The Sword Of A Second World War Victor

An Elizabeth II RAF dress sword belonging to a squadron leader who led top secret wartime missions into continental Europe will be sold in our upcoming Fine Interiors two-day sale on 8-9 December. The sword came from the family of the late Wing Commander Leonard Ratcliff (1919-2016) of Great Chesterford and currently carries an estimate of £800 - 1,200.


536608-0.jpg (5754×2952)

Lot 804
An Elizabeth II RAF dress sword
Estimate - £800 - 1,200

 

An Elizabeth II RAF dress sword belonging to a squadron leader who led top secret wartime missions into continental Europe will be sold in our upcoming Fine Interiors two-day sale on 8-9 December. The sword came from the family of the late Wing Commander Leonard Ratcliff (1919-2016) of Great Chesterford, near Saffron Walden. 

Ratcliff, who later in life was a grain merchant for Spillers, was the recipient of a DSO, a DFC and Bar, the Croix de Guerre Alec Palme and the Lêgion d’honneur. 

His 161 Special Duties Squadron of around 200 men and craft, based at the secret RAF airfield at Kempsford in Bedfordshire, was responsible for the dropping of secret agents and equipment to aid resistance movements into Nazi occupied Europe. One can only imagine how extrodinarily dangerous these missions were, during its wartime activities, casualties amounted to 600 - effectively meaning the whole of 161 squadron was wiped out three times.

Flying Halifax Havocs, Hudsons and Lysanders, Ratcliff took part in a remarkable 70 moonlight missions. Most famously, his cargo included Yvonne Cormeau (1909-1997), codename Annette, whose work as a wireless operator with the French Resistance was immortalised in the 2001 film Charlotte Grey. She was awarded an OBE from the UK and the Lêgion d'honneur and Croix de Guerre from France. 

 

For more information about this lot please contact James Pickup 

E | jamespickup@sworder.co.uk

T | 01279 817778

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Recent News

 

Sacred Pages | Rare and Historic Bibles Up for Auction

A remarkable collection of 177 lots of rare and historic Bibles feature in our timed auction of Books, Manuscripts and Maps from 17-27 April, offering collectors, scholars and history enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own some of the most significant early English translations of the Holy Scriptures. The collection showcases centuries-old editions that played a pivotal role in shaping religious thought, language and culture.

15 April 2025

A Fish Tale

Ahead of his upcoming ‘retirement sale’ on 13–14 May, we caught up with the ever-charismatic Paul Atkinson to uncover some of the captivating stories behind the lots on offer.

11 April 2025

Shifting Silhouettes | 19th Century Fashion

With styles and silhouettes endlessly evolving during the Victorian period, the continuous advancements in fashion offered women more choice and freedom regarding their attire. Sworders are delighted to present a collection of Victorian clothing in our upcoming Jewellery, Designer Handbags & Accessories sale, taking place on Wednesday 23 April.

9 April 2025

 


 

Get Sworders News