WW2 RAF 613 Manchester Sqn 138 Wing 2TAF Bomber Command Medal Group

WW2 RAF 613 Manchester Sqn 138 Wing 2TAF Bomber Command Medal Group

Code: 12611

SOLD
 
For sale is an impressive WW2 RAFVR Medal, equipment and ephemera Grouping all belonging to one man, 1204616 Leslie Charles Masters RAFVR...
 
About 1204616 Leslie Charles Masters RAFVR:
 
This grouping belongs to 1204616 Leslie Charles Masters RAFVR of the 613th City Of Manchester Squadron 138 Wing 2TAF Bomber Command Medal Group, in which he served as a Navigator. On the 23rd June 1944 Leslie was promoted to F/O L.C. Masters. Leslie was born 28th August and died 6th May 1989 in Watford. His wife also served in the Women’s Royal Air Force as W2847398 Corporal Kathleen Mary Masters as WRAF Administration. Kathleen was born 28th October 1909 and died 5th February 2002.
 
In 1927 Leslie started working for Watford council aged just 15 years older. His only break was when he joined the Royal Air Force in 1940 working for operational intelligence and serving at the rank of squadron leader. After leaving the RAF he continued his work at Watford Council. In 1967 he was made chairman of the housing committee, and in 1977 he was congratulated with a long service award and retired after serving 50 years for Watford Council aged 65 years Old.  
 
About No.613 Squadron RAF During The War: 
 
No. 613 (City of Manchester) Squadron was an Auxiliary Air Force later Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadron formed on 1 February 1939 at the then new municipal airport at Ringway, nine miles south of Manchester. The squadron served at first in the army cooperation role, and later during the Second World War became a tactical bomber unit. After the war the squadron reformed as a fighter unit and as such flew until its last disbandment in March 1957.
 
The squadron was formed at RAF Ringway on 1 February 1939 in the army cooperation role as part of No. 22 (Army Co-Operation) Group. It was initially intended that the title 'East Lancashire' Squadron would be used, but this could have been confused with No. 611 Squadron RAF, named 'West Lancashire', based at Liverpool's airport at Speke. The link with the City of Manchester was therefore created. The squadron was initially equipped with Hawker Hinds. On 2 October 1939, the squadron moved from RAF Ringway to RAF Odiham near Basingstoke and Hawker Hectors were delivered to the unit during November to replace the Hinds. From 2 April 1940, Westland Lysanders served alongside the Hectors. The Hectors and Lysanders were used to dive-bomb German positions and drop supplies to friendly troops near Calais during the late May 1940 Dunkirk evacuation.
 
In August 1941 the squadron became a tactical reconnaissance unit and it began re-equipping with the faster Curtiss Tomahawk. It re-equipped with the early Allison V-1710 powered Mark I version of the North American Mustang in April 1942, continuing to operate within RAF Army Cooperation Command. During Spring and Summer 1943 the Mustangs were flown on "Lagoon" low level shipping reconnaissance flights over the North Sea to near the Dutch Coast, calling in heavy Coastal Command strike aircraft when enemy shipping was located.
 
On 15 October 1943 the squadron moved to RAF Lasham, Hampshire and began to equip with the de Havilland Mosquito when it joined No. 2 Group as a day and night tactical strike unit. The squadron mainly flew night intrusion sorties, but also took part in daylight precision actions such as that against the Dutch Central Population Registry building on 11 April 1944, where the Germans held their Dutch Gestapo records. The squadron disbanded at Cambrai-Epinoy, France, on 7 August 1945 by being renumbered to No. 69 Squadron. 
 
This Grouping Includes: 
 
1. Document folder of over 100 documents from His RAF Career (around 20 of them from his time working for Watford council). RAF documents include bombing reports, Interrogation techniques, Burberry’s receipts for his RAF Officers uniform,  newspaper clippings, RAF Routes & passes, enlistment notices etc. Death and birth certificates are also present, over 80% of documents are war time. 
 
2. WW2 RAF SOE Working Escape Compass; The Standard half inch escape compass.  Developed by Christopher Clayton Hutton at MI9.  Black painted cylindrical brass case/body with a magnetized 'star' rotor and luminous dots to indicate North and South.  Glass cover with bevelled edge.
 
