RAF Hemswell WW2 144 Squadron Leader Colin Rawlins Map LTD TO 100 Hand Signed FD

STB021 This is stunning RAF Hemswell collectors official limited first day cover hand signed by Squadron Leader and veteran Colin Rawlins OBE where the signature rests perfectly accompanying the special hand commemorative franks.  This comes with full lifetime COA as the signing has been officially certified by the publishers with full hallmarking and authenticity of the series further detailed in absolute brand new mint condition with additional signature on reverse to fully authenticate and a large map of Hemswell which this edition is LIMITED TO ONLY 100 and numbered 93 from the series (see image 2). You wont source better.

At the beginning of World War II, Rawlins was called up for active service. He then received advanced pilot training at No. 8 Flying Training School RAF, RAF Montrose, and at No. 16 Operational Training Unit (a night bomber training unit), RAF Upper Heyford. He was promoted to flying officer on 1 May 1940. He then joined No. 144 Squadron RAF, flying Handley Page Hampden medium bomber.  From August to December 1940, he serve a tour of operations with Bomber Command, flying night bombers over North-West Europe.  He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross in February 1942 to for service during this period.

From January 1941 until his return to flying in May 1941, Rawlins was rested from active duty. On 1 May 1941, he was promoted to flight lieutenant (war substantive). On 12 May 1941, he was shot down near Enkhuizen, the Netherlands, by Helmut Woltersdorf