Books

A Royal Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book to Flying Ace Squadron Leader P. F. Allen, D.F.C. and Bar, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. A standard-issue Royal Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Book, covering the period 4 October 1944 to 27 February 1953, the log book is full so presumably the recipient also has at least one previous and one subsequent book, the Second War entries showing the recipient exclusively flying Mosquitos with 125 (Newfoundland) Squadron; post-War flying is mainly Mosquitos, with some Anson and Tiger Moth entries, good condition £200-£240 --- D.F.C. London Gazette 13 March 1942: Pilot Officer Percy Frank Allen, 101 Squadron, R.A.F.V.R. D.F.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 18 May 1943: Acting Flight Lieutenant Percy Frank Allen, 68 Squadron, R.A.F.V.R.. (in a joint citation with Flying Officer G. E. Bennett [awarded the D.F.C.] ‘As Pilot (Allen) and Observer (Bennett) of aircraft respectively, these officers have displayed great skill in night flying operations e night in March 1943, they engaged and destroyed two enemy aircraft bringing their total victories to four. Both these members of aircraft crew have displayed great keenness and determination.’ Percy Frank Allen was born in Ramsbury, Wiltshire, in 1917 and served initially as a bomber pilot in 101 Squadron. At the end of his tour having been awarded the D.F.C., he undertook a conversion course to night fighters, and joined 68 Squadron, flying Beaufighters. Teaming up with Flying Officer G. E. Bennett as his radar operator, between 30 July 1942 and 4 October 1943 they accounted for a total of 5 destroyed, 2 probables, and 1 damaged. He was subsequently posted to 125 Squadron, flying Mosquitos.