NEIL TOM: (1920-2018) British fighter pilot and flying ace with the Royal Air Force who participated in the Battle of Britain during World War II. T.L.S., Tom Neil, one page, 4to, Bungay, Suffolk, 14^th April 2007, to Mr. Terry. Neil thanks his correspondent for their interesting letter and photographs and continues 'I knew Mungo-Park, though only distantly and very briefly. He was at Biggin Hill when I was flying from North Weald. I believe we first met at Hornchurch on Boxing Day, 1940, during a meeting with AVM Leigh-Mallory to discuss tactics in the New Year. I am surprised to learn that he was associated with Bolton as I understood he was born in Wallasey…..I believe the family was of Scottish descent and that he was related to a famous forebear who explored the Niger in West Africa around 1800. I well remember him being shot down and killed', further making reference to his new book Flight into Darkness and adding that he will be attending some print and book signings in London and Duxford, concluding 'As you will understand there are only a few of us left now who took part in the Battle of Britain'. Together with a 4 x 5.5 photocopy of a portrait of Neil by Cuthbert Orde signed by Neil in blue ink to a light area at the head of the image, and also including an 8.5 x 5.5 printed image neatly removed from a book showing various pilots of 249 Squadron standing together in full-length poses, individually signed by both Tom Neil and John Beazley (neatly mounted to card). Generally VG, 3

 

John Mungo-Park (1918-1941) British fighter pilot and flying ace with the Royal Air Force who participated in the Battle of Britain during World War II. Mungo-Park was killed in action in June 1941 at the young age of 23.