Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a British WWII RAF Officer’s blue wool peaked visor cap with lovely bullion oak leaves on the visor. This example was tailored by Gieves of London and is named Fletcher on the name tag, with the monogrammed initials AWF on the sweatband. The visor was worn by Canadian Squadron Leader Andrew William Fletcher, a Flight Ace and veteran of the Battle of Britain, who received two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

His citations read:

First DFC:

"Since joining the squadron in June 1940, this officer has carried out 36 patrols. On 8th August 1940, whilst leading a section of three aircraft over Le Havre, he was attacked by 15 Messerschmitt 110s. By skilfully manoeuvring his section, he enabled the rear gunners to bring cross fire to bear on the enemy aircraft, one of which was seen to explode in mid-air. He then succeeded in bringing back the section intact. Flight Lieutenant Fletcher has by his personal example inspired a fine fighting spirit among members of the squadron."

Second DFC:

"The above named officer arrived at Malta on 21 July and left on 3 August. He was in command of a detachment of Beaufighters with role of covering the passage of the convoys moving between Gibraltar and Malta and their return to Gibraltar. During the above period attacks were made by Beaufighters on certain aerodromes and seaplane bases with the object of keeping down enemy air activity. The total bag of the Beaufighters in these operations was: aircraft destroyed, 49; badly damaged, 22; aircraft damaged 20. Of the six ships in convoy which made the journey from Gibraltar to Malta and the seven ships which arrived from Malta only one was hit by a torpedo and she arrived safely in Malta. There is not the slightest doubt that the operations against aerodromes and seaplane bases by the Beaufighters crippled the enemy's air activity so seriously that he was unable to carry out effective reconnaissance and to launch a strong striking force against the convoys. The success of the operations was due to the courageous leadership and determination shown by this commander of the Beaufighters. His offensive spirit is beyond all praise and the fact that all Beaufighter crews were very determined is due entirely to his fine example. The enemy certainly played into the hands of this fine leader by presenting him with rows of aircraft without any consideration for dispersal. Nonetheless, the results achieved were due to a very careful planning and discussion by this commander with the crews concerned."

Air Ministry Honours and Award Committee edit:
"From 21st July to 3rd August 1941, this officer commanded a detachment of Beaufighters operating from Malta with the role of assisting in the safe passage of convoys sailing between Gibraltar and Malta. Attacks were made on certain aerodromes and seaplane bases which resulted in a loss to the enemy of 49 aircraft destroyed and a further 42 damaged. The successes achieved undoubtedly crippled the enemy's air activity so seriously that he was unable to carry out effective reconnaissance and to launch a strong striking force against the convoys. Throughout, Squadron Leader Fletcher displayed courageous leadership and determination and set an example which proved an inspiration to all."

Andrew William Fletcher, of Cardston, Alberta, Canada was born on 15th January 1915. He received his private pilots license at the Lethbridge Flying Club at the age of 18. Fletcher joined the RAF on a short service commission in July 1935. He went to 5 FTS Sealand on 28th September and after training was posted to SHQ RAF Calshot on 20th July 1936 as an instructor on flying boats. In July 1940 Fletcher was serving with 235 Squadron as 'B' Flight Commander. He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd October 1940) and posted away in November 1940 to command 272 Squadron.

He received a Mention in Despatches in January 1941. In May 272 Squadron went to the Middle East and Fletcher led a detachment to Malta in mid-July. On the 28th he destroyed four SM79s and damaged two CR42s on the ground at Borizzo airfield, on the 30th he destroyed three SM79s on the ground at Elmas airfield and on 28th September he probably shot down two enemy aircraft at night.

At the end of his tour in October 1941 Fletcher was awarded a Bar to the DFC (gazetted 31st October 1941) and posted away. He was released from the RAF in 1946, returned to Canada and went farming in Warner, Alberta. Fletcher died in 1978.

The visor retains the lovely bullion work on the cap but some of the material is damaged. It is constructed of the usual Royal Air Force blue barathea wool with a black mohair band. The padded bullion embroidered cap badge has a KING'S CROWN on the top. It has the correct laurel leaves below a gold washed metal eagle.

The interior shows a circular-quilted lining in good shape with heavy service wear and sweat staining. The sweatband is entirely retained. There is no size marking but it is likely 7 ¼.

A lovely named and identified visor, ready for display.