AMY JOHNSON:
AMY
JOHNSON (1903 – 1941; Aviator) and THE YOUNG AIRMEN’S LEAGUE.
Three typed letters signed from Amy
Johnson to W.C. Longman, Commander of the Young Airmen’s League, in
Bournemouth, she being President of the League.
The first, dated 23rd September, 1931, thanking Longman for keeping her informed of the difficulties they are experiencing with finances: “I should not like to hear of the collapse of the Young Airmen’s League because I am sure the hard work you have done must have given it solid foundations … … It seems to me that the League, started in a very small way, had grown beyond the capabilities of its secretary, and I should like strongly to advise that in the future no responsible decisions are left to the judgment of one man only … … especially if such steps involve financial expenditure”. She continues by offering to present a shield, making a rush trip to Bournemouth on her way to the Channel Islands; “ I shall be busy for the whole Winter season giving lectures…” 2-pages, large 8vo.
The second letter, 1-side large 8vo, thanks Longman for his congratulations.
These two letters on buff paper which has become blotchy with age. Both on her 15 Vernon Court, Finchley, notepaper, the letter-heading incorporating a small aircraft.
The third letter, dated Grosvenor House, Park Lane, July 20th, 1932, she writes that she is; “…very disappointed on learning that the Young Airmen’s League is to be disbanded … … As you know I have always considered the League an excellent idea, and have had great faith in its winning through and being of really constructive use to aspiring aviators” and offering her services at any future time. This 1-page large 8vo with tear into upper margin, usual fold marks.
All three unfortunately at one time sellotaped along blank upper margins leaving the usual unsightly marking after removal.
Together with an original, unused, membership card showing that the first object of the League was; “The development of airmindedness in Youth”. Also an interesting group of original photographs, comprising seven 9½ x 7¼ inch sepia-toned press photographs showing the boys assembling their aircraft, stowing the aircraft in their wooden shed ‘hanger’ etc. With two half-plate amateur similar, and a group of 9 snap-shots and 1 postcard, two captioned; “Bournemouth Young Airmen’s League ca. 1930 at Ensbury Park, Bournemouth”; showing the boys, aircraft, Longman, and fellow founder Bob Weller.* The short-lived Young Airmen’s League was founded by WWI pilot, Longman and air mechanic, Weller in 1929. They built a 10 h.p. trainer aircraft which the boys would taxi around a field at Throop near Bournemouth. The League was the precursor of the Air Defence Cadet Corps which in turn became the Air Training Corps.
Quote
Item
No. 8196
Price:
£550.00