Product Description
SAUNDERS, Hilary St George.
Coastal Command: The Air Ministry Account of the Part Played by Coastal Command in the Battle of the Seas 1939-1942.
London: His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1942.
A superb presentation copy from the author to Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal, from Portal's personal collection, inscribed on the title-page: "To Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal with the best wishes of the author, H.
St G Saunders, Christmas 1942.
" Although published anonymously as an official Air Ministry account, the inscription identifies the author as Hilary St George Saunders, the wartime writer behind several of the celebrated official RAF books, including The Battle of Britain, Bomber Command and Coastal Command.
Saunders wrote these works officially and anonymously for the Government.
First edition.
Large pictorial softcover, 143 pp.
, illustrated throughout with photographs, maps and dramatic double-page layouts.
Original colour pictorial wrappers, showing a Coastal Command airman and convoy seen through binoculars; rear wrapper with periscope motif.
The book is well illustrated with scenes of convoy protection, anti-U-boat patrols, attacks on enemy shipping, the Norwegian campaign, reconnaissance, rescue, and the day-to-day work of the RAF's maritime arm.
This was one of the Ministry of Information's famous "Official War Books", designed as a cheap, vivid, heavily illustrated publication to explain the war effort to a mass public.
The series was intended to tell the British war story, build morale, and project a picture of Britain as efficient, modern and united.
By 1943 the series had sold more than 20 million copies.
The association is unusually strong.
Portal, as Chief of the Air Staff, was directly concerned with Coastal Command's resources, efficiency and relationship with the Admiralty, at a time when maritime air power was central to the Battle of the Atlantic.
Coastal Command's role was crucial in protecting Britain's maritime communications and confronting the U-boat threat.
A very good copy, internally clean, with some light handling and wear to the wrappers, slight rubbing and creasing at extremities, and mild age toning.
A scarce signed presentation example of an important wartime pamphlet, made exceptional by its direct presentation to Portal.
![[Signed] [First Edition] Coastal Command - Saunders Presentation Copy to Air Chief Marshal Portal SAUNDERS, Hilary St George [Used - Very good]](https://r.kelkoo.com/resize.php?country=ca&merchantId=100567270&categoryId=5101&trackingId=96985762&width=auto&height=auto&image=https%3A%2F%2Fpictures.abebooks.com%2Finventory%2F32440776219.jpg&sign=EQdy.KAfi8c2gcgOLhFSeFfbwNOZtXac1vAIxMduG7o-)
