This is a 16 x 13cm sized bookplate which features the 24 December 1940 dated Gazette award of the DFC for Battle of Britain fighter pilot Raymond Duke-Woolley of 253 Sqn. The bookplate has been signed by Duke -Woolley above an original pencil portrait of him by Steve Teasdale. This bookplate will fit most books on the Battle of Britain. He graduated on December 18 1936, with a permanent commission, and he joined 23 Squadron at Northolt.
Made 'B' Flight Commander in April 1940, Duke-Woolley destroyed a He111 in the early hours of 19th June. When his night-flying tour was completed, he asked for a posting to a day-fighter squadron.
After his second request, he went to 253 Squadron at Kenley on 12th September 1940. He claimed a Do17 probably destroyed on the 15th. Duke-Woolley was appointed 'A Flight Commander on the 24th and took temporary command of 253 on the 27th, after the CO was shot down and wounded.
He shared in the destruction of a Do17 on 6th October, damaged a Ju88 on the 21st, destroyed a Ju88 on 9th November and shared a Do17 and damaged another on the 22nd.
Duke-Woolley relinquished his temporary command on 16th November and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 24th December 1940).