Code: U27706
Battle of Britain Association veteran's tie. Manufactured in pure silk by by Gieves. This belonged to Sergeant Maurice Equity Leng, 67035, 73 Squadron. He joined the RAFVR in 1938 and was posted to 73 Squadron in France in May 1940. In August he was shot down by 'friendly' AA fire whilst on a night patrol but baled out unhurt. On September 23rd he was shot down again, this time by BF109s over the Isle of Sheppey, he baled out and landed heavily resulting in being admitted to Chatham hospital. In November the squadron was posted to the Middle East and attached to 274 Squadron in the Western Desert. He also flew with 335 Squadron, a Greek fighter unit at Aquir, Palestine. On September 30th 1942 Leng, flying in Spitfire BR411, was shot down for a third time near Tympaki, Crete, on a shipping reconnaisance. This time he was captured and incarcerated in Stalag Luft III at Sagan, Germany, until the end of the war. The tie was obtained directly from Leng by the previous owner who lived in the same area. It shows wear and use with some fraying but remains in reasonable condition. An extremely rare opportunity to own one of these ties. Stock code U27706.
