PARK KEITH: (1892-1975) New Zealand Air Chief Marshal, a flying ace of World War I and RAF Commander during World War II, playing an important role in the Battle of Britain. D.S., K. R. Park, Commanding 48 Squadron, one page, 4to, n.p. (France), 23^rd April 1918. The partially printed document, completed in typescript, is a Combat Report (headed Combats in the Air) relating to the eleventh and final aerial victory achieved by Captain Thomas Colvill-Jones, the narrative stating, in full, 'Whilst doing photography, I dived on nine Pfalz Scouts over Bray; I went head on for the formation and managed to get a long burst of 200 rounds into the leader from the front gun, it then sideslipped and went down into a slow spin which was obviously out of control. It was last seen by Lt. Moore [Colvill-Jones's observer] slowly spinning into the clouds, he was unable to watch it any further as we were attacked by the remainder of the formation who seemed afraid and did not attempt to follow us back to the lines'. Signed by Park at the foot confirming the decisive victory. Several file holes to the left edge and upper corner and a few small tears to the lower right edge, not affecting the text or signature. About VG

 

Thomas Colvill-Jones (1897-1918) South American-born British fighter pilot of World War I. Colvill-Jones went missing in action on 25^th April 1918, just two days after submitting the present combat report, and died the following month from wounds in a prisoner of war camp.