RAF POCKET BOOK 1932
Belonging to AE Clouston CB DSO DFC AFC*
Signed by Arthur Clouston
A fabulous condition original RAF Pocket Book (AP 1081)
which belonged to Air Commodore Arthur Clouston in 1933
AE Clouston
Adjutant & Flying Officer
25 (F) Sqdn RAF
Hawkinge
Published by the Air Ministry, London, October 1932. 282 pages illustrated hardback bound in air force blue sewn rexine wraparound binding with black titling embossed to the front.
In Fine condition despite its age, in the inside pocket is an RAF Station clearance certificate dated 17 August 1933 made out to F/O Clouston probably from when he cleared from RAF Hawkinge. Clouston’s name, rank and squadron are written on the inside flap in black ink. On the inside back cover, Clouston has signed and repeated the information. The book contains a wealth of information any junior officer would need to refer to about a variety of aviation, military and allied subjects.
Air Commodore Arthur Edmond Clouston (1908–1984) was a New Zealand-born aviator whose career spanned the “Golden Age” of flight and distinguished military service. Originally learning to fly in New Zealand, Clouston came to Britain in 1930 to join the RAF where he became a fighter pilot with 25 Squadron and was part of the Hendon display team, performing tied together aerobatic routines. He gained fame in the late 1930s as a record-breaking civilian test pilot at RAE Farnborough, notably piloting the de Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS to set multiple long-distance records, including a 1938 return flight from London to New Zealand in under 11 days.
During the Battle of Britain Clouston was a fighter test pilot at Farnborough and this did not stop him making patrols and shooting down at least one aircraft. Later, he went back on operations and flew night fighter Beaufighters with 219 Squadron and later commanded a Liberator anti-submarine Squadron winning the DSO and DFC. Post-war, he served as Commandant of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and later as Air Officer Commanding Singapore. Clouston retired in 1960 as an Air Commodore, leaving a legacy as one of the most versatile and courageous pilots of his era.
A fascinating piece of aviation memorabilia in superb condition which belonged to one of the outstanding pilots of the age.