Chess Set belonged to James "ginger" Lacey

[spotter]

Something a bit different.
This chess set once belonged to battle of britain pilot James Harry Lacey also known as ginger Lacey.This was purchased roughly 1950 when the contents of the house he had lived in in Wetherby were sold(not sure if all contents or just some) .Since then it has remained with the family who purchased it and has now been passed on to me by my uncle.
On top of the box is the now faint signature of James and RAF S ldr (squadron leader)
One of "The Few", Lacey downed at least 28 enemy planes during World War Two and was a rare example of someone who served in the RAF on both the first and final day of the war.
Due to both skill and luck, in his own words, he survived nine crash landings and famously shot down a German plane that had just bombed Buckingham Palace.
Lots more info in this wikipedia article
James Harry Lacey - Wikipedia

[Larry C]

What a great item to have and would display well with other RAF artifacts

Very cool

Regards Larry

[Pauls1970]

Wow, great acquisition to your collection !
Paul

[Watchdog]

Wow, great acquisition to your collection !
Paul

This is ephemera of the best kind. Previously owned by a known "personality" and with good provenance

Regards

Mark

[paulscoot]

What an historic chess set, Imagine Ginger Lacey trying to concentrate on a game whilst at dispersal waiting for the scramble bell!! .Regards Paul

[Blackdog]

Very nice, classic Staunton design.
I am a keen chess player myself. (Club level).

[VtwinVince]

That is pretty cool, as a chess player I would love to have it. I corresponded with Lacey BITD and he offered to sell me a Luftwaffe Honour Goblet. Still kicking myself that I didn't pull the trigger.