Air victory revealed in dusty log book
A FASCINATING log book of one of Britain’s most-decorated First World War pilots which reveals a previously unknown aerial victory, has been unearthed.
The historical document belonging to Air Vice Marshal John Denis Breakey had spent decades in a dusty wardrobe.
The log book is said to be of national importance as it sheds new light on First World War history and includes a previously unrecorded battle victory in 1918.
AirVice Marshal Breakey notched up nine aerial victories in his Sopwith Camel, four of which are in the book which covers his brave actions as a teenager from July 26, 1917, to August 19, 1918.
The RAF hero also served into the Second World War and completed 500 hours of active service, carrying out 170 special missions.
The 102-year-old log book is expected to sell for up to £1,000 when it is on offer at Hanson’s Auctioneers, in London, on August 29. But it could fetch much more because of the historical importance of the Sheffield-born ace, who is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest war pilots.
It is being sold by a retired model maker from Kent, who was given it by a late friend who found it in a wardrobe in 1975. The 80-year-old seller said: “He came across it in a wardrobe in an empty Kensington property which he was surveying ahead of development.
“My friend was intrigued and gave it to me to see if I could find out more about Breakey. It’s been fascinating. He was so highly decorated. I have no one in the family who wants the log book so, rather than it end up at a tip when I pass away, I am selling in the hope it will be preserved by a war memorabilia collector or a museum.”
Hanson’s militaria expert Adrian Stevenson said: “Log books are always sought after by militaria collectors and it’s seldom one of this quality belonging to an ace comes on to the open market. Breakey was highly decorated. He was awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath, Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar and enjoyed a long and distinguished career.That makes this item of national importance.”
Air Vice Marshal Breakey died in 1965 aged 66.