NZ airman Clive Estcourt's World War II memorabilia up for auction

Flight Lieutenant Clive Woodward Estcourt's collection of World War II memorabilia goes under the hammer in Auckland tomorrow. Photo / Supplied

A remarkable collection of memorabilia from a World War II airman who survived dozens of daring bombing raids over Occupied Europe, and met his future wife after parachuting from a stricken plane, is going under the hammer in Auckland tomorrow.

Flight Lieutenant Clive Woodward Estcourt died last August, age 100.

As a bomber aimer and navigator, the Hamilton-born signwriter survived more than 40 missions in active service for Bomber Command.

Now, Estcourt's war mementos are being offered for sale at auction.

One of the lot's highlights is an ink signed and detailed bra.

It dates to August 1, 1944 and is signed by Estcourt's fellow crew members and names 42 towns and cities, which the auctioneers believe was bombed by them.

Other items include two RAF 8.5lb practice bombs, Estcourt's leather flying money belt, flying sunglasses, badges, cloth maps, brass and plastic model planes, and archive material from the Te Rapa Air Force base which was closed in 1992.

The collection is up for sale at Cordy's Auctioneers in Remuera, Auckland, with an estimate of $3000 - $4000.

Auctioneer Andrew Grigg said the collection truly reflects an amazing story of "survival and luck".

"Estcourt says he got 'the rub of the green' but I can't help thinking how much more it really was," Grigg said.

"To abandon plane with his parachute half on, be the only survivor, land in a tree, then go to the nearest house, and to later end up marrying their daughter and have three children together in Fairfield, Hamilton… not to mention the 40 bombing missions… oh to have half his luck."