Description:

(1921-1943) British flight sergeant, tail gunner of Lancaster ED936/G AJ-H of 617 Squadron on the Dam Busters Raid, 16th May 1943. A collection of three letters and documents directed to Burns and his mother. Includes: a card from the Assessors of Income Tax, Air Ministry, 1p. 5 x 3 in., [n.p.], Dec. 1, 1943, informing Burns that his recent letter had been received; a memorandum, 2pp. 7 x 4.5 in., Gloucestershire, England, Dec. 12, 1943, from the Assessors of Income Tax, Air Ministry. In part: ‘...He was already dead before the Tasc refund...I have to inform you that your Income Tax liability for the year 1943/4, based on your pay for 1942/3 is NIL. Your paying officer is being instructed to refund all tasc taken from your pay...'; and a T.L.S. on ‘Ministry of Pensions' letterhead, 2pp. 8vo., Lancashire, England, July 6, 1944, sent to Burns's mother. In part: ‘...With reference to your application for a pension in respect of the late Stephen Burns...I am directed to inform you that a pension can only be granted to the parents of a deceased member of the Forces if it is established that they are in pecuniary need arising from old age, infirmity or any other adverse condition not being merely of a temporary character...it is regretted that it is not possible at present to award you a pension...' Some chipping and creasing, overall very good. An interesting lot as the first two items were sent less than 20 days away from the incident that took his life and nearly all of his crew while flying over Belgium.

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June 14, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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