FALKLAND ISLANDS

XH558's Chief Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Martin Withers DFC

(Book #ID 112385)

21st December 1982.

6½'' x 4½''. Certified Copy No. 681 of 1696 first day flown cover stamped envelope. Operation Black Buck was a series of seven ambitious long-distance ground-attack missions conducted by the Royal Air Force during the Falklands War in 1982. It was the RAF's most daring attack since 'Operation Chastise' - the Dambusters raid in WWII. 30 April - 1 May 1982: Vulcan XM607 made the first Black Buck sortie to the Falkland Islands to make an attack on Port Stanley airfield. XH558's Chief Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Martin Withers, carried out that first raid. With a full load of bombs and fuel, a sixth crew member and a fresh coat of paint, the Vulcans were well over their rated maximum take off weight of 204,000 pounds (93,000 kg) and incredibly was refuelled seven times on the outward journey, the logistics of which are beyond belief, they refuelled only the once on the return journey. Martin and the crew of Vulcan XM607 flew the first and last of the missions. SIGNED 'Martin Withers' to the front cover. Four cachet inserts. 44 Squadron Orderly Room R.A.F. Waddington stamp to the rear. In Fine condition. Member of the P.B.F.A.

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