Squadron at Scampton in September 1942. This book was evidently used during part of the initial training and this may account for the missing pages and the one remaining page from his time under instruction.
[SUMPTER LEONARD]:(1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Sumpter's folding maps of Europe - Code AF Foldex No. 1. Europe (Air) 1/500,000, Directorate of Military Service, War Office, March 1945.Three large folding maps of Europe, double sided, and varnished so that 'courses can be marked in chinagraph pencil and subsequently erased with an ordinary rubber'. With various towns and cities within Holland and Germany circled in blue ink. Attached to 6 x 10½ hardback covers. With some minor tears to the vertical folds, water spots to the cover and age wear. Together with an unsigned 8½ x 11½ Navigators Log Book folder. The empty folder bearing various ink annotations to the inside cover, including telephone numbers and addresses, including that for his relative Lt. Kenneth Sumpter of South East Asia Command, with a document holder to the inside panel, with printed conversion charts for nautical miles, statute miles, kilometres, and metres/feet affixed. With a loose spine, light staining, bumped and frayed corners and age wear. Also including an unsigned 23 x 22 double sided silk escape map, the locations centring around Tbilisi, Georgia, to one side and Tabriz, Northern Iran, to the other. The map, with the word Restricted in red at the head and foot, detailing major towns and cities, railways etc. Published by the Geographical Section, General Staff, 1951, Fifth Edition. With Minor frays to the edges. G to VG, 3Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the items included in the present lot were the personal property of her father.
DAMBUSTERS THE: A printed 8vo menu for a Celebration Dinner to mark the 90th Birthday of Sir Barnes Wallis at the Thatchers Hotel, East Horsley, Surrey, 24th September 1977, organised by the wartime aircrew of 617 Squadron, signed to the verso by nine individuals associated with 617 Squadron, some of them crew members of the Dambusters Raid, comprising 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), Leonard Cheshire VC (1917-1992, British Group Captain, a bomber pilot of World War II who served as Officer Commanding 617 Squadron November 1943 - July 1944, Victoria Cross winner for his aerial exploits during World War II), David Shannon (1922-1993, Australian Bomber Pilot of World War II who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943) and his wife Ann, Leonard Sumpter (1911-1993, British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943), Bill Townsend (1921-1991, British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED886/G AJ-O, 16th-17th May 1943) and his wife Eileen, Lancelot Howard (1913-1989, Australian Pilot Officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Navigator of Lancaster ED886/G AJ-O, 16th-17th May 1943) and Jack Buckley (1919-1990, British Flight Officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Rear gunner of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943). The menu bears the ownership signature of Sumpter's wife to the front cover. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the item included in the present lot was the personal property of her father.
DAMBUSTERS THE: A good printed 8vo menu for the 40th Anniversary Reunion Dinner of No. 617 Squadron Royal Air Force at RAF Marham, 16th May 1983, signed to the verso by twenty two individuals associated with 617 Squadron, many of them crew members of the Dambusters Raid, including Robert Kellow (1916-1988, Australian Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N, 16th-17th May 1943), Kenneth Brown (1920-2002, Canadian Bomber Pilot of World War II who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943), Harold Hobday (1912-2000, British Royal Air Force officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Navigator of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N, 16th-17th May 1943), Frederick Sutherland (1923- , Canadian Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Front Gunner of Lancaster ED912/G AJ-N, 16th-17th May 1943), William Howarth (1921-1990, British Royal Air Force Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Front Gunner of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-W, 16th-17th May 1943), David Rodger (1918-2004, Canadian Flight Officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Rear gunner of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T, 16th-17th May 1943), Harold Martin (1918-1988, Australian Air Marshal, a bomber pilot of World War II who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P, 16th-17th May 1943), Donald MacLean (1916-1992, Canadian Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Navigator of Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T, 16th-17th May 1943), Daniel Walker (1917-2001, Canadian Flight Officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Navigator of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943), Les Munro (1919-2015, New Zealand Flight Lieutenant of World War II, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, the Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED921/G AJ-W, 16th-17th May 1943), David Shannon (1922-1993, Australian Bomber Pilot of World War II who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Pilot of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943), Leonard Cheshire VC (1917-1992, British Group Captain, a bomber pilot of World War II who served as Officer Commanding 617 Squadron November 1943 - July 1944, Victoria Cross winner for his aerial exploits during World War II), Bertie ‘Toby’ Foxlee (1920-1985, Australian Pilot Officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Front gunner of Lancaster ED909/G AJ-P, 16th-17th May 1943), George Chalmers (1921-2002, Scottish Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED886/G AJ-O, 