± The War Gallery Diary Collection of Squadron Leader A.E.L....

Estimate

£200 - £400

± The War Gallery Diary Collection of Squadron Leader A.E.L. Skinner 1912-1982 An facisnating collection of diaries spanning 1912–1982, together with framed photographs, copies of A Brief History of No. 30 Squadron, and a Royal Honour document signed by King George VI. A set of thirty-eight manuscript pocket diaries spanning the years 1912 to 1982, with some gaps. The diaries for 1916–1919 are housed at the Imperial War Museum. A complete run exists from 1925 to 1942, except for 1943, followed by a continuous run from 1944 to 1954. Additional diaries include those from 1912, 1913, 1971, 1973, 1974 (x2), 1980, and 1982. Letters from Lieutenant Skinner of the Norfolk Yeomanry, written while on leave in Egypt, March 1916, describing his journey up the Nile, spanning 24 manuscript leaves, to rectos only. Five copies of A Brief History of No. 20 Squadron Royal Air Force, pp.19, typescript, staple-bound, [c.1945]. This collection provides a fascinating insight into the crucial years of 1939 to 1942, during which Skinner worked at the Air Ministry office at the height of the Battle of Britain. He balanced his time between his critical duties at the ministry and his family's jewellery shop, Bentley & Skinner, on Bond Street. His diary offers a remarkable glimpse into both the war effort and the social life of London during this tumultuous period. Below is a small snippet from these years. Friday, 7th April 1939 Italian forces invade Albania, meeting little resistance. Thursday, 27th April 1939 Received my “Secret” orders on where to report for duty in an emergency. Saturday, 8th July 1939 "Air Raid" blackout at 10 PM. Thursday, 10th August 1939 Drove down to Whitehall after fitting my RAF uniform for the first time. Observed how the Air Operations Room functioned and saw a fighter patrol take off. Monday, 28th August 1939 Writing this at 3:30 AM while on my first night watch at the Air Ministry from 11 PM to 7 AM. During the morning, my crew was informed that we were moving "into the blue" tomorrow, so we were hard at work all day. Wednesday, 30th August 1939 A long, dragging day. Had quite a lot to do. Made it home for the blackout by 7:45 PM, shaved, and was in bed by 9 AM. Slept until a radio broadcast from Laura Knight’s kitchen woke me at 1 PM. Friday, 1st September 1939 The first day of the evacuation of children. Germany invades Poland at 5:30 AM. Sunday, 3rd September 1939 War declared against Germany. Spent the afternoon cutting the lawn a bit. Tuesday, 9th January 1940 The new girls of the "Women's Admiralty Airforce"—24 of them—are now fully operational. Since they all do shorthand, my own work has become much easier. Monday, 18th March 1940 Some practice (?) took place, and Dudley, Pope, and Buck were involved. A big bomber raid on the island of Sylt occurred during the night, lasting seven hours. All our machines returned except one. Monday, 8th April 1940 Expected a busy day, but very little happened. Rushed lunch in 30 minutes, but still no sign of the “Blitzkrieg.” (Norway and Denmark were invaded the next day.) Wednesday, 10th April 1940 Arrived at the Air Ministry just in time to catch the tail end of the Scapa raid. Friday, 21st June 1940 What a night! Hardly got out of my chair or put down the telephone for the first four hours! Thursday, 15th August 1940 London RED warning at 7:15 PM while I was in the Air Ministry. Sunday, 8th September 1940 London endured a terrible night of bombing. The siren went off as we were having supper and lasted 9 ½ hours—a record so far. Bombs fell not too far away as I walked down Whitehall to start my duty at 10:30 PM. Tuesday, 17th September 1940 His Majesty paid us a visit at 3:30 PM. A massed enemy raid was approaching, so he had a quiet chat with me while I took down "hot news" from Fighter Command. Monday, 11th November 1940 "W of" fighters (Old First Brigade) and poorly aimed bombers attacked convoys in the estuary. No bombers and few fighters made it back. A grand day. Saturday, 21st December 1940 Sent a cable to Mother advising her to leave France and go into Spain. Sunday, 6th April 1941 Germany declares war on Yugoslavia and Greece. Slept in a dormitory in Whitehall so I could attend Mass more easily in the morning. Friday, 25th April 1941 Received news of my promotion to Squadron Leader as of 15th November. Tuesday, 6th May 1941 A usual day—feeling like I've had enough of the Air Ministry. Turns out it was my last day! Sunday, 11th May 1941 A big raid on London last night caused heavy damage. The House of Commons was gutted, and Westminster Abbey was badly damaged. Tuesday, 13th May 1941 Passed fit for non-operational flying. Wednesday, 21st May 1941 First solo flight on a Magister. Sunday, 22nd June 1941 Hitler launches an attack on Russia—of course, without warning. Sunday, 3rd August 1941 Posted to Rhodesia, effective mid-August. Saturday, 4th October 1941 Reunited with my beloved family in Johannesburg. - This lot will be subject to an additional VAT charge of 20% on the hammer price