JS(CC)79f 60th Anniversary of the Battle of France cover with artwork by Tony Theobald showing Fairey Battles of No 12 Squadron on 12 May 1940 over the Albert Canal, Belgium, while Hawker Hurricanes provide top cover to engage any enemy fighters. The RAF was ordered to destroy a vital bridge, which was being used by the enemy, and five Fairey Battle bombers were despatched with Flying Officer Garland leading the attack. They met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire, but the mission was accomplished, due to the expert leadership of Flying Officer Garland and the coolness and resource of his navigator Thomas Gray. Only one bomber managed to get back to base, the leading aircraft and three others did not return for which Garland and Gray were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses. The medal featured on the cover is the French Croix de Guerre which was awarded to some of the RAF aircrew that took part.
The cover bears definitive stamp cancelled with Hyde Park London Victoria Cross postmark dated 12 October 2004.
Hand signed by Flight Lieutenant George Purslow DFC
200 Signed, Numbered and Certified
Flight Lieutenant George Purslow DFC, who first served with No 12 Squadron as an Air Gunner in Fairey Battles during the Battle of France with No 12 Squadron Advanced Air Strike Force (AASF). The squadron returned to the UK in June 1940 and re-equipped with Wellingtons in November 1940. He left the squadron in August 1941 having completed 30 operations.
After a spell instructing at an OTU he rejoined No 12 Squadron for a second tour in June 1943 as a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner. He completed his tour in October 1943 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