16th-17th May 1943), Stefan Oancia (1923-1999, Canadian Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943), Grant McDonald (1921-2012, Canadian Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Rear gunner of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943), Dudley Heal (1916-1999, British Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Navigator of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943), Basil Feneron (1920-1993, British Royal Air Force officer, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED918/G AJ-F, 16th-17th May 1943), Harry Humphries (1915-2008, British Flight Lieutenant of World War II, Adjutant to 617 Squadron) and Leonard Sumpter (1911-1993, British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid, as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943). Two of the signatures (one being a second signature of Sumpter) have been neatly crossed through. The head of the verso is annotated in ink Return to Len Sumpter. A few light, minor stains and some age wear, not affecting the signatures, about VG
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th - 17th May 1943. An interesting selection of unsigned photographs of various sizes (8 x 10 and smaller), vintage (6) and post-war (15), relating to Sumpter and other members of the Dambusters and 617 Squadron, twelve of the photographs with Sumpter's neat ink annotations to the verso, identifying the individuals and occasions etc., including a vintage 3.5 x 4.5 photograph of Leonard Cheshire's pet dog Simon, another of Sumpter with Simon, accompanied by another dog identified as Sarah and an officer named Max Tuxford, a vintage 5.5 x 4 photograph of Sumpter and several male colleagues wearing swimming trunks, accompanied by two females in swimsuits, identified as being taken at the swimming pool at Petwood Hotel in June 1944, other later and/or reproduction images showing a bouncing bomb loaded on Guy Gibson's aircraft, crew members of 617 Squadron leaving Buckingham Palace, celebration for the 90th birthday of Barnes Wallis, reception and dinner given by Rolls Royce in 1979, Sumpter, Bill Townsend and Dave Shannon in conversation with Arthur Harris, reunions, grave stone of Guy Gibson's dog 'Nigger' etc. Colour (1). Generally VG, 21 Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the items included in the present lot were the personal property of her father.
SUMPTER LEONARD: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Book signed, being a hardback edition of The Air Combat Paintings of Robert Taylor, by Robert Weston and Robert Taylor, published by David & Charles plc, London, 1989 (Fourth Impression). Signed by Sumpter in bold pencil to the half title page adding DFC DFM 617 Squadron alongside his signature and further signed in bold pencil by the artist Robert Taylor, adding the date, December 1989, his hand, and by Bill Reid VC. Accompanied by the dust jacket and contained in the original cardboard presentation box marked with Sumpter's name ('LEN') in pencil. VGProvenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter's daughter attesting to the fact that the item included in the present lot was the personal property of her father.
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Two Limited Edition, full colour, English bone china commemorative plates produced by Royal Worcester in 1992 in honour of the Dambusters Raid, entitled 'Hold at 60ft', each with an image by artist Wilfred Hardy, depicting two Lancaster bombers flying over the sea, during David Shannon's 'dummy run' at Reculver, just days before the actual raid, one having just released a bouncing bomb, the plates each with a diameter of 7½ inches and both printed to the underside 'Second issue in Wilfred Hardy's The Dambusters, a limited edition plate series commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the heroic Dambusters raid', Numbered 2986 B and 7264 A and being from an edition 'strictly limited to a maximum firing period of 75 days'. Both with Certificates of Authenticity and printed booklet issued by Royal Worcester. Contained in the original Royal Worcester packaging and cardboard presentation boxes, both marked with various ink annotations relating to Sumpter. Together with a white bone china commemorative plate celebrating the Dambusters Raid, with a central image depicting two Lancaster bombers flying over a dam, together with a dedication to Guy Gibson and the aircrew between the R.A.F. badges of 617 Squadron and Bomber Commands, printed in monochrome within a gold lined rim. Produced by New Art Studios' Sheffield, to a diameter of 11 inches. Further including a white bone china commemorative plate entitled 'The Dambuster', with a central image depicting Guy Gibson above the inscription 'Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, DSO', printed in royal blue with a gold line to the rim. Produced by Goss, England, to a diameter of 8½ inches. EX, 4Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the items included in the present lot were the personal property of her father.
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Sumpter's personal electroplated nickel silver tankard, 4½ inches tall, bearing the engraved words '617 Squadron R.A.F. Lancasters' to the front, the makers mark to the base stating 'The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd, 112 Regent Street' above the EPNS designation of 'Regent Plate'. With very slightly misshapen lip and overall tarnishing. Together with a model vehicle set, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, comprising a 5-Ton Crane Truck, Airfield Ambulance, and NAAFI Refreshment Van, each authentically painted and decorated, with an average length of 3½ inches. Produced by Lledo, England, and presented in a colour printed box depicting a Lancaster bomber in flight. G to VG, 2Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the items included in the present lot were the personal property of her father.
