Very nice find for a £1 yesterday.

[loobyloo6]

Group Captain Richard Haine OBE DFC (deceased)

Battle of Britian Pilot....

Richard "Dickie" Haine was born in St Stephens in October 1916. In 1936, he qualified as an RAF pilot, and flew the Hawker Fury with No.25 Sqn, which re-equipped with Bristol Blenheims prior to the outbreak of war. In February 1940, he transferred to No.600 Sqn. Shortly afterwards, he piloted one of six Blenheims tasked with attacking an airfield where Ju52 transport aircraft and their cargo of paratroops were reported to be landing during the Blitzkrieg on Holland. During this action he was shot down and crash landed, escaping back to Britain on the destroyer HMS Hereward, the destroyer which evacuated Queen Wilhelmina and her government. He was awarded the DFC for his actions over Holland that day. On his return to England, he flew night patrols on Blenheims, Defiants and Beaufighters, but rarely intercepted any aircraft due to poor radar. In January 1944 he took the post of Commanding Officer of No.488 Sqn flying Mosquitoes. With this squadron he flew beachhead patrols on D-Day, and had victories over two Ju88s. He was appointed to No.302 Sqn in the Pacific but had yet to arrive when the Japanese surrendered. He continued his career in the RAF until his retirement. Sadly, Richard Haine died on the eve of nis 92nd birthday back in 2008.

[thehornets]

That's a great find Alex. Military graffs are highly sought after, and Battle Of Britain pilots are always high in collectible terms. These guys have some amazing stories to tell, so the book would be a great read also,

[film4watcher]

Superb find, Alex. As Nigel says, the sigs of these men are very desirable and the books are always a good read.

[serenamorgan]

nice find Alex, well done

[ra1anne]

fantastic buy that mate well done

[westiesx2]

Nice find that Alex. Should be a great read. Well done.

[rcsmg1]

A great find Alex,well done

[obree]

That is a really good find Alex well done .

[rallison470]

nice book Alex - sounds interesting

[falcons_flyhalf]

Nice one