Logbook of Berkshire-based World War Two pilot sells for thousands

Lesley Cairns Murray flew Spitfires and Hurricanes on behalf of the Air Transport Auxiliary Credit: C&T Auctioneers

A logbook, belonging to a female pilot killed during the Second World War, has sold for £2,800 at auction.

Lesley Cairns Murray flew Spitfires and Hurricanes on behalf of the Air Transport Auxiliary based at White Waltham near Maidenhead.

The 28-year-old died in a crash while flying a Hudson aircraft in April 1945. Her book was discovered in a loft.

The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was responsible for ferrying equipment during the war. This included transporting aircraft material from storage facilities to RAF Squadrons.

An old photograph of the crash site was also sold by auctioneers Credit: C&T Auctioneers

Murray's logbook, which contains signatures of ATA officials, and details of her ferrying duties, has been described as "extremely rare" and a "poignant item" by auctioneers.