Dambusters' log sheets to auction on March 23

Oxfordshire, UK auctioneer JS Auctions is to offer a unique archive comprising five navigational log sheets, together with a number of negatives, relating to the RAF's 617 Squadron, also known as "the Dambusters", due to their actions during world war two.

The fascinating collection carries a £1,500-2,500 ($2,243-3,735) estimate ahead of the highly anticipated sale on March 23.

Dambusters log sheets auction
The rare and fascinating collection includes several log sheets and photographic negatives pertaining to the Dambusters

A spokesperson for the auction house comments: "A recent enquiry to the Arms and Armour department elicited five of the Navigator's Log Books, three from the first wave of the Lancaster bombers that famously targeted the Rhur Dams."

The Dambusters carried out 1,599 operational sorties during the second world war, targeting German heavy industry, and in particular German dams at Mohne, Eder and Sorpe, with the loss of 32 aircraft. Its activities have been immortalised both in print and on screen.

Somewhat surprisingly, the navigator's log is not merely concerned with co-ordinates. Sergeant Nicholson, the navigator of F/L Maltby's Lancaster J-Johnny aeroplane, took full advantage of the general observations column. Nicholson begins one account "Chocks Away" at 21:20, concluding the entry, "Bomb dropped. Wizard!" at 00:49.

Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we currently have a range of fascinating Dambusters items in stock, including this very rare Guy Gibson signed photograph.

Now is a great time to buy. Celebrations commemorating the Dambusters' 70th anniversary are planned for May 2013.

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