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After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. <br><p align=center><br><br><b>Citation for the Victoria Cross, gazetted 14th December 1943.</b><br><br><i>On the night of November 3rd, 1943, Flignt Lieutenant Reid was pilot and captain of a Lancaster aircraft detailed to attack Dusseldorf. Shortly after crossing the Dutch coast, the pilots windscreen was shattered by fire from a Messerschmitt. Owing to a failure in the heating circuit, the rear gunners hands were too cold for him to open fire immediately or to operate his microphone and so give warning of danger; but after a brief delay he managed to return the Messerschmitts fire and it was driven off. During the fight with the Messerschmitt, Flight Lieutenant Reid was wounded in the head, shoulders and hands. The elevator trimming tabs of the aircraft were damaged and it became difficult to control. The rear turret, too, was badly damaged and the communications system and compasses were put out of action. Flight Lieutenant Reid ascertained that his crew were unscathed and, saying nothing about his own injuries, he continued his mission. Soon afterwards, the Lancaster was attacked by a Focke Wulf 190. This time, the enemys fire raked the bomber from stem to stern. The rear gunner replied with his only serviceable gun but the state of his turret made accurate aiming impossible. The navigator was killed and the wireless operator fatally injured. The mid-upper turret was hit and the oxygen system put out of action. Flight Lieutenant Reid was again wounded and the flight engineer, though hit in the forearm, supplied him with oxygen from a portable supply. Flight Lieutenant Reid refused to be turned from his objective and Dusseldorf was reached some 50 minutes later. He had memorised his course to the target and had continued in such a normal manner that the bomb-aimer, who was cut off by the failure of the communications system, knew nothing of his captains injuries or of the casualties to his comrades. Photographs show that, when the bombs were released, the aircraft was right over the centre of the target. Steering by the pole star and the moon, Flight Lieutenant Reid then set course for home. He was growing weak from loss of blood. The emergency oxygen supply had given out. With the windscreen shattered, the cold was intense. He lapsed into semiconsciousness. The flight engineer, with some help from the bomb-aimer, kept the Lancaster in the air despite heavy anti-aircraft fire over the Dutch coast. The North Sea crossing was accomplished. An airfield was sighted. The captain revived, resumed control and made ready to land. Ground mist partially obscured the runway lights. The captain was also much bothered by blood from his head wound getting into his eyes. But he made a safe landing although one leg of the damaged undercarriage collapsed when the load came on. Wounded in two attacks, without oxygen, suffering severely from cold, his navigator dead, his wireless operator fatally wounded, his aircraft crippled and defenceless, Flight Lieutenant Reid showed superb courage and leadership in penetrating a further 200 miles into enemy territory to attack one of the most strongly defended targets in Germany, every additional mile increasing the hazards of the long and perilous journey home. His tenacity and devotion to duty were beyond praise. </i><br><br>London Gazette, 1943.<center><br><table border=0 bgcolor=#000000><tr colspan=1><td align=center bgcolor=#FFFFFF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/vc.jpg alt='Bill Reid : Awarded the Victoria Cross'></td></tr><tr colspan=1><td align=center bgcolor=#FFFFFF><b><i>Victoria<br>Cross</i></b></td></tr></table><br></center></td></tr></table> <p align=center><table width=50%><tr><td width=100% colspan=2 bgcolor=#FFFFFF align=center><font color=#000000 size=4><b>Navigation</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=50% bgcolor=#DDDDDD align=center><b><font size=3 color=#000000>Page 1 of 2</font></b></td><td align=center width=50% bgcolor=#DDDDDD><b><font size=3 color=#000000>Page 1 .. <a href=aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC&V=2>Next</a></b></font></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=100%><tr><td align=center bgcolor=#FFFFFF><font color=#000000><b>Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC - Signed Aviation Art Prints, Paintings and Drawings<br>Pilot and Aircrew Signatures</b></font></td></tr></table><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#000000><tr><td width=100%><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=2186><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm290.jpg alt='Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith.' title='Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm0290.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith.</b><br><br></font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM0290</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=2186>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Simon Smith</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£25 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£95.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='2186'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM290. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. <b><p>Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. <p> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='95.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT25, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=2187>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Benny Goodman (Pilot) volunteered for aircrew at 18 years of age and was called up in 1940. After basic training he went to RAF Abingdon - a Whitley OTU - for what he was told would be straight through training. This did not materialise and he found himself in the role of a Ground Gunner. In 1941, a posting eventually came through to the Initial Training Wing followed by Elementary Fyling School at Peterborough and an instructors course at Woodley, Reading; then to Clyffe Pyparde, a holding unit. A sea journey to Canada followed and Service Flying Training School on Ansons. On completion he was posted to Kingston, Ontario, to instruct Acting Leading Naval Airmen on the Royal Navy tactics of the time, e.g. jinking after take off, dive bombing, etc. Eventually he returned to the UK and OTU on Wellingtons at Silverstone and Heavy Conversion Bomber Unit at Swinderby on Stirlings, followed by a short course at the Lancaster Conversion Unit. After an interview Benny and his crew were surprised and delighted to find they had been selected for 617 squadron - this was in 1944 and they had stayed together as a crew on 617 squadron until the war in Europe ended. He completed 30 missions - all with Jock Burnett as his flight engineer. Notable raids Jock took part in were on the Tirpitz, 29th October 1944, dropping the Grand Slam 22,000 bomb on the Arnsberg Viaduct, 19th March 1945, and the attack on Berchtesgarten Eagles Nest, 25th May 1945. Benny Goodman died in July 2021.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=198>Goodman, L S Benny</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2021'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in late 1940, he served as a Flight Engineer with 7, 156 and 12 Squadrons before finally joining 635 Sqn, Pathfinder Force on Lancasters who acted as Master Bombers for this final raid of the war in Europe.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2059>Calton, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Wireless Operator, he flew on Wellingtons, Stirlings and Ansons and flew 18 Ops on Lancasters with 617 Sqn including raids to sink the Tirpitz and the final raid of the war in Europe on Berchtesgaden. Colin enlisted at 18 in 1942 and joined the Royal Air Force. He underwent intensive training at Warrington and a number of training facilities at Blackpool and Yatesbury. As well as studying to be a wireless operator he also learned to be an air gunner. This was because it was an 'insurance policy' of sorts that if the aircrew onboard the Lancaster Bomber lost their first gunner the 'wireless op' would take over. Colin and his fellow aircrew were first involved in several practice bombing raids. At this time he was also carrying out a role as an inspector of the aircraft, specifically ensuring the batteries and electronics were up to scratch. He was sent on his first operation aboard a modified Lancaster bomber. The Lancasters had been specially modified with the removal of their mid-upper gun turrets and other equipment to lighten them, and they flew with a crew of six rather than the usual seven men. Carrying extra fuel and the 12,000lb 'Tallboy' bomb it was to carry. At 3am on November 12th, as part of a force of 18 Avro Lancasters of 617 Squadron and 13 from 9 Squadron, Colin and the rest of the Lancaster crew left the Scottish base and headed into the night across the North Sea to Tromso on a 2,200 mile round trip, taking 13 hours in total. Initially they flew low at only 1,000ft to avoid enemy radar but 100 miles from that target the entire aerial assault climbed up to their bombing altitude of 14,000ft. Colin and the crew of the modified Lancaster Bomber delivered their payload bang on target, and along with the rest of the bombers were successful in sinking the German Navy's flagship. He flew 18 missions as a wireless operator aboard Lancaster bombers, targeting shipping, U-boat pens, viaducts and cities on the German mainland. Ironically, one was the town of his grandparents - Koblenz. Colin was demobbed in 1946. After the war, he flew missions to India to dispose of surplus weapons and flew in the very Lancaster Bomber flown by Guy Gibson, the wing commander who led Operation Chastise, the Dambusters raid. Colin Cole passed away in May 2016 aged 93.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2060>Cole, Colin</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2016'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Alistair Lamb, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Royal Air Force in March 1944 and went to No.7 Gunnery School at Stormydown in Wales. In August 1944 he went to Market Harborough and started training in Ansons before moving on to Wellingtons. Alistair went to H1654 heavy conversion unit at Wigsley flying in Stirlings and Lancasters. In March he joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and participated in amongst other operations Operation Manna dropping food supplies to the Dutch, on the 30th April 1945 over Rotterdam, 2nd May 1945 over The Hague and 7th May 1945 at Valkenburg. Sgt Alistair lamb and the rest of the crew also took part in Operation Harken Project, photography of U-Boat Pens at Farge. After the war Sgt Alistair Lamb stayed with 15 Squadron at RAF Wyton on Lincolns until August 1947 when he left the RAF and joined the Civil Service. Alistair Lamb still lives in his home town of Stirling.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2208>Lamb, Alistair</a><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £175</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£60 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£120.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='2187'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM290AP. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. <p><b>The final 25 remaining prints in this edition now have pilot / aircrew signatures</b><b><p>Signed by : <br>Squadron Leader L S Benny Goodman,<br>Warrant Officer Colin Cole,<br>Warrant Officer Ken Calton,<br>Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Gunnery Leader Sgt Alistair Lamb. <p>Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. <p> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='120.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT60, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1358, SIG2114, SIG2115, SIG2136, SIG2264, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> From the signed limited edition of 1000 prints, less than 100 are available co-signed. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14210>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flt Eng William (Bill) Higgins Born in Plymouth, Devon, joined the RAF at the age of 17 and became a flight engineer on Lancaster with 195 Squadron.in October 1944. whihc flew from RAF Wratting Common. Bill Higgins flew on most missions that 195 Squadorn took part in including there last mission on the 24th April 1945 the bombing of Railway facilites at Bad Oldesloe. and also took part in the supply drops to the Dutch at The Hague on the 7th May 1945. After the war end Bill transferred to air traffic control in Occupied Germany durign the Belrin Airtlift. and after leaving the RAF, Joined the civil servcie and worked onRadar, including the intallation of radar on HMS Cavalier in Singapore.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1035>Higgins, William Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £20</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£10 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£105.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14210'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0290B. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. <b><p>Signed by Flt Eng William (Bill) Higgins (deceased). <p> From the signed limited edition of 1000 prints, less than 100 are available co-signed. <p> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='105.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, B2G3HP, NT10, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1600, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14970>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£300.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14970'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0290C. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. <b><p>Supplied with the original signature of Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased). <p> Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs. <p> Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='300.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>GICLEE<br>CANVAS</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=2620>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Simon Smith<br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£500.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='2620'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM290GL. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. <b><p> Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. <p> Image size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='500.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='GICLEE<br>CANVAS'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>GICLEE<br>CANVAS</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=2619>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 56cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Simon Smith<br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£400.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='2619'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM290GS. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. <b><p>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. <p> Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 56cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='400.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='GICLEE<br>CANVAS'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>ORIGINAL<br>PAINTING</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Original painting by Simon Smith. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=2188>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 46 inches x 36 inches (117cm x 91cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Simon Smith</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3702><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/rt0304.jpg alt='No Turning Back by Robert Taylor.' title='No Turning Back by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/rt0304.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='No Turning Back by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>No Turning Back by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br> A Lancaster of No. 61 Squadron, RAF, piloted by Flt. Lt. Bill Reid, under attack from a German Fw190 en route to Dusseldorf on the night of November 3rd, 1943. Already injured in a previous attack, Bill Reid was again wounded but pressed on for another 50 minutes to bomb the target, then fly his badly damaged aircraft on the long journey home. The courage and devotion to duty that earned Bill Reid the Victoria Cross, was a hallmark of RAF bomber crews throughout their long six year campaign. </font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3702>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : RT0304</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>No Turning Back by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Aircrew edition. Signed limited edition of 600 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3702>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 32 inches x 24 inches (81cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Entering the RAF in 1940 he joined No 114 Squadron as a sergeant pilot flying Blenheims. After 12 operations he and his crew were allocated to No 105 Squadron and then No 107 Squadron, the last remaining Blenheim Squadron in Malta. The Squadron remained there without relief for five months carrying out low level attacks on the shipping. Very few of the original crews survived the detachment, in fact he was commissioned during this period, when 107 Squadron had lost all their officers and for a short time was the only officer, other than the CO, in the Squadron. At the end of this tour he was awarded the DFC. In early 1943 he became one of the first Mosquito instructors in the Pathfinder Force and later moved to No 571 Squadron with the Light Night Strike Force. He then formed No 163 Squadron as acting Wing Commander. He was awarded a bar to his DFC for a low level moonlight mining attack on the Dormund - Ems Canal from 50ft and then a second bar for getting a 4000lb bomb into the mouth of a railway tunnel during the final German Ardennes offensive. During his time on Mosquitoes his navigator was Tommy Broom, together they formed an inseparable combination. Remaining with the RAF after WWII and in accordance with peacetime rules for a much smaller Air Force he was reduced in rank first to Squadron Leader and then to Flight Lieutenant in 1948. Promoted to Air Marshal in 1974 he became the Head of the UK National Air Traffic Services and was the first serving officer to be appointed to the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority. Retiring from the RAF in 1979 he has been actively engaged in civil aviation since then. He died 24th January 2003.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=25>Broom, Ivor</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2003'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Canadian Wilf Burnett joined the RAF before the war and at the outbreak of hostilities was flying Hampdens. He completed his first tour of 30 operations in September 1940, flying with 49 Sqn at Scampton. His crew had bombed invasion barges in the Channel ports, mined enemy waters, operated against the Ruhr, and taken part in the first raids against Berlin. In July 1941 he was posted to 408 (Goose) Sqn RCAF, at Syerston, where one night in January 1942, returning from Hamburg, their Hampden crashed in extreme weather. Wilf was the sole survivor, and he was hospitalised. Recovering he was accepted to command 138 (Special Duties) Sqn at Tempsford who were engaged in dropping agents and supplies to the Resistance in occupied countries flying Halifaxes, later Stirlings. He died 26th November 2006.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=154>Burnett, Wilf</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2006'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £220</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£60 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£210.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='3702'><input type=hidden name=description value='RT304. No Turning Back by Robert Taylor. <p> A Lancaster of No. 61 Squadron, RAF, piloted by Flt. Lt. Bill Reid, under attack from a German Fw190 en route to Dusseldorf on the night of November 3rd, 1943. Already injured in a previous attack, Bill Reid was again wounded but pressed on for another 50 minutes to bomb the target, then fly his badly damaged aircraft on the long journey home. The courage and devotion to duty that earned Bill Reid the Victoria Cross, was a hallmark of RAF bomber crews throughout their long six year campaign. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased), <br>Air Commodore Wilf Burnett DSO OBE DFC AFC (deceased), <br>Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC (deceased) <br>and <br>Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC (deceased). <p> Aircrew edition. Signed limited edition of 600 prints. <p> Paper size 32 inches x 24 inches (81cm x 61cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='210.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT60, APRIL18, MAYS18, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIC2, AIT9, AIT21, SQN97, PER9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, COU5, ART7, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG156, SIG198, SIG199, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0306<x>PP<id>18031, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Aircrew edition artist proofs. Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3703>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 32 inches x 24 inches (81cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Canadian Wilf Burnett joined the RAF before the war and at the outbreak of hostilities was flying Hampdens. He completed his first tour of 30 operations in September 1940, flying with 49 Sqn at Scampton. His crew had bombed invasion barges in the Channel ports, mined enemy waters, operated against the Ruhr, and taken part in the first raids against Berlin. In July 1941 he was posted to 408 (Goose) Sqn RCAF, at Syerston, where one night in January 1942, returning from Hamburg, their Hampden crashed in extreme weather. Wilf was the sole survivor, and he was hospitalised. Recovering he was accepted to command 138 (Special Duties) Sqn at Tempsford who were engaged in dropping agents and supplies to the Resistance in occupied countries flying Halifaxes, later Stirlings. He died 26th November 2006.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=154>Burnett, Wilf</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2006'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Entering the RAF in 1940 he joined No 114 Squadron as a sergeant pilot flying Blenheims. After 12 operations he and his crew were allocated to No 105 Squadron and then No 107 Squadron, the last remaining Blenheim Squadron in Malta. The Squadron remained there without relief for five months carrying out low level attacks on the shipping. Very few of the original crews survived the detachment, in fact he was commissioned during this period, when 107 Squadron had lost all their officers and for a short time was the only officer, other than the CO, in the Squadron. At the end of this tour he was awarded the DFC. In early 1943 he became one of the first Mosquito instructors in the Pathfinder Force and later moved to No 571 Squadron with the Light Night Strike Force. He then formed No 163 Squadron as acting Wing Commander. He was awarded a bar to his DFC for a low level moonlight mining attack on the Dormund - Ems Canal from 50ft and then a second bar for getting a 4000lb bomb into the mouth of a railway tunnel during the final German Ardennes offensive. During his time on Mosquitoes his navigator was Tommy Broom, together they formed an inseparable combination. Remaining with the RAF after WWII and in accordance with peacetime rules for a much smaller Air Force he was reduced in rank first to Squadron Leader and then to Flight Lieutenant in 1948. Promoted to Air Marshal in 1974 he became the Head of the UK National Air Traffic Services and was the first serving officer to be appointed to the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority. Retiring from the RAF in 1979 he has been actively engaged in civil aviation since then. He died 24th January 2003.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=25>Broom, Ivor</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2003'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £220</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£90 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£325.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='3703'><input type=hidden name=description value='RT304AP. No Turning Back by Robert Taylor. <p> A Lancaster of No. 61 Squadron, RAF, piloted by Flt. Lt. Bill Reid, under attack from a German Fw190 en route to Dusseldorf on the night of November 3rd, 1943. Already injured in a previous attack, Bill Reid was again wounded but pressed on for another 50 minutes to bomb the target, then fly his badly damaged aircraft on the long journey home. The courage and devotion to duty that earned Bill Reid the Victoria Cross, was a hallmark of RAF bomber crews throughout their long six year campaign. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased), <br>Air Commodore Wilf Burnett DSO OBE DFC AFC (deceased), <br>Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC (deceased) <br>and <br>Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC (deceased). <p>Aircrew edition artist proofs. Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. <p> Paper size 32 inches x 24 inches (81cm x 61cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='325.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT90, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIC2, AIT9, AIT21, SQN97, PER9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, COU5, ART7, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG198, SIG156, SIG199, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0306<x>PP<id>22769, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Bomber Command Edition. Signed limited edition of 200 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3704>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 32 inches x 24 inches (81cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A mid-upper gunner on Lancaster ED308 D-Donald of 57 squadron RAF Bomber Command, then based at Scampton. By the end of his tour in March 1944 Stan had become an air Ace, credited by 5 Group with the shooting down of 6 enemy fighters, including a Bf109 over France on his very first operation on the night of August 27th 1943. He died on 22nd June 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=23>Bradford, Stan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A member of the elite 617 Dambusters squadron, Bob Knights had a key role on the night before D-Day. With the rest of the squadron he flew on Operation Taxable which simulated the approach of the invasion across the Pas de Calais by dropping metal strips of window to a very precise pattern. The enemy was completely deceived and kept most of their best troops on the wrong side of the Seine. Bob Knights had already flown a full operational tour with 619 Squadron Lancasters, including eight trips to Berlin, before volunteering for 617 Squadron. Under Cheshire he flew on some of the squadrons most challenging precision operations and later under Willie Tait took part in the attack that finally destroyed the Tirpitz. Seconded to BOAC in December 1944 he stayed with the airline after the war for a 30 year long career. He died 4th December 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=24>Knights, Bob</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Lieutenant Dennis William, Woolley. DFC, DFM. 106 (5 Group) and 83 (S-PFF- Group) Squadrons. 1940 - Volunteered for air crew service. 1941 - Trained as an Air Observer in Manitoba. 1942 - Did 1st tour, on Manchesters (6 trips) and on Lancasters (27 trips). Awarded DFM. 1942 - 3 - Instructor at Winthorpe, Notts. 1943 - Engaged in special operations relating to the advancement of the Italian campaign. Based latterly in Sicily. 1944 - Did 2nd tour in Bomber Command in 83 (PFF) Squadron. 25 trips in Lancasters. Awarded DFC and Pathfinder Badge. 1944 - 5 - Joined Transport Command, Transatlantic Ferry Unit based at Darval, Montreal. 1945 - 6 - Seconded to what is now known as British Airways. Based at Poole, navigating Sunderland flying boats to and from Singapore. 1946 - Demobilised. A long time resident of Chipstead, Denis Woolley, died on 28th of December 2009, at the age of 89. The following Obituary was prepared by Rupert Courtenay-Evans: Denis Woolley was born in London and as a boy lived in Kew. He was educated at Latimer Upper School, which he enjoyed. When he left school he briefly went to work at the Gas, Light and Coke Company; however when war was declared he joined the RAFVR as a navigator on the grounds of not liking the sound of the sea or army and his love of maths at school! His initial operational training of navigation, bombing and gunnery was mainly in Canada, because of the practical difficulties of flying in Britain at the time. Navigation at night in those pre-radar days involved astral navigation which depended on seeing the stars as well being able to fly straight and level for 15 minutes, often not very safe or practical on night raids over enemy occupied Europe as Denis would jokingly say. He went on to become an expert in all forms of more sophisticated electronic navigational equipment including G, Oboe and H2S which were radar systems. On return to England in 1942, he joined an operational bomber squadron at Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a sergeant navigator. Initially he was in the poorly performing Manchester bombers, but after six trips the squadron was converted to its successor, the Lancaster bomber and all his subsequent 27 trips with this unit were in these aircraft . Most of these trips were with Guy Gibson as squadron commander, with whom he seemed to get on very well. With the exception of two, all trips were at night, which of course relied very heavily on navigational skills. Of the two day trips one was to Le Cressau, which involved flying at 250 feet to avoid the enemy flack and the other was over the Alps to bomb Milan, which turned out to be very poorly defended by recruits firing rifles, and all the aircraft got back safely! After a brief tour to Sicily as an instructor to help set up a bomber base from which to attack Italy more easily in support of the advancing ground forces, which, in Denis's words, was abortive as the Italians surrendered immediately! He returned to operational flying in England and was considered good enough to be commissioned and to join the newly formed Pathfinder Force under the brilliant Australian airman Don Bennett. Pathfinder Force or Group 8 was set up against the wishes of Bomber Harris, the chief of Bomber Command, but with the agreement of Churchill. Its purpose was to reduce casualties, and to improve the accuracy of identifying targets at night, by marking not only the appropriate route to the target, but also the target itself by a force of selected crews specialised in these skills. Harris was against it as he felt it would create jealousy and have an adverse on effect on morale. The Pathfinder planes, which roughly were in a ratio of 1 to 15 of the main force, which could be 800 or more strong, would lead the raid to the target along the pre-arranged route often with diversionary tactics, then drop their marker bombs and leave. Denis modestly used to say that the German gunners let Pathfinders through safely and then concentrated their fire on the following main force. Denis was not only selected to join Group 8 but went on to be a Master Bomber whose role had been extended to be a sort of Master of Ceremonies, whose plane circulated the target correcting aiming points and co-ordinating the raid by radio. Denis did his final 6 trips in this position, thus completing 58 bombing raids without being shot down, such was his luck as he would say, but others would put it down to his skill and calmness under stress. Denis always said that every bomber crew set off on a raid convinced that they would not be shot down on that trip. At this stage the RAF decided to take him off further combat flights, enough was enough. He completed his service with Transport Command and was demobbed in 1946. He ended his RAF career as a Flight Lt. with the DFC, the DFM and the cherished Pathfinders Badge. After the war he had hoped to continue his flying career with BOAC, the fore-runner of BA, but they unexpectedly decided to charge him a £500 training fee, which he did not have, and probably thought was unnecessary. Instead he joined the Bank of England. Dennis Woolley died 28th December 2009.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=160>Woolley, Dennis</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2009'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1939, he was posted as a wireless operator firstly to 149 Squadron and then 99 Squadron on Wellingtons. He then joined OTU on Whitleys before moving firstly to 158 Squadron, and then 617 Squadron on Lancasters, where he was Unit Signals Leader for 18 months. After bomber operations he joined Transport Command in 1944. He died on 21st June 2008.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=156>Curtis, Lawrence</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Douglas Newham was a navigator with 156 and 150 Squadrons before transferring to the Lancasters of 10 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=158>Newham, Douglas</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='William Farquharson was a pilot with 115 Squadron and flew Lancasters with 195 Squadron. William Farqharson was born om September 28th 1919 in Malacca, Malaya. His father was a police officer in the Colonial Service. His early schooling was in Malaya and Australia, and he completed his education at Harris Academy, Dundee, and later went to the Birmingham Central Technical College. In January 1941 William Farqharson enlisted in the Royal Air Force to become a pilot. William Farqharson joined No 115 Squadron in July 1942 and flew his first bombing operations in the Wellington before the squadron converted to the four-engine Stirling. Farqharsons first sorties were to drop mines in the Kattegat, the Baltic and off the French Biscay coast. Farquharson also bombed targets in Germany and in northern Italy, the latter involving very long flights over the Alps. On April 20 1943 he and his crew attacked Stettin at low level in full moonlight. Dissatisfied with the first attempt, he made a second bombing run despite heavy opposition. His Stirling was badly damaged, but he then made a third run to photograph the results of his attack before turning for the long flight home. He was awarded his first DFC. After a period training bomber crews, Farquharson returned to operational flying in October 1944 when he joined No 195 Squadron. Bomber Command was concentrating on attacks against the German oil industry and he bombed many targets in the Ruhr. Farquharson and his crews also wre involved in Operation Manna these humanitarian operations which saw them dropping food to the starving population in the Netherlands and also took his Lancaster to Belgium and France for Operation Exodus to pick up prisoners of war recently released form German PoW camps. In total William Farqharson completed 63 operations as a pilot in Bomber Command. He recalled on one occasion the engine of his Wellington caught fire and he ordered his crew to bail out. As the last man left, he realised that the aircraft would be too low for him to survive a jump and he was forced to crash land into the tops of some trees before hitting a farm in the Cotswolds. The wings sheared off and he ended up, badly concussed, in the fuselage section. The farmer's son rushed into the house shouting, <i>there's an aeroplane in the greenhouse</i>. On another occasion his bomber was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. On landing he discovered a large piece of shrapnel embedded in the parachute he had been sitting on. Farquharson remained in the RAF and much of his early service was involved in training pilots. After attending the Central Flying School he commanded flying training squadrons and in 1953 led a large formation of aircraft in the Coronation Flypast. Later he was the chief instructor at an advanced flying school equipped with the Meteor jet fighter. After appointments in the Far East and as station commander at RAF Episkopi in Cyprus, Farquharson was appointed air attaché in Warsaw at the height of the Cold War. There all his activities were closely monitored by the secret police. Having shown no previous interest, he suddenly became an expert in birdwatching when he 'discovered' that the most interesting sites were close to military airfields. After retiring from the RAF in 1976, Farquharson worked in the sales division of a company manufacturing flight simulators and was for a period of time chairman of the Bomber Command Association. He was later made an honorary vice-president and worked hard seeking recognition for his fellow veterans. With his wife, a former WAAF operations officer on his bomber station, he was able to attend the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial by the Queen in July 2012. Sadly Group Captain Bill Farquharson, died on September 20th 2012.