This is a specially produced bookplate including an original pencil drawing portrait with white highlights on sepia recycled card by Steve Teasdale. The drawing features a Cuthbert Orde style portrait of HS ‘george’ Darley, who was the commanding officer of 609 Sqn during the Battle of Britain. Professionally mounted underneath the drawing is the genuine pencil signature of George Darley. This would enhance any book on the Battle of Britain or 609 Sqn.
On 9th May 1940 Darley was posted to Merville in France, as Controller with 63 Wing of the Air Component of the BEF.
After returning to England in late May, he went to 5 OTU Aston Down for a refresher course. Darley went to 65 Squadron at Hornchurch on 5th June as a supernumerary Squadron Leader and on the 26th he joined 609 Squadron at Northolt and took command on the 28th.
On 8th August he claimed a Me110 destroyed, on the 15th a probable Ju88, on the 25th a Me109 and a Me110, on 15th September he damaged a Do17, on the 25th got a probable Me110 and damaged a Do17 and on the 26th he probably destroyed a Do17 and damaged another. He abandoned the prewar fighter tactics that were hindering Fighter Command’s ability to engage the Germans.
Darley was posted on 4th October 1940 to be Station Commander at RAF Exeter and promoted to Acting Wing Commander on the 6th. He was awarded the DSO (gazetted 22nd October 1940).