Description:

GUY GIBSON VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar (1918–1944) R.A.F. Wing Commander, first Commanding Officer of the Royal Air Force's No. 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid ("Operation Chastise") on May 16-17, 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area of Germany. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, and in June 1943 became the most highly decorated serviceman in the country. Killed in a crash upon his return from a raid on Bremen. Excessively rare, fine content T.L.S. as Wing Commander of 617 Squadron on RAF letterhead, 1p. 8vo., Scampton, Lincolnshire, [n.d., but June, 1943], a letter of condolence to "Mrs. Liddell", the mother of Sgt. Jack Robert George Liddell, the youngest man to take part in the famous raid. In part: "...It is with deep regret that I write to confirm my telegram advising you that your son, Sergeant J. Liddell is missing as a result of operations on the night of May 16/17 1943. Your son was Rear Gunner of an aircraft detailed to carry out an attack against the Sorpe Dam. Contact with this aircraft was lost after it took off, and nothing further was heard from it. It is possible that the crew were able to abandon the aircraft and land safely in enemy territory...Please accept my sincere sympathy during this anxious period of waiting. I have arranged for your son's personal effects to be taken care of...and these will be forwarded to you..." Light toning, else very good. In September, 1942 Liddell was posted to 61 Squadron as the rear gunner in a crew captained by Flt. Sgt. John Cockshott. This crew completed a full tour of 30 operations together. His final position was as a rear gunner in the crew of AJ-E, piloted by Flt. Lt. Norman Barlow. He was 18 when he took part in the raid, and lost his life along with the rest of the crew when their aircraft crashed on the outward flight near Haldern in Holland. His remains were reburied after the war in Reichswald War Cemetery.

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April 30, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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