LIVE AUTOGRAPH AUCTION TV SPORT BATTLE OF BRITAIN, UK US LUFTWAFFE FIGHTER BOMBER ACES, DAMBUSTERS, NAVY, SPACE, CONCORDE
Lot 219:
Not sold
Description
WW2 Rare Battle of Britain pilot W Ross Jones 266 sqn signed 50th ann RAF cover. He has also written career details on the back. Also signed by B Seabourne 238 sqn, Bill Hodds 25 sqn, Alan Gear 32 sqn, J Millard 1 sqn, John Keatings 219 sqn and Avis Hearn MM. W Ross Jones He started out as a radio operator but went on to become a skilful pilot and was one of the first to take off from an aircraft carrier. On September 15th 1940, he flew no fewer than 17 times. In 1941, while on leave, he flew his Spitfire under the Menai Suspension Bridge, for which he was reprimanded. He became a squadron leader, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal with bar. Later, while CO at Llanbedr, near Harlech he was awarded the Air Force Medal, the services highest peacetime honour. He later for pilot training and was selected. He remustered as an Airman u/t Pilot on 13th March 1939. With his training completed, Jones was posted to 266 Squadron at Sutton Bridge direct from FTS on 6th November 1939. He shared in the destruction of a He115 floatplane east of Deal on 15th August 1940 and on the 16th he probably destroyed a Me109. While refuelling at Manston on 18th August Jones was caught in a ground attack by German fighters and was treated for shock. He did not fly again with 266 before being posted to 602 Squadron at Westhampnett on 13th September. Jones was commissioned on this day. He flew no sorties with 602 between 13th September and 23rd October 1940, when he was posted away from 602. Possibly the shock effects of 18th August may have been greater than expected. On 2nd September 1944 Jones was given the task of forming and then commanding the Special Duties Flight for communication duties in support of 2nd TAF and 21 Army Group on the Continent. He later went to the Air Staff at Technical Training Command and carried out many special flights to Southern France, Belgium, Germany and Holland, carrying many important passengers. He was awarded the AFC (gazetted 1st January 1946). Jones was in the Fighter Control Branch after the war and retired from the RAF on 28th January 1959 as a Flight Lieutenant, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader. He died at Llanfairfechan, Gwynedd on 13th August 2002. Good Condition Est.
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