Description:

(1914 - 1995) R.A.F. ace and Equerry to King George VI and Elizabeth II, best known for his ill-fated romance with Princess Margaret. Despite his distinguished career, as a divorced man there was no chance of marriage with the princess, and their relationship caused enormous controversy in the mid 1950s. Margaret later renounced Townsend, although she herself would divorce later in life. Good lot of three signed items, includes: Good content T.L.S., "Peter" 3pp. 4to., St.-Leger-en-Yvelines, Jan. 3, 1968, to R.A.F. historian Robert Wright. Townsend drafts a rather wide-ranging series of answers to questions and concerns posed by Wright in a deluge of previous letters, primarily concerning Townsend's role as a researcher and consultant for the classic 1969 film "Battle of Britain". He particularly discusses the individuals he would still like to interview for background material for the film, in small part: "...there still remain the R.A.F. flying characters to interview and research... plus the W.A.A.F., Observer Corps, A.A. and civilian 'characters'... For the W.A.A.F. I should like Sadie Younger, a girl at Dover radar station... finally the girl in the Y service (Joan Morton?), and the relevant log books. For the civilians I should like to find one or two people in Dockland, if possible with some connection... in the R.A.F., and also one or two people from aircraft factories, Supermarines, Hawker etc., which were bombed..." He signs at the conclusion in blue ink, adding ink emendations within the text, a lengthy handwritten salutation and a post-script. Very good. WITH: A.N.S., 1p. 7 3/4" x 3 1/4", [n.d., n.p.], to "Frank" forwarding two signed postal covers (not present). He signs boldly at the conclusion in blue ink. The date at top has been excised, with some blurring to the ink, else very good. WITH: S.P., 3 1/2" x 5" b/w, a waist-up view of Townsend in a flying uniform and life vest, signed boldly in black ink across the center. Very good to fine. Three pieces.

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March 31, 2020 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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