Ending 1st Feb, 2022 17:00

Timed Auction - Militaria

 
  Lot 20
 

WW2 RAF Air/Sea Rescue report regarding the ditching of Mosquito H.J. 660

RAF Air/Sea Rescue Report note no.93
describing the ditching of Mosquito IIE H.J. 660 (157 Squadron, Predannack, 19 Group). Ditched at 1640 hours on the 7th January 1944 at 47° 10' N. 07° 30' W.

This original document is marked 'CONFIDENTIAL' to the top left-hand corner and describes the lengthy lifeboat survival and rescue mission of Flying Officer Philip Huckin and navigator Flight Sergeant Robert Graham. This document was circulated to Air Force Headquarters around the world as an advisory note with recommendations for future rescues.

On 7th January 1944, 157 Squadron was en route to the Bay of Biscay to patrol and provide fighter cover for anti-submarine aircraft hunting U-Boats in the area when two Junkers 88 long-range fighters were spotted and a chase ensued. During combat, one Junkers aircraft was shot down but returning fire hit both engines of the Mosquito and ditching of the aircraft into the sea was inevitable. This incredibly interesting 8-page (4 leaf) document describes the circumstances of the crash, safety preparations and the extremely difficult conditions in the lifeboat endured by the occupants during their 103-hour long ordeal afloat in treacherous winter conditions.

Two weeks after this ordeal, both Huckin and Graham were awarded an immediate DFC and DFM respectively. The citations were clear in their praise for the two men's 'exceptional qualities of valour and determination, which never wavered and has set an example of the highest order.'

Sold for £170


 
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