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Leading Irish fighter pilot (1893-1918) of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force during World War I, who was credited with 47 aerial victories. Rare World War I-dated DS signed in pencil, “G. McElroy,” one page, 8.25 x 11.75, official British Army “Combats in the Air” form (Army Form W. 3348), July 13, 1918. Typed report for Captain George McElroy of No. 40 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, documenting an aerial engagement over the Western Front in France during the First World War. The report details a patrol encountering four enemy scouts, identified by McElroy as being German Pfalz aircraft, and opening fire at approximately 150 yards, then closing to within 80 yards and firing a further burst at close range with his S.E.5a’s standard armament of one Vickers and one Lewis machine gun. He records that the enemy aircraft subsequently “dived vertically and crashed near Vitry.” Signed at the conclusion by McElroy, with additional confirmation by commanding officer J. P. R. Napier. In fine condition.
Born on May 14, 1893, at Donnybrook, near Dublin, George McElroy joined the Royal Irish Regiment on the outbreak of war and in October 1914 was posted to France, where he was commissioned in May 1915. He was badly gassed in subsequent service and posted to garrison duty in Ireland. Eager to return to action, he transferred to the RFC in February 1917, and after training, joined 40 Squadron in France to fly Nieuport Scouts. It was not until the squadron had received S.E.5as that he gained his first victory, claiming a two-seater on December 28th; all his other victories were to be achieved in 1918.
During the next two months, he claimed 10 more and was then posted as a flight commander to 24 Squadron, claiming a further 16 victories by early April 1918. This string of successes brought an MC in February, a Bar in March, and a second Bar in April. While landing on April 7th after shooting down three enemy aircraft, he crashed into a tree and was badly shaken. On recovery late in June, he rejoined his old squadron, 40, and once again showed his virtuosity; three victories in quick succession during the last four days of June were followed by 17 more during July, the awards of both a DFC and Bar being made that month.
On July 20th, his aircraft suffered engine trouble while he was engaging two two-seaters, and he crash-landed unhurt. That evening at a farewell party for Captain G. H. Lewis, who had been posted to Home Establishment, he and Mick Mannock admonished each other for being too aggressive and for going too low in pursuit of German aircraft. Six days later, Mannock was to die doing just that, while on July 31, 1918, only five days after the loss of Mannock, the man who had been his star pupil in 40 Squadron was to be lost in the same way. ‘McIrish’ as he was known, took off in S.E.5a E.130 and did not return; he had shot down a two-seater at low altitude over Laventie, but had then been hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed to his death at the age of 25.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
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