[BEAUCHAMP-PROCTOR ANDREW]: ...

[BEAUCHAMP-PROCTOR ANDREW]: (1894-1921) South African fighter ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his aerial actions between August – October 1918. Beauchamp-Proctor was South Africa’s leading ace of World War I, credited with 54 aerial victories. DOUGLAS WILLIAM SHOLTO (1893-1969) British Marshal of the Royal Air Force who served in both World War I and World War II. D.S., W S Douglas, as Major, Commanding 84 Squadron, one page, 4to, n.p. (France), 27^th September 1918. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Combat Report relating to one of Beauchamp-Proctor’s aerial victories, the narrative stating, in part, ‘Observing an enemy kite balloon just West of Crevecoeur, I decided to attack, but was forestalled by four Camels. The enemy kite balloon went down in flames, but within 20 minutes I observed another kite balloon put up just South of the first one. As the enemy evidently attached great importance to the observations obtained from this kite balloon, I decided to destroy the kite balloon. Diving down to within 100 yards, I opened fire with both guns, and poured a full drum of Buckingham into the kite balloon, which burst into flames as I zoomed past….’ Signed by Douglas at the foot confirming the decisive victory. Neatly trimmed and with a few file holes, not affecting the text or signature. About VG