Rare John Hannah Vc Ww2 Signed Raf Dinner Menu On 20 - Nov 25, 2020 | Chaucer Auctions In United Kingdom
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Rare John Hannah VC WW2 signed RAF dinner menu on 20

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Rare John Hannah VC WW2 signed RAF dinner menu on 20
Rare John Hannah VC WW2 signed RAF dinner menu on 20
Item Details
Description
Rare John Hannah VC WW2 signed RAF dinner menu on 20 Mar 1941, with well-researched provenance. John Hannah VC, Rob Learoyd VC signed RAF Dinner menu. Signed in ink to reverse of the printed typed menu with RAF logo. Hannah's signature is much scarcer than Guy Gibson's and an early Learoyd signature is rare; and rarer still having both on the same menu for an important RAF event. John Hannah VC - On 15 September 1940 over Antwerp, Belgium, after a successful attack on German barges, the Handley Page Hampden bomber (serial P1355) in which Sergeant Hannah was wireless operator/air gunner, was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire, starting a fire which spread quickly. The rear gunner and navigator had to bail out and Sergeant Hannah could have acted likewise, but instead he remained to fight the fire, first with two extinguishers and then with his bare hands. He sustained terrible injuries, but succeeded in putting out the fire and the pilot was able to bring the almost wrecked aircraft back safely. The Canadian pilot of the aircraft, Flying Officer Clare Connor, recommended Hannah receive the Victoria Cross. Connor himself was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. King George VI presented the decorations to Hannah and Connor at an investiture in Buckingham Palace. Eighteen years old at the time of his Victoria Cross action, Hannah was the youngest recipient of the medal for aerial operations and the youngest for the Second World War. Flight Lieutenant Roderick Alastair Brook Learoyd VC - This officer, as first pilot of a Hampden aircraft, has repeatedly shown the highest conception of his duty and complete indifference to personal danger in making attacks at the lowest altitudes regardless of opposition. On the night of 12th August 1940, he was detailed to attack a special objective on the Dortmund Ems Canal. He had attacked this objective on a previous occasion and was well aware of the risks entailed. To achieve success it was necessary to approach from a direction well known to the enemy, through a lane of especially disposed anti-aircraft defences, and in the face of the most intense point-blank fire from guns of all calibres. The reception of the preceding aircraft might well have deterred the stoutest heart, all being hit and two lost. Flight Lieutenant Learoyd nevertheless made his attack at 150 feet, his aircraft being repeatedly hit and large pieces of the main plane torn away. He was almost blinded by the glare of many searchlights at close range, but pressed home this attack with the greatest resolution and skill. He subsequently brought his wrecked aircraft home and, as the landing flaps were inoperative and the undercarriage indicators out of action, waited for dawn in the vicinity of his aerodrome before landing, which he accomplished without causing injury to his crew or further damage to the aircraft. The high courage, skill and determination, which this officer has invariably displayed on many occasions in the face of the enemy sets an example which is unsurpassed. Condition 8/10. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £4.99, EU from £6.99, Rest of World from £8.99.
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Rare John Hannah VC WW2 signed RAF dinner menu on 20

Estimate £750 - £800
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Starting Price £750

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Item located in Folkestone, uk
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