3. A rare original circa 1945 Silver hallmarked Royal Auxiliary Air Force large pattern 'RAF No 613 City of Manchester Squadron badge' the centre displaying two wings conjoined at base, 'fleur de lis' within, with Latin motto 'Semper parati' ( Always ready ), the reverse impressed with Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1945 and maker's details 'Thomas Fattorini Limited Birmingham'. Very good condition, complete with original substantial pin fittings. Due to heavy construction and stout pin fitting it is possible following the practice of other Squadrons this badge was worn unofficially on the pocket of Battledress Uniform.
 
4. His full sized mounted medals which include 1939-45 star, France and Germany star, defence medal,  and his war medal with a “mentioned in dispatches” bronze oak leaf which is also present on the miniature medal set too. He is mentioned 1/1/1945 on the New Years honours list Supplement to the London gazette, page 75. 
 
5. His boxed mounted miniature medals, box reads Aldershot Stores Military Medallists Aldershot. These miniatures are as followed 1939-45 star, France and Germany star, defence medal,  and his war medal with a “mentioned in dispatches” bronze oak leaf.
 
6. His boxed Battle for Britain silver commemorative medal with ribbon and issue card which states “This is to certify that this Comme prative Medal is struck as a tribute to the bravery, skills and dedication of all those who served and supported the Nation during the BATTLE FOR BRITAIN 1939-1945 Ivor Broom. Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC”
 
7. His boxed RAF Bomber Command Commemorative Medal with ribbon and issue card which states: “This is to certify that this 2587 No. is struck as a tribute to the bravery, skill and dedication o those who served with BOMBER COMMAND during World War II, 1939-45 CRE AFC DEM FRAS FRIM”
 
8. His Royal Air Force queens crown gilt and enamel squadron badge for RAF Bomber Command. 
 
9. His Rare Ww2 Royal Air Force “RAF Ambassador Bond” 2nd tactical Air Force Christmas 1933 Envelopes, Note book, folder and heavily illustrated greetings cards. 
 
10. His original 1940s Ww2 Pocket Map Measure Opisometer Instrument in mint condition with its original box and instructions. 
 
11. His Original 1940s WW2 RAF Air Ministry Mag Magnifier Torch tool lamp which is crudely engraved on the handle with his name “FL/LT L.C.Masters”. This magnifier map torch tool is in good working order now that the batteries have been replaced. 
 
12. A large No39 Course May 1943 Officer School squadron Photograph with its original envelope Masters can be seen on the back row of thus squadron photograph.
 
13. His pewter tankard maker marked Knighthood Old English pewter, which is engraved with his initials “L.C.M 6th August 1938”.
 
14. His Vintage bomber command veterans commemorative Tie marked T.M.Lewin & Sons Ltd, 103 Jeremy Street London S.W.1
 
15. A pair of postcard sized squadron photograph, in which it’s marked “613 Squadron 2nd T.A.F June 1945”
 
16. A set of 9 every day non military photographs including him at his wedding, him when he receives the 50 year long service award Etc. 
 
17. A set of 5 Air Ministry Crown Copyright Reserved Photographs of bomber command HQ, including meetings, the room, Masters Doing his job and maps in the room. 
 
18. A set of 6 photographs of him in uniform, working at Bomber Command HQ on maps and aircraft silhouettes, masters performing archery etc 
 
19. A set of three modern prints of Masters, which are all marked on the reverse; “Cambria, Epinois, WW2 Leslie Masters & Ronnie Coombs 613 city of Manchester sqn 138 wing 2TAF bomber command on embarkation leave from RAF Latham in Hampshire”. 
 
20. His initial embroidered silk handkerchief.
 
21. His Pair Of WW2 Royal Air Force RAF Shoulder Eagle Patches
 
22. His Gold Duke of Edinburgh Badge Award and mounting card.
 
23. His pair of ww2 Royal  Air Force Volunteer Force Slip On Ranks With Brass VR Insignia 
 
24. His ww2 RAF Green & Red Fibre composite Dog tags on a Silver Marked Chain. The dog tags read “L.C.Master OFFR C.E 144828 RAFVR”
 
25. His WW2 Royal Air Force Flat Navigator Wings Patch  
 
26. Oak Leave Dispatch Award, note saying mentioned in dispatches. He is mentioned 1/1/1945 on the New Years honours list Supplement to the London gazette, page 75. 
 
