Aviation at Marlows

15 September will be the day Marlows of Stafford will be holding its annual Aviation and Collectors auction and, despite the UK lockdown restrictions, a steady flow of Aviation-themed items have been and continue to arrive. The medal section will see an outstanding 1943 Pathfinder Pilot’s Distinguished Flying Cross medal group and log books. The pilot was awarded the DFC for gallantry for a rather ‘hairy’ operation to Koln. Whilst on route to the target his Lancaster bomber was attacked by a night fighter knocking out an engine, ailerons and rudder, however he ploughed on marked the target, for the main bomber force and bought his crew home safe. He went on to complete 31 trips with Pathfinders. A number of log books are consigned including a Middle East casualty group recording the operations of an Air Gunner with 223 Squadron who was shot down on 1 September 1943. The lot also includes his last letter home, which would have arrived about the time of his death.

A good selection of original escape and evasion items have been consigned and these include a rare escape cigarette lighter with concealed compass, silk escape maps, collar stud compass and miniature telescope.

The Far East is not forgotten with a personal escape pack carried by Sergeant JHP Lawrence of 62 Squadron which contains his Burma silk map, language chart, signalling mirror etc. Flying clothing includes 1941 pattern Mae West, battledress and a small selection of Cold War period cold weather flying clothing.

Flying action from the Great War is represented by a selection of official training posters, a pilot’s flying logbook and RNAS Officer’s cap badge. This sale will also include a rare selection of WWII Plotting Table markers, two very good examples of the German Luftwaffe butterfly bomb and the standard German incendiary bomb, both retaining the original painted finish and markings.

Further details will be published on both Marlows' and Bosleys' websites closer to the auction.

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