A Second World War flying ace who flew Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George VI provides the showpiece of an auction next month in Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: Paul PenfoldPaul Penfold (Image: Archant)

Medals and other glittering militaria of Battle of Britain hero Paul Penfold, who was educated at Woodbridge School, will go under the hammer on July 11 at Lockdales of Martlesham.

The catalogue guide price is £3,500 to £4,000.

Auction Manager James Sadler said: “We’re thrilled to have the honours, and other war souvenirs, of such a man as Squadron Leader Penfold.

“It’s great that he has such strong links with Suffolk. He’s a man of which our county can be so proud.

“On one occasion he flew a top official back to Prague, arrowing his Dakota down the main thoroughfare.”

For a time Penfold was with 29 Squadron at RAF Martlesham.

There are a multitude of pieces in the Lockdales’ lot.

Included is his medal for being a Member of the Victorian Order, a 1939-45 Star, an Air Crew Europe Star, an Africa Star, an Italy Star, Defence and War medals, plus full and original miniature medal group.

Three of Penfold’s RAF pilot’s logbooks and his autograph album are included, along with photographs.

Among the autographs are those of King George VI, Field Marshall Montgomery and Winston Churchill.

There are many maps, a snuff box, notebooks, press photographs and an RAF Release Book, plus a Middle East Release Card.

Penfold was awarded his ‘Wings’ in 1938.

In 1940, he was Commissioned to the 29 squadron at Debden. It was with this elite group that he served with during the Battle of Britain.

Penfold then became an instructor to Polish pilots and also served in Aden and Egypt in a similar role.

In 1944 he went to Algiers to become personal pilot to Field Marshall Sir Henry Maitland-Wilson, the Supreme Commander of Mediterranean Forces.

In July 1944, the King arrived to visit land forces in Italy.

Penfold was given the job of looking after him, flying the British monarch to front line fighter strips.

Two weeks later, he did the same service for Premier Winston Churchill.

The Dakota of Penfold also flew other VIPs.

Penfold left the RAF in 1945.