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=157>Farquharson, William</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2012'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Dudley joined the RAF in 1935 and in 1937 went to India flying on the North West Frontier, and Iraq. At the outbreak of war he went to Burma and in 1942 was fortunate to escape when his airfield was overrun by the Japanese. Escaping back to England he took command of 195 Squadron RCAF flying Wellingtons. In 1943 he became CO of 427 Squadron on Halifaxs, later converting to Lancasters. In the Korean War he commanded a Flying Boat Wing operating Sunderlands. He retired from the RAF in 1962. He died 20th September 2005.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=155>Burnside, Dudley</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2005'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Ken Wolstenholme was a pilot first with 107 Sqn flying Blenheims before joining 8 Group Pathfinders flying Mosquitos. He completed 100 ops. After the war he became a famous sports broadcaster with the BBC. He died 26th March 2002.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=159>Wolstenholme, Kenneth</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2002'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Entering the RAF in 1940 he joined No 114 Squadron as a sergeant pilot flying Blenheims. After 12 operations he and his crew were allocated to No 105 Squadron and then No 107 Squadron, the last remaining Blenheim Squadron in Malta. The Squadron remained there without relief for five months carrying out low level attacks on the shipping. Very few of the original crews survived the detachment, in fact he was commissioned during this period, when 107 Squadron had lost all their officers and for a short time was the only officer, other than the CO, in the Squadron. At the end of this tour he was awarded the DFC. In early 1943 he became one of the first Mosquito instructors in the Pathfinder Force and later moved to No 571 Squadron with the Light Night Strike Force. He then formed No 163 Squadron as acting Wing Commander. He was awarded a bar to his DFC for a low level moonlight mining attack on the Dormund - Ems Canal from 50ft and then a second bar for getting a 4000lb bomb into the mouth of a railway tunnel during the final German Ardennes offensive. During his time on Mosquitoes his navigator was Tommy Broom, together they formed an inseparable combination. Remaining with the RAF after WWII and in accordance with peacetime rules for a much smaller Air Force he was reduced in rank first to Squadron Leader and then to Flight Lieutenant in 1948. Promoted to Air Marshal in 1974 he became the Head of the UK National Air Traffic Services and was the first serving officer to be appointed to the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority. Retiring from the RAF in 1979 he has been actively engaged in civil aviation since then. He died 24th January 2003.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=25>Broom, Ivor</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2003'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Canadian Wilf Burnett joined the RAF before the war and at the outbreak of hostilities was flying Hampdens. He completed his first tour of 30 operations in September 1940, flying with 49 Sqn at Scampton. His crew had bombed invasion barges in the Channel ports, mined enemy waters, operated against the Ruhr, and taken part in the first raids against Berlin. In July 1941 he was posted to 408 (Goose) Sqn RCAF, at Syerston, where one night in January 1942, returning from Hamburg, their Hampden crashed in extreme weather. Wilf was the sole survivor, and he was hospitalised. Recovering he was accepted to command 138 (Special Duties) Sqn at Tempsford who were engaged in dropping agents and supplies to the Resistance in occupied countries flying Halifaxes, later Stirlings. He died 26th November 2006.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=154>Burnett, Wilf</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2006'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £515</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£295.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='3704'><input type=hidden name=description value='RT304B. No Turning Back by Robert Taylor. <p> A Lancaster of No. 61 Squadron, RAF, piloted by Flt. Lt. Bill Reid, under attack from a German Fw190 en route to Dusseldorf on the night of November 3rd, 1943. Already injured in a previous attack, Bill Reid was again wounded but pressed on for another 50 minutes to bomb the target, then fly his badly damaged aircraft on the long journey home. The courage and devotion to duty that earned Bill Reid the Victoria Cross, was a hallmark of RAF bomber crews throughout their long six year campaign. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased), <br>Air Commodore Wilf Burnett DSO OBE DFC AFC (deceased), <br>Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC (deceased), <br>Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC (deceased), <br>Flt Sergeant Stan Bradford DFM, <br>Group Captain Dudley Burnside DSO OBE DFC* (deceased), <br>Squadron Leader Lawrence Curtis DFC* (deceased), <br>Group Captain William Farquharson DFC (deceased), <br>Flt Lieutenant Bob Knights DSO, DFC (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant Douglas Newham LVO DFC, <br>Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Wolstenholme DFC* (deceased) <br>and <br>Flight Lieutenant Dennis Woolley DFC DFM (deceased). <p> Bomber Command Edition. Signed limited edition of 200 prints. <p> Paper size 32 inches x 24 inches (81cm x 61cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='295.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIC2, AIT9, AIT21, SQN97, PER9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, COU5, ART7, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG209, SIG46, SIG1273, SIG1319, SIG955, SIG1404, SIG1405, SIG1410, SIG15, SIG156, SIG198, SIG199, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0306<x>PP<id>22769, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=4><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23936><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/b0306.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23936>Focke-Wulf Fw190A-5/U8 by Ivan Berryman.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£215</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £105</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22337><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/b0428.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22337>Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£230</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £120</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22335><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/b0305.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22335>Messerschmitt Me262B-1a/U1 by Ivan Berryman.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£220</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £100</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22334><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/b0308.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22334>Gunner's Moon by Ivan Berryman. (C)</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£230</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £125</i></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4345><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm1466.jpg alt='The Shining Sword by Simon Smith.' title='The Shining Sword by Simon Smith.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm1466.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='The Shining Sword by Simon Smith.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>The Shining Sword by Simon Smith.</b><br><br> RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe. </font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM1466</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>The Shining Sword by Simon Smith. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 500 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4345>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). </b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£70 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£140.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4345'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1466. The Shining Sword by Simon Smith. <p> RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe. <b><p> Signed by Victoria Cross winner Bill Reid (deceased). <p> Signed limited edition of 500 prints. <p> Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). '><input type=hidden name=price value='140.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT70, B1G1HP, MAYS18, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0487<x>PP<id>22815, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of artist proofs.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4346>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm) Less than 10 copies remain.</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£120 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£170.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4346'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1466AP. The Shining Sword by Simon Smith. <p> RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe. <b><p> Signed by Victoria Cross winner Bill Reid (deceased). <p> Limited edition of artist proofs.<p> Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm) Less than 10 copies remain.'><input type=hidden name=price value='170.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT120, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0487<x>PP<id>22815, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Aircrew Presentation edition of 2 prints from the edition of artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28539>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). </b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of the top RAF navigators of the war who went on more than 100 sorties in Bomber Command. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was born in Birmingham in November 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force in early 1939. Norman Scrivener trained at Staverton Aerodrome, in Gloucestershire, where he discovered he suffered from air sickness. He joined 97 (New Zealand ) Squadron, became a pilot officer and was one of the first navigators to use the developing radar systems and later flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (before Gibson moved to the Dambusters.) with 106 Squadron and in 1943 joined the Pathfinders of 83 Squadron as navigator to the Squadron Commander John Searby and took part in the raid on the German radar facilities in Peenemunde where the German V2 and V1 rockets were produced and tested. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Order. Sadly Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener died in Worcester aged 91 in May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=211>Scrivener, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><i> (clipped)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='John Petrie-Andrews joined the RAF in 1940. After training as a pilot, in January 1943 he was posted to join 102 (Ceylon) Squadron at Pocklington for his first tour, flying Halifaxes. In February 1943 he transferred to 158 Squadron, still on Halifaxes. John the joined 35 Squadron, one of the original squadrons forming the Pathfinder Force. Here he flew first Halifaxes before converting to Lancasters. John Petrie-Andrews completed a total of 70 operations on heavy bombers, including 60 with the Pathfinders.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=96>Petrie-Andrews, John</a><i> (clipped)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Lieutenant Dennis William, Woolley. DFC, DFM. 106 (5 Group) and 83 (S-PFF- Group) Squadrons. 1940 - Volunteered for air crew service. 1941 - Trained as an Air Observer in Manitoba. 1942 - Did 1st tour, on Manchesters (6 trips) and on Lancasters (27 trips). Awarded DFM. 1942 - 3 - Instructor at Winthorpe, Notts. 1943 - Engaged in special operations relating to the advancement of the Italian campaign. Based latterly in Sicily. 1944 - Did 2nd tour in Bomber Command in 83 (PFF) Squadron. 25 trips in Lancasters. Awarded DFC and Pathfinder Badge. 1944 - 5 - Joined Transport Command, Transatlantic Ferry Unit based at Darval, Montreal. 1945 - 6 - Seconded to what is now known as British Airways. Based at Poole, navigating Sunderland flying boats to and from Singapore. 1946 - Demobilised. A long time resident of Chipstead, Denis Woolley, died on 28th of December 2009, at the age of 89. The following Obituary was prepared by Rupert Courtenay-Evans: Denis Woolley was born in London and as a boy lived in Kew. He was educated at Latimer Upper School, which he enjoyed. When he left school he briefly went to work at the Gas, Light and Coke Company; however when war was declared he joined the RAFVR as a navigator on the grounds of not liking the sound of the sea or army and his love of maths at school! His initial operational training of navigation, bombing and gunnery was mainly in Canada, because of the practical difficulties of flying in Britain at the time. Navigation at night in those pre-radar days involved astral navigation which depended on seeing the stars as well being able to fly straight and level for 15 minutes, often not very safe or practical on night raids over enemy occupied Europe as Denis would jokingly say. He went on to become an expert in all forms of more sophisticated electronic navigational equipment including G, Oboe and H2S which were radar systems. On return to England in 1942, he joined an operational bomber squadron at Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a sergeant navigator. Initially he was in the poorly performing Manchester bombers, but after six trips the squadron was converted to its successor, the Lancaster bomber and all his subsequent 27 trips with this unit were in these aircraft . Most of these trips were with Guy Gibson as squadron commander, with whom he seemed to get on very well. With the exception of two, all trips were at night, which of course relied very heavily on navigational skills. Of the two day trips one was to Le Cressau, which involved flying at 250 feet to avoid the enemy flack and the other was over the Alps to bomb Milan, which turned out to be very poorly defended by recruits firing rifles, and all the aircraft got back safely! After a brief tour to Sicily as an instructor to help set up a bomber base from which to attack Italy more easily in support of the advancing ground forces, which, in Denis's words, was abortive as the Italians surrendered immediately! He returned to operational flying in England and was considered good enough to be commissioned and to join the newly formed Pathfinder Force under the brilliant Australian airman Don Bennett. Pathfinder Force or Group 8 was set up against the wishes of Bomber Harris, the chief of Bomber Command, but with the agreement of Churchill. Its purpose was to reduce casualties, and to improve the accuracy of identifying targets at night, by marking not only the appropriate route to the target, but also the target itself by a force of selected crews specialised in these skills. Harris was against it as he felt it would create jealousy and have an adverse on effect on morale. The Pathfinder planes, which roughly were in a ratio of 1 to 15 of the main force, which could be 800 or more strong, would lead the raid to the target along the pre-arranged route often with diversionary tactics, then drop their marker bombs and leave. Denis modestly used to say that the German gunners let Pathfinders through safely and then concentrated their fire on the following main force. Denis was not only selected to join Group 8 but went on to be a Master Bomber whose role had been extended to be a sort of Master of Ceremonies, whose plane circulated the target correcting aiming points and co-ordinating the raid by radio. Denis did his final 6 trips in this position, thus completing 58 bombing raids without being shot down, such was his luck as he would say, but others would put it down to his skill and calmness under stress. Denis always said that every bomber crew set off on a raid convinced that they would not be shot down on that trip. At this stage the RAF decided to take him off further combat flights, enough was enough. He completed his service with Transport Command and was demobbed in 1946. He ended his RAF career as a Flight Lt. with the DFC, the DFM and the cherished Pathfinders Badge. After the war he had hoped to continue his flying career with BOAC, the fore-runner of BA, but they unexpectedly decided to charge him a £500 training fee, which he did not have, and probably thought was unnecessary. Instead he joined the Bank of England. Dennis Woolley died 28th December 2009.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=160>Woolley, Dennis</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2009'><i> (clipped)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Upon completing his training in 1943 Jim Wright joined 61 Sqn at Syerston as a Navigator on Lancasters and served in the crew of Flight Lieutenant Ken Ames DFC and Bar. After completing 5 operations with 61 Sqn, F/L Ames and crew were posted to East Kirkby to join the newly formed 630 Squadron. After a brief spell in hospital, after a trip to Kassel on the 22 October 1943 and after completing 22 operations with 630 Squadron, Jim Wright joined 97 (Pathfinder) Squadron at Coningsby for the commencement of their 2nd tour. Jim and the crew completed 16 operations with 97 squadron with their last operation was on the 19th of September 1944. In January 1944 they completed trips to Stettin, Brunswick, Magdeburg and 4 to Berlin. Their next trip to Berlin was on 15th February 1944 followed by operations to Leipzig, Stuttgart and Augsburg. In March they went to Stuttgart, Charmand-Ferront, Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Nuremburg. In April to Toulouse, Pillau Canal (Konigsberg), Tours and Juvisy. In May, to finish their first tour, they went to Bourg. Following completion of operational duties with 97 Squadron Jim Wright was seconded to BOAC and served as an Operations Officer at Hurn and Heathrow in1945 until being demobed in October 1946. Then Jim worked for BOAC 1946 until December 1950 as an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) in British West Africa (Yundum & Half Die, Gambia) and as a Flight Operations Officer at Prestwick and Heathrow before rejoining the RAF 1951 for ATCO duties until he retired in 1976. He died on 2nd June 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=983>Wright, Jim</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2019'><i> (clipped)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Ernest Rodley initially joined the RAFVR in 1937 and was commissioned and posted to Bomber Command in 1941. Joining 97 Sqn flying Manchesters he was involved in the attack on the Scharnhorst, Prinz Eugen and Gneisenau whilst in Brest harbour and in the famous Augsberg daylight raid for which he received a DFC. At the end of 1942 he joined RAF Scampton helping to convert to Lancaster Bombers before rejoining 97 Sqn at Bourn as a Pathfinder. After a spell at Warboys as an instructor he took command of 128 Sqn at Wyton, flying Mosquitoes as part of the Light Night Strike Force and involvede in doing 7 trips to Berlin. Staying with this unit he finished the war having completed 87 operations. In 1946 Ernest Rodley joined British South American Airways flying Lancastrians across the Atlantic from a tented Heathrow. On 13th April 1950 he was checked out on the new Comet jet airliner by John Cunningham and became the worlds first jet endorsed Airline Transport Pilots Licence holder. Ernest Rodley retired from BOAC in 1968 as a Boeing 707 Captain, joining Olympic Airways a few days later. He amassed an amazing 28000 flying hours. Sadly he died in 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=28>Rodley, Ernest</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2004'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £310</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£20 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£380.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28539'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1466B. The Shining Sword by Simon Smith. <p> RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe. <b><p>Signed by Victoria Cross winner Bill Reid (deceased) and supplied with the original signatures of Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener DSO DFC (deceased), Flight Lieutenant John Petrie-Andrews DFC DFM, Flight Lieutenant Dennis Woolley DFC DFM (deceased), Wing Commander Jim Wright DFC and Wing Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE (deceased). <p>Aircrew Presentation edition of 2 prints from the edition of artist proofs. <p>Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). '><input type=hidden name=price value='380.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT20, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG824C, SIG208C, SIG1273C, SIG1577C, SIG1065C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value='20.00'><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT<br>(BORDER<br>DAMAGE)</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 500 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28374>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Less than 60 copies remain.</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i><br>+ Artist : Simon Smith</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£150 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FFFF00 align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£100.00</b></font><br><i><font size=2 color=#000000>Better Than<br>Half Price!</font></i></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28374'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1466Y. The Shining Sword by Simon Smith. <p> RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe. <br><br><i>This print has some light handling damage to outer edge of border. If we sold framed prints, we would frame these up and sell them as new, the damage is so light. Instead we have reduced the price online to reflect the minor damage. <br><a href=https://www.military-art.com/mall/border-damage.php>Please click here for a list of all our stock in this category.</a></b><br><br><b><p> Signed by Victoria Cross winner Bill Reid (deceased). <p> Signed limited edition of 500 prints. <p> Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Less than 60 copies remain.'><input type=hidden name=price value='100.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT150, UHP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART76, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT<br>(BORDER<br>DAMAGE)'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=2><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=50% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20629><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm1161.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20629>Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. (C)</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£215</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £155</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=50% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20625><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2088.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20625>Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£325</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £250</i></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21164><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm5007.jpg alt='Lancaster by Frank Wootton.' title='Lancaster by Frank Wootton.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm5007.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Lancaster by Frank Wootton.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Lancaster by Frank Wootton.</b><br><br> Published to mark the 50th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Avro Lancaster on 9th January 1941. </font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21164>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM5007</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Lancaster by Frank Wootton. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 850 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21164>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 24 inches x 17 inches (61cm x 43cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1994'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=216>Cheshire, Leonard</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1992'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Alex Henshaw perhaps understands the Spitfire better than any other pilot - for he was Vickers Chief Test Pilot on Spitfires at the new Spitfire factory at Castle Bromwich during World War II. By the end of the war he had personally test flown a total of 2360 different Spitfires and Seafires - more than ten per cent of the entire production. It is often stated that those lucky enough to have seen Alex handle the Spitfire in flight, that it is an experience that can never be forgotten, he was acknowledged as a virtuoso in aerobatics. Alex Henshaw died 24th February 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=21>Henshaw, Alex</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot and Captain of Lancaster AJ-O, he attacked the Ennepe Dam. Transferring to the RAF from the Army in 1941, Bill Townsend served a tour as a pilot with 49 Squadron, before joining 617 Squadron, at the time a Flight Sergeant. As part of 617 Squadron Bill Townsend flew Lancaster ED-886 codenamed AJ – O for Orange in the famous dambuster raid of May 1944. Flight Sergeant Townsend flew his bomber and crew in the third wave of the famous raid. After the first two dams (Mohne and Eder) were breached, O for Orange was tasked to attack the Ennepe dam. With no anti-aircraft firing at them, they had time to do three trial runs before they released their bomb, but it failed to damage the dam. Forced to fly back at tree top level by enemy action, his Lancaster was the last to return. It limped home short of one engine. He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his courageous actions in the raid. Bill Townsend was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He had been a pupil at Monmouth and after the war studied at Lincoln College, Oxford. He became a business man and a civil servant after his studies. FLt/Lt Townsend passed away in April 1991 , there with a flypast by 617 Tornadoes at his cremation on the 15th April 1991'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=447>Townsend, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1991'><i><br>+ Artist : Frank Wootton</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £430</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£400.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='21164'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM5007. Lancaster by Frank Wootton. <p> Published to mark the 50th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Avro Lancaster on 9th January 1941. <p><b>One very rare print available only, number 770 of 850. Good condition but has some surface scratches and one small dent on the image - not noticeable once framed. </b> <b><p> Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased),<br>Warrant Officer Norman Jackson VC (deceased),<br>Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC OM DSO** DFC* (deceased),<br>Group Captain J B Tait DSO*** DFC* ADC (deceased),<br>Chief Test Pilot Alex Henshaw (deceased),<br>and<br> Flight Lieutenant Bill Townsend CGM DFM (deceased). <p>Signed limited edition of 850 prints. <p> Image size 24 inches x 17 inches (61cm x 43cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='400.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART276, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIC1, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG16, SIG13, SIG44, SIG354, SIG216, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=29468><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm6619.jpg alt='Home Again England by Robert Taylor.' title='Home Again England by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm6619.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Home Again England by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Home Again England by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br> By April 1945 everyone, except a few die-hard fanatical Nazis, knew the war in Europe was over; the end was only a matter of time. So when Bomber Command dispatched a force of over 300 Lancaster bombers to destroy Hitler's infamous Obersalzberg retreat at Berchtesgaden on 25th April, it would prove to be their last major raid of the war - just a few days later Hitler committed suicide as Berlin crumpled around him. In the early hours of 7th May General Alfred Jodl, Chief-of-Staff of German High Command, unconditionally surrendered all German armed forces and for the RAF the war in mainland Europe was finally over. The fight had lasted for nearly six years during which time its airmen had faced unmitigated dangers and often appalling flying conditions, with moments of exhilaration balanced by those of terror because victory had come at a terrible price; of the 125,000 aircrew to have served in RAF Bomber Command 55,573 had been killed whilst in Fighter Command 3,690 airmen had pa.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=29468>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM6619</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Home Again England by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 100 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=29468>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Paper size 24 inches x 18 inches (61cm x 46cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£155.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='29468'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6619. Home Again England by Robert Taylor. <p> By April 1945 everyone, except a few die-hard fanatical Nazis, knew the war in Europe was over; the end was only a matter of time. So when Bomber Command dispatched a force of over 300 Lancaster bombers to destroy Hitler's infamous Obersalzberg retreat at Berchtesgaden on 25th April, it would prove to be their last major raid of the war - just a few days later Hitler committed suicide as Berlin crumpled around him. In the early hours of 7th May General Alfred Jodl, Chief-of-Staff of German High Command, unconditionally surrendered all German armed forces and for the RAF the war in mainland Europe was finally over. The fight had lasted for nearly six years during which time its airmen had faced unmitigated dangers and often appalling flying conditions, with moments of exhilaration balanced by those of terror because victory had come at a terrible price; of the 125,000 aircrew to have served in RAF Bomber Command 55,573 had been killed whilst in Fighter Command 3,690 airmen had paid the ultimate sacrifice. Undoubtedly the aircrew who flew and fought with the RAF as it played its part in removing the tyranny of Nazi power and occupation from Europe were among the bravest of the brave and two aircraft above all others came to symbolise their heroic fight: the elegant Spitfire, magnificent in defence during the dark days of 1940, lethal in attack thereafter; and the awe-inspiring Avro Lancaster, the four-engined heavy bomber that from 1942 onwards formed the backbone of Bomber Command and allowed the RAF to take the war into the very heart of Hitler's Germany. In recognition of the role played by these two legendary aircraft and the men who flew them, Home Again England depicts a scene during those final few weeks of the war. A battle-weary Lancaster limps home along the Norfolk coast with its outer starboard engine feathered and out of action following one of Bomber Command's last daylight operations. Luckily a group of Mk.XIV Spitfires is on hand to provide close escort and will see the bomber safely back to base. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC.<p>Signed limited edition of 100 prints. <p> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Paper size 24 inches x 18 inches (61cm x 46cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='155.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collector's limited edition of 25 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=29470>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Paper size 24 inches x 18 inches (61cm x 46cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Tom Dalton-Morgan was born on March 23rd 1917 at Cardiff and educated at Taunton School. He was a descendant of the buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan and the Cromwellian General Sir Thomas Morgan, Thomas Frederick Dalton-Morgan. Tom Dalton-Morgan joined the RAF in 1935, serving with 22 Squadron. Flying the Wildebeeste torpedo bomber, he joined the training staff at the Air Ministry. In April 1940 he applied to return to flying, and was appointed to No.43 Squadron. In June 1940 he was posted to Tangmere as B Flight commander with 43 Squadron, flying Hurricanes, scoring his first victory on 12 July. In action over the Channel he shared in the destruction of a Heinkel bomber, but he was forced to bale out with slight wounds the following day when he destroyed another and then was hit by crossfire. With no badges of rank in evidence - he was wearing pyjamas under his flying suit - he was captured by a bobby who placed him in the cells along with the German bomber crew he had just shot down. Dalton-Morgan resumed flying and was soon back in action, accounting for four more enemy aircraft in the next three weeks. In early September, he shot down three Messerschmitt fighters. After one engagement he was wounded in the face and knee, and had to crash-land. His DFC praised him for <i>displaying great courage when his behaviour in action has been an inspiration to his flight</i>. After the Battle of Britain, Dalton-Morgan's primary task was to train new pilots for service with the squadrons in the south. He was also required to establish a night-fighting capability with the Hurricane, a task he achieved with great success. Few enemy night bombers fell victim to single-seat fighter pilots, but Dalton-Morgan, hunting alone, destroyed no fewer than six. Three of his victims went down in successive nights on May 6-7 1941, when the Luftwaffe embarked on a major offensive against the Clydesdale ports and Glasgow. On June 8th, Dalton-Morgan achieved a remarkable interception when he shot down a Junkers bomber, having made initial contact by spotting its shadow on the moonlit sea. After two more successes at night, he was carrying out a practice interception on July 24th with a fellow pilot when he saw another Junkers. Dalton-Morgan gave chase and intercepted it off May Island. Despite his engine failing and fumes filling the cockpit, he attacked the bomber three times. He had just watched it hit the sea when his engine stopped. Too low to bale out, he made a masterly landing on the water, but lost two front teeth when his face hit the gun sight. He clambered into his dinghy before being rescued by the Navy. In January 1942 he left the squadron to become a Controller. Promoted Wing Commander Operations with 13 Group, he then led the Ibsley Wing, consisting of 4 Spitfire, 2 Whirlwind, and 2 Mustang Squadrons. His final victory in May 1943 brought his score to 17. Briefly attached to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group, with the task of mounting long-range offensive sorties over northern France and providing scouts for the tactical bomber squadrons. After damaging an Me 109 in December, he shot down a Focke Wulf 190 fighter and damaged another during a sweep over Brest. He was awarded the DSO in May 1943, which recorded his victories at the time as 17. He flew more than 70 combat sorties with the group. Promoted group captain early in 1944, he served as operations officer with the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Dalton-Morgan engaged in planning fighter and ground attack operations in support of the campaign in Normandy, then moved to the mainland with his organisation after the invasion. Years after, his CO at the time (later Air Marshal Sir Fred Rosier) commented: <i>It would be impossible to overstate Tom D-M's importance and influence on the conduct of fighter operations for and beyond D-Day</i>. A month before the end of the war in Europe, Dalton-Morgan learned that his only brother, John, who also had the DFC, had been shot down and killed flying a Mosquito. Dalton-Morgan remained in Germany with 2nd Tactical Air Force after the war before attending the RAF Staff College, and becoming a senior instructor at the School of Land/Air Warfare. Later he commanded the Gutersloh Wing, flying Vampire jets, before taking command of RAF Wunsdorf. He was appointed OBE in 1945 and mentioned in dispatches in 1946, the year President Harry Truman awarded him the US Bronze Star. Group Captain Tom Dalton-Morgan, who has died in Australia aged 87, on the 18th September 2004, was one of the RAF's most distinguished Battle of Britain fighter pilots.