This is a beautiful original pencil drawing portrait of Battle of Britain Ace and 303 Flight Commander Johnny Kent by Steve Teasdale. The drawing features the genuine signature of Johnny Kent professionally mounted underneath, to create a bookplate ready to enhance any book on the Battle of Britain or Fighter Command. The bookplate is made from sepia recycled card and roughly measures 20x14cm.
On 13th May 1940 Kent was posted to the Photographic Development Unit at Heston (above). On 15th July he went to 7 OTU Hawarden, converted to Hurricanes and joined 257 Squadron at Northolt on 20th July.
On the 23rd Kent went back to the RAE at Farnborough but was released four days later and joined 303 (Polish) Squadron, then forming at Northolt. Kent was appointed ‘A’ Flight Commander on 2nd August.
On 9th September Kent destroyed a Me110 and damaged a Ju88, on the 15th he destroyed a Me109, on the 23rd he destroyed a Me109 and damaged a Fw56, on the 27th destroyed a Ju88 and on 1st October a Me109 and probably another.
He was awarded the KW (gazetted 18th September 1940).
Kent’s last flight with 303 was made on 16th October. He was posted away on the 17th to 92 Squadron at Biggin Hill.
He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 25th October 1940) and on 26th October he took command of 92 Squadron as an Acting Squadron Leader.
Kent claimed a Me109 destroyed on 1st November and two Me109's and probably another on the 2nd. He was awarded the VM (5th Class) (gazetted 24th December 1940) for his work with 303 Squadron.
On 5th March 1941 he was posted to 53 OTU, then about to be formed at Heston, to organise the Training Wing.
In early June Kent went to Northolt to lead the Polish Wing. On 21st June he shot down a Me109, on the 27th destroyed one on the ground and on 3rd July he destroyed one in the air and on the 20th he destroyed another and probably a second.
On 2nd August 1941 Kent was appointed to lead the Kenley Wing. He destroyed Me109's on 7th and 16th August. In mid-October he was posted back to 53 OTU, then at Llandow, and was awarded a Bar to the DFC (gazetted 21st October 1941).