Ivor Cosby Battle Of Britain Major Assault Hand Signed WW2 FDC

STB026 This is stunning collectors official limited Major Assault 1940 Battle Of Britain first day cover hand signed by historic veteran Ivor Cosby where the signature rests perfectly accompanying the special hand commemorative franks.  This comes with full lifetime COA as the signing has been officially certified by the publishers in absolute brand new mint condition. You wont source better.

In August 1940 Cosby volunteered for Fighter Command. He went to 7 OTU Hawarden on 23rd August and after converting to Spitfires joined 610 Squadron on 3rd September. On the 20th Cosby moved to 72 Squadron, also at Biggin Hill. On the 23rd he shared in destroying a Me109. In October, when 72 went to Leconfield to reform, Cosby was posted to 222 Squadron at Hornchurch, arriving on 4th November 1940. When the squadron went to Coltishall on 11th November he joined 602 Squadron at Westhampnett.

On 28th December Cosby was posted to 141 Squadron and he joined it at Gravesend on 6th January 1941. During the night of 15th/16th February 1942 he damaged a Do217 and on 25th August, with P/O LA Komaroff as radar operator, he destroyed a Ju88 south of the Isle of Wight.

Cosby remained with 141 until January 1943, when he went to 51 OTU Cranfield as an instructor. After an air gunnery course at CGS Sutton Bridge he went as Chief Gunnery Officer at 60 (Night Intruder) OTU at High Ercall in March 1943.

A return to operations came in September 1943, with Cosby going as a Flight Commander to 264 Squadron at Fairwood Common.

He had a run of night successes. On the night of 13th June 1944 he destroyed a He177, on the 17th a Fw190, on 3rd July a Ju188, on the 11th a Do217 damaged and on 3rd August a Ju88 destroyed. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 4th August 1944) being then credited with four enemy aircraft destroyed.