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=3>Morgan, Tom Dalton</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Allan Scott joined the RAF in March 1941, joining 124 Squadron in October, where he made his first claim - a shared Ju88 near Clacton-on-Sea. Ordered to Malta, he flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle to the island on 21st July 1942, where the Germans attempted to lure the 30 Spitfires on a heading to Siciliy with a false broadcast, without success. Initially posted to 603 Squadron, he went to 1435 Squadron, seeing much action - including a victory over an Italian S.79 bomber during Operation Pedestal on 13th August. He claimed a further Me109 that month, but a concerted Axis bombing campaign came in October. On the 12th, he claimed 3 Me109s - one destroyed, one probable and one damaged - and the next day he claimed another Me109 destroyed alongside two damaged Ju88s. On the 15th he claimed another Me109 bomber escort and had claimed another probable and another destroyed before the attacks tailed off around the 21st. He remained with this unit until December 1942. Whilst on Malta he was credited with at least 5 destroyed and a further 2 probables, and received the DFM. Returning to the UK he became an instructor before joining No.122 Sqn flying Spitfires on intruder missions over France. By January 1944 the squadron had re-equipped with long range P-51 Mustangs for bomber escort duties. He carried out dive-bombing sorties in the Mustang in the build up to D-Day in 1944, before becoming a test pilot in July that year. After the war, he suffered serious injury when aerobatics in a Tiger Moth caused the airframe to fail and the aircraft to crash. He died on 8th September 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=167>Scott, Allan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2020'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £245</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£295.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='29470'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6619AP. Home Again England by Robert Taylor. <p> By April 1945 everyone, except a few die-hard fanatical Nazis, knew the war in Europe was over; the end was only a matter of time. So when Bomber Command dispatched a force of over 300 Lancaster bombers to destroy Hitler's infamous Obersalzberg retreat at Berchtesgaden on 25th April, it would prove to be their last major raid of the war - just a few days later Hitler committed suicide as Berlin crumpled around him. In the early hours of 7th May General Alfred Jodl, Chief-of-Staff of German High Command, unconditionally surrendered all German armed forces and for the RAF the war in mainland Europe was finally over. The fight had lasted for nearly six years during which time its airmen had faced unmitigated dangers and often appalling flying conditions, with moments of exhilaration balanced by those of terror because victory had come at a terrible price; of the 125,000 aircrew to have served in RAF Bomber Command 55,573 had been killed whilst in Fighter Command 3,690 airmen had paid the ultimate sacrifice. Undoubtedly the aircrew who flew and fought with the RAF as it played its part in removing the tyranny of Nazi power and occupation from Europe were among the bravest of the brave and two aircraft above all others came to symbolise their heroic fight: the elegant Spitfire, magnificent in defence during the dark days of 1940, lethal in attack thereafter; and the awe-inspiring Avro Lancaster, the four-engined heavy bomber that from 1942 onwards formed the backbone of Bomber Command and allowed the RAF to take the war into the very heart of Hitler's Germany. In recognition of the role played by these two legendary aircraft and the men who flew them, Home Again England depicts a scene during those final few weeks of the war. A battle-weary Lancaster limps home along the Norfolk coast with its outer starboard engine feathered and out of action following one of Bomber Command's last daylight operations. Luckily a group of Mk.XIV Spitfires is on hand to provide close escort and will see the bomber safely back to base. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC, Group Captain J B Tait DSO*** DFC* ADC, Group Captain Tom Dalton Morgan DSO, DFC*, OBE and Flight Lieutenant Allan Scott DFM.<p>Collector's limited edition of 25 artist proofs. <p> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Paper size 24 inches x 18 inches (61cm x 46cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='295.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG44, SIG79, SIG298, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collector's limited edition of 175 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=29469>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Paper size 24 inches x 18 inches (61cm x 46cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom Dalton-Morgan was born on March 23rd 1917 at Cardiff and educated at Taunton School. He was a descendant of the buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan and the Cromwellian General Sir Thomas Morgan, Thomas Frederick Dalton-Morgan. Tom Dalton-Morgan joined the RAF in 1935, serving with 22 Squadron. Flying the Wildebeeste torpedo bomber, he joined the training staff at the Air Ministry. In April 1940 he applied to return to flying, and was appointed to No.43 Squadron. In June 1940 he was posted to Tangmere as B Flight commander with 43 Squadron, flying Hurricanes, scoring his first victory on 12 July. In action over the Channel he shared in the destruction of a Heinkel bomber, but he was forced to bale out with slight wounds the following day when he destroyed another and then was hit by crossfire. With no badges of rank in evidence - he was wearing pyjamas under his flying suit - he was captured by a bobby who placed him in the cells along with the German bomber crew he had just shot down. Dalton-Morgan resumed flying and was soon back in action, accounting for four more enemy aircraft in the next three weeks. In early September, he shot down three Messerschmitt fighters. After one engagement he was wounded in the face and knee, and had to crash-land. His DFC praised him for <i>displaying great courage when his behaviour in action has been an inspiration to his flight</i>. After the Battle of Britain, Dalton-Morgan's primary task was to train new pilots for service with the squadrons in the south. He was also required to establish a night-fighting capability with the Hurricane, a task he achieved with great success. Few enemy night bombers fell victim to single-seat fighter pilots, but Dalton-Morgan, hunting alone, destroyed no fewer than six. Three of his victims went down in successive nights on May 6-7 1941, when the Luftwaffe embarked on a major offensive against the Clydesdale ports and Glasgow. On June 8th, Dalton-Morgan achieved a remarkable interception when he shot down a Junkers bomber, having made initial contact by spotting its shadow on the moonlit sea. After two more successes at night, he was carrying out a practice interception on July 24th with a fellow pilot when he saw another Junkers. Dalton-Morgan gave chase and intercepted it off May Island. Despite his engine failing and fumes filling the cockpit, he attacked the bomber three times. He had just watched it hit the sea when his engine stopped. Too low to bale out, he made a masterly landing on the water, but lost two front teeth when his face hit the gun sight. He clambered into his dinghy before being rescued by the Navy. In January 1942 he left the squadron to become a Controller. Promoted Wing Commander Operations with 13 Group, he then led the Ibsley Wing, consisting of 4 Spitfire, 2 Whirlwind, and 2 Mustang Squadrons. His final victory in May 1943 brought his score to 17. Briefly attached to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group, with the task of mounting long-range offensive sorties over northern France and providing scouts for the tactical bomber squadrons. After damaging an Me 109 in December, he shot down a Focke Wulf 190 fighter and damaged another during a sweep over Brest. He was awarded the DSO in May 1943, which recorded his victories at the time as 17. He flew more than 70 combat sorties with the group. Promoted group captain early in 1944, he served as operations officer with the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Dalton-Morgan engaged in planning fighter and ground attack operations in support of the campaign in Normandy, then moved to the mainland with his organisation after the invasion. Years after, his CO at the time (later Air Marshal Sir Fred Rosier) commented: <i>It would be impossible to overstate Tom D-M's importance and influence on the conduct of fighter operations for and beyond D-Day</i>. A month before the end of the war in Europe, Dalton-Morgan learned that his only brother, John, who also had the DFC, had been shot down and killed flying a Mosquito. Dalton-Morgan remained in Germany with 2nd Tactical Air Force after the war before attending the RAF Staff College, and becoming a senior instructor at the School of Land/Air Warfare. Later he commanded the Gutersloh Wing, flying Vampire jets, before taking command of RAF Wunsdorf. He was appointed OBE in 1945 and mentioned in dispatches in 1946, the year President Harry Truman awarded him the US Bronze Star. Group Captain Tom Dalton-Morgan, who has died in Australia aged 87, on the 18th September 2004, was one of the RAF's most distinguished Battle of Britain fighter pilots.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=3>Morgan, Tom Dalton</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Allan Scott joined the RAF in March 1941, joining 124 Squadron in October, where he made his first claim - a shared Ju88 near Clacton-on-Sea. Ordered to Malta, he flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle to the island on 21st July 1942, where the Germans attempted to lure the 30 Spitfires on a heading to Siciliy with a false broadcast, without success. Initially posted to 603 Squadron, he went to 1435 Squadron, seeing much action - including a victory over an Italian S.79 bomber during Operation Pedestal on 13th August. He claimed a further Me109 that month, but a concerted Axis bombing campaign came in October. On the 12th, he claimed 3 Me109s - one destroyed, one probable and one damaged - and the next day he claimed another Me109 destroyed alongside two damaged Ju88s. On the 15th he claimed another Me109 bomber escort and had claimed another probable and another destroyed before the attacks tailed off around the 21st. He remained with this unit until December 1942. Whilst on Malta he was credited with at least 5 destroyed and a further 2 probables, and received the DFM. Returning to the UK he became an instructor before joining No.122 Sqn flying Spitfires on intruder missions over France. By January 1944 the squadron had re-equipped with long range P-51 Mustangs for bomber escort duties. He carried out dive-bombing sorties in the Mustang in the build up to D-Day in 1944, before becoming a test pilot in July that year. After the war, he suffered serious injury when aerobatics in a Tiger Moth caused the airframe to fail and the aircraft to crash. He died on 8th September 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=167>Scott, Allan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £245</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£225.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='29469'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6619B. Home Again England by Robert Taylor. <p> By April 1945 everyone, except a few die-hard fanatical Nazis, knew the war in Europe was over; the end was only a matter of time. So when Bomber Command dispatched a force of over 300 Lancaster bombers to destroy Hitler's infamous Obersalzberg retreat at Berchtesgaden on 25th April, it would prove to be their last major raid of the war - just a few days later Hitler committed suicide as Berlin crumpled around him. In the early hours of 7th May General Alfred Jodl, Chief-of-Staff of German High Command, unconditionally surrendered all German armed forces and for the RAF the war in mainland Europe was finally over. The fight had lasted for nearly six years during which time its airmen had faced unmitigated dangers and often appalling flying conditions, with moments of exhilaration balanced by those of terror because victory had come at a terrible price; of the 125,000 aircrew to have served in RAF Bomber Command 55,573 had been killed whilst in Fighter Command 3,690 airmen had paid the ultimate sacrifice. Undoubtedly the aircrew who flew and fought with the RAF as it played its part in removing the tyranny of Nazi power and occupation from Europe were among the bravest of the brave and two aircraft above all others came to symbolise their heroic fight: the elegant Spitfire, magnificent in defence during the dark days of 1940, lethal in attack thereafter; and the awe-inspiring Avro Lancaster, the four-engined heavy bomber that from 1942 onwards formed the backbone of Bomber Command and allowed the RAF to take the war into the very heart of Hitler's Germany. In recognition of the role played by these two legendary aircraft and the men who flew them, Home Again England depicts a scene during those final few weeks of the war. A battle-weary Lancaster limps home along the Norfolk coast with its outer starboard engine feathered and out of action following one of Bomber Command's last daylight operations. Luckily a group of Mk.XIV Spitfires is on hand to provide close escort and will see the bomber safely back to base. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC, Group Captain J B Tait DSO*** DFC* ADC, Group Captain Tom Dalton Morgan DSO, DFC*, OBE and Flight Lieutenant Allan Scott DFM.<p>Collector's limited edition of 175 prints. <p> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Paper size 24 inches x 18 inches (61cm x 46cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='225.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG44, SIG79, SIG298, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4090><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/lf0003.jpg alt='Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.' title='Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/lf0003.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.</b><br><br>Avro Lancaster W4118 (ZN-Y) piloted by Wing Commander G.P. Gibson CO of 106 squadron en-route to attack Schneider Armament works at Le Creusot in 1942. </font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4090>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : LF0003</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 500 prints.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4090>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 16 inches x 25 inches (41cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : M A Kinnear</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£25 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£75.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4090'><input type=hidden name=description value='LF3. Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear. <p>Avro Lancaster W4118 (ZN-Y) piloted by Wing Commander G.P. Gibson CO of 106 squadron en-route to attack Schneider Armament works at Le Creusot in 1942. <p><b>Numbered 101 - 500. <p><b>Last print left of this edition - it has some handling dents and a couple of light scratches on the image. These would be hardly noticeable once framed.</b><b><p> Signed limited edition of 500 prints.<p> Image size 16 inches x 25 inches (41cm x 64cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='75.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT25, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN95, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART257, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 20 artist proofs signed by 10 air crew. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=15282>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 16 inches x 25 inches (41cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=188>Mahaddie, Hamish</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Lieutenant Dennis William, Woolley. DFC, DFM. 106 (5 Group) and 83 (S-PFF- Group) Squadrons. 1940 - Volunteered for air crew service. 1941 - Trained as an Air Observer in Manitoba. 1942 - Did 1st tour, on Manchesters (6 trips) and on Lancasters (27 trips). Awarded DFM. 1942 - 3 - Instructor at Winthorpe, Notts. 1943 - Engaged in special operations relating to the advancement of the Italian campaign. Based latterly in Sicily. 1944 - Did 2nd tour in Bomber Command in 83 (PFF) Squadron. 25 trips in Lancasters. Awarded DFC and Pathfinder Badge. 1944 - 5 - Joined Transport Command, Transatlantic Ferry Unit based at Darval, Montreal. 1945 - 6 - Seconded to what is now known as British Airways. Based at Poole, navigating Sunderland flying boats to and from Singapore. 1946 - Demobilised. A long time resident of Chipstead, Denis Woolley, died on 28th of December 2009, at the age of 89. The following Obituary was prepared by Rupert Courtenay-Evans: Denis Woolley was born in London and as a boy lived in Kew. He was educated at Latimer Upper School, which he enjoyed. When he left school he briefly went to work at the Gas, Light and Coke Company; however when war was declared he joined the RAFVR as a navigator on the grounds of not liking the sound of the sea or army and his love of maths at school! His initial operational training of navigation, bombing and gunnery was mainly in Canada, because of the practical difficulties of flying in Britain at the time. Navigation at night in those pre-radar days involved astral navigation which depended on seeing the stars as well being able to fly straight and level for 15 minutes, often not very safe or practical on night raids over enemy occupied Europe as Denis would jokingly say. He went on to become an expert in all forms of more sophisticated electronic navigational equipment including G, Oboe and H2S which were radar systems. On return to England in 1942, he joined an operational bomber squadron at Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a sergeant navigator. Initially he was in the poorly performing Manchester bombers, but after six trips the squadron was converted to its successor, the Lancaster bomber and all his subsequent 27 trips with this unit were in these aircraft . Most of these trips were with Guy Gibson as squadron commander, with whom he seemed to get on very well. With the exception of two, all trips were at night, which of course relied very heavily on navigational skills. Of the two day trips one was to Le Cressau, which involved flying at 250 feet to avoid the enemy flack and the other was over the Alps to bomb Milan, which turned out to be very poorly defended by recruits firing rifles, and all the aircraft got back safely! After a brief tour to Sicily as an instructor to help set up a bomber base from which to attack Italy more easily in support of the advancing ground forces, which, in Denis's words, was abortive as the Italians surrendered immediately! He returned to operational flying in England and was considered good enough to be commissioned and to join the newly formed Pathfinder Force under the brilliant Australian airman Don Bennett. Pathfinder Force or Group 8 was set up against the wishes of Bomber Harris, the chief of Bomber Command, but with the agreement of Churchill. Its purpose was to reduce casualties, and to improve the accuracy of identifying targets at night, by marking not only the appropriate route to the target, but also the target itself by a force of selected crews specialised in these skills. Harris was against it as he felt it would create jealousy and have an adverse on effect on morale. The Pathfinder planes, which roughly were in a ratio of 1 to 15 of the main force, which could be 800 or more strong, would lead the raid to the target along the pre-arranged route often with diversionary tactics, then drop their marker bombs and leave. Denis modestly used to say that the German gunners let Pathfinders through safely and then concentrated their fire on the following main force. Denis was not only selected to join Group 8 but went on to be a Master Bomber whose role had been extended to be a sort of Master of Ceremonies, whose plane circulated the target correcting aiming points and co-ordinating the raid by radio. Denis did his final 6 trips in this position, thus completing 58 bombing raids without being shot down, such was his luck as he would say, but others would put it down to his skill and calmness under stress. Denis always said that every bomber crew set off on a raid convinced that they would not be shot down on that trip. At this stage the RAF decided to take him off further combat flights, enough was enough. He completed his service with Transport Command and was demobbed in 1946. He ended his RAF career as a Flight Lt. with the DFC, the DFM and the cherished Pathfinders Badge. After the war he had hoped to continue his flying career with BOAC, the fore-runner of BA, but they unexpectedly decided to charge him a £500 training fee, which he did not have, and probably thought was unnecessary. Instead he joined the Bank of England. Dennis Woolley died 28th December 2009.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=160>Woolley, Dennis</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2009'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='106 Squadron May, 1942 - January. 1943 and May, 1944 to Demob December, 1945. Volunteered mid 1941 as Observer, but due to shortage of pilots was sent to E.F.T.S. to train as a pilot. Alas I broke two Tiger Moths, so I was sent to Jurby I.O.M. to train as Navigator, Bomb Aimer & Air Gunner this was at 5 A.D.S. Finished my training at No 25 O.T.U. from Dee 1941 until May 1942 during which time I crewed up with a Wellington before joining 106 Squadron in May the same year. Did my first tour with 106 Squadron under Guy Gibson, 28 trips with Wimpey and 6 trips with Sqd Ldr John Searby. Both Wimpey and Searby went on to Pathfinders, each being awarded the D.S.O. and D.F.C. In July, 1942 over Hamburg were severely bit by flak, and with one wing on fire and 3 of crew wounded we limped home and were later sent to Cowley (Wimpey and I only) to talk to the workers there who, made flaps for Lancaster this was because of news In the papers, plans, pictures (artists impression) of us on fire. Apart from daylight to Le Creusot our other trips of note were trips to Essen ( we were always hit by flak there) using WANGANUI where we bombed flares in the sky at a precise time. Only 14 'Lancs' went it was the first time the Germans admitted that Krupps had been hit. With John Searby I went to Stuttgart low level in moonlight, but 'Butch' Harris decided moonlight trips were too expensive. My best trip of first tour was to Berlin - we dropped Ist 1,000 lb bomb on Berlin - I suspect It dropped into a lake. I then went to the Central Navigation School, and having passed out there supposedly a better trained Navigator, I was sent to Bomber Development Unit at Feltwell and became one of the first 12 instructors on H2S - the new navigational aid. I was then lent to both 83 and 97 Pathfinder Squadrons to teach H2S to them and demonstrate it to a Staff College Party of Senior Offices. After this I spent from October 1943 to May 1942 running a H2S training section at Swinderby, where crews converted to 4 engined aircraft before joining their Squadrons. Having been told that as one of the first H2S instructors I would never be sent back to a Squadron, I was very surprised to be sent to Metheringham to become 106 Squadron Navigation Officer. Here I did a few more trips and after V.E. day helped to train Squadron members who would be part of the Tiger Force to fly against the Japanese. Fortunately this never happened. Whilst under Guy Gibson I was selected as an aircraft captain - this was a pop by Group to encourage navigators. I wasn't very keen and finished my tour before having to fly as a captain of aircraft. This idea didn't catch on, but was pleased to have been one of two navigators on the Squadron to have been selected by Guy Gibson. Incidentally, I was at the Palace when the Queen Mother gave Gibson his V.C. - there were quite a few 106'ers there with the Dam Busters that day. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1318>Bone, Bernard William Bim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Twice mentioned in dispatches. Nos 78, 76, 158 and 617 Squadrons. Born 12th July, 1920. Joined RAF early 1940. Training E.F.T.S. Prestwick, S.F.T.S. Little Rissington, O.C.U. Abbingdon. Joined 78 Whitley Squadron approx May/June 1941. Some three months later posted to 76 Halifax Squadron as deputy Flight Commander. Awarded D.F.C. Nov/Dec 1941 posted as O.C. 76 Squadron Training Flight. Approx June 1942 transferred to Riceal to form Halifax O.C.U. Promoted to Squadron Leader. Approx August 1943 appointed O.C. 158 Squadron, promoted to Wing Commander. March /April screened and posted as C.F.I. Marston Moor O.C.U. Volunteered tojoin 617 Squadron. Application approved approx September 1944. Remained with 617 until screened approx January 1945. Awarded bar to D.S.O. He was Mentioned in Despatches for the first time on 2nd June 1943. He was Mentioned in Despatches for a second time as Acting W/Co on 14th January 1944. On 13th June the London Gazette published the notification that he was to be awarded the DSO for service with 158 Squadron. The citation for this reads.. <br><br><i>This officer has completed a second tour of operations and has displayed the highest qualities of skill and gallantry throughout. He has displayed the greatest determination in pressing home his attacks and has achieved much success. On one occasion, in an operation against Frankfurt, two engines became unserviceable. In spite of this, Wing Commander Calder flew the aircraft back to this country after cleverly outmanoeuvring a fighter which had closed in to attack. This officer is an efficient and forceful squadron commander, whose genius for leadership has contributed in good measure to the success of the formation he commands.</i><br><br> Having completed his second Tour he was posted to a training instructional role for a while but served with 617 Squadron in the later months of the War. He piloted the aircraft that dropped the first of the 22,000lb Grand Slam bombs - the biggest high-explosive bomb developed by any country during the war - to wreck the Bielefeld railway viaduct in Germany. He was awarded the Bar to the DSO for service with 617 Squadron, Gazetted on 5th June 1945. The citation reads..<br><br><i>Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has completed many sorties. Throughout these operations he has shown the greatest resolution and the successes obtained are a splendid tribute to his great skill and courage. Wing Commander Calder led the squadron on the operation when the first 22,000 Ib. bomb was dropped over Germany. The target was the viaduct at Bielefeld and complete success was achieved. This officer has rendered much loyal and devoted service.</i><br><br>He died on 17th May 1997 aged seventy eight years old. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1319>Calder, Charles C Jock</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Nos 14, 29, 98, 106, 125, 139 (Jamaica), and 162 Squadrons. April, 1941 - Enlisted in Edinburgh and accepted for pilot training. April 1941 to April 1942 - No 4 I.TW. Paignton, No 9 E.F.T.S. Ansty, Coventry, No 12 S.F.T.S. Spittlegate, Grantham, (22/01/1941 Received wings as Sgt. Pilot) No 14 O.T.U. Cottesmore flying Hampdens. April 1942 - No 106 Squadron, RAF Coningsby commanded by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, DSO, DFC. I was second pilot on Manchesters and did 4 operational sorties. Converted to Lancasters as first pilot and did 26 operational sorties, including Le Creusot raid on 17 October '42, between June and December 1942. Final sortie on 8 December 1942. December 1942 to March 1943 - Survived several attempts to turn me into a flying instructor. March 1943 - No 1485 Conversion Unit ie. No 5 Group Gunnery Flight training air gunners. October- November 1943 - No 1655 Mosquito Training Unit. November 1943 to June 1944 - No 8 Group, Pathfinder Force - No 139 (Jamaica) Squadron. H2S Mosquito Marking Squadron, RAF Wyton and Upwood. Completed 44 operational sorties before ending up interned in Sweden. 12 June 1944 to 20th September 1944 interned at Falun, Sweden. October 1944 to June 1945 - rejoined No 139 (Jamaica) Squadron at RAF Upwood after an air crew medical where a Group Captain M.0. told me that, as I was warm and my goolies didn't drop oftwhen I coughed, I was back to war. Completed 46 operational sorties before V.E. day. Total sorties on 139 squadron 90. June 1945 to July 1946 - Transport Command, No 162 Squadron flying Mosquitos (ALDS ic, Air Delivery Letter Service) RAF Blackbush. August 1946 to February 1950 - No's 14 and 98 Squadrons, No 139 Wing, RAFO, at RAF Wahn and Celle. February 1950 to August 1950 - abortive EIPS Course. August 1950 to October 1951 - Air Traffic Controllers Course and ATC Officer at RAFWest Raynham. November 1951 to October 1952 - No 29 Night Fighter Squadron, RAF Tangmere. Meteor NFXI. October 1952 to April 1953 - Air Ministry and All Weather Wing, RAF West Raynliam. April 1953 to November 1955 - No 12 Group Headquarters, Group Accidents Officer. November 1955 to April 1957 - No 125 Night Fighter squadron, RAF Stradishall, Meteor NFM and Venom NF. April 1957 to August 1959 - Eastern Sector Operations Centre, Recovery Executive. RAF Neatishead. October 1959 to July 1962 - Hg FEAF, Joint Intelligence Staff. Commissioner Generals Office and RAF Changi. July 1962 to March 1965 - No 3 Group Hg, OC HQ Unit and RAF Liaison Officer to USAF Mildenhall. Retired from RAF as Squadron Leader March 1965. Employed by Airwork Services Ltd, as pilot. March 1965. March 1965 to August 1970 - No 3 (Civilian Anti Aircraft Unit) Exeter Airport. Vampire TX1 and Meteor T=. September 1970 to April 1977 - FRADU ( Fleet Requirements Air Defence Unit) RNAS Yeovilton. Hunter GAII and Mk 8. September 1977. Aged 55. RN age limit for fast jet flying. September 1970. Commissioned in RA17VR M. September 1970 to May 1982 - No 4 AEF, Exeter Airport, Chipmunk. Retired from RAFVRM aged 60, May 1982. Total Flying Hours - 11,300 Ins. Sadly passed away 19th December 2008. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1320>Cassels, J R</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='No's 9 and 630 Squadrons. Joined RAF 1940. Flew with Bomber Command 30 sorties in 1942 with No 9 Squadron - including Le Creusot raid - and 24 sorties in 1944 with No 630 Squadron. Took part in Berlin Airlift. Thereafter saw service in Cyprus, Germay, Aden and the Air Ministry before retiring from the RAF in 1976. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1321>Chamberlain, W George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='No's 7, 83, 97 and 224 Squadrons. Joined RAF trained as Air Gunner.Flew 73 missions with Bomber Command - 38 Main Force, 35 Pathfinders and 38 with Coastal Command. Total flying hours 1,630. Crashed in an Avro Manchester 13109/41. Spleen removed as a result of injuries sustained in the crash and returned to Operations. Raids included 6 Essen, 6 Duisberg, 3 Berlin, 4 Hamburg, 5 Bremen and 3 Nuremberg. Served with 83 Squadron at RAF Wyton, 97 Squadron RAF Coningsby/ Woodhall Spa and 7 Squadron Oakington. Demobilised 1956. Service number 620563. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a Warrant Officer with No.83 Sqn, which was gazetted on 17th August 1943, and the Distinguished Flying Medal as a Flight Sergeant with No.97 Sqn, gazetted on 20th November 1942. We have been informed that he has now passed away, but do not have any information as to the date. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1322>Goldie, James</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Nos 40, 103 and 617 Squadrons. Born 1 st August, 1917 at Greenock. Joined RAFVR at Edinburgh 12/7/39. Trained at 11 EFTS, Perth gained wings at 2 FTS Brize Norton, completed training at 20 OTU Lossiemouth Dec 1940, Joined 40 Squadron, 22/1141 as Sgt Pilot on Wellingtons at Wyton and Allconbury. Completed 1st tour 3/7/41 and screened at 27 OTU Lichfield, participating in the three Thousand Force raids on Cologne, Essen and Bremen in 1942. Commenced 2nd tour with 103 Squadron, at Elsham Wolds as Warrant Officer Pilot on Lancasters, 27th March 1943 completing end June. Awarded DFC 517/43. Took crews and Lancaster to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio via Gander to do experimental work for USAAF ( dropping two Bren Gun Carrier type vehicles by parachute from various heights to target zone. Returned to England and commenced third tour as P/ 0 with 617 Squadron October 1943 at Coningsby and Woodhall. Spa until July 1944. As Flying Officer was awarded DSO (Immediate award). Released from Service asF/Ltin 1946. Nicky Ross passed away on 18th April 2008.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1323>Ross, N R Nicky</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Nos44, 106 and 241 Squadrons. RAFVR 1939. Trained as AG 26/8/40. Qualified 26/9/40. Rank-Sgt. Posted to 241 Squadron Army Co - op Nov. 1940. Apr 1941 - 241 Sqd -Joined the Fifth Army Division at Bury St Edmunds - Lysanders were thcaircraft. Oct 1941 Commissioned and posted to Scampton -Waddington 44 squadron. No Ops but one flightvdth S/L/ NettletonV.C. W/C LeroydV.C. was Flight Commander. April 1942 posted to Coningsby 106 Squadron and joined W/C Gibson's crew as Rear Gunner and started my Ops tour. Started in Manchesters then Lancasters completed 24 ops trips with W/C (Gibson) which was more than anyone else. Then went on my pilots course. Aircraft flown: Tiger Moth - Solo in Shrs. 10mins. Canada Curnell - Solo. Anson 11 - Solo. 25 Aug 1944. Passed above average and got wings, UK 1945 - Oxford. UK 1945 Nov - then posted to Farnborough Experimental & Research Dept re Gurinery. Operational record, date. target, pilot, comment. 