HA Bennett Own FDC Signed D C T Bennett Pilot attacked the T...

Hammer

£4

HA Bennett Own FDC Signed D C T Bennett Pilot attacked the Tirpitz, shot down Escaped. 6 October 1978 BFPS 1620 40th Anniversary of World Seaplane Record. Blue flown cachet Flown in Vulcan of No 35 Sqn from RAF Scampton. Personally Signed by Personally Signed by Air Vice Marshal D C T Bennett. He was initially told that he would be appointed a Group Capt in Training Command, but when this was downgraded to Squadron Leader, he declined the offer, He was eventually granted the rank of Wing Commander and sent to establish a Navigation School at Eastbourne. Having successfully set up this school, he requested an active assignment and was appointed CO of No 77 Squadron. He flew on operations as often as possible but always with a different crew by replacing that crew's pilot, that way he was able to assess the efficiency of all his crews. April 1942 brought a move to the command of No 10, newly equipped with the four-engined Halifax. Later the same month (27th), he took part in a combined raid by No's 10, 35 and 76 squadron against the Tirpitz. Hit by flak his aircraft caught fire and he set course for Sweden. Unable to make Sweden he ordered his crew to bale out whilst he remained at the controls before making his own escape. Landing in deep snow he located his wireless operator and with the help of friendly Norwegians he managed to cross the border into Sweden and eventually return to Britain resuming command of his squadron one month after baling out and to receive an immediate DSO. However, when No 10 Sqn was posted to the Middle East, he did not accompany them as he was summoned to HQ Bomber Command to see the AOC in C, Arthur Harris, his old CO from the flying boat days. Details enclosed with Black and White Photo of AVM Bennetts Seaplane Mercury being loaded on to the Seaplane Maia before the World Record flight to South Africa on 6th October 1938. Certified copy 783 of 1292. Single Vendor RAF cover collection. Good condition. All autographs come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99