Royal Auxiliary Air Force Officers' Coronation Ball 1953
Original invitation and menu from The Savoy, signed by two RAF flying aces and aircraft designer Sir Roy Hardy Dobson
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Printing Details
This is a rare original invitation and menu for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Officer's Coronation Ball, held at the Savoy Hotel on Friday, 29th May, 1953. It was, by all accounts, a glamorous affair, with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in attendance (apparently she didn't leave until 3.30am). The RAuxAF played an important part in the Coronation celebrations, with its personnel forming part of the guards of honour and the massive flypast at RAF Odiham in July 1953.
The Invitation: Printed on card with the gilt crest of the RAF (per ardua ad astra), noting the reception was at 8pm, and carriages at 3am. Dress was mess kit or evening dress, with decorations.
The Menu: Printed on card, folded once. Coloured crest of the RAF to the front. Details the toasts and the dinner menu. This copy has been signed by, one assumes, those sitting at that particular table. The front is signed L Kelly, the daughter of the name at the top of the signatures, Tim Kelly (this was Squadron Leader Peter Kelly, known as Tim, he served in the RAF during the Second World War and was seconded to the Royal Pakistan Air Force post-war).
Notable signatures include two WW2 flying aces: 1. James (Jim) Benson, credited with having shot down ten aircraft and six V-1 flying bombs in WW2, and who jointed the RAuxAF in 1946, and 2. Peter E G Durnford, who claimed 5 victories with 111 and 124 squadrons. He was shot down and was a POW in Stalag Luft III until liberation by the Russians. After the war he joined the RAuxAF. Both are there with their wives.
The bottom signature is Sir Roy Hardy Dobson (signed as R H Dobson). He was an important figure in the British aviation industry, holding management roles at A V Roe (Avro) and Hawker Siddeley but was perhaps best known for his 1941 redesign of the Avro Lancaster in the Second World War, giving it two extra engines and putting it into mass production.
Other signatures are: Chunky Gorman, Reg Noble and others.
Condition
Both items are in fair to good condition. There is a little creasing and browning to the edges, but nice to have an item signed by the pilots present at the time.
As of September 2026, books remain duty-free. The price of the book incurs no extra US import fees.
Price
£40.00