22/4/42, Baltic, W/C Gibson, Mine Laying. 23/4/42, Rustock, S/LNelms, Mine Laying. 23/4/42, Rustock, W/C Gibson, Mine Laying. 8/5/42, WarDemunde, W/C Gibson. 30/5/42, Cologne, S/L Wooldridge, first 1000 +raid. 1/6/42, Essen, S/L Wooldridge, 1000 +raid. 2516/42, Bremen, 1000 + raid. 29/6/42, Bremen, S/LWooldridge, 1000 + raid. 8/7/42, Wilemishaven, W/C Gibson. 1117/42, Danzig, W/C Gibson, Daylight 10.15 hrs. 18/7/42, Essen, W/CGibson, Recalled. 26/7/42, Hamburg, W/C Gibson. 29/7/42, Dusseldorf, W1C Gibson. 27/8/42, Gdynia, W/C Gibson, Graf Zeppelin - Sub Docks 9.50 hrs. 1/9/42, Saarbucken, WIC Gibson, First 8000 Ibs bombs on Germany. 13/9/42, Bremen, WICGIbson. 1919/42, Munich. P/O1Butterworth. 23/9142, Wismar, W/CGibson, DorrilerWorks. 5110/42, Aachen, P/01,Vellington. 15/10/42, Cologne, WICGibson. 17/10/42, LeCreusot, W/CGibson, Daylight 94 A/C 10.25 hrs target Montchanin Power Station. 22/10/42, Genoa, W/C Gibson, Largest on Italy at that time 9.30 hrs 8000 Ibs bomb. 24/10/42, Milan, W/C Gibson, Daylight 10.25 hrs. 7/11142, Genoa, W/C Gibson. 18/11142, Turin, W/C Gibson, Flat works. 20/11/42, Turin, P/0 Cooper, Lost an engine. 28/11/42, Turin, W/C Gibson, 8000 Ibs first ever Italy. 11/11/42, Essen, W/C Gibson. 18/1/43, Berlin, W/C Gibson, lst 8000 Ibs bomb Berlin took Major Dimbelby (BBC News). 14/2/43, Milan, W/C Gibson. 25/2/43, Nurenberg, W/C Gibson, 8000 Ibs bomb. 26/2/43, W/C Gibson. 28/2/43, St.Nazarle, F/Lt Shannon (Dam Buster)'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1324>Wickins, John Frederick</a><i><br>+ Artist : M A Kinnear</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £510</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£50 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£190.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='15282'><input type=hidden name=description value='LF0003AP. Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear. <p> <p>Avro Lancaster W4118 (ZN-Y) piloted by Wing Commander G.P. Gibson CO of 106 squadron en-route to attack Schneider Armament works at Le Creusot in 1942. <p><b>We have the last two copies of this sold out edition.<b><p> Signed by Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant Dennis Woolley DFC DFM (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant Bernard William Bim Bone DFC, <br>Wing Commander Charles C Jock Calder DSO* DFC (deceased), <br>Squadron Leader J R Cassels DFC* (deceased), <br>Wing Commander W George Chamberlain DFC, <br>Warrant Officer James Goldie DFC DFM (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant N R Nicky Ross DSO DFC AE (deceased) <br>and <br>Flight Lieutenant John Frederick Wickins DFC. <p> Limited edition of 20 artist proofs signed by 10 air crew. <p> Image size 16 inches x 25 inches (41cm x 64cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='190.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT50, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN95, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART257, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG857, SIG1273, SIG1678, SIG1679, SIG1680, SIG1681, SIG1682, SIG1683, SIG1684, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', dhm413<x>PP<id>5682, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 100 prints signed by 10 air crew. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4091>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 16 inches x 25 inches (41cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=188>Mahaddie, Hamish</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Lieutenant Dennis William, Woolley. DFC, DFM. 106 (5 Group) and 83 (S-PFF- Group) Squadrons. 1940 - Volunteered for air crew service. 1941 - Trained as an Air Observer in Manitoba. 1942 - Did 1st tour, on Manchesters (6 trips) and on Lancasters (27 trips). Awarded DFM. 1942 - 3 - Instructor at Winthorpe, Notts. 1943 - Engaged in special operations relating to the advancement of the Italian campaign. Based latterly in Sicily. 1944 - Did 2nd tour in Bomber Command in 83 (PFF) Squadron. 25 trips in Lancasters. Awarded DFC and Pathfinder Badge. 1944 - 5 - Joined Transport Command, Transatlantic Ferry Unit based at Darval, Montreal. 1945 - 6 - Seconded to what is now known as British Airways. Based at Poole, navigating Sunderland flying boats to and from Singapore. 1946 - Demobilised. A long time resident of Chipstead, Denis Woolley, died on 28th of December 2009, at the age of 89. The following Obituary was prepared by Rupert Courtenay-Evans: Denis Woolley was born in London and as a boy lived in Kew. He was educated at Latimer Upper School, which he enjoyed. When he left school he briefly went to work at the Gas, Light and Coke Company; however when war was declared he joined the RAFVR as a navigator on the grounds of not liking the sound of the sea or army and his love of maths at school! His initial operational training of navigation, bombing and gunnery was mainly in Canada, because of the practical difficulties of flying in Britain at the time. Navigation at night in those pre-radar days involved astral navigation which depended on seeing the stars as well being able to fly straight and level for 15 minutes, often not very safe or practical on night raids over enemy occupied Europe as Denis would jokingly say. He went on to become an expert in all forms of more sophisticated electronic navigational equipment including G, Oboe and H2S which were radar systems. On return to England in 1942, he joined an operational bomber squadron at Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a sergeant navigator. Initially he was in the poorly performing Manchester bombers, but after six trips the squadron was converted to its successor, the Lancaster bomber and all his subsequent 27 trips with this unit were in these aircraft . Most of these trips were with Guy Gibson as squadron commander, with whom he seemed to get on very well. With the exception of two, all trips were at night, which of course relied very heavily on navigational skills. Of the two day trips one was to Le Cressau, which involved flying at 250 feet to avoid the enemy flack and the other was over the Alps to bomb Milan, which turned out to be very poorly defended by recruits firing rifles, and all the aircraft got back safely! After a brief tour to Sicily as an instructor to help set up a bomber base from which to attack Italy more easily in support of the advancing ground forces, which, in Denis's words, was abortive as the Italians surrendered immediately! He returned to operational flying in England and was considered good enough to be commissioned and to join the newly formed Pathfinder Force under the brilliant Australian airman Don Bennett. Pathfinder Force or Group 8 was set up against the wishes of Bomber Harris, the chief of Bomber Command, but with the agreement of Churchill. Its purpose was to reduce casualties, and to improve the accuracy of identifying targets at night, by marking not only the appropriate route to the target, but also the target itself by a force of selected crews specialised in these skills. Harris was against it as he felt it would create jealousy and have an adverse on effect on morale. The Pathfinder planes, which roughly were in a ratio of 1 to 15 of the main force, which could be 800 or more strong, would lead the raid to the target along the pre-arranged route often with diversionary tactics, then drop their marker bombs and leave. Denis modestly used to say that the German gunners let Pathfinders through safely and then concentrated their fire on the following main force. Denis was not only selected to join Group 8 but went on to be a Master Bomber whose role had been extended to be a sort of Master of Ceremonies, whose plane circulated the target correcting aiming points and co-ordinating the raid by radio. Denis did his final 6 trips in this position, thus completing 58 bombing raids without being shot down, such was his luck as he would say, but others would put it down to his skill and calmness under stress. Denis always said that every bomber crew set off on a raid convinced that they would not be shot down on that trip. At this stage the RAF decided to take him off further combat flights, enough was enough. He completed his service with Transport Command and was demobbed in 1946. He ended his RAF career as a Flight Lt. with the DFC, the DFM and the cherished Pathfinders Badge. After the war he had hoped to continue his flying career with BOAC, the fore-runner of BA, but they unexpectedly decided to charge him a £500 training fee, which he did not have, and probably thought was unnecessary. Instead he joined the Bank of England. Dennis Woolley died 28th December 2009.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=160>Woolley, Dennis</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2009'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='106 Squadron May, 1942 - January. 1943 and May, 1944 to Demob December, 1945. Volunteered mid 1941 as Observer, but due to shortage of pilots was sent to E.F.T.S. to train as a pilot. Alas I broke two Tiger Moths, so I was sent to Jurby I.O.M. to train as Navigator, Bomb Aimer & Air Gunner this was at 5 A.D.S. Finished my training at No 25 O.T.U. from Dee 1941 until May 1942 during which time I crewed up with a Wellington before joining 106 Squadron in May the same year. Did my first tour with 106 Squadron under Guy Gibson, 28 trips with Wimpey and 6 trips with Sqd Ldr John Searby. Both Wimpey and Searby went on to Pathfinders, each being awarded the D.S.O. and D.F.C. In July, 1942 over Hamburg were severely bit by flak, and with one wing on fire and 3 of crew wounded we limped home and were later sent to Cowley (Wimpey and I only) to talk to the workers there who, made flaps for Lancaster this was because of news In the papers, plans, pictures (artists impression) of us on fire. Apart from daylight to Le Creusot our other trips of note were trips to Essen ( we were always hit by flak there) using WANGANUI where we bombed flares in the sky at a precise time. Only 14 'Lancs' went it was the first time the Germans admitted that Krupps had been hit. With John Searby I went to Stuttgart low level in moonlight, but 'Butch' Harris decided moonlight trips were too expensive. My best trip of first tour was to Berlin - we dropped Ist 1,000 lb bomb on Berlin - I suspect It dropped into a lake. I then went to the Central Navigation School, and having passed out there supposedly a better trained Navigator, I was sent to Bomber Development Unit at Feltwell and became one of the first 12 instructors on H2S - the new navigational aid. I was then lent to both 83 and 97 Pathfinder Squadrons to teach H2S to them and demonstrate it to a Staff College Party of Senior Offices. After this I spent from October 1943 to May 1942 running a H2S training section at Swinderby, where crews converted to 4 engined aircraft before joining their Squadrons. Having been told that as one of the first H2S instructors I would never be sent back to a Squadron, I was very surprised to be sent to Metheringham to become 106 Squadron Navigation Officer. Here I did a few more trips and after V.E. day helped to train Squadron members who would be part of the Tiger Force to fly against the Japanese. Fortunately this never happened. Whilst under Guy Gibson I was selected as an aircraft captain - this was a pop by Group to encourage navigators. I wasn't very keen and finished my tour before having to fly as a captain of aircraft. This idea didn't catch on, but was pleased to have been one of two navigators on the Squadron to have been selected by Guy Gibson. Incidentally, I was at the Palace when the Queen Mother gave Gibson his V.C. - there were quite a few 106'ers there with the Dam Busters that day. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1318>Bone, Bernard William Bim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Twice mentioned in dispatches. Nos 78, 76, 158 and 617 Squadrons. Born 12th July, 1920. Joined RAF early 1940. Training E.F.T.S. Prestwick, S.F.T.S. Little Rissington, O.C.U. Abbingdon. Joined 78 Whitley Squadron approx May/June 1941. Some three months later posted to 76 Halifax Squadron as deputy Flight Commander. Awarded D.F.C. Nov/Dec 1941 posted as O.C. 76 Squadron Training Flight. Approx June 1942 transferred to Riceal to form Halifax O.C.U. Promoted to Squadron Leader. Approx August 1943 appointed O.C. 158 Squadron, promoted to Wing Commander. March /April screened and posted as C.F.I. Marston Moor O.C.U. Volunteered tojoin 617 Squadron. Application approved approx September 1944. Remained with 617 until screened approx January 1945. Awarded bar to D.S.O. He was Mentioned in Despatches for the first time on 2nd June 1943. He was Mentioned in Despatches for a second time as Acting W/Co on 14th January 1944. On 13th June the London Gazette published the notification that he was to be awarded the DSO for service with 158 Squadron. The citation for this reads.. <br><br><i>This officer has completed a second tour of operations and has displayed the highest qualities of skill and gallantry throughout. He has displayed the greatest determination in pressing home his attacks and has achieved much success. On one occasion, in an operation against Frankfurt, two engines became unserviceable. In spite of this, Wing Commander Calder flew the aircraft back to this country after cleverly outmanoeuvring a fighter which had closed in to attack. This officer is an efficient and forceful squadron commander, whose genius for leadership has contributed in good measure to the success of the formation he commands.</i><br><br> Having completed his second Tour he was posted to a training instructional role for a while but served with 617 Squadron in the later months of the War. He piloted the aircraft that dropped the first of the 22,000lb Grand Slam bombs - the biggest high-explosive bomb developed by any country during the war - to wreck the Bielefeld railway viaduct in Germany. He was awarded the Bar to the DSO for service with 617 Squadron, Gazetted on 5th June 1945. The citation reads..<br><br><i>Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has completed many sorties. Throughout these operations he has shown the greatest resolution and the successes obtained are a splendid tribute to his great skill and courage. Wing Commander Calder led the squadron on the operation when the first 22,000 Ib. bomb was dropped over Germany. The target was the viaduct at Bielefeld and complete success was achieved. This officer has rendered much loyal and devoted service.</i><br><br>He died on 17th May 1997 aged seventy eight years old. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1319>Calder, Charles C Jock</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Nos 14, 29, 98, 106, 125, 139 (Jamaica), and 162 Squadrons. April, 1941 - Enlisted in Edinburgh and accepted for pilot training. April 1941 to April 1942 - No 4 I.TW. Paignton, No 9 E.F.T.S. Ansty, Coventry, No 12 S.F.T.S. Spittlegate, Grantham, (22/01/1941 Received wings as Sgt. Pilot) No 14 O.T.U. Cottesmore flying Hampdens. April 1942 - No 106 Squadron, RAF Coningsby commanded by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, DSO, DFC. I was second pilot on Manchesters and did 4 operational sorties. Converted to Lancasters as first pilot and did 26 operational sorties, including Le Creusot raid on 17 October '42, between June and December 1942. Final sortie on 8 December 1942. December 1942 to March 1943 - Survived several attempts to turn me into a flying instructor. March 1943 - No 1485 Conversion Unit ie. No 5 Group Gunnery Flight training air gunners. October- November 1943 - No 1655 Mosquito Training Unit. November 1943 to June 1944 - No 8 Group, Pathfinder Force - No 139 (Jamaica) Squadron. H2S Mosquito Marking Squadron, RAF Wyton and Upwood. Completed 44 operational sorties before ending up interned in Sweden. 12 June 1944 to 20th September 1944 interned at Falun, Sweden. October 1944 to June 1945 - rejoined No 139 (Jamaica) Squadron at RAF Upwood after an air crew medical where a Group Captain M.0. told me that, as I was warm and my goolies didn't drop oftwhen I coughed, I was back to war. Completed 46 operational sorties before V.E. day. Total sorties on 139 squadron 90. June 1945 to July 1946 - Transport Command, No 162 Squadron flying Mosquitos (ALDS ic, Air Delivery Letter Service) RAF Blackbush. August 1946 to February 1950 - No's 14 and 98 Squadrons, No 139 Wing, RAFO, at RAF Wahn and Celle. February 1950 to August 1950 - abortive EIPS Course. August 1950 to October 1951 - Air Traffic Controllers Course and ATC Officer at RAFWest Raynham. November 1951 to October 1952 - No 29 Night Fighter Squadron, RAF Tangmere. Meteor NFXI. October 1952 to April 1953 - Air Ministry and All Weather Wing, RAF West Raynliam. April 1953 to November 1955 - No 12 Group Headquarters, Group Accidents Officer. November 1955 to April 1957 - No 125 Night Fighter squadron, RAF Stradishall, Meteor NFM and Venom NF. April 1957 to August 1959 - Eastern Sector Operations Centre, Recovery Executive. RAF Neatishead. October 1959 to July 1962 - Hg FEAF, Joint Intelligence Staff. Commissioner Generals Office and RAF Changi. July 1962 to March 1965 - No 3 Group Hg, OC HQ Unit and RAF Liaison Officer to USAF Mildenhall. Retired from RAF as Squadron Leader March 1965. Employed by Airwork Services Ltd, as pilot. March 1965. March 1965 to August 1970 - No 3 (Civilian Anti Aircraft Unit) Exeter Airport. Vampire TX1 and Meteor T=. September 1970 to April 1977 - FRADU ( Fleet Requirements Air Defence Unit) RNAS Yeovilton. Hunter GAII and Mk 8. September 1977. Aged 55. RN age limit for fast jet flying. September 1970. Commissioned in RA17VR M. September 1970 to May 1982 - No 4 AEF, Exeter Airport, Chipmunk. Retired from RAFVRM aged 60, May 1982. Total Flying Hours - 11,300 Ins. Sadly passed away 19th December 2008. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1320>Cassels, J R</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='No's 9 and 630 Squadrons. Joined RAF 1940. Flew with Bomber Command 30 sorties in 1942 with No 9 Squadron - including Le Creusot raid - and 24 sorties in 1944 with No 630 Squadron. Took part in Berlin Airlift. Thereafter saw service in Cyprus, Germay, Aden and the Air Ministry before retiring from the RAF in 1976. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1321>Chamberlain, W George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='No's 7, 83, 97 and 224 Squadrons. Joined RAF trained as Air Gunner.Flew 73 missions with Bomber Command - 38 Main Force, 35 Pathfinders and 38 with Coastal Command. Total flying hours 1,630. Crashed in an Avro Manchester 13109/41. Spleen removed as a result of injuries sustained in the crash and returned to Operations. Raids included 6 Essen, 6 Duisberg, 3 Berlin, 4 Hamburg, 5 Bremen and 3 Nuremberg. Served with 83 Squadron at RAF Wyton, 97 Squadron RAF Coningsby/ Woodhall Spa and 7 Squadron Oakington. Demobilised 1956. Service number 620563. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a Warrant Officer with No.83 Sqn, which was gazetted on 17th August 1943, and the Distinguished Flying Medal as a Flight Sergeant with No.97 Sqn, gazetted on 20th November 1942. We have been informed that he has now passed away, but do not have any information as to the date. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1322>Goldie, James</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Nos 40, 103 and 617 Squadrons. Born 1 st August, 1917 at Greenock. Joined RAFVR at Edinburgh 12/7/39. Trained at 11 EFTS, Perth gained wings at 2 FTS Brize Norton, completed training at 20 OTU Lossiemouth Dec 1940, Joined 40 Squadron, 22/1141 as Sgt Pilot on Wellingtons at Wyton and Allconbury. Completed 1st tour 3/7/41 and screened at 27 OTU Lichfield, participating in the three Thousand Force raids on Cologne, Essen and Bremen in 1942. Commenced 2nd tour with 103 Squadron, at Elsham Wolds as Warrant Officer Pilot on Lancasters, 27th March 1943 completing end June. Awarded DFC 517/43. Took crews and Lancaster to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio via Gander to do experimental work for USAAF ( dropping two Bren Gun Carrier type vehicles by parachute from various heights to target zone. Returned to England and commenced third tour as P/ 0 with 617 Squadron October 1943 at Coningsby and Woodhall. Spa until July 1944. As Flying Officer was awarded DSO (Immediate award). Released from Service asF/Ltin 1946. Nicky Ross passed away on 18th April 2008.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1323>Ross, N R Nicky</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Nos44, 106 and 241 Squadrons. RAFVR 1939. Trained as AG 26/8/40. Qualified 26/9/40. Rank-Sgt. Posted to 241 Squadron Army Co - op Nov. 1940. Apr 1941 - 241 Sqd -Joined the Fifth Army Division at Bury St Edmunds - Lysanders were thcaircraft. Oct 1941 Commissioned and posted to Scampton -Waddington 44 squadron. No Ops but one flightvdth S/L/ NettletonV.C. W/C LeroydV.C. was Flight Commander. April 1942 posted to Coningsby 106 Squadron and joined W/C Gibson's crew as Rear Gunner and started my Ops tour. Started in Manchesters then Lancasters completed 24 ops trips with W/C (Gibson) which was more than anyone else. Then went on my pilots course. Aircraft flown: Tiger Moth - Solo in Shrs. 10mins. Canada Curnell - Solo. Anson 11 - Solo. 25 Aug 1944. Passed above average and got wings, UK 1945 - Oxford. UK 1945 Nov - then posted to Farnborough Experimental & Research Dept re Gurinery. Operational record, date. target, pilot, comment. 22/4/42, Baltic, W/C Gibson, Mine Laying. 23/4/42, Rustock, S/LNelms, Mine Laying. 23/4/42, Rustock, W/C Gibson, Mine Laying. 8/5/42, WarDemunde, W/C Gibson. 30/5/42, Cologne, S/L Wooldridge, first 1000 +raid. 1/6/42, Essen, S/L Wooldridge, 1000 +raid. 2516/42, Bremen, 1000 + raid. 29/6/42, Bremen, S/LWooldridge, 1000 + raid. 8/7/42, Wilemishaven, W/C Gibson. 1117/42, Danzig, W/C Gibson, Daylight 10.15 hrs. 18/7/42, Essen, W/CGibson, Recalled. 26/7/42, Hamburg, W/C Gibson. 29/7/42, Dusseldorf, W1C Gibson. 27/8/42, Gdynia, W/C Gibson, Graf Zeppelin - Sub Docks 9.50 hrs. 1/9/42, Saarbucken, WIC Gibson, First 8000 Ibs bombs on Germany. 13/9/42, Bremen, WICGIbson. 1919/42, Munich. P/O1Butterworth. 23/9142, Wismar, W/CGibson, DorrilerWorks. 5110/42, Aachen, P/01,Vellington. 15/10/42, Cologne, WICGibson. 17/10/42, LeCreusot, W/CGibson, Daylight 94 A/C 10.25 hrs target Montchanin Power Station. 22/10/42, Genoa, W/C Gibson, Largest on Italy at that time 9.30 hrs 8000 Ibs bomb. 24/10/42, Milan, W/C Gibson, Daylight 10.25 hrs. 7/11142, Genoa, W/C Gibson. 18/11142, Turin, W/C Gibson, Flat works. 20/11/42, Turin, P/0 Cooper, Lost an engine. 28/11/42, Turin, W/C Gibson, 8000 Ibs first ever Italy. 11/11/42, Essen, W/C Gibson. 18/1/43, Berlin, W/C Gibson, lst 8000 Ibs bomb Berlin took Major Dimbelby (BBC News). 14/2/43, Milan, W/C Gibson. 25/2/43, Nurenberg, W/C Gibson, 8000 Ibs bomb. 26/2/43, W/C Gibson. 28/2/43, St.Nazarle, F/Lt Shannon (Dam Buster)'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1324>Wickins, John Frederick</a><i><br>+ Artist : M A Kinnear</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £510</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22203><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/b0428.jpg alt='Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman.' title='Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/b0428.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman.</b><br><br> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. </font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : B0428</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22203>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Bob Kendal enlisted for the Royal Air Force on the 1st of September 1941 as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and completed training as a Wireless Operator on the 9th of July 1942 and was ordered to report tothe 38th (Welsh) Division Signals Unit. On the 19th of October 1942 Bob Kendall was posted to the 30th Kings Regiment at Portland, Dorset and then to the 9th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was recalled to the RAF on the 22nd ofMarch 1943, promoted to Sergeant and posted to No.6 (observer) Advanced Flying Unit on the 4th of September. In November 1943 Bob was posted to No.11 Operational Training Unit at Wescott/Oakley and went to RAF Methwold in March 1944. On the 4th of June 1944 Bob was posted to No.3 Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Feltwell and on the 18th of June joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and was promoted Flight Sergeant. Bob Kendall had flown as Wireless Operator of a variety of aircraft, De Havilland Dominie, Proctor, Avro Anson, Wellington, Stirling and Lancasters. Robert Kendal flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin, Paris rail yards and Berlin. While on the Paris mission, LS-P developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, Bob was on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including Bob, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy and and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war. On the 10th of May 1945 he returned to England from POW in Germany and on the 1st of June was promoted Warrant Officer. He was released from service on the 23rd of July 1946.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2166>Kendall, Robert</a><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £65</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£25 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£55.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22203'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Signed by survivors of this incident :<br>Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall. <p>Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='55.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT25, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2136, SIG2222, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', air0001<x>PH, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22204>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bob Kendal enlisted for the Royal Air Force on the 1st of September 1941 as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and completed training as a Wireless Operator on the 9th of July 1942 and was ordered to report tothe 38th (Welsh) Division Signals Unit. On the 19th of October 1942 Bob Kendall was posted to the 30th Kings Regiment at Portland, Dorset and then to the 9th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was recalled to the RAF on the 22nd ofMarch 1943, promoted to Sergeant and posted to No.6 (observer) Advanced Flying Unit on the 4th of September. In November 1943 Bob was posted to No.11 Operational Training Unit at Wescott/Oakley and went to RAF Methwold in March 1944. On the 4th of June 1944 Bob was posted to No.3 Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Feltwell and on the 18th of June joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and was promoted Flight Sergeant. Bob Kendall had flown as Wireless Operator of a variety of aircraft, De Havilland Dominie, Proctor, Avro Anson, Wellington, Stirling and Lancasters. Robert Kendal flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin, Paris rail yards and Berlin. While on the Paris mission, LS-P developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, Bob was on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including Bob, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy and and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war. On the 10th of May 1945 he returned to England from POW in Germany and on the 1st of June was promoted Warrant Officer. He was released from service on the 23rd of July 1946.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2166>Kendall, Robert</a><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £65</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£30 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£70.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22204'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428AP. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Signed by survivors of this incident :<br>Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall. <p>Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. <p> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='70.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT30, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2136, SIG2222, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', air0001<x>PH, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Presentation edition of 5 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22205>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Bob Kendal enlisted for the Royal Air Force on the 1st of September 1941 as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and completed training as a Wireless Operator on the 9th of July 1942 and was ordered to report tothe 38th (Welsh) Division Signals Unit. On the 19th of October 1942 Bob Kendall was posted to the 30th Kings Regiment at Portland, Dorset and then to the 9th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was recalled to the RAF on the 22nd ofMarch 1943, promoted to Sergeant and posted to No.6 (observer) Advanced Flying Unit on the 4th of September. In November 1943 Bob was posted to No.11 Operational Training Unit at Wescott/Oakley and went to RAF Methwold in March 1944. On the 4th of June 1944 Bob was posted to No.3 Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Feltwell and on the 18th of June joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and was promoted Flight Sergeant. Bob Kendall had flown as Wireless Operator of a variety of aircraft, De Havilland Dominie, Proctor, Avro Anson, Wellington, Stirling and Lancasters. Robert Kendal flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin, Paris rail yards and Berlin. While on the Paris mission, LS-P developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, Bob was on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including Bob, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy and and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war. On the 10th of May 1945 he returned to England from POW in Germany and on the 1st of June was promoted Warrant Officer. He was released from service on the 23rd of July 1946.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2166>Kendall, Robert</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £145</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£15 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£325.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22205'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428B. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Signed by survivors of this incident :<br>Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall<br>and supplied with the original signature of Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased). <p>Presentation edition of 5 prints. <p> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='325.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT15, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2136, SIG2222, SIG15C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', air0001<x>PH, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Knight Fighter Presentation edition of 5 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22771>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bob Kendal enlisted for the Royal Air Force on the 1st of September 1941 as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and completed training as a Wireless Operator on the 9th of July 1942 and was ordered to report tothe 38th (Welsh) Division Signals Unit. On the 19th of October 1942 Bob Kendall was posted to the 30th Kings Regiment at Portland, Dorset and then to the 9th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was recalled to the RAF on the 22nd ofMarch 1943, promoted to Sergeant and posted to No.6 (observer) Advanced Flying Unit on the 4th of September. In November 1943 Bob was posted to No.11 Operational Training Unit at Wescott/Oakley and went to RAF Methwold in March 1944. On the 4th of June 1944 Bob was posted to No.3 Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Feltwell and on the 18th of June joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and was promoted Flight Sergeant. Bob Kendall had flown as Wireless Operator of a variety of aircraft, De Havilland Dominie, Proctor, Avro Anson, Wellington, Stirling and Lancasters. Robert Kendal flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin, Paris rail yards and Berlin. While on the Paris mission, LS-P developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, Bob was on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including Bob, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy and and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war. On the 10th of May 1945 he returned to England from POW in Germany and on the 1st of June was promoted Warrant Officer. He was released from service on the 23rd of July 1946.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2166>Kendall, Robert</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Born 7th February 1913, Wolfgang Schenck joined the Luftwaffe in 1936. After training he was assigned to JG132 flying Me109s before the squadron was renamed ZG1 and converted to Me110s. He took part in operations against Poland, Norway and France but was hospitalised for three months after being wounded. After recovering, he joined EG210, an experimental squadron, to develop fighter bomber tactics. Renamed as SG210, the squadron later took part in the advance into Russia, where Schenck was awarded his Knights Cross. In March 1942 Schenck took command of 1./ZG1, and was awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knights Cross with this unit. He went on to command SG2, flying Fw190s in the Mediterranean. Later, from December 1944 to January 1945, Schenck commanded KG51, flying the newly developed Me262 jet fighter-bomber. Flying over 400 missions, Schenck scored 18 aerial victories and sunk 28,000 tons of shipping. Wolfgang Schenck passed away on 5th March 2010.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1582>Schenck, Wolfgang</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2010'><i> (clipped)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='After seeing combat as a pilot in Czechoslovakia and the great air battles over France and Belgium, Hans-Joachim Jabs flew the Messerschmitt Me110 Zerstorer throughout the Battle of Britain with II./ZG76 Sharks Gruppe. During this time he shot down eight Spitfires and four Hurricanes and was awarded the Knights Cross in October 1940. Hans-Joachim Jabs retrained as a night fighter pilot, briefly returning to daylight operations to escort the German capital ships on the famous Channel Dash. He became Kommandeur of IV./NJG1, and from March 1944, Kommodore. He was awarded Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross in March 1944. In April 1944 he acheived two remarkable day victories, both over Spitfires. Hans-Joachim Jabs flew 710 missions and scored 22 day and 28 night victories. Born 14th November 1917, died 26th October 2003. Born in Lubeck Germany in 1917, Han-Joachim Jabs, one of the highest scoring Bf- 110 aces to survive the War, joined the Luftwaffe in late 1936. He was originally trained as a Bf-109 pilot, but in March of 1940 he was transferred to ZG-76 which flew the Bf- 110, twin-engine fighter. Jabs honed his fighter pilot skills during the Battle of France, during which he downed four French fighters and two Spitfires, making him an ace. As the Battle of Britain commenced, most Bf-110s were initially assigned the role of escort for German bombers. Pitted against large numbers of Hurricanes and Spitfires flown by well-trained pilots of the RAF, many of these Zerstorer pilots would not survive the Battle of Britain. Hans-Joachim Jabs was an exception. He was one of the few German Bf-110 aces to attain numerous victories against Hurricanes and Spitfires during the Battle of Britain, during which he downed eight Spitfires and four Hurricanes. Downing the superior-performing Spitfires and Hurricanes in the twin-engine Bf-110 was considered by fellow Zerstorer pilots as the ultimate achievement of a fighter pilot. However, by mid 1941 it was very clear that the Bf-110 needed to be withdrawn from front-line daytime fighter service. Many 110s were retrofitted for the night fighter role, where the aircraft would not encounter fighter opposition. Jabs was retrained in late 1941, and he joined NJG-3 in the defense of Hamburg from the RAF night bombing attacks. He did participate in a daylight mission to provide air cover for the famed Channel Dash of the Prinz Eugen and several other capital ships. Jabs had few good scoring opportunities until he was transferred to NJG-1 operating in Holland. This unit was equipped with a later variant of the 110 with better radar and with heavier armament. Jabs night fighter score began to mount, with most of his victims being RAF bombers. By January of 1944 he had attained a total of 44 victories. He was promoted to Kommodore of NJG-1, but continued to fly missions with the men under his command. Major Heinz Schnaufer, the top-scoring night fighter ace of all-time, with 121 victories, served for a while under Jabs' command. While preparing to return from a mission on April 29, 1944, Jabs' 110 was jumped by several Spitfires. Turning into the enemy and firing with his long range cannons, Jabs bagged one the Spitfires, and temporarily sent the others scurrying. The Spitfires regrouped and once again Jabs turned into them and downed one of his pursuers. The ace's 110 had taken quite a few hits and Jabs now desperately tried to return to his base. He was able to land the badly shot-up aircraft and seek cover before the remaining Spitfires strafed his Zerstorer into a burning piece of rubble. Jabs' final victories came on the night of February 21, 1945, when he downed two Lancasters. Jabs total of fifty aerial victories, which included twenty-two daytime victories and twenty-eight night fighter victories were all attained in the Bf-110. Following the end of the War, Jabs began a new life as a businessman and public servant. Jabs married in 1940 and has two sons. He died 23th October 2003.