[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th - 17th May 1943. A miscellaneous selection of printed ephemera etc., most unsigned, largely relating to Sumpter and his RAF career, mainly post-war and mostly retained by the Flight Sergeant himself or his immediate family following his death, including a printed oblong 12mo admittance ticket for the Royal Enclosure issued to Sumpter for the repeat World Premiere of The Dam Busters film at the Empire, Leicester Square, 17th May 1955, a 617 Squadron 45th Anniversary Commemorative Souvenir Programme, 16th May 1988, a vintage printed 8vo edition of the Air Ministry training magazine Tee Emm, being the final edition dated March 1946, a printed oblong 8vo booklet entitled Mosquito Mutterings published by the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Toronto, 1944, a Grantham Journal special publication issued to mark the 50th Anniversary of The Dambusters, three BT Phonecards issued to commemorate 617 Squadron, a small selection of six First Day Covers unrelated to the Dambusters although four hand addressed by Sumpter to himself, a T.L.S. by photographer Helmuth Euler to Sumpter discussing the test runs at Reculver before the Dambusters Raid, accompanied by a selection of photographs taken by Euler of Sumpter at a reunion, a few newspaper clippings and obituaries etc. G to generally VG, 40 Provenance: Accompanied by a statement of provenance signed by Leonard Sumpter’s daughter attesting to the fact that the items included in the present lot were the personal property of her father.
Dr Shuntaro Hida WW2 eyewitness to the dropping of the Hiroshima Atomic bomb signed colour postcard of the mushroom cloud, map of island and his portrait. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95.
Sir Barnes Wallis WW2 Dambuster bouncing bomb designed signed Rare SC36 RAF Scampton Avro Lancaster cover. Good Condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95.
Great Britain. June 1841 entire to Dunkeld bearing 1841 1d red-brown H-L, Plate 10, showing 'O'' flaw and right star flaw. Four margins (huge at right), cancelled with a black Maltese cross. The letter is from a coach and harness maker. S.G.Spec.AS59. Also The Evening Post number 912 Thursday June 9 to Saturday June 11, 1715 printed paper addressed to Greading, with a fine Bishop mark on reverse. Content makes interesting reading and include 'William wall stood on the Pilory at Chancery lane End in Holborn for cursing the Duke of Marlborough', 'The English fleet, consisting of twenty men of war, a fireship and a bomb galleon arrived yesterday in the Amsterdam Sound....til they receive further instructions'
WW2, George Medal Awarded to William Mason for an outstanding act of bravery during the Salford blitz in early June 1941, correctly inscribed on the rim. The London Gazette dated 17 June 1941 contains the following citation: William Mason, Process Hand, Salford. During an air raid a time bomb penetrated a storage well containing 500 gallons of oil. In order to facilitate the removal of the bomb it was necessary for the oil to be pumped from the well. Mason immediately volunteered his services and commenced operations from a pump house situated about twelve feet from the well. He completed the work and an hour later the bomb exploded, demolishing the pump house in which he had been working. Mason knew that the bomb might explode at any moment, and he carried out a hazardous task with commendable courage
Four boxed Corgi, The Aviation archive " Military" series, conisiting of Boeing B-29 HAWG Wild ( limited edition) ref No: AA3180; Boeing B29 RAF Washington I ( limited edition) ref No: 4890; Boeing B-29 Superfortress - 468th bomb group, 58th bomb wing (VH) USAAF " Esso Express ( limited edition) ref No: AA31801; Boeing C-97G Delaware Air Guard ( 1st issue) ref No: 48103. (4)
DAMBUSTER RAID VETERAN: 8x12 inch photo of a Lancaster bomber in flight, signed by George Johnson DFM Bomb Aimer, AJ T, Sorpe Dam 16/17 May 1943. One of the last of the actual Dambuster raid veterans. Good condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95.
617 SQUADRON: 8x12 inch photo of a Lancaster bomber in flight, signed by Benny Goodman DFC, veteran of 617 Squadron. Notable raids Benny took part in were on the Tirpitz 29/10/44, dropping the Grand Slam 22,000 bomb on the Arnsberg Viaduct 19/03/45 and the attack on Berchtesgarten 'Eagles nest' 25/05/45. Good condition. All signed items come with our certificate of authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £3.95, EU from £4.95, Overseas from £6.95.
