[Squadron Leader Nigel Rose, Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Nigel') to Martin Corden, expressing amazement at the 'cult' of the Spitfire, and discussing the sale of Bentley Priory.

2pp, folio. In envelope with stamp and postmark, addressed to Corden's Mill Hill address. Letter folded twice, and letter and envelope in good condition. He begins by thanking him for sending 'the inscribed copy of Ken Delve's Story of the Spitfire - a truly excellent book just jam-packed with detail, - he must have done a prodigious amount of research to put it all together'. He is 'bowled over by the extent of [Corden's] munificence'. Rose finds it 'a continuing source of amazement that such a cult has developed over everything to do with the Spitfire, but it does reinforce the conviction that it was completely unique, and a real lady!' He laments the 'dwindling' of 'the number of aircrew' at 'the annual re-union of B. of B. survivors at Bentley Priory, Stanmore': 'about 40 this year, but of course there are still a few abroad and also several who are unable to travel'. He reports that the Ministry of Defence 'has sold the Priory and its magnificent parkland surroundings, (for a tidy sum, I believe,) but with a reservation that the centre part of the Georgian building will be kept to commemorate Dowding's management of the RAF during the battle, - (could be used as a museum, for reunion of survivors, for cadet training etc. -)'. He ends with renewed thanks for the gift, and in the hope that they may 'meet one day - but it'll have to be fairly soon, as I shall be 90 next June!'