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Rare World War I-dated DS, signed in pencil, “A. T. Harris,” one page, 7.5 x 11.75, official British Army “Combats in the Air” form, August 21, 1917. Typed report for 2nd Lieutenant E. L. Smith of No. 45 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, recording an aerial engagement over the Southeast sector of the Ypres Salient in Belgium while flying a Sopwith 2-seater with observer Gunner Grenner, armed with one Vickers and one Lewis gun, at a height of 5,000 feet. The hostile aircraft is identified as an “Albatross Scout.”
The report, in part: “At 9.30 a.m. an Albatross Scout dived down on to our tail. On reaching us he turned his nose and opened fire. Gunner Grenner opened fire immediately firing about a drum, tracers were seen to enter the fuselage. The hun immediately side-slipped and dived out of control. Although the Observer was hit he continued to fire on him till his drum was finished. This was confirmed by the 48th French Squadron at BERGUES, who witnessed the whole fight and were at the time stalking this particular enemy machine. They state that this machine after going down partially out of control some little distance eventually dived and broke to pieces crashing on the other side of the lines.” Signed at the conclusion by Arthur Harris as the commanding officer of No. 45 Squadron. In fine condition, with trimmed edges.
Air Marshal Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris (1892-1984) began his military career in the First World War, serving first with the 1st Rhodesia Regiment before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. By 1917, he had emerged as a capable combat leader on the Western Front, serving as a flight commander and later commanding officer of No. 45 Squadron, flying Sopwith 1½ Strutters and Camels. Credited with five aerial victories, Harris gained early experience in offensive air operations and leadership under combat conditions, forming the foundation of the aggressive airpower doctrine he would later employ as head of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War.
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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