Lot 790

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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 11, 1918, the battle report for McElroy's 38th kill. This pencil-signed carbon form indicates that the Irishman was on an "Offensive Patrol" in a S.E. 5a at 0550 over "BIACHE - ST VAAST" and at 1-4,000 feet when he encountered an "E.A." ("Enemy Aircraft"). He relates: "...Observing 2 E.A. attempted to cut them off...E.A. started to dive fast...Got behind tail of rear E.A. at 1,000' and fired a burst of 10 rounds from 200 yards range and then gun stopped. On zooming to clear stoppage saw E.A. fall on to its left wing tip, and crash into a wood...just w. of VITRY..." Captain J. P. R. NAPIER, Commanding No. 40 Squadron RAF, also signs at bottom confirming the victory. Two files holes at left, one at top, with lower-left corner soiled and bearing a tear. Overall very good.

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November 14, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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