Rare antique is on the menu (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rare antique is on the menu

A RARE Dambusters document came to Tetbury Upton last week after it was bought by a historic artefacts dealer.

Paul Downey, who runs the Hampton Gallery, bought the item, at an auction in Oxford.

The item has special value because it is the menu from a celebratory meal held after the raids on the Ruhr took place which is signed by all the major people who took part in the pivotal World War Two operation.

Among the signatures on the menu is that of Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC who lead the 617 squadron into the attack.

Mr Downey explained the piece was fairly unusual but the fact it contains the signatures of such significant military people made it quite special.

He said: "It's an interesting piece of history."

Mr Downey deals in military pieces and is now on the look out for other items such as the menu. Although he admitted he has got his eye out for paraphernalia connected to the Battle of Trafalgar at the moment.

The Dambusters menu won't be staying with Mr Downey for long though, he has already found a buyer for it and hopes to deliver it to them shortly.