The Great War.

CHURCHILL, Winston S.

Item Number: 104012

London:, 1933-34.

Complete in twenty-six parts, issued “fortnightly”, Royal Air Force Officer George Barclay’s copy, with his signature on the front panel of part 25. Called up on the outbreak of war, and posted to No. 249 Squadron RAF in July 1940, he flew through the Battle of Britain, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in October. During the Battle of Britain, his diary records that he could see his house while flying from RAF North Weald. Barclay’s DFC citation from November 1940 reads, “Flying Officer Richard George Arthur Barclay (74661), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve – No. 249 Squadron. This officer has shown admirable coolness and courage in combat against the enemy. His keenness and determination have enabled him to destroy at least four of their aircraft.” As a flight commander with No. 611 Squadron RAF, Barclay was shot down over occupied France in September 1941. He force landed and evaded capture, making his way to Spain with help from the French Resistance. In April 1942 he was posted to North Africa and returned to flying as CO of No. 238 Squadron RAF, flying Hawker Hurricanes Mk II’s. He was shot down and killed by Werner Schröer of III./Jagdgeschwader 27 on 17 July 1942. He is buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. His diaries, written during his wartime career up until his death, were published in 1974 and give a rare, descriptive and highly articulate first hand account of the life of a fighter pilot in 1940–41. Quarto, original publisher’s illustrated wrappers. Wrappers with some wear and soiling, one issue with a previous owner’s signature. In near fine condition. The collection is housed in two half morocco clamshell boxes.