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=936>Jabs, Hans-Joachim</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2003'><i> (clipped)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='At the outbreak of war Wolfgang Falck was Staffelkapitan of 8,/JG132 flying the Bf110 Zerstorer in the Polish Campaign. In Feb 1940 he became Kommandeur 1./ZG1 and led it during the Western campaign. From June 1940 Falck was appointed Kommodore NJG1, the largest Geschwader in the Luftwaffe. During this time the greatest Luftwaffe night Aces were under his command. In July 1943 he joined the staff of Luftflotte Recih where he was responsible for the day and night fighter defence of the Reich. In the autumn of 1944 he was made Fighter Leader in the Balkans, and later became head of staff for flying training. Wolfgang Falck flew 90 operations and was awarded the Knight's Cross. Died 13th March 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=239>Falck, Wolfgang</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £250</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£400.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22771'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428C. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Signed by : <br>Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall<br>and supplied with the original signatures of :<br>Major Wolfgang Schenck (deceased),<br>Oberstleutnant Hans-Joachim Jabs (deceased)<br>and<br>Oberst Wolfgang Falck (deceased). <p>Knight Fighter Presentation edition of 5 prints. <p>Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='400.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2136, SIG2222, SIG1622C, SIG380C, SIG201C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value='20.00'><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Nightfighter edition of 100 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=24705>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joined Luftwaffe in December 1941 and began flight training at Dresden in February 1942. Joined NJG 101 in December 1942 (night training unit) where he completed his specialist training. (In training flew Ju52, He111, Ju88, Do217 and Me109) As a newly promoted Leutnant he joined III/NJG 1 in Holland on 1st November 1943 and achieved his first night time victory on 26 April 1944. By the time of his eighth and last victory on 5 January 1945 he had flown 82 operations and been awarded the Iron Cross First and Second Class. All his ops were flown in Me110s. He died in March 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2071>Ebhardt, Rolf</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £45</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£25 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£65.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='24705'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428D. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Signed by Oberleutnant Rolf Ebhardt. <p>Nightfighter edition of 100 prints. <p> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='65.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT25, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2126, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>GICLEE<br>CANVAS</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 10 giclee canvas prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21972>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 18 inches x 13 inches (46cm x 33cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Ivan Berryman<br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£220.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='21972'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428GS. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NJG 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again. <br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Limited edition of 10 giclee canvas prints. <p> Size 18 inches x 13 inches (46cm x 33cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='220.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', air0001<x>PH, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='GICLEE<br>CANVAS'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>ORIGINAL<br>ACRYLIC</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Original acrylic painting by Ivan Berryman. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21744>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 13 inches x 9 inches (33cm x 23cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £35</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>POSTCARD</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collector's Postcard - Restricted Initial Print Run of 40 cards.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=29497>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>none</b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£2.70</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='29497'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428PC. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <b><p>Collector's Postcard - Restricted Initial Print Run of 40 cards.<p>Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='2.70'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', POST2020, POST2020a, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='POSTCARD'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>SLIGHT<br>BORDER<br>DAMAGE</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28389>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Bob Kendal enlisted for the Royal Air Force on the 1st of September 1941 as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and completed training as a Wireless Operator on the 9th of July 1942 and was ordered to report tothe 38th (Welsh) Division Signals Unit. On the 19th of October 1942 Bob Kendall was posted to the 30th Kings Regiment at Portland, Dorset and then to the 9th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He was recalled to the RAF on the 22nd ofMarch 1943, promoted to Sergeant and posted to No.6 (observer) Advanced Flying Unit on the 4th of September. In November 1943 Bob was posted to No.11 Operational Training Unit at Wescott/Oakley and went to RAF Methwold in March 1944. On the 4th of June 1944 Bob was posted to No.3 Lancaster Finishing School at RAF Feltwell and on the 18th of June joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and was promoted Flight Sergeant. Bob Kendall had flown as Wireless Operator of a variety of aircraft, De Havilland Dominie, Proctor, Avro Anson, Wellington, Stirling and Lancasters. Robert Kendal flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin, Paris rail yards and Berlin. While on the Paris mission, LS-P developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, Bob was on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including Bob, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy and and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war. On the 10th of May 1945 he returned to England from POW in Germany and on the 1st of June was promoted Warrant Officer. He was released from service on the 23rd of July 1946.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2166>Kendall, Robert</a><i><br>+ Artist : Ivan Berryman</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £65</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£45.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28389'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0428XX. Incident over Mannheim by Ivan Berryman. <p> On the night of 12th September 1944, Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6, the bomber receiving hits to the bomb bay which ignited the incendiaries still in their racks. Five of the crew bailed out and were taken prisoner of war once captured. The pilot, F/O Norman Overend RNZAF, did not escape the aircraft. Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton was seen to leave the stricken Lancaster but was not seen again.<br><br><b>Crew of <i>Lancaster LS-M</i> :</b><br><br>F/O Norman Overend RNZAF<br>Sgt Barry J Howarth <i>(survived)</i><br>Sgt George B Thomson <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt John D Jones <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall <i>(survived)</i><br>Flt Sgt Harry A Beverton<br>Sgt I Spagatner <i>(survived)</i>. <p><b>The print has slight damage to the border area, mostly on a corner. Not noticeable once framed.</b> <b><p>Signed by survivors of this incident :<br>Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Flt Sgt Robert P E Kendall. <p>Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p> Size 11.5 inches x 8.5 inches (30cm x 22cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='45.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART1, ERA2, COU5, WAR2, AIT71, SQN409, COU2, AIT9, SQN104, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2136, SIG2222, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='SLIGHT<br>BORDER<br>DAMAGE'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=4><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=24573><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/nt0321.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=24573>Night Hunters of the Reich by Nicolas Trudgian.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£200</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £60</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22337><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/rt0304.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22337>No Turning Back by Robert Taylor.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£230</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £120</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22336><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/b0308.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22336>Gunner's Moon by Ivan Berryman. (C)</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£95</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £70</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=24574><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/nt0321.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=24574>Night Hunters of the Reich by Nicolas Trudgian. (AP)</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£245</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £80</i></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4696><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm1161.jpg alt='Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian.' title='Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm1161.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian.</b><br><br>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.</font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM1161</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4696>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Graeme Lothian</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£45 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£75.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4696'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p> Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='75.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT45, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4698>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='George Harris went to an Operational Training Unit flying old Wellingtons and, on his last flight of the course, a night practice bombing and fighter affiliation trip, suffered an engine fire just after take-off. He came down in darkness in Sherwood Forest and came to in hospital. A wooden propeller had shattered on impact, sheared through the airframe and his seat, taking a slice out of his back and leaving him with several broken ribs, a punctured lung and lacerated kidney. His parents were warned he may not survive but within six weeks he was flying again, back in Wellingtons, then on Halifaxes, before finally moving on to Lancasters and a posting, along with three other crews, to No 1 Group 101 Squadron in Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. It had taken three years of training and frustration and now he and his crew were replacements for those recently killed in action. The squadron's Lancasters were equipped with the radio jamming system known as the Airborne Cigar, or ABC. It covered the frequencies used by the Luftwaffe but its presence also deprived them of a vital navigational aid which heightened their vulnerability. On average only one in four crews survived and that was the case with those Harris had been posted with: all were lost, the first on its first operation. His missions ranged from major night attacks on Germany and tactical support attacks on German troop strongholds, communication centres, V-1 flying bomb sites and airfields in France and the Low Countries. He was subsequently invited to take his crew to the Pathfinder Force but turned down the opportunity as it would have meant leaving behind his German-speaking Special Operator, which he felt was wrong. Anyway, he regarded 101 as a very special squadron with huge spirit and said the Lancaster was 'a simply splendid' aircraft to fly. Among his hair-raising exploits were coping with another engine fire – resulting in an emergency landing on three engines with a full bomb load – braving electric storms which could throw the Lancasters around like corks and dodging the searchlights above enemy territory. On one occasion, returning from a night raid on Brunswick on 12th August 1944, the searchlights locked on him and he desperately performed a violent corkscrew manoeuvre to escape the beams. Failing to shake them off, he dived at full bore with a full bomb load, descending so rapidly the navigator said he had exceeded the plane's reported break-up speed. <i>The slipstream and engine noise was like a banshee,</i> he recalled. Miraculously they remained in one piece to tell the tale and, after debrief, took an idyllic stroll back to their quarters as the sun rose and the dawn chorus began. That night 24 of their men did not return and 101 maintained its reputation as a 'chop' squadron. Reflecting on the end of his operational tour with his Lancaster Z-Zebra, he said he felt <i>strangely flat, rather old and empty</i> but had gained much, including the sheer freedom and joy of flying, the magic of cloud hopping and, as a flight commander, the responsibility for life and death decisions over other men. His award of the DFC, for valour in the face of the enemy, was announced in February 1945. Seventy years later he received the Legion D'honneur for his part in the operations to liberate Caen. After the war he completed a BA in modern languages and economics at St John's College, Cambridge and took posts at Liverpool and Glasgow universities before moving to the Mobil Oil Company in 1954. Four years later he joined PA Management Consultants and in 1967 established executive search company Canny Bowen and Associates, the UK arm of the US firm Canny Bowen, undertaking searches at chairman, managing director and director level for major British and international companies. George died on 17th January 2018 in Tunbridge Wells, aged 95.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=676>Harris, George</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £40</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£20 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£140.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4698'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161AP. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p>Signed by Flt Lt George Harris DFC. <p> Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. <p> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='140.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT20, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG180, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRESENTATION</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14952>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£300.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14952'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161APC. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p>Supplied with the original signature of Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased) <p>Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs. <p> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='300.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRESENTATION'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 200 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4697>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='George Harris went to an Operational Training Unit flying old Wellingtons and, on his last flight of the course, a night practice bombing and fighter affiliation trip, suffered an engine fire just after take-off. He came down in darkness in Sherwood Forest and came to in hospital. A wooden propeller had shattered on impact, sheared through the airframe and his seat, taking a slice out of his back and leaving him with several broken ribs, a punctured lung and lacerated kidney. His parents were warned he may not survive but within six weeks he was flying again, back in Wellingtons, then on Halifaxes, before finally moving on to Lancasters and a posting, along with three other crews, to No 1 Group 101 Squadron in Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. It had taken three years of training and frustration and now he and his crew were replacements for those recently killed in action. The squadron's Lancasters were equipped with the radio jamming system known as the Airborne Cigar, or ABC. It covered the frequencies used by the Luftwaffe but its presence also deprived them of a vital navigational aid which heightened their vulnerability. On average only one in four crews survived and that was the case with those Harris had been posted with: all were lost, the first on its first operation. His missions ranged from major night attacks on Germany and tactical support attacks on German troop strongholds, communication centres, V-1 flying bomb sites and airfields in France and the Low Countries. He was subsequently invited to take his crew to the Pathfinder Force but turned down the opportunity as it would have meant leaving behind his German-speaking Special Operator, which he felt was wrong. Anyway, he regarded 101 as a very special squadron with huge spirit and said the Lancaster was 'a simply splendid' aircraft to fly. Among his hair-raising exploits were coping with another engine fire – resulting in an emergency landing on three engines with a full bomb load – braving electric storms which could throw the Lancasters around like corks and dodging the searchlights above enemy territory. On one occasion, returning from a night raid on Brunswick on 12th August 1944, the searchlights locked on him and he desperately performed a violent corkscrew manoeuvre to escape the beams. Failing to shake them off, he dived at full bore with a full bomb load, descending so rapidly the navigator said he had exceeded the plane's reported break-up speed. <i>The slipstream and engine noise was like a banshee,</i> he recalled. Miraculously they remained in one piece to tell the tale and, after debrief, took an idyllic stroll back to their quarters as the sun rose and the dawn chorus began. That night 24 of their men did not return and 101 maintained its reputation as a 'chop' squadron. Reflecting on the end of his operational tour with his Lancaster Z-Zebra, he said he felt <i>strangely flat, rather old and empty</i> but had gained much, including the sheer freedom and joy of flying, the magic of cloud hopping and, as a flight commander, the responsibility for life and death decisions over other men. His award of the DFC, for valour in the face of the enemy, was announced in February 1945. Seventy years later he received the Legion D'honneur for his part in the operations to liberate Caen. After the war he completed a BA in modern languages and economics at St John's College, Cambridge and took posts at Liverpool and Glasgow universities before moving to the Mobil Oil Company in 1954. Four years later he joined PA Management Consultants and in 1967 established executive search company Canny Bowen and Associates, the UK arm of the US firm Canny Bowen, undertaking searches at chairman, managing director and director level for major British and international companies. George died on 17th January 2018 in Tunbridge Wells, aged 95.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=676>Harris, George</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £40</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£40 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£100.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4697'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161B. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p>Signed by Flt Lt George Harris DFC. <p> Limited edition of 200 prints. <p> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='100.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT40, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG180, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Harris, Kemp signature edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16923>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flew with 578 Squadron on Halifaxes'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=678>Kemp, Eric</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Harris went to an Operational Training Unit flying old Wellingtons and, on his last flight of the course, a night practice bombing and fighter affiliation trip, suffered an engine fire just after take-off. He came down in darkness in Sherwood Forest and came to in hospital. A wooden propeller had shattered on impact, sheared through the airframe and his seat, taking a slice out of his back and leaving him with several broken ribs, a punctured lung and lacerated kidney. His parents were warned he may not survive but within six weeks he was flying again, back in Wellingtons, then on Halifaxes, before finally moving on to Lancasters and a posting, along with three other crews, to No 1 Group 101 Squadron in Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. It had taken three years of training and frustration and now he and his crew were replacements for those recently killed in action. The squadron's Lancasters were equipped with the radio jamming system known as the Airborne Cigar, or ABC. It covered the frequencies used by the Luftwaffe but its presence also deprived them of a vital navigational aid which heightened their vulnerability. On average only one in four crews survived and that was the case with those Harris had been posted with: all were lost, the first on its first operation. His missions ranged from major night attacks on Germany and tactical support attacks on German troop strongholds, communication centres, V-1 flying bomb sites and airfields in France and the Low Countries. He was subsequently invited to take his crew to the Pathfinder Force but turned down the opportunity as it would have meant leaving behind his German-speaking Special Operator, which he felt was wrong. Anyway, he regarded 101 as a very special squadron with huge spirit and said the Lancaster was 'a simply splendid' aircraft to fly. Among his hair-raising exploits were coping with another engine fire – resulting in an emergency landing on three engines with a full bomb load – braving electric storms which could throw the Lancasters around like corks and dodging the searchlights above enemy territory. On one occasion, returning from a night raid on Brunswick on 12th August 1944, the searchlights locked on him and he desperately performed a violent corkscrew manoeuvre to escape the beams. Failing to shake them off, he dived at full bore with a full bomb load, descending so rapidly the navigator said he had exceeded the plane's reported break-up speed. <i>The slipstream and engine noise was like a banshee,</i> he recalled. Miraculously they remained in one piece to tell the tale and, after debrief, took an idyllic stroll back to their quarters as the sun rose and the dawn chorus began. That night 24 of their men did not return and 101 maintained its reputation as a 'chop' squadron. Reflecting on the end of his operational tour with his Lancaster Z-Zebra, he said he felt <i>strangely flat, rather old and empty</i> but had gained much, including the sheer freedom and joy of flying, the magic of cloud hopping and, as a flight commander, the responsibility for life and death decisions over other men. His award of the DFC, for valour in the face of the enemy, was announced in February 1945. Seventy years later he received the Legion D'honneur for his part in the operations to liberate Caen. After the war he completed a BA in modern languages and economics at St John's College, Cambridge and took posts at Liverpool and Glasgow universities before moving to the Mobil Oil Company in 1954. Four years later he joined PA Management Consultants and in 1967 established executive search company Canny Bowen and Associates, the UK arm of the US firm Canny Bowen, undertaking searches at chairman, managing director and director level for major British and international companies. George died on 17th January 2018 in Tunbridge Wells, aged 95.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=676>Harris, George</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2018'><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£25 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£135.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='16923'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161C. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p>Signed by Flt Lt George Harris DFC and Flt Lt Eric Kemp DFC (deceased). <p> Harris, Kemp signature edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='135.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT25, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG181, SIG180, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Irons signature edition of 200 prints (Nos. 751 - 950) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=17724>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £40</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£40 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£90.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='17724'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161D. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p>Signed by Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC. <p>Irons signature edition of 200 prints (Nos. 751 - 950) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p>Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='90.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT40, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1324, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Thomson / Lamb signature edition of 200 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22325>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944, George was Navigator on Lancaster NF958 (LS-M) of No.15 Sqn, his usual aircraft LS-P grounded with engine trouble. This was to be his first and last mission on this aircraft as it was lost in the skies above Mannheim when it was attacked by the Messerschmitt Bf.110G-2 of Ofw Ludwig Schmidt of II/NGJ 6. Five of the seven crew of the aircraft, including George, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but two did not manage to escape the inferno. The aircraft came down in the vicinity of the railway station in Wieblingen, south of Mannheim. Having escaped the aircraft, he did not however manage to evade the enemy, and he was taken into captivity until the end of the war.First Op : I suppose all aircrew looked forward to their first operational flight with some trepidation, but in my own case I didn't have time to think about it, as this tale will tell. Having completed my navigation training I moved on to No. 11 O.T.U at Westcott, in December 1943, flying in Wellingtons and where I crewed up; from there it was on to 1657 Conversion Unit at Stradishall, where we flew Stirlings, then to NO.3 L.F.S. at Feltwell where we converted to Lancasters. Three rounds of circuits and bumps and one 'Bullseye' and then posted to Mildenhall in June 1944 to join XV Squadron. Arriving at Mildenhall, on my first day I reported to the Navigation Office. The Navigation Leader, F/Lt. Jack Fabian, a New Zealander, greeted me warmly enough, but was somewhat perplexed by the fact that he had another Scottish Navigator to deal with. As he said, there were already Scots known as 'Jock', 'Haggis', and 'Bagpipes', so henceforth he would call me 'Tommy'. As I was leaving his Office, he threw a fastball at me - 'Would I like to do an Op that night with a crew whose navigator had gone sick?' I was somewhat nonplussed and replied to the effect that I would have preferred to do my first Op with my own crew. To my surprise he simply said - 'That's O.K. Tommy, there will be plenty opportunities later on. 'Four days later we did a loaded climb and for some reason or another thought that we would perhaps do one or two more exercises before seeing our names on the Battle Order. Next day there seemed to be nothing on so we went our individual ways, with the Flight Engineer and myself deciding that we would go to the Camp Cinema that night. We were settled in our seats, and the big movie had just started - 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' - when a message flashed up on the screen for Sgts Howarth and Thomson to report to the Briefing Room immediately. We hurriedly left the Cinema and made our way to the Briefing Room, wondering what this was all about, when we met the aircrews coming out and getting aboard transport to be taken to their aircraft. Jack Fabian was at the door, and he handed me a Navigations Bag with the comment - You'll fmd everything in there; just follow the plane in front until you get sorted out.' We got transported out to the aircraft where the other members of the crew were already aboard, and I was still unpacking my bag as we trundled to the runway, taking off at 22.57. By the time we were in the air I had unfolded the chart and found where the target was - a 'P' Plane site at L Hey - the route there and back had already been plotted so, in effect, I was being spoon fed for my first Op. <br><br>We encountered slight flak on route and were attacked by a Ju88 over the target, forcing the Bomb Aimer to ask the Pilot to go round again. On the second run in to the target another aircraft crossed our path, again forcing a re-run as before, but eventually having unloaded our bombs we headed back home, landing at base two and a half hours after take-off. To my surprise neither I nor the Flight Engineer were challenged as to why we had been at the Cinema, nor did we get a satisfactory explanation from the other crew members as to why they had not made contact with us after seeing the Battle Order for that night. <br><br>Four nights later we were on our second Op to another 'P' Plane site, encountering three attacks by Me110s, one of which was damaged by our Rear Gunner. From then on, we never met another fighter until our twentieth Op on 12th September 1944, when we were attacked twice as we turned on to the last leg to the target, Frankfurt. The second attack caused severe damage to the aircraft and set part of the incendiary load alight, forcing us to abandon the plane, and when we bailed out the Flight Engineer and I landed in the same field, but we didnt get to the Cinema that night! <br><br>Caught Napping<br><br>It was our twentieth operation, the target was Frankfurt and the date was 12th September 1944. I was flying as Navigator in Lancaster LS-M (NF 958), the other members of the crew being FIO N.R. Overend (pilot) a New Zealander; J.D. Jones (Bomb Aimer); R.E. Kendall (Wireless Operator); RJ. Howarth (Flight Engineer); H. Beverton (Mid-upper Gunner) and 1. Spagatner (Rear Gunner). We flew low level across France, only starting our climb when we crossed the German border. At 22.45 as we turned on to the last leg into the target there was a cry of 'Port Go' from the Rear gunner; immediately we plunged into that sickening corkscrew known to all Bomber aircrew, and as we levelled out there was an almighty bang from underneath the Wireless Operators position. Flames rapidly broke through into the fuselage and we realised that we had been hit in the bomb bay, and the incendiary load was alight. The pilot struggled with the controls for a moment or two but, as the flames began to spread across the port wing, he gave the order to bail-out. B.J., the Flight Engineer, went first through the nose hatch, followed by myself, then the Bomb Aimer, while the two Gunners exited through the rear door. I estimate that we baled out at around 12,000 feet, and in the darkness of the night it seemed a long way down. Shortly after we had escaped the aircraft blew up, throwing out the Wireless Operator, who remembers nothing of that incident, and killing the Pilot. <br><br>Hitting the ground, I realised that there was another parachutist on the corner of the field in which I had landed, and making my way to him found it to be B.J. our Flight Engineer. Neither of us were injured in any way, so burying our chutes we decided to make tracks and get as far away as we could from the scene of our landing. <br><br>That night we simply headed in a southwest direction, keeping to fields and avoiding any roads. At one point we came to a large enclosed area, surrounded by high fencing, which we had to go around. Eventually, as dawn approached we found ourselves on the bank of a fast flowing river - there was a bridge downstream, with the occasional vehicle crossing it. The heavily wooded area on the other bank looked most inviting but prudence dictated that we should stay where we were, as the chances of being spotted as we crossed the bridge were too high for our liking. <br><br>As daylight came we could see that we were on the edge of a farm, the buildings of which could be seen some two hundred yards from were we were lying in long grass - fortunately the steep bank on which we lay hid us from the farm but we kept a watchful eye in case anyone came in our direction. <br><br>The day passed slowly. We had one Escape Kit between the two of us - B.J. had left his in the aircraft - so we had a couple of Horlicks tablets and risked sharing a cigarette, being careful to blow the smoke into the long grass. It proved to be a very long day, as we lay there waiting