Lot 1050

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Description:

WILLIAM G. CLAXTON
(1899 - 1967) Canadian World War I flying ace credited with 37 victories. He became the leading ace of RAF 41 Squadron until his capture following a vicious dogfight against 20:1 opposition. Scarce war-date 'Combats in the Air' battle report, 1p. 4to., May 28, 1918, recording his 2nd 'kill' his dramatic dogfight among twelve enemy aircraft. In part: '...on Offensive Patrol...I observed, on coming through the clouds, 6. E.A....fired a drum of Lewis and about 100 rounds of Vickers into one E.A., without apparent effect...S.E.s disappeared and the E.A. drove me down to 2,000ft., where I saw 5 E.A. 2-strs...fired about 50 rounds of Vickers into one, but without effect; my cowling then came off...drove me over the lines and I then say 1 E.A., 2-str...chased him over the lines and fired about 50 rounds of Vickers at him from about 50 yards range whereupon he dived vertically, completely out of control, till out of sight...' Also signed by Squadron Leader GEOFFREY HILTON 'BEERY' BOWMAN (1891–1970), English ace credited with 32 victories. After attaining the rank of major in the Royal Flying Corps, he later became a group captain in the Royal Air Force. Bowman adds a star next to the two-seater E.A., thus confirming the 'kill'. Text a tad light but legible, trimmed at top, top margin reinforced with tape on the verso, minute and non-intrusive tear at the left edge. Near fine condition.

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August 25, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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