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Lot 22:
Description
A special edition commemorative card dedicated to the De Havilland Hornet aircraft, personally hand-signed by Squadron Leader Andy Whitson. The card features the printed heading “DE HAVILLAND HORNET” and identifies the unit as “No. 80 Squadron Royal Air Force,” accompanied by the squadron’s official motto, “Strike true.” The signature is executed in blue ink as “Andy Whitson 80 Sqn.” A biographical note at the foot of the card confirms Whitson’s service as a veteran pilot who flew the Hornet during active operations over Malaya. Historically, No. 80 Squadron transitioned to the Hornet F.3 in 1951, operating from RAF Tengah in Singapore and RAF Kai Tak in Hong Kong. The unit played a significant role in the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), utilising the Hornet’s exceptional speed and long range for ground-attack missions against insurgent forces. This item serves as a poignant link to the final era of high-performance piston-engine fighter operations within the RAF.
Condition report:
The item is in excellent, near-mint condition. The card stock remains bright and clean with sharp, un-bumped corners. There are no indications of foxing, toning, or light-fading to the printed text or the card itself. The signature is bold, clear, and shows no signs of smudging or ink degradation. The piece is presented in a clear, archival-quality protective plastic sleeve.
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