World War Two Hero Forced To Sell His Medals
Published December 3rd, 2005
A legendary World War Two fighter ace who broke the world air speed record is being forced to sell off his medals after 65 years of flying. Hero pilot Neville Duke, D.S.O, O.B.E., D.F.C. (and Two Bars), A.F.C, has one of the longest and most distinguished records in British aviation history. He captured the record from the Americans flying a Hunter Jet in 1953 during the golden age of ‘breaking the sound barrier.’Duke was credited with 28 air combat ‘victories’ during his 485 operational sorties after joining the RAF in the summer of 1940 at the height of the Battle Of Britain.In September 1953 he famously captured the World Air Speed Record recording a speed of 727.63 m.p.h in a special all red Hunter.Now the flying helmet he wore on the incredible occasion will be part of a lot including a parachute ripcord he used when he baled out of his flak damaged Spitfire over Italy in 1944. The lot will also feature a photographic archive, his flying log books, wartime diaries, decorations and medals. The lot which will goes under the hammer at Dix Noonan Webb in London on Wednesday December 7 is expected to raise up to £150,000.
