Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 364 - Autographs & Documents e-Auction featuring the Mike Roth Aviation Collection Part I
Lot: 94

Stainforth, George Hedley, Wing Commander, AFC (1899-1942). RAF pilot; on Sept. 29, 1931 flying a Supermarine S.1595, became the first man to exceed 400 mph, awarded the Air Force Cross; later went on to break another record, this time by flying upside down for 12 minutes; served as Officer Commanding No. 30 Squadron RAF in Iraq 1936; promoted in 1940 to Wing Commander No. 600 Squadron RAF; appointed Officer Commanding No. 89 Night Fighter Squadron posted in the Middle East Oct. 1941; killed in action while piloting a Beaufighter X7700 at Gharib near the Gulf of Suez; buried with full military honors at British Cemetery in Ismailia, Egypt; the prestigious Stainforth Trophy named in his honor. Autograph Letter signed "G.H. Stainforth". 2 pages, on folded sheet 8 7/8 x 7", RAF Experimental Section letterhead, South Farnborough, 16 April 1932. Writing to Senator Hiram Bingham ("The Flying Senator" who served on the President's aircraft Board) relays his delight in receiving "the very handsome replica of the L.S. Thompson Speed Trophy" and certificate awarded by the National Aeronautics Association of the U.S. The honor is shared, he says "by all the members of the High Speed Flight". Stainforth thanks the NAA, the Yale Naval Unit and the American people for the award and congratulations. Fine.

Estimate