The Second World War bomber command Distinguished Flying Medal and Bar winner’s flying log book went under the hammer at Marlow’s on September 14. Bidders vied for the book over the phone and online. Estimated at £4000-6000 it was finally knocked down for £6800.
The book was compiled by warrant officer Eddie Leavesley. The log records flights from July 1940 – December 1945 and approximately 66 operations are listed, some with comments about the raid. The book reveals that though Leavesley was not one of the ‘Dambusters’ himself, he had links with many who were, including Dave Shannon and John Hopgood, both of whom signed the book.
It was the connection to Guy Gibson that seems to have given the book its strongest appeal. Gibson was the wing commander on Leavesley’s second tour of operation with the 106 Lancaster and he signed the book a total of seven times starting in 1942. He would go on to lead the raid on the Möhne Dam with the bouncing bomb in 1943.
Gibson died in 1944 in a crash at Steenbergen at just 26 and his signature is rare.
