R.A.F. Occasions by Hubert Griffith - First Edition Presentation Copy to Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, with Portal’s Own Wartime Annotations

GRIFFITH, Hubert. R.A.F. Occasions. London: The Cresset Press, 1941.

First edition, first impression. Original cream cloth, lettered in red to the spine. A distinguished wartime association copy, inscribed on the front free endpaper: “To Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, with respect, from a former member of an R.E.8 Squadron…” signed by the author and dated R.A.F. Station, Blackpool, June 1941.

From the personal collection of Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, later Lord Portal of Hungerford, wartime Chief of the Air Staff and one of the most important British military figures of the Second World War. Portal directed the RAF through the critical middle years of the conflict, shaping bomber strategy, air defence, operational expansion, and Anglo-American air cooperation.

Of particular interest, this copy includes notes made by Portal in the text, apparently relating to his own service and experience, giving the volume a direct personal association beyond the presentation inscription.

The contents cover squadron life, Cambrai, Coastal Command, the B.E.F. in France, evacuation, recruiting, bomber crews, and the philosophy of air crews.

Very good condition. Binding firm, cloth lightly toned and marked, spine slightly darkened, with small spots and minor rubbing. Internally clean and sound, with inscription and annotations well preserved.