OPPENHEIMER J. ROBERT: (1904-1967) American Theoretical Physicist, known as the `father of the atomic bomb' for his role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Scarce T.L.S., Robert Oppenheimer, one page, 4to, Princeton, 25th June 1956, on The Institute For Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey, to Marjorie B. Robinson, Douglass College, Rutgers. Oppenheimer, in his capacity as Director of the organization, states in part `I very much appreciate your invitation to lecture at Douglass College next April. I wish that it were possible for me to accept, however, I have agreed to give the William James Lectures at Harvard in the spring of 1957. This letter is therefore to send word of my warm thanks, to you and to the members of the Faculty Student Lecture Series Committee…´ Three file holes to the left border, not affecting the text or signature, and very small creasing to the upper edge, otherwise VG £500-800Oppenheimer´s decision by Harvard to give the prestigious William James Lecture caused great havoc among Conservative elements of the Faculty. He concluded his final speech by saying `..we have a duty of great openness to others…learning to welcome the strange and being glad to learn something that is new..´.
Two 'U2 Special Edition' APPLE iPods. 20GB in red & black to reflect the dominant colors on U2's album cover 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' with facsimile autographs on the flip side, contains original boxes, manuals and power leads, missing earphones and the Ltd edition poster. (Sold electrically untested)
Retro LP Storage Case containing fourteen LP RecordsROCK. Years vary. LPs include Uriah Heep 'Salisbury' Large Vertigo Swirl Label (6360 028) with Gatefold Sleeve (lacking vertigo inner), Tom Waits 'Swordfishtrombones' Island Records (ILPM 9762), Supertramp 'Indelibly Stamped' A&M Records (AMLH 64306), Roxy Music's 'Country Life' & 'Stranded', Billy Bragg 'The Peel Sessions' Strange Fruit Label (SFPS 027), Public Image Ltd 'The Flowers of Romance' Virgin Label (V2 189) with inner, 'Roger Taylors Fun in Space' German Issue, Steve Roberts 'Do you know who i am?' The Exploited Record Company Label (EXPLP.2002), Robert Palmer 'Pressure Drop' German Issue, Matchbox 'Major Matchbox', Lynsey De Paul 'Love Bomb', etc. (Conditions vary throughout overall Very Good).
Greene (Graham) Loser Takes All, 8vo, L. 1955; A Burnt-Out Case, 8vo L. 1961; A Burnt-Out Case, N.Y. 1961; The Comedians, 8vo, L. 1966; May We Barrow Your Husband? & Other Comedies of the Sexual Life, 8vo L. 1967; Travels With My Aunt, 8vo L. 1969; A Sort of Life, 8vo L. 1971; The Honorary Counsel, 8vo L. 1973; The Human Factor, 8vo L. 1978; Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party, 8vo L. 1980; Getting to Know the General, 8vo, N.Y. 1984; The Tenth Man, 8vo L. 1985; The Captain and the Enemy, 8vo L. 1988, mostly First UK / American Edition, all cloth & d.j.s., as a collection, w.a.f. (13)
The Postponed Grand NationalHorse Racing: Aintree Official Race-Card, The Martell Grand National, Aintree, Saturday April 5th, 1997, 8vo illus. & adverts, ptd. wrappers. Good. (1)* The race was postponed till Monday 7th after an IRA bomb threat forced the evacuation of the course. The race was eventually won by New-Zealand bred Lord Gyllene at odds of 14/1, ridden by Tony Dobbin, and trained by Steve Brookshaw.
PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM: an album containing monochrome photographs and postcards predominately relating to Japan post-war period, one depicting atom bomb site at Hiroshima, local people, sightseeing, military and personal. Further snapshots, various subjects and sizes, contained in a Japanese lacquer photograph album. (1)
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![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operatio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/15a22d96-1f64-4d32-b805-a79e00b66ff5/fa47e312-d6d9-4463-a476-a79e00ea2ce0/468x382.jpg)
![[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943)British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/dd6f50cb-e137-4605-b1d0-4ed736f0e60f/468x382.jpg)
![[BURNS STEPHEN]: (1921-1943)British Flight Sergeant, Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dambusters](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/23352594-2be4-47bf-8f8d-5030afed5aaa/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operatio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/5dfa8d61-71ea-4cff-ec32-c7124f3a309b/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]:(1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/c5b1d8e5-1842-44e6-f714-10326f83f8da/468x382.jpg)
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![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operati](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/bb55516f-2a26-4af6-bf10-fa347ac1e0aa/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]:(1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/05110ee7-69d9-4c3b-eedb-c33ab5be4fd4/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operatio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/6bc5662c-9093-4e63-bc51-aac58c4644ad/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operatio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/d07ce3d4-55c5-40e6-86bb-ed875322e74c/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operatio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/4cb16b85-69b1-45e6-cada-f09fc16da337/468x382.jpg)
![[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operatio](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/20a823bd-ed1f-405b-a860-a79301069063/2e084fee-c028-4996-e12e-1b32a41ec5a4/468x382.jpg)
