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RAF Blind Approach Pilot's Handbook - Battle of Britain pilot's copy

Code: P17524

Air Publication 1751.  P/b, 15 x 21cm, loose-leaf format with metal binding rings.  1939 print date.  'For Official Use Only'.  Blind Approach is a normal process of flying by instruments along a pre-determined line of approach to an aerodrome, until a point of space is reached from which a landing can be completed by vision.  This manual covers handling of the aircraft, aircraft instruments, radio track beacon system, radio procedure and the blind approach indicator.  It also has chapters on blind approach without direction finding assistance, drift, basic training, glide path etc.  Illustrated throughout with photographs, diagrams, graphs and charts.
This scarce copy belonged to Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot Sergeant Clarence William Francis and is signed by him in pencil on the front cover.  He was posted to 74 Squadron at Rochford on June 24th 1940 (the satellite station for Hornchurch).  He was commissioned in January 1942, eventually leaving the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant.  Francis was a private individual who did not seek attention or attend RAF reunion functions etc.  As such, items relating to him are extremely rare.  There isn't even a photo of him in the excellent 'Men of the Battle of Britain' book. This manual was purchased some years ago - directly from the family along with various other items of his kit, some of which are in my own collection.  Stock code P17524.