Description:

GEORGE EDWARD MCELROY MC & Two Bars, DFC & Bar (1893 - 1918) Leading Irish-born fighter pilot of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I, credited with 47 kills. An extremely aggressive dog-fighter who ignored often overwhelming odds, McElroy's score grew rapidly. On 31 July 1918, he reported destroying a Hannover C for his 47th victory. He then set out again. He failed to return from this flight and was posted missing. Later it was learned that McElroy had been killed by ground fire. He was 25 years old. Rare war-date D.S. in pencil, 1p. large 4to., [n.p.], July 2, 1918, the battle report for McElroy's 33rd kill. The "Combats in the Air" form indicates that the Irishman was on an "Offensive Patrol" at 9:00 PM "N.E. of PACAUT WOOD" and at 4,000 feet when he encountered an "E.A." ("Enemy Aircraft"). He relates that after a mechanical issue, he attacked and scattered a work party standing about an aircraft wreck, and then: "...Approached an E.A. 2-seater, apparently unobserved and fired from right front at about 100 yards range. E.A. dived East...[I was] firing a short burst of 50 rounds...temporarily lost E.A....attacked again and fired 50 more rounds...E.A. then went into a spin, went down slowly and crashed near LESTRUM..." Captain J. P. R. NAPIER, Commanding No. 40 Squadron RAF, also signs at bottom confirming the victory. Two files holes at left, one corner clipped, else fine.

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November 14, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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