A rare Second World War ‘Air Gunner’s Flying Log Book – signed by a legendary RAF bomber pilot – has been discovered.
Air Gunner Douglas Pate’s log book includes a flying times page signed off by Wing Commander Guy Gibson in December 1942. It also includes reference to Pate’s involvement in an Operations Berlin raid on the German city.
Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar was a distinguished RAF WW2 bomber pilot. He was the first Commanding Officer of No. 617 Squadron, which he led in the Dam Busters raid in 1943, resulting in the breaching of two large dams in the Ruhr area of Germany. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry, for his efforts and became the most highly decorated British serviceman at that time. He completed more than 170 war operations before dying in action at the age of 26.
The log book, which was found at a free valuation event at Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, will be offered for sale by Hansons Auctioneers in their November 23-24 Country Pursuits and Militaria Auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire. The guide price is £3,000-£5,000.
Oliver Thomas, militaria valuer at Hansons’ Staffordshire saleroom, said: “It’s a fascinating find to emerge just before Remembrance Day on November 11. As well as Gibson’s signature, the log book records Pate as flying in ‘Operations Berlin’ on January 16, 1943. That particular record stands out as it is written in red ink. The air raids on Berlin made history as reporter Richard Dimbleby was allowed to accompany Guy Gibson. In doing so, Dimbleby became the first war correspondent to cover a bombing raid.
“Pate flew with Sgt Doug Thompson, a Canadian pilot in Lancaster Bombers in January and February 1943. Pate suffered damage to his hearing and was unable to fly on missions during March 1943.
His former crew plane, piloted by Thompson, crashed in the French alps near Dijon while returning from a raid over Italy. Most of the crew were killed.
“Thompson was badly burnt and spent 20 months as a prisoner of war before being repatriated by the Germans. According to records held at East Grinstead Museum in Sussex, he had seven operations at East Grinstead’s Queen Victoria Hospital over 16 months. He became part of the Guinea Pig Club, a mutual support network for injured Allied aircrew established in 1941.
“Pate survived the war. His log book, which runs from June 1942, details flights up to May 16, 1946. His grand total of flying hours from was 1,462.58.”
The Flying Log Book is due to be sold in Hansons Auctioneers’ Country Pursuits and Militaria Auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire, on November 23-24. To arrange a free militaria valuation, please email [email protected].