27. Six of his ww2 RAF Voluntary Reserve Brass VR identification Badges.
 
28. His ww2 battledress name tag (unfortunately not the battledress!) name tag marked as L C Masters. 
 
29. Five of his ww2 kings crown brass Royal Air Force tunic buttons.
 
30. Four of his ww2 Royal Air Force rank ribbons/ patches.
 
31. His national association of local government officers south west Herts Branch 1939 heavily illustrated Dinner & Dance programme.
 
32. His 1937 coronation medal & ribbon at Westminster abbey.
 
33. His 613 squadron city of Manchester royal auxiliary Air Force Emblem, featuring the kings crown bullion patch mounted in wood and glass frame, excellent condition. 
 
34. His Two D.H Mosquito F.B.6 613 Sqn 1944 Print in a wood and glass frame, and one loose. 
 
35. His early post ww2 Bomber Command Queens Crown Bullion Patch in glass and wooden frame, good condition. 
 
36. His early post ww2 Bomber command queens crown gilt and enamel squadron badge. 
 
37. His early post ww2 fighter command, queens crown bullion patch in a glass and wooden frame in good condition.
 
38. His early post ww2 fighter command queens crown enamel and gilt squadron badge. 
 
 
In more detail, each of the paperwork documents can be found below of what’s present in This grouping: 
 
 
Folder marked for official use only, war vessels silhouette identification book Italy (blue folder):
 
