Captain Eric Melrose "Winkle" Brown, CBE, DSC, AFC Hon FRAeS

The legendary Eric "Winkle" Brown was a British Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) officer and test pilot who achieved a number of records and 'firsts'.

He flew 487 types of aircraft, more than anyone else in history.

He held the record for the most carrier deck take-offs and landings (2,271 and 2,407 respectively).

He was the first pilot to carrier land:

a) a twin engine aircraft

b) a 'tricycle' undercarriage aircraft

c) a jet aircraft

Winkle flew almost every category of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force aircraft including gliders, fighters, bombers, airliners, amphibians, flying boats and helicopters.

A combat veteran with two kills and a DSC for gallantry, during WWII he flew many types of captured German, Italian and Japanese aircraft, including new jet and rocket aircraft. He was a pioneer of jet technology into the postwar era and a highly respected test pilot.

Widely regarded as Britain's greatest pilot.

Co Signatory - Lt Cdr Ralph Jameson VRD RNVR

The swatch is also signed by Lt Cdr Ralph Jameson.

Ralph saw service in the British Pacific Fleet, including the surrender of the Japanese Garrison in Hong Kong and later commanded an RNVR Squadron. 

Originally trained as a Swordfish pilot, he later moved to Barracuda's with the British Pacific Fleet.

In 1951, in response to the onset of the Korean War, Ralph converted to jets, flying Vampires and Meteors.

During his 15 years of service, Ralph clocked 1963 flying hours, flew 28 aircraft types and made 78 deck landings, 3 at night.

Ralph was well known within Fleet Air Arm circles as he was the founder member of the Fleet Air Arm Officer's Association.

Both signatures are presented on a piece of linen taken from Fairey Swordfish LS326.

The Collection includes:

• Eric Brown. A Pilot's Story DVD
• Winkle. The acclaimed biography by Paul Beaver