WW2 The Channel Dash 50th cover signed by Two Swordfish pilots who flew against the German Battle ships, scarce ...

WW2 The Channel Dash 50th cover signed by Two Swordfish pilots who flew against the German Battle ships, scarce variety signed by Lt Cdr Charles Kingsmill DSO and Cdr Edgar Lee DSO. Charles Major Kingsmill, naval aviator/ For courage in the face of overwhelming odds, few examples match that of the brave crews of 825 Swordfish Squadron. Their ill-fated but inspiring attack on the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau during their Channel dash on 12 February 1942 earned them legendary status within naval history. Pat Kingsmill was one of those brave pilots. He flew into devastating fire not only from the two battlecruisers and their escorting convoy, but from a formidable array of Focke-Wulf 190s. Yet he continued his attack and launched his torpedo before being shot down. The valour of these six aircrews was recognised when Lt-Cdr Eugene Esmond, who had led the raid, was awarded a posthumous VC. Pat Kingsmill, one of only five survivors of the raid, was awarded a DSO. Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsey, Flag Officer in Charge, Dover, signalled: "In my opinion, the gallant sortie of six Swordfish constituted one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty that the war has yet witnessed. Edgar Lee Joined the Royal Navy in May 1940, two days before his nineteenth birthday and after initial training began a flying course in Trinidad in September 1940. He qualified as Observer in April 1941 and was commissioned as Midshipman (A) RNVR. Promoted to Sub-Lieutenant (A) RNVR at the age of 20 in May 1941 and appointed to 825 Squadron in HMS Ark Royal in June 1941, flying operationally with 825 Squadron in Swordfish TBR until the Ark Royal was sunk in November 1941. Edgar returned to England and the squadron reformed at Lee-on-Solent - again in Swordfish in late December 1941, still under the command of Lt Commander E Esmonde DSO, RM. He took part in the Channel attack on the Scharnhorst and Gniesenau on 12th February 1942. All the aircraft were shot down, with only five survivors; Edgar and his pilot were rescued from a dingy by MTB. He joined the new 825 Squadron in March 1942 and flew in that squadron until July 1942, then sent for re-posting to RNAS St Merryn on Flying Control duties. At the end of February 1943, Edgar was seconded to 106 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, flying in Lancaster, under the command of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, DSO DFC RAF. Six Naval Observers were seconded to 5 Group Bomber Command, three were lost and three returned to naval duties at the end of July 1943. Edgar was promoted to Lieutenant (A) RNVR in November 1943. Instructing in Canada, August 1943 to November 1944 and returned to England to qualify as a Signals Officer in August 1945. From Staff Signals Officer to Rear Admiral reserve Aircraft from September 1945 until demob in July 1947. Edgar rejoined the reserve in 1956 and was promoted to Lt Cdr RNR in November 1961 serving in most NATO and National exercises until 1981 and as Acting Commander RNR in exercises from 1969 until retirement at 60 in 1981. Sadly Lieutenant-Commander Edgar Lee died on October 29th, 2009, aged 88. Edgar Lee was the last surviving member of those gallant aircrew of 825 Squadron Fleet Air Arm that in February 1942 made the attack in Swordfish torpedo bombers on the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau accompanied by the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. Good condition. All autographs are genuine hand signed and 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 £10.