1. Certified copy death certificate for Leslie Charles masters died 6th may 1989, at mount vermon hospital, born 28th august 1911.
2. Certified copy of death certificate for Kathleen Mary Masters (wife), birth 28th October 1908.
3. Receipt of masters memorial with o grant and sons ltd 1993 dated
4. Borough of Watford 1967 40 years of service to the council 
5. Three letters stapled, 1927 borough of Watford council appointment of position of junior clerk to Leslie masters 
6. 1958 letter from borough of Watford, letter thanking for splendid assistance in mayoral activities 
7. Letter Watford council, 1977, congratulating him for 50 years of service.
8. 1975 Watford council letter of confirmation of the decision of the council that your request is to stay in your present post of administration officer until 16th of March 1977 so that you may complete 50 years of service of the council. 
9. 1977 letter long service award letter, commemorative gift of the value of £50 and a tie incorporating the borough arms.
10. Two newspaper clippings, of Leslie masters retirement: RAF intelligence At the time of his retirement Mr Masters was the longest-serving senior established officer, having been beaten only by the former assistant town clerk, Mr Phil Judge, and then only by counting the fact that Mr Judge continued to serve in a part-time capacity after officially retiring on completion of just over 49 years. Mr Masters, whose home is in The Ridgeway, had his career broken only by wartime service in the intelligence section of the RAF, in which he rose to the rank of Squadron Leader. Mr Masters met his wife, Kitty, when she was working in another Wat ford Council department. His father and his brother also both had local government connections. The vacancy caused by Mr Masters' departure has been filled by internal promotion. Formerly principal administrative assistant, Mr Jack Brookman steps up to become administration officer. HALF a century ago a 15-year-old schoolboy got a job as a junior clerk at a long since demolished council offices. Now he has been showered with accolades by his bosses for a "fantastic achievement and wonderful service". Council administration officer Les Masters, aged 65, leaves his office at Watford town hall in a few days to retire after clocking up 50 years service. Mr Masters, one of the council's longest-serving officials rose from being a humble clerk to a department chief. Labour councillor Edward Amey, leader of the council said: "This is a position of which he can be proud. It is a fantastic achievement and he has given wonderful service for 50 years." Mr Masters joined the town council in 1927 and his only break was when he joined the RAF in 1940. He joined in the ranks, worked for operational in telligence and left the service with the rank of Squadron Leader. He met his wife Kitty while she was working in another department at the town hall. His father and one of his brothers worked in local government. Town councillors are throwing a party for Mr Masters and his wife later this month. The couple who have a married daughter, live at The Ridgeway, Watford.
11. 1977 Watford letter wishing you the best letter with retirement and happy retirement and time to spend with wife. 
12. 
13. 1940 national health insurance card to Leslie masters 
14. National service armed forces acts WST6422 Leslie Charles masters grade card 
15. National service armed forces acts medical examination preparation questions 
16. National herald and pensions insurance contribution card 1942/43 and stamps 
17. 1939 voluntary contributions, statement of contributions paid and creditors up to 2bd July 1939
18. 1943 letter, airman being discharged air ministry letter.
19. 23rd September 1940  national service armed forces acts enlistment notice. Enlistment 30th September 1940, O/C Royal Air Force volunteer regiment  
20. Hotel grosvenor swanage stay receipt 
21. National service Armed Forces act  explanatory note
22. 8 Burberry uniform documents including a price lists, receipts, fitting appointments etc of Burberry uniform all dated around 1944 
23. Royal s as or force route letter form 260, travel permission for interview 1943 dated  
24. Large number of RAF Bomber Command raid reports including forms all marked secret: 50 pages of combat report papers. 
25. LIST OF CONTENTS
26. Form "J".
27. Raid Report - Shipping Attacks. (crew's Draft)
28. Quick Report (Day)
29. Quick Report (Night)
30. Raid Report - Night. (crew's
31. Form "Y".
32. Raid Report - Hight Aerodrome Attacks. (crew's Draft)
33. Key to Form "Y".
34. Raid Reports - Preforma
35. Interrogation Guide Night (Form "y")
36. Cine Camera Gun Report.
37. 7. Notes on information re quired. (Form "Y").
38. 26. Disposal of Operational Photo
39. graphs Notes.
40. 8. Interrogation Detail.
41. Station Operations Summary.
42. Photography Plotting Report Day.
43. Photographic Plotting
44. Report Night.
45. Combat Report (Technical Data) Day.
46. Specimen Combat Report - day.
47. Operational Failures.
48. Damage to Aircraft by Enemy Action.
49. Ice Accretion Report.
50. Key to Form "Q"
51. Key to Form "G"
52. Key to Form 1301
53. Raid Report Daylight Opera tione other than Shipping. (crew's Draft).
54. Sample combat reports 
55. War industries l
 
One of the local newspapers had this to say about The gentleman:
 
“HALF a century ago a 15-year-old schoolboy got a job as a junior clerk at a long since demolished council offices.
 
New he has been showered with accolades by his bosses for a fantastic achievement and wonderful service".
 
Counell administration officer Les Masters, aged 63, leaves his office at Watford town hall in a few days to retire after clocking up 30 years service.
 
Mr Masters, one of the council's longest-serving officials rose from being a humble clerk to a department chief. Labour councillor Edward Amey, leader of the council said: "This is a position of which he can be proud. It is a fantastic achievement and he wonderful service for 30 years." given
 
Mr Masters Joined the town council in 1927 and his only break was when he Joined the RAF in 1940. He joined in the ranks, worked for operational in telligence and left the service with the rank of Squadron Leader.
 
He met his wife Kitty while she was working in another department at the town hall. His father and one of his brothers worked in local government. Town councillors are throwing a party for Mr Masters and his wife later thir month. The couple who have a married daughter, live at The Ridgeway. Watford.”
 
This is an exceptionally rare grouping to an exceptional man who gave his life to his country if it wasn’t working in the Royal Air Force it was serving his council for over 50 years. This grouping came from the daughter of this Leslie Master & Kathleen Master once they passed away, this group has been untouched and nothing has been removed, I believe keeping this group as together as possible is important! This grouping has room for potential research, and would display brilliantly. 
 
This huge grouping will be sent via express 48 Parcelforce, insured and dispatched within two working days. Thank you for taking the time to read this write up on this RAF Grouping! In the coming days I will be listing another Fantastic RAF India/ Malaysia grouping to our Website.