Description:

DOUGLAS BADER'S R.A.F. TANGMERE SQUADRON FLAG
A heavy cotton R.A.F. squadron flag, ca. 1939-41, 103" x 42" with printed turquoise blue field, RAF roundel and Union Jack canton. A hemp rope and wood dowel have been strongly sewn at either end of the flag's canvas hoist. Light wear, else very good. Provenance: Arthur Dunn; Private Collection of the Former Assistant Secretary of the Battle of Britain Association; The War Museum. Arthur R. Dunn was Officer's Mess Clerk at RAF Duxford where Bader was based during the Battle of Britain. When Bader was taken prisoner in 1941, Dunn took possession of Bader's uniform and personal effects. Dunn and Bader remained in touch after the end of the war and Dunn subsequently acquired a number of other items from Bader. RAF Tangmere was one of the most crucial of the front line bases during the Battle of Britain, crucial in the first defense of southern England. Located near Chichester, West Sussex, the base housed the first squadron of Spitfires in August, 1940 and was subject to devastating attacks by Luftwaffe bombers. The base also flew SOE agents in and out of occupied France throughout the war. RAF ace Douglas Bader took operations to an offensive posture once he was promoted to acting Wing Commander and arrived at the base in March 1941. In August 1941, Bader was captured after having bailed out over occupied Germany, was captured and was sent to Colditz for the duration of the war. This historic squadron flag flew over Tangmere base and at some point came into the possession of Bader, who insisted on obtaining a squadron flag for every base he flew from.

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March 18, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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