The Memorial Plaque to Major L. da C. Penn-Gaskell, Royal Flying Corps, who was mortally wounded as a result of an aero accident on 31 January 1916, and died of his injuries on 4 February 1916

Memorial Plaque (Leslie da Costa Penn-Gaskell) extremely fine £300-£400

Leslie da Costa Penn-Gaskell was born in London on 2 August 1881, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 4th (Militia) Battalion, East Surrey Regiment on 1 August 1903. Promoted Lieutenant on 28 May 1904, he transferred to the 4th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment on 11 August 1906, and received his Royal Aero Club Aviator’s Certificate No. 308 at the Bristol School, Brooklands, on 1 October 1912. Joining the Royal Flying Corps Reserve on 14 August 1913, he was appointed Flying Officer in the Royal Flying Corps on 18 March 1914, and served as a Rear-Gunner with 5 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 13 August 1914. Advanced Squadron Commander, he transferred to 11 Squadron as Commanding Officer, and was mortally wounded when he crashed on take-off in foggy conditions from Northolt Aerodrome on 31 January 1916. He died from his injuries on 4 February 1916 and is buried in Ruislip Churchyard Extension, Middlesex.

Sold with a large file of copied research, including a full copy of the recipient’s Flying Log Books (the originals being held at the R.A.F. Museum, Hendon), and various photographic images.