Viscount Hungerford Autograph | WWII Bomber Command

Charles Portal, 1^st Viscount Portal of Hungerford  signed 1970 RAF Benson, VE-Day 25th anniversary cover.

Charles Portal was a leading figure in British military aviation, best known for serving as Chief of the Air Staff during WWII. He began his career in the Royal Engineers before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps in WWI, where he rose to command several squadrons.

In WWII, Portal became head of Bomber Command and was appointed Chief of the Air Staff in 1940. He played a key role in planning and directing Britain’s strategic bombing campaign and helped shape Allied air strategy, including preparations for D-Day. Made Marshal of the RAF in 1945, he was later ennobled as Viscount Portal and remained active in public service until his death in 1971.