for darkness to fall. <br><br>As night came so too did the rain. And how it rained! We made our way to the bridge and got across it without any difficulty, then dived into the woods we had seen. And still it rained; so much so that we were obliged to seek shelter, and there was precious little about. An upturned tin bath, which we came across, when held over our heads provided only token cover, and the noise of the rain falling on it forced us to discard our primitive shelter. A thicker clump of trees provided some relief from the rain and we remained there for much of our second night, only resuming our escape attempt when it got a bit lighter. We were following a main road, while staying within cover of the trees, and there seemed to be only military vehicles passing from time to time. As it got lighter we decided to call a halt and get some rest - in any event, we had had little sleep so far. A clump of low scrub provided enough shelter and so we lay down and went to sleep. <br><br>It would be difficult to say that we slept well. Periodically, we would waken up and check that there was no one approaching our hideout. The occasional noise of traffic could be heard on the road some distance away - it seemed possible that this was a main route to the south and we took the decision to follow it. We were encouraged to believe that we might yet get out of Germany, and, with luck, get back to Britain. <br><br>Up to this point the lack of food had not been of great concern. We still had some Horlicks tablets and a chewy bar in the Escape Kit. We also had a fishing line and a hook, but could not imagine us sitting by a stream while we dangled the line in the expectation that we might catch a fish. Some matches, a water bottle and water purification tablets completed our equipment. I had in my possession a pencil, which when broken open revealed a miniature compass, while B.J. being a pipe-smoker had a tobacco pouch, which, he proclaimed had a map inside. Ripping open the pouch, we were somewhat disappointed to find a map of southern France, and we had a long way to go before it would be of any practical use to us. <br><br>Late that afternoon we decided that it would be safe enough to begin walking, provided we stayed within cover of the woods, so off we set. It was slow progress as we constantly had to be on the alert, and every now and then we would stop and listen for any unwelcome sounds. Gradually, as it got darker within the woods, we edged our way nearer to the road and at times walked along it in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. It was a single track road, and not, as we had imagined, a major thoroughfare; it also ran fairly straight so that we could hear, and even see, any approaching vehicle, whereupon we would dive into cover and remain hidden for a suitable period. We continued walking throughout the night, albeit at a fairly slow pace, and as daylight came we found that we were nearing some open country, with a few buildings set well back from the road. Then we had some good fortune by coming across apple trees growing by the roadside. We hastily filled our pockets and made our way across a field towards an old barn where we though we might find cover for that day. We approached the barn with caution, but it did seem to be disused and sure enough when we got inside we had the firm impression that nobody had been in it for some considerable time. A ladder led up to a hayloft and we settled down there, taking turns to sleep and keep watch. During one of my watch periods I came across a bundle of old newspapers and magazines - I could not read them but I thumbed through the pages looking at the odd photographs. Amazingly, I came across a map, which was part of a an advert for a petrol company, and it covered the very area we were in. It was somewhat rumpled, and torn in places, but I stuffed it into my pocket, feeling sure that it would prove useful in the days that lay ahead. <br><br>Feeling refreshed, we ate some of the apples and as dusk settled over the countryside we continued on our way. So far as I could judge we had covered some 50 to 60 miles, and were south of Mannheim and heading in the direction of Karlsruhe. We were still making slow progress, keeping to fields, passing through wooded areas, and trying at all times to remain invisible. This night we again experienced rain, and as it got heavier we decided that there was no alternative but to seek shelter yet again. This proved to more difficult than we had expected, but eventually we came to a bridge over an autobahn and took shelter below it at a point as high up from the autobahn as we could find. It proved to be just right for our purpose for, while we could watch the odd vehicle that passed along the road they were unable to detect our presence in the darkness. Thus passed a few miserable hours. <br><br>As dawn approached we thought it best to get away from this location, so returned to the fields and continued our walk. We were getting a bit blase by this time, and took the decision to continue walking through the day. As events were to prove this was a day we would not forget in a hurry. At one point we could see workers in a distant field, but if they saw us they took no notice. Boldness overcame us and we ventured on to a quiet country road in an endeavour to cover a greater distance. Some miles on our way we spotted a civilian type truck parked by the roadside. There did not appear to be anyone with it so we approached it carefully, possibly thinking that we might be able to use the vehicle to get us further on our way. There was no obvious way that we could have got it started, which led us to abandon the idea of driving off in style, Before leaving the truck, however, we had noticed a packet lying beside the driver's seat; on closer examination we found it to contain two chunks of bread and some sausage. We could not pass up the opportunity to vary our diet a little, and to this day I wonder what the driver thought about his missing lunch, if that is what it was. <br><br>The decision to keep to the road was almost our downfall, for turning a bend in the road a few miles on, we saw ahead a group of houses on either side of the road, with one or two women and children actually within sight of us - indeed, it seemed that they had observed our approach. What to do? Walk on, we agreed! So, putting on a bold front we walked straight ahead at a steady but not fast pace - we nodded to the women as we passed and kept going. My spine was tingling but we dared not look back. Another bend in the road and we were out of view of the women. <br><br>Heaving sighs of relief we stepped out a bit faster to get as far away as we could from the hamlet we had passed through. It is perhaps worth mentioning that we had taken the decision not to remove any badges from our uniforms, which meant that we were still wearing our flying badges and our stripes, and yet we had not been recognised. <br><br>Later in the day we came across a workmans hut by the roadside and as it was deserted we took the decision to rest for a while inside. It stood back a little from the road, and behind it was a thinly spaced wood. A knothole in the wall facing the road gave us the advantage of viewing anyone approaching. Then the unexpected happened. An army vehicle drew up alongside. As we watched, the driver and a woman got down from the cab. Hell! Were they coming to the hut? Fortunately, they passed behind and went into the wood, re-emerging some ten minutes later. The purpose of their visit was all too obvious, and we watched them climb back into the truck and drive off. If they were satisfied, so too were we! <br><br>That was enough excitement for one day, and certainly more than we had experienced in our travels thus far. To avoid another encounter with any of the local population, we kept to the fields and woods for the remainder of that day, and chose to spend the night as 'babes in the wood' once again. <br><br>Starting out the next day it was quite apparent that we were suffering from a lack of nourishment. We both felt a bit light headed from time to time and as the day wore on we realised that we needed to find another lorry with a supply of bread and sausage. No such luck, however! Taking it easy, and resting for longer periods in between walking meant that it was going to take longer to get out of Germany than we had imagined. Never mind, just keep going and hope for the best. Later in the day we came across a vast potato field and filled our pockets in preparation for a bean feast that night. We still had a few apples we had gathered earlier in the day and this gave us the prospect of a better repast. The hours of darkness came at last - we were still walking and had returned to a quiet country road on which we saw neither persons nor vehicles. When we came across another hut, again set back a little from the road, we claimed it as our own for the night. There was an added bonus in that this hut contained a stove; ideal for roasting our potatoes, so B.J. foraged for some wood while I went off to find a stream we could hear nearby in order to fill the water bottle. In my wearied state I misjudged the bank and finished ankle deep in the stream. Returning to the hut I took off my shoes and hung my socks above the stove, now alight, and waited for the potatoes to roast. They were excellent, and the apple desert finished off our evening meal. Before settling down to sleep I went out of the hut to relieve myself and to my horror saw flames spouting two or three feet high out of the chimney. A dead giveaway to any passing traffic, so out went the fire and we turned in for our rest. <br><br>The next morning was sunny and warm. We resumed our trek and by this time I was estimating that we had covered a fair distance although by no means sure where we were having run off the map I had earlier acquired. Still, we were in reasonably good heart and feeling a bit stronger after our meal the night before. Nevertheless we were walking at a slower pace and we took time to rest more often. The result was that we had probably covered little more than a dozen miles during that day. As evening came we found another road heading in what we though would be the right direction - it led us into the outskirts of a town of some size, so far as we could judge in the dark, and we were wondering what to do next when we heard approaching footsteps. Diving into a garden of a house, we hid behind shrubs until the figure passed, then re-emerged to continue on our way, still wondering what action to take. <br><br>A little further on we spied a railway yard and decided to investigate. Would there be any trains that might take us out of Germany? We never did get the answer to that question as we were suddenly confronted by a uniformed person who took a great interest in us. He spoke to us, obviously asking questions, but as we could not understand a word we just stood our ground and shrugged our shoulders. Bemused perhaps, our questioner eventually lost interest and wandered off. We wasted no time in getting out of that yard and hightailing it down the road with a view to getting as far as we could out of that town, a town we were later to learn was called Rastatt. <br><br>We walked at a fair pace and when we judged that we were a good few miles out of the town we looked for some place where we could lie up for the rest of the night. There were woods on both sides of the road, but which to choose? We chose to go right and when we were some little distance away from the road we found a hollow under some low scrub, which we settled in for our resting place, and soon we were asleep. I must have slept soundly until I was rudely shaken awake by B.J. who whispered in my ear, 'Look whose coming!' I did look and my heart sank immediately, for there were four German soldiers bearing down on us with rifles and fixed bayonets. There was no chance of escape, and as I looked around I spied an elderly man standing well back watching proceedings - he had in his arm a bundle of wood and it was all too obvious that he had come across us as he searched for wood, and reported us to the military. <br><br>As events were to prove he had not had far to go to turn us in, for we had selected as our resting place a spot some two hundred yards from a German Army camp, which we had not seen through the trees while it was dark. We had truly been caught napping! <br><br>We were taken back to this camp two or three officers appeared and scrutinised us at close quarters before removing our shoes, presumably to avoid us making a run for it. We stood there not knowing what would happen next. The most senior officer, or so he appeared, stood looking at us in some amusement. Eventually a truck was brought along, we were invited to get aboard - we had no choice - and we were driven back into the town we had walked through the previous evening. What appeared to be the local county jail was our destination, where we were searched then placed in separate cells. I was surprised that the search they made of us had been carried out in a careless manner, for they had missed my escape kit box, which was by now near empty, and a knife I had in my possession. After about an hour in the cell, the door was opened and an officer and senior N.C.O. entered. The officer stood and looked at me while the N.C.O. snapped 'English?' at me. I do not know what prompted me to say 'No', but that was my reply, whereupon the N.CO. shouted 'American?' Again I answered 'No'. The N.C.O. looked puzzled, but the officer smiled and said in almost faultless English, 'Well if you are not English and not American, what are you?' 'Scottish,' I replied. At this the officer turned and said a few words to the N.C.O. who then left the cell and I was left alone with the officer. Curiously, he did not try to interrogate me. Instead, he explained that he had gone to Oxford University pre-war, which no doubt explained his near perfect English. He did say, however, that an Austrian Regiment had picked us up, and that for me the war was over. A few minutes later the N.C.O. returned bearing a tray with a plate of meat and potatoes on it, together with a mug of coffee, then they left me to enjoy my first real meal in eight days. The following day I met up with B.J. when we were moved to another prison some miles away. I was a little amused to learn that when the German officer and N.C.O. had confronted B.J. in his cell, and asked if he was English he had acknowledged the fact, only to be left alone without anything to eat - it was some hours later before he received some bread, cold meat and coffee. Obviously, being Scottish paid off! <br><br>Eventually we were taken to Frankfurt and found ourselves in Dulag Luft for interrogation. By this time the attack on Arnhem had taken place and the number of airborne prisoners was such that we were soon moved out to our Prison Camp, Stalag Luft VII in Upper Silesia, which we reached after a train journey occupying several days. At this time we met up with our Bomb Aimer and Wireless Operator, and were more than pleased on arrival at the Camp to find that Spagatner, our Rear Gunner had got there before us. As we were later to have confirmed, the Pilot had indeed been killed in the aircraft, and our Mid-upper Gunner had also been killed, but how and when we never did learn. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2080>Thomson, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Alistair Lamb, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Royal Air Force in March 1944 and went to No.7 Gunnery School at Stormydown in Wales. In August 1944 he went to Market Harborough and started training in Ansons before moving on to Wellingtons. Alistair went to H1654 heavy conversion unit at Wigsley flying in Stirlings and Lancasters. In March he joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and participated in amongst other operations Operation Manna dropping food supplies to the Dutch, on the 30th April 1945 over Rotterdam, 2nd May 1945 over The Hague and 7th May 1945 at Valkenburg. Sgt Alistair lamb and the rest of the crew also took part in Operation Harken Project, photography of U-Boat Pens at Farge. After the war Sgt Alistair Lamb stayed with 15 Squadron at RAF Wyton on Lincolns until August 1947 when he left the RAF and joined the Civil Service. Alistair Lamb still lives in his home town of Stirling.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2208>Lamb, Alistair</a><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £70</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>Half<br>Price!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£70.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22325'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161E. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<p><b><p>Signed by Sgt George B Thomson<br>and<br>Gunnery Leader Sgt Alistair Lamb. <p>Thomson / Lamb signature edition of 200 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p> Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='70.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', HALFNV10, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2136, SIG2264, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>GICLEE<br>CANVAS</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4701>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Graeme Lothian<br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£500.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4701'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161GL. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p> Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. <p> Image size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='500.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='GICLEE<br>CANVAS'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>GICLEE<br>CANVAS</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4700>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Graeme Lothian<br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£400.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4700'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161GS. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancaster.<b><p>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. <p> Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='400.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='GICLEE<br>CANVAS'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ORIGINAL<br>PAINTING</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Original painting by Graeme Lothian. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4702>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 42 inches x 22 inches (107cm x 56cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Graeme Lothian</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£1000 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£2900.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4702'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161P.Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p>On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser.<b><p> Original painting by Graeme Lothian. <p> Image size 42 inches x 22 inches (107cm x 56cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='2900.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', ORIG1000, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value='200.00'><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ORIGINAL<br>PAINTING'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT<br>(BORDER<br>DAMAGE)</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Irons signature edition of 200 prints (Nos. 751 - 950) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28367>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2020'><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £40</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£80 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FFFF00 align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£70.00</b></font><br><i><font size=2 color=#000000>Better Than<br>Half Price!</font></i></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28367'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p> On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancatser. <br><br><i>This print has some light handling damage to outer edge of border. If we sold framed prints, we would frame these up and sell them as new, the damage is so light. Instead we have reduced the price online to reflect the minor damage. <br><a href=https://www.military-art.com/mall/border-damage.php>Please click here for a list of all our stock in this category.</a></b><br><br><b><p>Signed by Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC. <p>Irons signature edition of 200 prints (Nos. 751 - 950) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. <p>Image size 25 inches x 14 inches (64cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='70.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT80, UHP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1324, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT<br>(BORDER<br>DAMAGE)'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>CANVAS<br>(DAMAGED)</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28492>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : <br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£370 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FFFF00 align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£130.00</b></font><br><i><font size=2 color=#000000>Better Than<br>Half Price!</font></i></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28492'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1161Y. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. <p> On an RAF airfield in the early evening, a squadron of Lancaster bombers of Bomber Command prepare for another bombing sortie against targets of the German war machine. A fitting tribute to all Bomber Command aircrew who flew in the Avro Lancaster. <br><br>These canvases are from stock and have been in our various mobile displays for some time, and now have damage on the back of the canvas only. These spotted areas appear either down one side or across the back, or on both side areas of the back. The damage does not affect the front image as the fronts have a protective coating. You can see the type of damage in the extra image shown below. They will frame up showing none of the damage and will look superb. Due to this damage, we are selling them below cost. <p><b>Only one of these damaged canvas prints is available - a great bargain.</b><b><p>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. <p> Image size 30 inches x 18 inches (76cm x 46cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='130.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT370, DAM, DAMGS, UHP, CVJAN, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='CANVAS<br>(DAMAGED)'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=4><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=13876><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/rt0304.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=13876>No Turning Back by Robert Taylor.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£260</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £150</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20635><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2584.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20635>Summer Harvest by Gerald Coulson.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£225</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £155</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20634><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2221.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20634>Strike and Return by Robert Taylor.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£290</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £240</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20633><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm582.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20633>Jet Attack by David Pentland. (F)</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£220</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £115</i></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3399><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm434.jpg alt='Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders.' title='Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm0434.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders.</b><br><br>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. </font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM0434</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 850 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3399>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Anthony Saunders</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£25 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£95.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='3399'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM434. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p> Signed limited edition of 850 prints. <p>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='95.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT25, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Higgins / Lamb RAF signature series of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14209>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flt Eng William (Bill) Higgins Born in Plymouth, Devon, joined the RAF at the age of 17 and became a flight engineer on Lancaster with 195 Squadron.in October 1944. whihc flew from RAF Wratting Common. Bill Higgins flew on most missions that 195 Squadorn took part in including there last mission on the 24th April 1945 the bombing of Railway facilites at Bad Oldesloe. and also took part in the supply drops to the Dutch at The Hague on the 7th May 1945. After the war end Bill transferred to air traffic control in Occupied Germany durign the Belrin Airtlift. and after leaving the RAF, Joined the civil servcie and worked onRadar, including the intallation of radar on HMS Cavalier in Singapore.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1035>Higgins, William Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Alistair Lamb, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Royal Air Force in March 1944 and went to No.7 Gunnery School at Stormydown in Wales. In August 1944 he went to Market Harborough and started training in Ansons before moving on to Wellingtons. Alistair went to H1654 heavy conversion unit at Wigsley flying in Stirlings and Lancasters. In March he joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and participated in amongst other operations Operation Manna dropping food supplies to the Dutch, on the 30th April 1945 over Rotterdam, 2nd May 1945 over The Hague and 7th May 1945 at Valkenburg. Sgt Alistair lamb and the rest of the crew also took part in Operation Harken Project, photography of U-Boat Pens at Farge. After the war Sgt Alistair Lamb stayed with 15 Squadron at RAF Wyton on Lincolns until August 1947 when he left the RAF and joined the Civil Service. Alistair Lamb still lives in his home town of Stirling.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2208>Lamb, Alistair</a><i><br>+ Artist : Anthony Saunders</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £55</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£45 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£75.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14209'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0434B. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p> Signed by Flt Eng William (Bill) Higgins (deceased)<br>and<br>Gunnery Leader Sgt Alistair Lamb. <p>Higgins / Lamb RAF signature series of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints.<p> Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='75.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT45, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1600, SIG2264, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRESENTATION</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Limited Edition Prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14956>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Anthony Saunders</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£300.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14956'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0434C. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. > <b><p>Supplied with the original signature of Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased). <p>Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Limited Edition Prints. <p>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='300.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRESENTATION'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Jackson Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14957>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1994'><i> (clipped)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Anthony Saunders</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£300.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14957'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0434D. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p>Supplied with the original signature of Warrant Officer Norman Jackson VC (deceased). <p>Jackson Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs. <p> Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='300.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG16C, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Briggs signature edition of 200 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=17725>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Don Briggs spent two years at RAF Halton qualifying as an engine fitter before serving on RAF flying units until he volunteered in December 1943 for the new aircrew trade of Flight Engineer. After a period of training he joined No.156 Squadron equipped with the Lancaster. The unit was part of Bomber Command's Pathfinder Force. The flight engineer was the pilot's mate who managed the engines, fuel systems and the ancillary equipment. He teamed up with Flying Officer Bill Neale and they were to complete sixty-two bombing operations together. Their first sortie was on June 11th, 1944 when Bomber Command was attacking targets in support of the Allied landings in Normandy. Railway marshalling yards, supply dumps and construction sites for the V-1 flying bombs and storage sites for the V-2 rocket were their primary targets. By late August, Bomber Command resumed its campaign against the industrial cities in Germany and Briggs attacked Russelheim, Kiel, Stettin and cities in the Ruhr. His crew marked targets with flares to allow the main force to mount accurate attacks. After the war, Briggs flew long-range transport sorties in York aircraft (based on the Lancaster) before spending three years at the Empire Test Pilot's School at Farnborough. In July 1951 he started training as a pilot and, after converting to jets, he joined the newly-formed No.10 Squadron to fly the twin-engine Canberra bomber. In August 1955 he trained on the first of the RAF's V-bombers, the Valiant. He joined the first squadron, No.138, and a year later he transferred to No.49 Squadron, which was being formed for the task of conducting the nuclear weapons trials in the Pacific. Operation Grapple was mounted in 1957 to test Britain's first thermonuclear megaton weapon, the Hydrogen Bomb. The site chosen for the test was Malden Island 400 miles south of Christmas Island in the South Pacific. Briggs was the second pilot in the crew of Squadron Leader Arthur Steele. They flew their Valiant bomber to the newly constructed airfield on March 18, 1957 and began a period of intensive training. On May 15th, No.49 Sqn's commanding officer, Wing Commander Ken Hubbard, dropped the first weapon successfully. For the second drop on May 31st, Steele, Briggs and their crew flew the reserve aircraft and for the third and final test, they were tasked for the sortie. On June 19th, they took off and climbed to 45,000 feet, and carried out a practice run over the target before clearance to drop the bomb was given. Fifty seconds after release, the bomb exploded at the pre-determined height of 8,000 feet. Steele and Briggs had erected the anti-flash screens in the cockpit of their aircraft before making a precisely executed turn away from the explosion and before the shock wave was felt in the aircraft. The drop was completely successful. A few days after their flight, the squadron returned to Wittering. By the end of the year, Briggs had completed a Valiant captain's course and he transferred to No.138 Squadron where he spent the next three years. This was followed by almost three years as a pilot instructor on Valiants and it was during this period he also converted to the Victor bomber. In 1964 he trained as a flying instructor and spent three years instructing trainee pilots at an RAF flying school near Newark. In January 1967 he converted to the third of the RAF's V-bombers, the Vulcan, and was to spend the next five years as an instructor on the iconic delta-wing aircraft before joining No 9 Squadron shortly before it moved to its new base in Cyprus. After 34 years service, he retired at the end of 1973. There were 88 Vulcan 2s produced and Briggs flew 57 of them during his seven years with the force. He spent 15 years at the Oxford Air Training School training pupils to become commercial airline pilots. He retired aged 65 when he joined the RAF Microlight Association at Halton where his RAF career had begun and where he became the chief flying instructor. Finally, at the age of 84 he decided to finish his flying career having flown 71 different types of aircraft and gliders. He died in July 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1536>Briggs, Don</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><i><br>+ Artist : Anthony Saunders</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £45</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£15 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£130.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='17725'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0434E. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p> Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p>Signed by Flt Lt Don Briggs DFM. <p>Briggs signature edition of 200 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints. <p>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='130.