A newly-discovered flying log book belonging to a First World War flying ace is believed to be of national importance as it reveals a previously unrecorded victory.
The wartime memorabilia, found by Hansons Auctioneers, belonged to Air Vice Marshal John Denis Breakey – a Yorkshireman who became a legendary pilot.
The log book, which was found lost and forgotten in a wardrobe in the 1970s, is set to be auctioned in Teddington by Hansons London on August 29 with a guide price of £800-£1,000.
But it could fetch far more due to the importance of Sheffield-born Breakey (1899-1965) – and the fact that the book sheds new light on WW1 history.
Breaky notched up nine aerial victories, four of which are in the log book which covers actions from July 26, 1917 through to August 19, 1918. But another one is mentioned which has taken Hansons’ militaria expert Adrian Stevenson by surprise.
He said: “Interestingly, the volume suggests a previously unrecorded victory on June 28, 1918 whilst flying the legendary Sopwith Camel (B.R.1). At the time, this would have been Breakey’s fifth victory.”
The seller, an 80-year-old retired model maker from Kent, said: “I was given the log book by a late friend in 1975. He came across it in a wardrobe in an empty Kensington property which he was surveying ahead of development. The building no longer exists.
“My friend was intrigued and gave it to me to see if I could find out more about Breakey. I have done lots of research over the years. It’s been fascinating. He was so highly decorated.
“I have no-one in the family who wants the log book so, rather than it end up at a tip when I pass away, I am selling in the hope it will be preserved by a keen war memorabilia collector or even a museum.”
Mr Stevenson said: “Log books are always sought after by militaria collectors and it’s seldom one of this quality, belonging to an ace comes onto the open market. Breakey was highly decorated. He was awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath, Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar and enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the RAF. That makes this item of outstanding collector interest and of national importance.”
Breakey began his WW1 military career in the Royal Naval Air Service which merged into the Royal Air Force. He served throughout the interwar period and into the Second World War. In 1919 he supported the White Army against the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War and received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts. He continually rose through the ranks and was promoted to air vice-marshal in 1947. In 1951 he was appointed Head of Air Force Staff at the British Joint Services Mission at Washington, DC. He retired from the RAF in 1954.
Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons London, said: “We feel privileged to sell such an important piece of wartime memorabilia and certainly hope it flies to victory at auction.”
The flying log book is due to be sold by Hansons London on August 29. To find out more, email [email protected]. For a free valuation of militaria items email: [email protected].
