Lot 582

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Description:

R.A.F. PILOT DESCRIBES DOWNING A CRIPPLED ME-109
Graphic yet poignant RAF fighter pilot's letter, 1p. 8vo. on letterhead with RAF insignia at top, Hampshire, June 24, 1969. John A. Kent describes his 'most anxious moment' of the war. In part: '...It took place over the Thames Estuary on September 23rd 1940, while with 303 Polish Squadron. I had been attacked by a Bf 109 and managed to lose the enemy aircraft by going into cloud base. When I emerged I came out above & behind him. I came down and caught him by surprise racking the whole fuselage with a long burst. I then chased him out over the Channel with smoke pouring from his engine. As we neared Calais I flew along side of him and looked the pilot in the eye, a very young German with blond hair who looked terrified. This is war I thought and if I let him go he will no doubt go on to kill more of our boys. I then turned and came back in a 60 deg with a short deflection burst into the top of his cock-pit, where upon the 109 flipped over and went down into the sea. I can still see that young face today, and just a boy but then we all were...' Simply framed.

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June 14, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000