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT15, B1G1HP, B2G3HP, DECS17, MAYS18, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1310, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>George Harris RAF signature series edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16274>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='George Harris went to an Operational Training Unit flying old Wellingtons and, on his last flight of the course, a night practice bombing and fighter affiliation trip, suffered an engine fire just after take-off. He came down in darkness in Sherwood Forest and came to in hospital. A wooden propeller had shattered on impact, sheared through the airframe and his seat, taking a slice out of his back and leaving him with several broken ribs, a punctured lung and lacerated kidney. His parents were warned he may not survive but within six weeks he was flying again, back in Wellingtons, then on Halifaxes, before finally moving on to Lancasters and a posting, along with three other crews, to No 1 Group 101 Squadron in Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. It had taken three years of training and frustration and now he and his crew were replacements for those recently killed in action. The squadron's Lancasters were equipped with the radio jamming system known as the Airborne Cigar, or ABC. It covered the frequencies used by the Luftwaffe but its presence also deprived them of a vital navigational aid which heightened their vulnerability. On average only one in four crews survived and that was the case with those Harris had been posted with: all were lost, the first on its first operation. His missions ranged from major night attacks on Germany and tactical support attacks on German troop strongholds, communication centres, V-1 flying bomb sites and airfields in France and the Low Countries. He was subsequently invited to take his crew to the Pathfinder Force but turned down the opportunity as it would have meant leaving behind his German-speaking Special Operator, which he felt was wrong. Anyway, he regarded 101 as a very special squadron with huge spirit and said the Lancaster was 'a simply splendid' aircraft to fly. Among his hair-raising exploits were coping with another engine fire – resulting in an emergency landing on three engines with a full bomb load – braving electric storms which could throw the Lancasters around like corks and dodging the searchlights above enemy territory. On one occasion, returning from a night raid on Brunswick on 12th August 1944, the searchlights locked on him and he desperately performed a violent corkscrew manoeuvre to escape the beams. Failing to shake them off, he dived at full bore with a full bomb load, descending so rapidly the navigator said he had exceeded the plane's reported break-up speed. <i>The slipstream and engine noise was like a banshee,</i> he recalled. Miraculously they remained in one piece to tell the tale and, after debrief, took an idyllic stroll back to their quarters as the sun rose and the dawn chorus began. That night 24 of their men did not return and 101 maintained its reputation as a 'chop' squadron. Reflecting on the end of his operational tour with his Lancaster Z-Zebra, he said he felt <i>strangely flat, rather old and empty</i> but had gained much, including the sheer freedom and joy of flying, the magic of cloud hopping and, as a flight commander, the responsibility for life and death decisions over other men. His award of the DFC, for valour in the face of the enemy, was announced in February 1945. Seventy years later he received the Legion D'honneur for his part in the operations to liberate Caen. After the war he completed a BA in modern languages and economics at St John's College, Cambridge and took posts at Liverpool and Glasgow universities before moving to the Mobil Oil Company in 1954. Four years later he joined PA Management Consultants and in 1967 established executive search company Canny Bowen and Associates, the UK arm of the US firm Canny Bowen, undertaking searches at chairman, managing director and director level for major British and international companies. George died on 17th January 2018 in Tunbridge Wells, aged 95.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=676>Harris, George</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2018'><i><br>+ Artist : Anthony Saunders</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £40</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£90 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£100.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='16274'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM0434F. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p>Signed by Flt Lt George Harris DFC. <p>George Harris RAF signature series edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints. <p>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='100.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT90, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG180, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', dhm6128<x>PP<id>24273, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>GICLEE<br>CANVAS</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3400>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><i>Artist : Anthony Saunders<br>(on separate certificate)</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£400.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='3400'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM434GS. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders.<p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p>Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas artist proofs. <p>Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='400.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN6, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='GICLEE<br>CANVAS'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=4><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14119><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2648.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14119>Twos Company by Philip West.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£140</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £75</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=18905><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm1719.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=18905>Avro Lancaster B.1 by Ivan Berryman. 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(P)'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/b0256.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Bill Reid VC by Graeme Lothian. (P)'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Bill Reid VC by Graeme Lothian. (P)</b><br><br> Lancaster LM360, piloted by Bill Reid, is raked by fire from stem to stern by a Luftwaffe Fw190 fighter. Bill Reid had already sustained injuries to his head, torso and hands from a previous attack by an Me110, but, with this rest of his crew unscathed from the previous attack, he had not mentioned his injuries. In the attack depicted here, the Fw190 makes a lethal attack on the already damaged bomber, killing one crew member and fatally wounding a second. Despite this, Bill Reid flew on to his target of Dusseldorf - a further 200 miles - successfully dropped his bombs, then turned for home. With the aid of the bomb aimer and flight engineer, the Lancaster made it across the Channel and headed for an airfield, with one leg of the damaged undercarriage failing on landing. Bill Reid was awarded the Victoria Cross for this mission. </font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : B0256</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Bill Reid VC by Graeme Lothian. (P) - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ORIGINAL<br>DRAWING</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Original pencil drawing by Graeme Lothian. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16489>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Size 23 inches x 16 inches (58cm x 41cm) Entire sheet shown in image.</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='George Harris went to an Operational Training Unit flying old Wellingtons and, on his last flight of the course, a night practice bombing and fighter affiliation trip, suffered an engine fire just after take-off. He came down in darkness in Sherwood Forest and came to in hospital. A wooden propeller had shattered on impact, sheared through the airframe and his seat, taking a slice out of his back and leaving him with several broken ribs, a punctured lung and lacerated kidney. His parents were warned he may not survive but within six weeks he was flying again, back in Wellingtons, then on Halifaxes, before finally moving on to Lancasters and a posting, along with three other crews, to No 1 Group 101 Squadron in Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. It had taken three years of training and frustration and now he and his crew were replacements for those recently killed in action. The squadron's Lancasters were equipped with the radio jamming system known as the Airborne Cigar, or ABC. It covered the frequencies used by the Luftwaffe but its presence also deprived them of a vital navigational aid which heightened their vulnerability. On average only one in four crews survived and that was the case with those Harris had been posted with: all were lost, the first on its first operation. His missions ranged from major night attacks on Germany and tactical support attacks on German troop strongholds, communication centres, V-1 flying bomb sites and airfields in France and the Low Countries. He was subsequently invited to take his crew to the Pathfinder Force but turned down the opportunity as it would have meant leaving behind his German-speaking Special Operator, which he felt was wrong. Anyway, he regarded 101 as a very special squadron with huge spirit and said the Lancaster was 'a simply splendid' aircraft to fly. Among his hair-raising exploits were coping with another engine fire – resulting in an emergency landing on three engines with a full bomb load – braving electric storms which could throw the Lancasters around like corks and dodging the searchlights above enemy territory. On one occasion, returning from a night raid on Brunswick on 12th August 1944, the searchlights locked on him and he desperately performed a violent corkscrew manoeuvre to escape the beams. Failing to shake them off, he dived at full bore with a full bomb load, descending so rapidly the navigator said he had exceeded the plane's reported break-up speed. <i>The slipstream and engine noise was like a banshee,</i> he recalled. Miraculously they remained in one piece to tell the tale and, after debrief, took an idyllic stroll back to their quarters as the sun rose and the dawn chorus began. That night 24 of their men did not return and 101 maintained its reputation as a 'chop' squadron. Reflecting on the end of his operational tour with his Lancaster Z-Zebra, he said he felt <i>strangely flat, rather old and empty</i> but had gained much, including the sheer freedom and joy of flying, the magic of cloud hopping and, as a flight commander, the responsibility for life and death decisions over other men. His award of the DFC, for valour in the face of the enemy, was announced in February 1945. Seventy years later he received the Legion D'honneur for his part in the operations to liberate Caen. After the war he completed a BA in modern languages and economics at St John's College, Cambridge and took posts at Liverpool and Glasgow universities before moving to the Mobil Oil Company in 1954. Four years later he joined PA Management Consultants and in 1967 established executive search company Canny Bowen and Associates, the UK arm of the US firm Canny Bowen, undertaking searches at chairman, managing director and director level for major British and international companies. George died on 17th January 2018 in Tunbridge Wells, aged 95.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=676>Harris, George</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Canadian Wilf Burnett joined the RAF before the war and at the outbreak of hostilities was flying Hampdens. He completed his first tour of 30 operations in September 1940, flying with 49 Sqn at Scampton. His crew had bombed invasion barges in the Channel ports, mined enemy waters, operated against the Ruhr, and taken part in the first raids against Berlin. In July 1941 he was posted to 408 (Goose) Sqn RCAF, at Syerston, where one night in January 1942, returning from Hamburg, their Hampden crashed in extreme weather. Wilf was the sole survivor, and he was hospitalised. Recovering he was accepted to command 138 (Special Duties) Sqn at Tempsford who were engaged in dropping agents and supplies to the Resistance in occupied countries flying Halifaxes, later Stirlings. He died 26th November 2006.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=154>Burnett, Wilf</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2006'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John Petrie-Andrews joined the RAF in 1940. After training as a pilot, in January 1943 he was posted to join 102 (Ceylon) Squadron at Pocklington for his first tour, flying Halifaxes. In February 1943 he transferred to 158 Squadron, still on Halifaxes. John the joined 35 Squadron, one of the original squadrons forming the Pathfinder Force. Here he flew first Halifaxes before converting to Lancasters. John Petrie-Andrews completed a total of 70 operations on heavy bombers, including 60 with the Pathfinders.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=96>Petrie-Andrews, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of the top RAF navigators of the war who went on more than 100 sorties in Bomber Command. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was born in Birmingham in November 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force in early 1939. Norman Scrivener trained at Staverton Aerodrome, in Gloucestershire, where he discovered he suffered from air sickness. He joined 97 (New Zealand ) Squadron, became a pilot officer and was one of the first navigators to use the developing radar systems and later flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (before Gibson moved to the Dambusters.) with 106 Squadron and in 1943 joined the Pathfinders of 83 Squadron as navigator to the Squadron Commander John Searby and took part in the raid on the German radar facilities in Peenemunde where the German V2 and V1 rockets were produced and tested. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Order. Sadly Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener died in Worcester aged 91 in May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=211>Scrivener, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Squadron Leader B. A. Jimmy James, MC, survivor of the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III. Bertram Arthur James was born in India on April 17th, 1915 where his father was a tea-planter. He was educated at Kings School, Canterbury, and worked in British Columbia from 1934 until volunteering for flying training with the RAF in 1939. He was commissioned and posted to 9 Sqn flying Wellingtons from Honington in Suffolk. In June 1940 his aircraft was badly hit by flak over Holland while on a bombing raid to Germany and he was forced to bail out. He was captured and taken prisoner but then embarked on what was to become a prolific period of escaping including the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III. Jimmy James was one of 76 officers who escaped from Stalag Luft III on the night of March 24, 1944, and was fortunate not to be among the 50 executed on Hitlers order on recapture. He was sent instead to Sachsenhausen concentration camp from where he tunnelled his way out, only to be caught again after 14 days on the run. He was awarded the MC and mentioned in dispatches for his escape attempts. Squadron Leader B. A. Jimmy James retired from the RAF in 1958 and held a number of posts in the Diplomatic Service. He was the general-secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office-sponsored Great Britain-USSR Association, until joining the Diplomatic Service in 1964. He held posts in Africa, Western and Eastern Europe and London. He retired in 1975, when he visited Sachsenhausen with Jack Churchill and other survivors. He served as the British representative on the International Sachsenhausen Committee until shortly before his death. He died on January 18th, 2008, aged 92 '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=974>James, B A Jimmy</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Undergoing pilot training in 1936 David Strong joined Bomber Squadron in 1937. When war broke out he was flying Whitleys with 166 Sqn then went to 104 Sqn flying Wellingtons. In 1941 whilst returning from a bombing raid over Italy his aircraft was struck by lightning and he pulled out at 200 feet over the North Sea. Unable to continue he was forced to ditch and all the crew survived but were captured and sent to Stalag Luft III. After the war he remained in the RAF and after a distinguished career including Senior ASO, RAF Germany and Officer Commanding RAF Halton he retired in 1966. Sadly, David Strong passed away on 21st August 2011.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=973>Strong, David M</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2011'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Douglas Newham was a navigator with 156 and 150 Squadrons before transferring to the Lancasters of 10 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=158>Newham, Douglas</a><i><br>+ Artist : Graeme Lothian</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £380</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£500.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='16489'><input type=hidden name=description value='B0256P. Bill Reid VC by Graeme Lothian. <p> Lancaster LM360, piloted by Bill Reid, is raked by fire from stem to stern by a Luftwaffe Fw190 fighter. Bill Reid had already sustained injuries to his head, torso and hands from a previous attack by an Me110, but, with this rest of his crew unscathed from the previous attack, he had not mentioned his injuries. In the attack depicted here, the Fw190 makes a lethal attack on the already damaged bomber, killing one crew member and fatally wounding a second. Despite this, Bill Reid flew on to his target of Dusseldorf - a further 200 miles - successfully dropped his bombs, then turned for home. With the aid of the bomb aimer and flight engineer, the Lancaster made it across the Channel and headed for an airfield, with one leg of the damaged undercarriage failing on landing. Bill Reid was awarded the Victoria Cross for this mission. <p>This original drawing has been personally signed by Bill Reid VC, along with 7 other Lancaster pilots and crew. <b><p> Signed by Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener DSO DFC (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant Douglas Newham LVO DFC, <br>Squadron Leader B A Jimmy James MC (deceased), <br>Flight Lieutenant John Petrie-Andrews DFC DFM, <br>Air Commodore D M Strong CB, AFC (deceased), <br>Air Commodore Wilf Burnett DSO OBE DFC AFC (deceased) <br>and <br>Flt Lt George Harris DFC. <p> Original pencil drawing by Graeme Lothian. <p> Size 23 inches x 16 inches (58cm x 41cm) Entire sheet shown in image.'><input type=hidden name=price value='500.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIC2, AIT9, AIT21, COU2, SQN97, PER9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU5, ART127, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG180, SIG198, SIG208, SIG824, SIG956, SIG957, SIG955, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ORIGINAL<br>DRAWING'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=30751><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/clp0152.jpg alt='Clipped Signature - Bill Reid VC.' title='Clipped Signature - Bill Reid VC.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/clp0152.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Clipped Signature - Bill Reid VC.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Clipped Signature - Bill Reid VC.</b><br><br> Became a pilot on Wellingtons then Lancasters in 1943, earning his Victoria Cross when his Lancaster was attacked by night-fighters. His navigator and radio operator were killed and Reid himself badly injured, but he flew on 200 miles to accurately drop his bombs before getting his aircraft home with help from his remaining crew. He died in 2001. </font></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : CLP0152</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Clipped Signature - Bill Reid VC. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>CLIPSIG</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Clipped Signature. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=30751>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b></b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£10 Off!</b></font><br><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£70.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='30751'><input type=hidden name=description value='CLP0152. Clipped Signature - Bill Reid VC. <p> Became a pilot on Wellingtons then Lancasters in 1943, earning his Victoria Cross when his Lancaster was attacked by night-fighters. His navigator and radio operator were killed and Reid himself badly injured, but he flew on 200 miles to accurately drop his bombs before getting his aircraft home with help from his remaining crew. He died in 2001. <p><b><i>Clipped signatures are usually obtained from prints or publications that have been signed in person. Often, signatures have been rescued - or clipped - from prints that have been damaged in another area. </b></i> <b><p>Clipped Signature. <p>'><input type=hidden name=price value='70.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT10, B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT111, CAT112, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, SQN97, CCC3, CCC6, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value='3.00'><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='CLIPSIG'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14828><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm2088.jpg alt='Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor.' title='Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm2088.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br> On the evening of 17th August 1943, a total of 596 aircraft of RAF Bomber Command, spearheaded by the Pathfinder Force, set out on what called for, and what became, the most precise bombing raid of the war. Success was vital. The target was a secluded research establishment near the remote Baltic town of Peenemunde. There, a group of top German scientists were developing the V-2 rocket projectile, with which Hitler hoped to devastate London and other major English cities. When Allied Intelligence discovered the plan, the RAF was allotted the task of destroying the installation at Peenemunde, whatever the cost. Brilliantly navigated in darkness right over the target, the masterbombers aircraft, seen in the forefront of this painting, made nine dangerous passes over the target, directing operations. During the next 55 minutes Hitlers secret weapon establishment was almost totally destroyed by the bomber crews that followed his directions. The raid was completed with great gallantr.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14828>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM2088</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14828>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 33 inches x 25 inches (83cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1996'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=188>Mahaddie, Hamish</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of the top RAF navigators of the war who went on more than 100 sorties in Bomber Command. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was born in Birmingham in November 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force in early 1939. Norman Scrivener trained at Staverton Aerodrome, in Gloucestershire, where he discovered he suffered from air sickness. He joined 97 (New Zealand ) Squadron, became a pilot officer and was one of the first navigators to use the developing radar systems and later flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (before Gibson moved to the Dambusters.) with 106 Squadron and in 1943 joined the Pathfinders of 83 Squadron as navigator to the Squadron Commander John Searby and took part in the raid on the German radar facilities in Peenemunde where the German V2 and V1 rockets were produced and tested. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Order. Sadly Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener died in Worcester aged 91 in May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=211>Scrivener, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1994'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£100 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£265.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='14828'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM2088. Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor. <p> On the evening of 17th August 1943, a total of 596 aircraft of RAF Bomber Command, spearheaded by the Pathfinder Force, set out on what called for, and what became, the most precise bombing raid of the war. Success was vital. The target was a secluded research establishment near the remote Baltic town of Peenemunde. There, a group of top German scientists were developing the V-2 rocket projectile, with which Hitler hoped to devastate London and other major English cities. When Allied Intelligence discovered the plan, the RAF was allotted the task of destroying the installation at Peenemunde, whatever the cost. Brilliantly navigated in darkness right over the target, the masterbombers aircraft, seen in the forefront of this painting, made nine dangerous passes over the target, directing operations. During the next 55 minutes Hitlers secret weapon establishment was almost totally destroyed by the bomber crews that followed his directions. The raid was completed with great gallantry but at heavy cost, and is today remembered as one of the greatest achievements of the RAF. The painting shows Lancasters of No. 83 Squadron Pathfinder Force as they climb out over the east coast of England en-route for Peenemunde on the warm summer evening of 17th August, 1943. <p><b>Last 2 copies of this sold out edition.<b><p> Signed by : <br>Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased), <br>Wing Commander Roderick Learoyd VC (deceased), <br>Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC (deceased), <br>Warrant Officer Norman Jackson VC (deceased) <br>and <br>Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener DSO DFC (deceased). <p> Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. <p> Paper size 33 inches x 25 inches (83cm x 64cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='265.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT100, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN306, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART7, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, SIG822, SIG857, SIG824, SIG16, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0487<x>PP<id>22815, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 125 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14829>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 33 inches x 25 inches (83cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1996'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=188>Mahaddie, Hamish</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of the top RAF navigators of the war who went on more than 100 sorties in Bomber Command. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was born in Birmingham in November 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force in early 1939. Norman Scrivener trained at Staverton Aerodrome, in Gloucestershire, where he discovered he suffered from air sickness. He joined 97 (New Zealand ) Squadron, became a pilot officer and was one of the first navigators to use the developing radar systems and later flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (before Gibson moved to the Dambusters.) with 106 Squadron and in 1943 joined the Pathfinders of 83 Squadron as navigator to the Squadron Commander John Searby and took part in the raid on the German radar facilities in Peenemunde where the German V2 and V1 rockets were produced and tested. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Order. Sadly Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener died in Worcester aged 91 in May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=211>Scrivener, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1994'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Limited edition of 25 remarques. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14830>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 33 inches x 25 inches (83cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1996'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=188>Mahaddie, Hamish</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1997'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of the top RAF navigators of the war who went on more than 100 sorties in Bomber Command. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was born in Birmingham in November 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force in early 1939. Norman Scrivener trained at Staverton Aerodrome, in Gloucestershire, where he discovered he suffered from air sickness. He joined 97 (New Zealand ) Squadron, became a pilot officer and was one of the first navigators to use the developing radar systems and later flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (before Gibson moved to the Dambusters.) with 106 Squadron and in 1943 joined the Pathfinders of 83 Squadron as navigator to the Squadron Commander John Searby and took part in the raid on the German radar facilities in Peenemunde where the German V2 and V1 rockets were produced and tested. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Order. Sadly Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener died in Worcester aged 91 in May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=211>Scrivener, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1994'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=4><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21231><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/nt319.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21231>Moonlight Hunter by Nicolas Trudgian.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£320</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £225</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21230><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2446.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21230>Mynarskis Lanc by Nicolas Trudgian.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£300</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £160</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21229><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2050.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21229>Bomber Force by Nicolas Trudgian.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£370</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £295</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=25% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21228><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/nt0318.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=21228>Home at Dawn by Nicolas Trudgian.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£400</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £175</i></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4305><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/kw0002.jpg alt='Lancasters by Keith Woodcock.' title='Lancasters by Keith Woodcock.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/kw0002.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Lancasters by Keith Woodcock.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Lancasters by Keith Woodcock.</b><br><br>Royal Air Force ground crew engineers work on the engine of a Lancaster at its squadron's airfield. A fitting tribute to the Avro Lancaster bomber of Bomber Command and all the crews that flew in and also worked on this magnificent aircraft.</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4305>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : KW0002</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Lancasters by Keith Woodcock. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Open edition print. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=4305>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 14.5 inches x 9.5 inches (37cm x 24cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>none</b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£20.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='4305'><input type=hidden name=description value='KW2. Lancasters by Keith Woodcock. <p>Royal Air Force ground crew engineers work on the engine of a Lancaster at its squadron's airfield. A fitting tribute to the Avro Lancaster bomber of Bomber Command and all the crews that flew in and also worked on this magnificent aircraft.<b><p>Open edition print. <p> Image size 14.5 inches x 9.5 inches (37cm x 24cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='20.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='9fgb84cx931bcqeh840angm9p, 4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART54, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed edition print.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28353>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 14.5 inches x 9.5 inches (37cm x 24cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i><br>+ Artist : Keith Woodcock</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneoneg.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£80.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28353'><input type=hidden name=description value='KW0002B. Lancasters by Keith Woodcock. <p>Royal Air Force ground crew engineers work on the engine of a Lancaster at its squadron's airfield. A fitting tribute to the Avro Lancaster bomber of Bomber Command and all the crews that flew in and also worked on this magnificent aircraft. <p><b>Less than 15 of these specially signed prints available.</b><b><p> Signed by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased)<p>Signed edition print.<p> Image size 14.5 inches x 9.5 inches (37cm x 24cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='80.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART54, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG15, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>POSTCARD</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collectable Greetings Card (No envelope supplied)</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28565>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Front image and overall size 8.75 inches x 5 inches (22cm x 13cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>none</b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£2.95</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28565'><input type=hidden name=description value='KW0002PC. Lancasters by Keith Woodcock. <p>Royal Air Force ground crew engineers work on the engine of a Lancaster at its squadron's airfield. A fitting tribute to the Avro Lancaster bomber of Bomber Command and all the crews that flew in and also worked on this magnificent aircraft. <p><b>Interior message reads <i>Season's Greetings</i></b><b><p>Collectable Greetings Card (No envelope supplied)<p>Front image and overall size 8.75 inches x 5 inches (22cm x 13cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='2.95'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', POST2016, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART54, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='POSTCARD'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22437><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm1987.jpg alt='The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor.' title='The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm1987.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br>The Battle of Britain had been won by the young fighter pilots of Fighter Command, but now it fell to another band of young men to wage total warfare against the Nazi war machine - the aircrew of RAF Bomber Command. And like the fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain, the young men who flew with Bomber Command came not just from Britain, but from all over the Commonwealth, and from the countries of occupied mainland Europe. Every man was a volunteer, prepared to endure the deadly flak and prowling night fighters, to say nothing of the savage and bitter cold, in order to wage their relentless attack on the military and industrial targets of the Third Reich. The aircraft that carried these young men to war were numerous, but bearing the brunt of the RAFs incessant campaign were two heavy bombers, the stalwarts of Bomber Command - the Lancaster and the Halifax. Between them they accounted for over three quarters of all the bombs dropped by the RAF, and Halifaxes alone accounted for a.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22437>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM1987</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Signed limited edition of 400 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22437>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a WOP/Air Gunner he joining 408 Sqn, only the second RCAF squadron formed overseas, serving on first Halifaxes and Lancasters completing 32 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1878>Godfrey, Laurie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Initially posted to 615 Squadron flying Hurricanes, Eric was then posted to 81 Squadron, again on Hurricanes. In the autumn of 1941 he accompanied the squadron on HMS Argus to Russia as part of Force Benedict, a clandestine operation to defend the strategically important Russian port of Murmansk. As well as operational patrols the squadron escorted Russian bomber missions. He died in August 2021.