A logbook revealing the terrifying life of a First World War pilot has been found in a barn.
Lieutenant Stuart Leslie’s notebook was in a box with his gun camera, cockpit maps and other items.
Entries describe rounds fired, bombs dropped and fights with German planes.
Adrian Stevenson, from Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This [is] one of the most outstanding finds I’ve made.”
Lt Leslie joined the Royal Flying Corps aged 22 in October 1915.
The RFC became the Royal Air Force in April 1918, as war still raged.
His Pilot’s Flying Log Book runs from November 1917 to October 1918 as he flew with No4 Squadron in an RE8 biplane bomber both as observer and pilot.
One entry reads: “... Dropped four bombs on Quesnoy...
“1.5pm attacked by a Pfalz Scout at 5,500ft... Fired 200 rounds Lewis and drove it off.
“But [illeg.] forced to land owing to damage sustained in fight.”
Other excerpts include: “23/9/18, 3.30pm Patrol: Engine trouble. Forced to land at Thieushauk; 27/9/18. Dropped 4 bombs on Armentiere (Lewis gun 100 rds); 2/10/18 11.05am raid on Linselles (France); 4/10/18 Shoot on Quesnoy railway station.”
He returned to Finchley, North London, and became a straw and felt merchant.
He died in 1950.
The items, found in Leicestershire, could fetch £2,000 at auction in Etwall, Derbys.
