Richard Brook Sutcliffe WW2 Guernsey War 16mm Film Hand Signed LTD 50 FDC

STB036  A vintage 40 years ago Peace In Europe anniversary FDC hand signed by historic war hero Richard Brook Sutcliffe (see below) who has personally autographed the souvenir where his signature rests perfectly below the first day cover commemorative stamps and is in mint condition.  This was limited to only 50 published and signed for worldwide distribution and is further collectible by being numbered 1 from the series of 50 on reverse (see image 2).

Dr Richard Brook "Brook" Sutcliffe (1904–1991) was an English general practitioner and surgeon who became a vital historical figure for his actions on the island of Guernsey during the German occupation of the Channel Islands (1940–1945). He is celebrated both for his medical courage under Nazi rule and for capturing some of the only surviving amateur colour film footage of the island's 1945 liberation.. 

Throughout the five-year occupation, Dr Sutcliffe managed to keep a 16mm colour film stock hidden from German authorities. Because film material was strictly banned and heavily policed, this was an incredibly risky act of defiance.

When Liberation Day arrived on 9 May 1945, he used the preserved film to capture history as it happened. His silent, colour footage includes the arrival of liberating British troops boarding landing crafts at the New Jetty in St Peter Port, local celebrations and crowds gathered around the St Peter Port harbour area The Red Cross ship SS Vega, which had kept the population from starving during the final winter, and the subsequent British Royal Visit to the island by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth