OWN BATTLE OF BRITAIN FIGHTER ACE – BOB STANFORD TUCK AUTOGRAPH!

Continuing with our series of autographs from some of history’s most incredible people is this stunning piece containing the autograph of Wing Commander Robert Stanford Tuck, DSO, DFC** and AFC. Tuck ticked virtually all the boxes for becoming a certified flying legend, being a fighter pilot, test pilot, and an ace. Beginning the war in a Spitfire, his first taste of combat came over the skies of Dunkirk in May 1940, where he shot down three German fighters on his first ever mission. The following day, he downed another two German aircraft, becoming an ace in his first two days of combat. By mid June, he had been awarded the distinguised flying cross by King George VI.

Toward the end of that same year tuck was engaged in fierce combat over the UK during the Battle of Britain. He continued to claim aerial victories over fighters and bombers threatening British cities. During this time his Spitfire was lost to cannon fire from a Ju 88 and was forced to bail out. The following week his Spitfire was damaged by a Do 17. He emerged victorious over the German aircraft, but lost his engine so had to glide his fighter home. He was promoted, and began flying Hurricanes. He brought down more German aircraft, potentially including one of Germany’s most successful fighter aces. He flew out of some of the UK’s most iconic bases, including RA F Duxford and RAF Biggin Hill. In January 1942 he was shot down over France by anti-aircraft fire. He was then captured by the very crews he had been engaged with just prior. Concerned about the very personal hostility they would likely have toward him, “Tuck’s luck” struck and the German crews actually patted him on the back in respect as they excitedly showed him the flak gun he destroyed, the barrel of which had peeled open like a banana.

As if Tuck couldn’t get any more involved with famous WW2 events, he was moved to Stalag Luft III and helped with the early plans for the Great Escape. He was moved to a different camp before the escape took place, however. Tuck managed to escape from this camp in 1945 alongisde another RAF ace from Poland. They made their way to the Soviets and fought alongisde them for a while before they were sent back to the UK. After the war Tuck worked as a test pilot, and even helped out in the production of Battle of Britain (1969).

Tuck’s signature is on this piece, making it a direct connection to a man whose life was more suited to a Hollywood action film than reality.

Supplied to us by our friends from world famous Aces High Aviation Gallery 

Unframed – Size – 16 x 9.5 inches/406 mm x 240 mm