The log books from a WWII pilot are being sold by Charterhouse in their specialist auction of medals, militaria, coins & stamps on 31st November.
“The two pilot log books chart the flying history of Lieutenant Commander Edmund Lockwood RN from 1938 to 1955.” Commented Richard Bromell. “However, there is a gap between 1940 to 1945 as he was taken as a prisoner of war.”
Edmund Lockwood qualified as a pilot in 1938. By the outbreak of war in 1939 he had already an experienced pilot having flown many hours.
In July 1940 he flew a Swordfish in several attacks on Tobruk harbour. On September 1st, on another Tobruk harbour attack, he failed, with his crew of Sub Lieutenant Kite and Leading Airman Simpson to return.
Whilst it is not known whether the Swordfish sustained damaged or suffered a mechanical failure, the three men spent 8 days in their emergency life raft finally making land near Tobruk where they were all taken prisoners by the Italians and spent the rest of the war as POW’s.
These rare Royal Navy Pilot log books, with his Mentioned in Despatches certificate and the telescope he used when he first joined the Royal Navy in 1938, are being sold directly from the family and estimated at £400-600
Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their forthcoming specialist auctions with, wine, port & whisky, designer goods, musical instruments, medals, stamps and toys in December and pictures, books & antiques in January along with Decorative Arts and Mid-Century Modern.
Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse Team can be contacted for advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via info@charterhouse-auction.com
Directly from the family – the RNAS Pilot log books from Lt Cmdr Edmund W Lockwood £400-600