[SUMPTER LEONARD]: (1911-1993) British Royal Air Force Flight Sergeant, a member of 617 Squadron who participated in Operation Chastise (The Dambusters Raid) as Bomb aimer of Lancaster ED929/G AJ-L, 16th-17th May 1943. Sumpter's wartime R.A.F. commission, one page, large oblong folio, Court at Saint James, 27th June 1943. The partially printed document, completed in bold red ink, in an attractive calligraphic hand, states, in part, 'To Our Trusty and well beloved Leonard Joseph Sumpter DFM Greeting: We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, do by these Presents Constitute and Appoint you to be Officer in Our Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve from the Twenty Seventh day of June 1943. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge your Duty as such in the Rank of Pilot Officer…' Bearing the rubber stamped signature of King George VI to the upper left corner, and two further rubber stamped signatures at the foot, one being that of John Slessor (1897-1979, British Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Commander-in-Chief Coastal Command 1943-44). With a blind embossed seal to the lower left corner. Framed and glazed in the original black wooden frame to an overall size of 18 x 13. VG