This is a specially produced glossy bookplate bearing the original signature of Battle of Britain Pilot Ronald Henry Smyth. Smyth joined the RAFVR on 8th May 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up at the outbreak of war, he went to No. 1 ITW Cambridge on 7th September 1939, moved to 10 EFTS Yatesbury on 5th December and on to 3 FTS South Cerney on 27th April 1940.

With the course completed Smyth was posted to 5 OTU Aston Down, converted to Blenheims and joined 25 Squadron on 19th August 1940. Two days later he was transferred to 111 Squadron at Debden. Smyth returned to 5 OTU to convert to Hurricanes after which he rejoined 111, then at Drem, on 19th September.

He went to 249 Squadron on 2nd October and to 615 Squadron on 19th November. Smyth went to CFS Upavon on 8th May 1941 for an instructors course.