JS(CC)79c RAF cover for the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of France in May/June 2000 with artwork by Tony Theobald. The cover commemorates  the involvement of the Royal Air Force in the attempt to stop the advancing German forces from occupying more Allied countries in 1940.

The artwork shows Fairey Battles of No 12 Squadron on 12 May 1940 over the Albert Canal, Belgium, while Hawker Hurricanes provide top cover to engage any enemy fighters. The RAF was ordered to destroy a vital bridge, which was being used by the enemy, and five Fairey Battle bombers were despatched with Flying Officer Garland leading the attack. They met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire, but the mission was accomplished, due to the expert leadership of Flying Officer Garland and the coolness and resource of his navigator Thomas Gray. Only one bomber managed to get back to base, the leading aircraft and three others did not return for which Garland and Gray were awarded posthumous Victoria Crosses. The medal featured on the cover is the French Croix de Guerre which was awarded to some of the RAF aircrew that took part.

Each of the special covers bear a Monserrat stamp showing a Hurricane cancelled on 22 May 2000, the First Day of Issue. The covers have been flown in Lancaster PA 474 of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

This cover has been hand signed by Squadron Leader Rupert Parkhouse, who was a Fairey Battle pilot with No 12 Squadron Advanced Air Strike Force (AASF). Tasked with attacking a target at Forêt de Gault on 13 June 1940, his aircraft Battle L5580, was shot down and he was taken POW and transferred to Stalag Luft III and spent the remainder of the war there.

Official special numbered and certified on reverse.

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