RAF Bomber Command Book Label Signed ACM Wallace 'Digger' Kyle Bristol Blenheims

Description: A special bookplate with the original signature of : ACM Sir Wallace 'Digger' Kyle GCB KCVO CBE DSO DFC He joined Cranwell in 1928 were he picked up the nickname of 'digger'. He flew bulldogs and later served with the Fleet Air Arm, before serving on exchange with the RAAF in Australia. He returned to England in 1938 and at the start of the war, he led Blenheim light bombers on dangerous daylight formation raids against targets in Europe. During one daring attack in April 1941 on steel works at Ijmuiden, the Netherlands, he released his bombs from only 50 ft (15 m), then skilfully evaded pursuing enemy fighters by flying close to sea level; for his leadership in this successful action, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Various posts would follow, including one at RAF Marham where Mosquitos formed part of the Pathfinder force. At Bomber Command headquarters from October 1944, he was involved in planning and organising raids until the end of the war. Mentioned in despatches four times, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (1945) and appointed CBE (1946). Following a variety of roles through the 1950's, he would end up in charge of Bomber Command in 1965 until it merged with Fighter Command in 1968 whereupon he headed the new Strike Command for four months. To mark his final command he flew in a Lightning jet fighter at 1000 miles (1609 km) per hour, thereby qualifying as a member of the `Ten Ton Club’. Item Dimensions Approx : 20 x 10 cms UK Shipping : 1st or 2nd class available. If buying multiple items, please wait to combine items before paying.

Price: 6 GBP

Location: Poulton Le Fylde

End Time: 2024-11-24T16:15:32.000Z

Shipping Cost: 23.04 GBP