Last message written by FS Arthur Louis Aaron, VC, on reverse of a navigation map during his final flight, 13 August 1943

This ‘last message’ was written by Flight Sergeant Arthur Louis Aaron of No. 218 Squadron.

FS Aaron was the pilot of Short Stirling Mark 3 EF452 on a bombing mission to Turin on 12/13 August 1943. The aircraft was hit by machine gun fire, killing the navigator instantly. Aaron was severely wounded and unable to speak, writing messages to the crew with his left hand. After guiding the aircraft to land safely, 21-year-old Aaron died from his wounds. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.