RAF005B-TGM
Thomas Gunn Miniatures
Marmaduke Thomas St John Pattle ,DFC and Bar, usually known as Pat Pattle, was a South African-born fighter pilot and ace of the RAF during WW2.
Pattle applied to join the South African Air Force at 18, but was rejected. He later travelled to the United Kingdom and joined the RAF in 1936 on a Short Service Commission. Pattle was a pilot by 1937 and was posted to 80 Sqn based in Egypt upon the outbreak of war in September 1939. In June 1940, Italy entered the war on the side of the Axis Powers and he began combat operations against Italian Air Force, gaining his first successes during the Italian invasion of Egypt.
Pattle's squadron were then sent to Greece in November 1940 where Pattle achieved most of his victories against the Italian air force. Pattle claimed around 20 aircraft shot down and in March 1941 was promoted to Squadron leader. With the German intervention Pattle started combat operations against the Luftwaffe, he claimed victories 24 to 50 within a space of 14 days. Pattle claimed five or more aircraft destroyed in one day on three occasions, which qualified him for ace in a day status.He achieved his greatest success on 19 April 1941, claiming six victories. The following day, having claimed more aerial victories than any other Western Allied pilot, he took off against orders, while suffering from a high temperature, to engage German aircraft near Athens. He was last seen battling Me 110 and Me 109 fighters moments before he was seen to crash into the sea. He was only 26 years old. Truly he must rank as one of the greatest Allied pilots, and like so many, cut short in his prime.
Set includes typewriter, table and cup.
Limited Edition of 100.