Description:

Douglas Bader
various, 1968 & 1981
RAF Ace Douglas Bader TLS & Souvenir Cover
TLS

A pair of two items signed by notable World War II RAF Ace Douglas Bader, including one TLS and one signed cover. Various places, dated between 1968 and 1981. Exhibits expected letter folds and general wear from handling. Evidence of prior mounting on verso of letter. Overall, good condition. Please see below for further information on contents.

The lot includes:

1.) 1p typed letter signed "Douglas Bader", measuring 6.75" x 6.25", London, England, dated May 16, 1968. Replying to a request for his signature, Bader writes in part: "It is kind of you to want my signature, which you will find at the end of this letter. …if somebody is kind enough to want my autograph they can ask me as you have done."

2.) Commemorative souvenir cover produced for Schofield's 1981 Air Show and signed "Douglas Bader" at middle right. Measuring 8.5" x 4.5", Sydney, Australia, dated March 28-29, 1981. Bearing the signatures of three additional RAF pilots: Sir James Rowland, Rt. Hon. Ralph Hunt, and R.J. St. John. Bearing various philatelic markings throughout, with stamp on verso stating that the cover was flown aboard the DH84 Dragon VH-AQU for 8 hours and 51 minutes.

Sir Douglas Bader (1910-1982) first joined the RAF in 1928 and was commissioned in 1930. During an accident in December 1931, he crashed while performing flying maneuvers and lost the lower part of both his legs. After briefly retiring on medical grounds, Bader returned after the outbreak of the Second World War, whereupon he scored his first victories over Dunkirk and later took part in the Battle of Britain. In August 1941, Bader was captured over German-occupied France and was sent to Saxony's Colditz Castle as a prisoner of war, where he remained until 1945. Throughout his extensive military career, he is credited with 22 aerial victories, four shared victories, six probables, one shared probable and 11 enemy aircraft damaged.

This lot comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.75" x 6.25"
  • Medium: TLS

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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