MAJOR GEN. CALEB VANCE HAYNES BRITISH BLOOD CHIT FROM NORTH AFRICA

Rare British issue "blood chit" issued for use by British aviators in the North African campaign. The 7 x 10.25 printed message is backed on linen which appears to be original to the piece. Test is printed in Arabic and English, with the seal of the "English Government" appearing at center. It reads, in part: "To All Arab Peoples - Greetings and Peace be upon you. The bearer of this letter is an Officer of the English Government and a friend of all Arabs. Treat him well, guard him from harm�and you will be rewarded. Peace and the Mercy of God upon you". The bottom of the notice bears translations of various words and phrases. Very good. From the estate of Major Gen. CALEB VANCE HAYNES (1895-1966), U.S. Air Force major general and one of the most important and talented military aviators and commanders of World War II. Haynes organized the Assam-Burma-China Ferry Command and evacuated Burma with the Chinese and RAF. He then went to China to organize and command the Bomber Command of the China Air Task Force under Gen. Claire Chennault. He later returned to India to organize the India Air Task Force of the 10th Air Force. This notice was probably issued to Haynes when B-24s he commanded in the aborted "Aquila" raid were sent to North Africa.