First CO of the Royal Air Force's 617 Squadron, which he led in the ‘Dam Busters’ raid in 1943, resulting in the destruction of two large dams in the Ruhr area and being awarded the Victoria Cross. War-dated TLS, one page, 7 x 8.75, May 30, 1943. Short letter of thanks for a telegram sent after his Dam Busters raid. In full: “Thank you very much for your telegram of congratulation which I received to-day. I am afraid this letter will be rather short, but have been unable to cope with all the telegrams!” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, a uniform shade of toning, and some mounting remnants to lower blank portions. Accompanied by a congratulatory telegram from the same year, signed “Wingco,” as in ‘Wing Commander’ and a nice 4.75 x 6.5 unsigned photo of Gibson RRAuction COA.