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2114>Carter, Eric</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2021'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Polish pilot Stanislaw Nawwarski flew with the French Air Force, but escaped to England after the fall of France in 1940 and joined the RAF. Just prior to the Battle of Britain he was injured after being shot down whilst ferrying an unarmed Hurricane. In 1941, back in action, he was posted to 302 Polish Squadron flying Spitfires. He flew Spitfires om D-Day and throughout the subsequent Allied advance through Normandy, scoring four victories, all Me109s. He died on 8th January 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2115>Nawarski, Stanislaw</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2017'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £125</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£65 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£210.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22437'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1987. The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor. <p>The Battle of Britain had been won by the young fighter pilots of Fighter Command, but now it fell to another band of young men to wage total warfare against the Nazi war machine - the aircrew of RAF Bomber Command. And like the fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain, the young men who flew with Bomber Command came not just from Britain, but from all over the Commonwealth, and from the countries of occupied mainland Europe. Every man was a volunteer, prepared to endure the deadly flak and prowling night fighters, to say nothing of the savage and bitter cold, in order to wage their relentless attack on the military and industrial targets of the Third Reich. The aircraft that carried these young men to war were numerous, but bearing the brunt of the RAFs incessant campaign were two heavy bombers, the stalwarts of Bomber Command - the Lancaster and the Halifax. Between them they accounted for over three quarters of all the bombs dropped by the RAF, and Halifaxes alone accounted for a total of 73,312 operations, nearly a fifth of all missions carried out by Bomber Command. <b><p> Signed by :<br>Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Laurie Godfrey,<br>Warrant Officer Eric Carter<br>and<br>Lt Stanislaw Nawarski DFC KM . <p> Signed limited edition of 400 prints. <p> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='210.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT65, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT20, SQN415, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1324, SIG2054, SIG2170, SIG2171, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0488<x>PP<id>22809, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Collectors edition of 25 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22439>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a WOP/Air Gunner he joining 408 Sqn, only the second RCAF squadron formed overseas, serving on first Halifaxes and Lancasters completing 32 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1878>Godfrey, Laurie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially posted to 615 Squadron flying Hurricanes, Eric was then posted to 81 Squadron, again on Hurricanes. In the autumn of 1941 he accompanied the squadron on HMS Argus to Russia as part of Force Benedict, a clandestine operation to defend the strategically important Russian port of Murmansk. As well as operational patrols the squadron escorted Russian bomber missions. He died in August 2021.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2114>Carter, Eric</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2021'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Polish pilot Stanislaw Nawwarski flew with the French Air Force, but escaped to England after the fall of France in 1940 and joined the RAF. Just prior to the Battle of Britain he was injured after being shot down whilst ferrying an unarmed Hurricane. In 1941, back in action, he was posted to 302 Polish Squadron flying Spitfires. He flew Spitfires om D-Day and throughout the subsequent Allied advance through Normandy, scoring four victories, all Me109s. He died on 8th January 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2115>Nawarski, Stanislaw</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom was originally part of the RAFVR and was first posted to 10 Squadron as a pilot on Whitleys. He then transferred to fly Halifaxes with 102 Squadron at RAF Driffield and flew operationally from May to October 1943. He completed 35 operations in total. After a rest period he went to train new aircrew flying Stirlings who were involved in the towing of gliders for airborne operations during 1944 - 45.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2116>Sayer, Tom</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Was at 10 Sqn and 102 Sqn at the same time as Tom Sawyer, he flew Whiltleys and Halifaxes and he completed 26 Operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2094>Williamson, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Completed a full tour of Operations in 1943 flying Halifaxes for 158 Sqn at Lissett.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2097>Mottershead, Bluey</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='With 35 Sqn he flew as a WOP/Air Gunner on Halifaxes taking part in 24 'Ops' but was shot down on the attack on the Tirpitz in April 1942. After being captured he spent the rest of the War as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. We have learned that John Morrison has now sadly passed away.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2008>Morrison, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Frank Walker joined the RAF in 1943, and did his original training in Glasgow. He was posted to 466 Squadron which was formed at RAF Driffield in Yorkshire on 10th October 1942, and changed over from Wellingtons to Halifaxes in September 1943. As a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes, Frank completed 36 operations before the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2117>Walker, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2110>MacNamara, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred joined the RAF as a Flight Engineer and was originally sent to 51 Squadron at RAF Snaith on Halifaxes. He then joined 35 Squadron as they undertook their Pathfinder duties. On his 2nd operation to Krefeld on 21st June 1943 his Halifax HR799 was shot down, and Fred ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2118>Maltas, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as Shiny 10 at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2119>Gough, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John joined the RAF in late 1942. He qualified as a pilot and was posted to 158 Squadron at RAF Lissett. His 12th operation on 12th May 1944 was to Hasselt, where his Halifax was shot down by a night fighter. He evaded capture with the help of the Resistance in the Freteval Forest, and got back to England in September 1944.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2120>Evans, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid Upper Gunner he was posted to 103 Sqn on Halifaxes before transferring to 9 Sqn where he completed 3 raids on the Tirpitz and also Berchtesgaden, completing 50 Ops in total.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2061>Thompson, Sam</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Matt joined the RAF in March 1939 and was originally posted to 10 Squadron and later to 77 Squadron. He completed 52 operations as a Mid Upper Gunner on Halifaxes. On a raid to Dusseldorf they were attacked by fighters and broke away from the bomber stream, but after evasive action they followed on later and bombed Dusseldorf on their own, resulting in the whole crew receiving instant awards.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2121>Holiday, Matt</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bill joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds as a Navigator on Halifaxes. He was later transferred to 166 Squadron, and was on his 20th operation, flying to Berlin in November 1943 when he was shot down and ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft IVb. He escaped on three separate occasions but was recaptured every time - the war finished just before his fourth attempt!'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2122>Bell, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Czech Kurt was sent, age 15, by his parents on the Kindertrnsport to England from Czechoslovakia in June 1939 to escape the Nazi persecution of the Jews. Determined to fight the Germans he joined the RAF at eighteen in late 1942, and after training was posted to the Middle East to join 225 Squadron flying Spitfires on photo-reconnaissance duties in Tunisia, the Sicily landings, and in Italy. He died on 19th September 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1037>Taussig, Kurt</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2019'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John (Tim) Elkington was born in 1920 and joined the RAF in September 1939. Commissioned as a Pilot Officer in July 1940 he was immediately posted to join 1 Squadron flying Hurricanes atTangmere. On 15 August he shot down an Me109 over the Channel, but the following day he was himself shot down over Thorney Island. He baled out injured and was admitted to hospital, his Hurricane crashing at Chidham. He died on 1st February 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=895>Elkington, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2019'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom Neil was born on 14th July 1920 in Bootle, Lancashire. Tom Neil (also to become known in the RAF as 'Ginger') joined the RAFVR in October 1938 and began his flying training at 17 E and RFTS, Barton, Manchester. Tom Neil was called up on the 2nd os September 1939 being sent to 4 ITW, Bexhill in early November. On 1st December 1939, he was posted to 8 FTS and on completion of the course he was commissioned and posted to 249 Squadron in May 1940 flying Hurricanes just before the start of the Battle of Britain flying from North Weald. On 7th September 1940, Tom Neil encountered and claimed a Bf109 destroyed. On the 11th an He111, on the 15th two Bf109s and a Do17 destroyed and another Do17 shared, on the 18th an He111 damaged and on the 27th a Bf110 and a Ju88 destroyed, a Bf110 probably destroyed and a Ju88 shared. On 6th October Tom Neil shared a Do17, on the 25th claimed a Bf109 destroyed, on the 27th a Do17 probably destroyed, on the 28th a Ju88 shared and on 7th November a Ju87 and two Bf109s destroyed. He was awarded a DFC on 8 October, but on 7 November, after claiming 3 victories over the North Sea off the Essex coast, he collided in mid-air with Wing Commander Francis Beamish and his aircraft lost its tail. He baled out of his Hurricane unhurt, Beamish force-landing unscathed. Tom received a Bar to his DFC on 26 November, and on 13 December was promoted flight Commander. The squadron was posted to Malta in May 1941, flying off HMS Ark Royal on the 21st. During a summer of frequent scrambles, he claimed one further victory in June, while on 7th October he led a fighter-bomber attack on Gela station, Sicily. He departed the island in December 1941, returning to the UK via the Middle East, South and West Africa, and Canada, finally arriving in March 1942, when he became tactics officer with 81 Group. A spell as an instructor at 56 OTU, before being posted as a flying liaison officer with the 100th Fighter Wing of the US 9th Air Force in January 1944. He managed to get some flying in over France with this unit, claiming a share in 6 aircraft destroyed on the ground before D-Day, and a dozen or so more later, plus a number of other ground targets. In January 1945 he was sent to the school of Land/Air Warfare as an instructor. In March 1945 he was posted out to Burma, where he undertook some operations with 1 Wing, Indian Air Force, to gain experience of the operations in this area. Returning to the UK in April, he resumed instructing at the school until the end of the year. In January 1946 he attended the Empire Test Pilots School, undertaking No.4 short course and No.5 course, a total of 18 months. Posted briefly to Farnborough, he sought a move to Boscombe Down, where he stayed for some 3 years. In 1948 in went to Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio, to take part in the first high altitude pressure suit experiments, as a precursor to the aerospace programme. 1950-51 he was a staff officer at HQ, Fighter Command, while in 1952 he attended the staff college at Bracknell. He was then given command of 208 Squadron in Egypt, which he led until 1956, leaving just before the Suez operation. He returned to the UK to become W/Cdr Operations, Metropolitan sector, until 1958, when he attended the flying college at Manby. He went to the British Embassy in Washington for 3 years from 1959, returning to the Ministry of Defence but retiring from the service as a Wing Commander in 1964. Meanwhile he had added the US Bronze Star to his decorations in august 1947, and an AFC in January 1956. Tom Neil died on 11th July 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=52>Neil, Tom</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Stefan Ryll went into operations with 306 Squadron flying both Hurricanes and Spitfires, and took part in the last raid of the war flying a P-51 Mustang on escort for the bombers flying to Berchtesgaden.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2123>Ryll, Stefan</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £530</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£65 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£395.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22439'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1987AP. The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor. <p>The Battle of Britain had been won by the young fighter pilots of Fighter Command, but now it fell to another band of young men to wage total warfare against the Nazi war machine - the aircrew of RAF Bomber Command. And like the fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain, the young men who flew with Bomber Command came not just from Britain, but from all over the Commonwealth, and from the countries of occupied mainland Europe. Every man was a volunteer, prepared to endure the deadly flak and prowling night fighters, to say nothing of the savage and bitter cold, in order to wage their relentless attack on the military and industrial targets of the Third Reich. The aircraft that carried these young men to war were numerous, but bearing the brunt of the RAFs incessant campaign were two heavy bombers, the stalwarts of Bomber Command - the Lancaster and the Halifax. Between them they accounted for over three quarters of all the bombs dropped by the RAF, and Halifaxes alone accounted for a total of 73,312 operations, nearly a fifth of all missions carried out by Bomber Command. <b><p> Signed by :<br>Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Laurie Godfrey,<br>Warrant Officer Eric Carter<br>,Lt Stanislaw Nawarski DFC KM,<br>Flying Officer Tom Sayer DFM,<br>Sqd Ldr Frank Williamson AFC,<br>Flt Lt Bluey Mottershead DFC,<br>Warrant Officer John Morrison,<br>Flying Officer Frank Walker,<br>Flt Lt Len MacNamara DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Fred Maltas,<br>Warrant Officer Harry Gough,<br>Flying Officer John Evans,<br>Warrant Officer Sam Thompson,<br>Flt Lt Matt Holiday DFC,<br>Warrant Officer William Bell,<br>Flying Officer Kurt Taussig,<br>Wing Commander John Elkington,<br>Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC,<br>Pilot Officer Stefan Ryll<br>and<br>Warrant Officer Reg Cleaver. <p> Collectors edition of 25 artist proofs. <p> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='395.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT65, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT20, SQN415, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1324, SIG2054, SIG2170, SIG2171, SIG2172, SIG2150, SIG2153, SIG1264, SIG2173, SIG2166, SIG2174, SIG2175, SIG2176, SIG2116, SIG2177, SIG2178, SIG844, SIG967, SIG76, SIG2179, SIG1623, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0488<x>PP<id>22809, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> RCAF edition of 25 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22441>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Stocky Edwards became a P40 Ace with 260 Sqn. 94 Sqn RAF, Flight Commander 260 Sqn RAF, 417 Sqn RCAF, Flight Commander 92 Sqn RAF, Squadron Commander 274 Sqn RAF, Wing Leader 127 Wing RCAF. His victory total was 15 with 3 shared. He died on 14th May 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=574>Edwards, J F Stocky</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Douglas Duke Warren was Born in Nanton, Alta., in 1922, along with his twin brother Bruce joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at the age of 18. After advanced training, the Warren twins flew two tours of operations with Royal Air Force Spitfire squadrons. After joining 403 Squadron, Duke Warren flew as part of 165 Squadron in the air battles over Dieppe. He fought over Falaise, and also served with 66 Sqn and 11 Group at Biggin Hill. In 1945, they were both awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. He returned to Canada in May 1945, and along with Bruce joined the permanent RCAF in October 1946. Douglas became a Flight Commander with 421 Squadron flying DH Vampire jet aircraft at Chatham, New Brunswick. On April 5th, 1951, his brother Bruce was killed as a test pilot at AV Roe aircraft company in Toronto flying the prototype CF100 jet fighter. Duke became Commanding Officer of the F-86 Sabre-equipped 410 Squadron in 1952. The following year, he was attached to the United States Air Force and flew Sabres in Korea. Duke Warren flew 253 combat missions, including flying the F-86 Sabre in Korea. Sadly Duke Warren passed away Saturday August 27th 2011 in Comox at the age of 89.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2124>Warren, Douglas</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2011'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining 429 Squadron RCAF based at East Moor in Yorkshire in late 1942, Edward Bowles was a Bombardier on Halifaxes. He flew 33 combat missions, his aircraft shooting down two Me109s on one mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2125>Bowles, Edward</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Richard Curnock was posted to 425 Squadron RCAF where he served as a Rear Gunner. He was only on his second operation on 25th February 1944 to Augsburg when his aircraft was shot down and he ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2126>Curnock, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Ian was originally a Navigator on Whitleys with 58 Squadron, before joining 35 Squadron. Shot down attacking the Tirpitz in Halifax S for Sugar, he managed to crash land and escape into Sweden. Through a successful PoW exchange Ian was flown back to England in a Mosquito and went back to operations with 405 Squadron RCAF.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2127>Hewitt, Ian</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Posted to 432 Sqn RCAF, Henry Oakeby served as a Navigator.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2128>Oakeby, Henry</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £160</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Collectors limited edition of 250 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22438>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a WOP/Air Gunner he joining 408 Sqn, only the second RCAF squadron formed overseas, serving on first Halifaxes and Lancasters completing 32 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1878>Godfrey, Laurie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially posted to 615 Squadron flying Hurricanes, Eric was then posted to 81 Squadron, again on Hurricanes. In the autumn of 1941 he accompanied the squadron on HMS Argus to Russia as part of Force Benedict, a clandestine operation to defend the strategically important Russian port of Murmansk. As well as operational patrols the squadron escorted Russian bomber missions. He died in August 2021.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2114>Carter, Eric</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2021'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Polish pilot Stanislaw Nawwarski flew with the French Air Force, but escaped to England after the fall of France in 1940 and joined the RAF. Just prior to the Battle of Britain he was injured after being shot down whilst ferrying an unarmed Hurricane. In 1941, back in action, he was posted to 302 Polish Squadron flying Spitfires. He flew Spitfires om D-Day and throughout the subsequent Allied advance through Normandy, scoring four victories, all Me109s. He died on 8th January 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2115>Nawarski, Stanislaw</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom was originally part of the RAFVR and was first posted to 10 Squadron as a pilot on Whitleys. He then transferred to fly Halifaxes with 102 Squadron at RAF Driffield and flew operationally from May to October 1943. He completed 35 operations in total. After a rest period he went to train new aircrew flying Stirlings who were involved in the towing of gliders for airborne operations during 1944 - 45.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2116>Sayer, Tom</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Was at 10 Sqn and 102 Sqn at the same time as Tom Sawyer, he flew Whiltleys and Halifaxes and he completed 26 Operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2094>Williamson, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Completed a full tour of Operations in 1943 flying Halifaxes for 158 Sqn at Lissett.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2097>Mottershead, Bluey</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='With 35 Sqn he flew as a WOP/Air Gunner on Halifaxes taking part in 24 'Ops' but was shot down on the attack on the Tirpitz in April 1942. After being captured he spent the rest of the War as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. We have learned that John Morrison has now sadly passed away.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2008>Morrison, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Frank Walker joined the RAF in 1943, and did his original training in Glasgow. He was posted to 466 Squadron which was formed at RAF Driffield in Yorkshire on 10th October 1942, and changed over from Wellingtons to Halifaxes in September 1943. As a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes, Frank completed 36 operations before the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2117>Walker, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2110>MacNamara, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred joined the RAF as a Flight Engineer and was originally sent to 51 Squadron at RAF Snaith on Halifaxes. He then joined 35 Squadron as they undertook their Pathfinder duties. On his 2nd operation to Krefeld on 21st June 1943 his Halifax HR799 was shot down, and Fred ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2118>Maltas, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as Shiny 10 at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2119>Gough, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John joined the RAF in late 1942. He qualified as a pilot and was posted to 158 Squadron at RAF Lissett. His 12th operation on 12th May 1944 was to Hasselt, where his Halifax was shot down by a night fighter. He evaded capture with the help of the Resistance in the Freteval Forest, and got back to England in September 1944.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2120>Evans, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid Upper Gunner he was posted to 103 Sqn on Halifaxes before transferring to 9 Sqn where he completed 3 raids on the Tirpitz and also Berchtesgaden, completing 50 Ops in total.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2061>Thompson, Sam</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Matt joined the RAF in March 1939 and was originally posted to 10 Squadron and later to 77 Squadron. He completed 52 operations as a Mid Upper Gunner on Halifaxes. On a raid to Dusseldorf they were attacked by fighters and broke away from the bomber stream, but after evasive action they followed on later and bombed Dusseldorf on their own, resulting in the whole crew receiving instant awards.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2121>Holiday, Matt</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bill joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds as a Navigator on Halifaxes. He was later transferred to 166 Squadron, and was on his 20th operation, flying to Berlin in November 1943 when he was shot down and ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft IVb. He escaped on three separate occasions but was recaptured every time - the war finished just before his fourth attempt!'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2122>Bell, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Czech Kurt was sent, age 15, by his parents on the Kindertrnsport to England from Czechoslovakia in June 1939 to escape the Nazi persecution of the Jews. Determined to fight the Germans he joined the RAF at eighteen in late 1942, and after training was posted to the Middle East to join 225 Squadron flying Spitfires on photo-reconnaissance duties in Tunisia, the Sicily landings, and in Italy. He died on 19th September 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1037>Taussig, Kurt</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2019'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John (Tim) Elkington was born in 1920 and joined the RAF in September 1939. Commissioned as a Pilot Officer in July 1940 he was immediately posted to join 1 Squadron flying Hurricanes atTangmere. On 15 August he shot down an Me109 over the Channel, but the following day he was himself shot down over Thorney Island. He baled out injured and was admitted to hospital, his Hurricane crashing at Chidham. He died on 1st February 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=895>Elkington, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2019'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom Neil was born on 14th July 1920 in Bootle, Lancashire. Tom Neil (also to become known in the RAF as 'Ginger') joined the RAFVR in October 1938 and began his flying training at 17 E and RFTS, Barton, Manchester. Tom Neil was called up on the 2nd os September 1939 being sent to 4 ITW, Bexhill in early November. On 1st December 1939, he was posted to 8 FTS and on completion of the course he was commissioned and posted to 249 Squadron in May 1940 flying Hurricanes just before the start of the Battle of Britain flying from North Weald. On 7th September 1940, Tom Neil encountered and claimed a Bf109 destroyed. On the 11th an He111, on the 15th two Bf109s and a Do17 destroyed and another Do17 shared, on the 18th an He111 damaged and on the 27th a Bf110 and a Ju88 destroyed, a Bf110 probably destroyed and a Ju88 shared. On 6th October Tom Neil shared a Do17, on the 25th claimed a Bf109 destroyed, on the 27th a Do17 probably destroyed, on the 28th a Ju88 shared and on 7th November a Ju87 and two Bf109s destroyed. He was awarded a DFC on 8 October, but on 7 November, after claiming 3 victories over the North Sea off the Essex coast, he collided in mid-air with Wing Commander Francis Beamish and his aircraft lost its tail. He baled out of his Hurricane unhurt, Beamish force-landing unscathed. Tom received a Bar to his DFC on 26 November, and on 13 December was promoted flight Commander. The squadron was posted to Malta in May 1941, flying off HMS Ark Royal on the 21st. During a summer of frequent scrambles, he claimed one further victory in June, while on 7th October he led a fighter-bomber attack on Gela station, Sicily. He departed the island in December 1941, returning to the UK via the Middle East, South and West Africa, and Canada, finally arriving in March 1942, when he became tactics officer with 81 Group. A spell as an instructor at 56 OTU, before being posted as a flying liaison officer with the 100th Fighter Wing of the US 9th Air Force in January 1944. He managed to get some flying in over France with this unit, claiming a share in 6 aircraft destroyed on the ground before D-Day, and a dozen or so more later, plus a number of other ground targets. In January 1945 he was sent to the school of Land/Air Warfare as an instructor. In March 1945 he was posted out to Burma, where he undertook some operations with 1 Wing, Indian Air Force, to gain experience of the operations in this area. Returning to the UK in April, he resumed instructing at the school until the end of the year. In January 1946 he attended the Empire Test Pilots School, undertaking No.4 short course and No.5 course, a total of 18 months. Posted briefly to Farnborough, he sought a move to Boscombe Down, where he stayed for some 3 years. In 1948 in went to Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio, to take part in the first high altitude pressure suit experiments, as a precursor to the aerospace programme. 1950-51 he was a staff officer at HQ, Fighter Command, while in 1952 he attended the staff college at Bracknell. He was then given command of 208 Squadron in Egypt, which he led until 1956, leaving just before the Suez operation. He returned to the UK to become W/Cdr Operations, Metropolitan sector, until 1958, when he attended the flying college at Manby. He went to the British Embassy in Washington for 3 years from 1959, returning to the Ministry of Defence but retiring from the service as a Wing Commander in 1964. Meanwhile he had added the US Bronze Star to his decorations in august 1947, and an AFC in January 1956. Tom Neil died on 11th July 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=52>Neil, Tom</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Stefan Ryll went into operations with 306 Squadron flying both Hurricanes and Spitfires, and took part in the last raid of the war flying a P-51 Mustang on escort for the bombers flying to Berchtesgaden.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2123>Ryll, Stefan</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £530</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£65 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£325.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='22438'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM1987B. The Hard Way Home by Robert Taylor. <p> The Battle of Britain had been won by the young fighter pilots of Fighter Command, but now it fell to another band of young men to wage total warfare against the Nazi war machine - the aircrew of RAF Bomber Command. And like the fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain, the young men who flew with Bomber Command came not just from Britain, but from all over the Commonwealth, and from the countries of occupied mainland Europe. Every man was a volunteer, prepared to endure the deadly flak and prowling night fighters, to say nothing of the savage and bitter cold, in order to wage their relentless attack on the military and industrial targets of the Third Reich. The aircraft that carried these young men to war were numerous, but bearing the brunt of the RAFs incessant campaign were two heavy bombers, the stalwarts of Bomber Command - the Lancaster and the Halifax. Between them they accounted for over three quarters of all the bombs dropped by the RAF, and Halifaxes alone accounted for a total of 73,312 operations, nearly a fifth of all missions carried out by Bomber Command. <b><p> Signed by :<br>Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Laurie Godfrey,<br>Warrant Officer Eric Carter<br>,Lt Stanislaw Nawarski DFC KM,<br>Flying Officer Tom Sayer DFM,<br>Sqd Ldr Frank Williamson AFC,<br>Flt Lt Bluey Mottershead DFC,<br>Warrant Officer John Morrison,<br>Flying Officer Frank Walker,<br>Flt Lt Len MacNamara DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Fred Maltas,<br>Warrant Officer Harry Gough,<br>Flying Officer John Evans,<br>Warrant Officer Sam Thompson,<br>Flt Lt Matt Holiday DFC,<br>Warrant Officer William Bell,<br>Flying Officer Kurt Taussig,<br>Wing Commander John Elkington,<br>Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC,<br>Pilot Officer Stefan Ryll<br>and<br>Warrant Officer Reg Cleaver. <p> Collectors limited edition of 250 prints. <p> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='325.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT65, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT20, SQN415, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG1324, SIG2054, SIG2170, SIG2171, SIG2172, SIG2150, SIG2153, SIG1264, SIG2173, SIG2166, SIG2174, SIG2175, SIG2176, SIG2116, SIG2177, SIG2178, SIG844, SIG967, SIG76, SIG2179, SIG1623, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0488<x>PP<id>22809, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> RCAF limited edition of 250 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22440>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Stocky Edwards became a P40 Ace with 260 Sqn. 94 Sqn RAF, Flight Commander 260 Sqn RAF, 417 Sqn RCAF, Flight Commander 92 Sqn RAF, Squadron Commander 274 Sqn RAF, Wing Leader 127 Wing RCAF. His victory total was 15 with 3 shared. He died on 14th May 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=574>Edwards, J F Stocky</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Douglas Duke Warren was Born in Nanton, Alta., in 1922, along with his twin brother Bruce joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at the age of 18. After advanced training, the Warren twins flew two tours of operations with Royal Air Force Spitfire squadrons. After joining 403 Squadron, Duke Warren flew as part of 165 Squadron in the air battles over Dieppe. He fought over Falaise, and also served with 66 Sqn and 11 Group at Biggin Hill. In 1945, they were both awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. He returned to Canada in May 1945, and along with Bruce joined the permanent RCAF in October 1946. Douglas became a Flight Commander with 421 Squadron flying DH Vampire jet aircraft at Chatham, New Brunswick. On April 5th, 1951, his brother Bruce was killed as a test pilot at AV Roe aircraft company in Toronto flying the prototype CF100 jet fighter. Duke became Commanding Officer of the F-86 Sabre-equipped 410 Squadron in 1952. The following year, he was attached to the United States Air Force and flew Sabres in Korea. Duke Warren flew 253 combat missions, including flying the F-86 Sabre in Korea. Sadly Duke Warren passed away Saturday August 27th 2011 in Comox at the age of 89.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2124>Warren, Douglas</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2011'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining 429 Squadron RCAF based at East Moor in Yorkshire in late 1942, Edward Bowles was a Bombardier on Halifaxes. He flew 33 combat missions, his aircraft shooting down two Me109s on one mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2125>Bowles, Edward</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Richard Curnock was posted to 425 Squadron RCAF where he served as a Rear Gunner. He was only on his second operation on 25th February 1944 to Augsburg when his aircraft was shot down and he ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2126>Curnock, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Ian was originally a Navigator on Whitleys with 58 Squadron, before joining 35 Squadron. Shot down attacking the Tirpitz in Halifax S for Sugar, he managed to crash land and escape into Sweden. Through a successful PoW exchange Ian was flown back to England in a Mosquito and went back to operations with 405 Squadron RCAF.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2127>Hewitt, Ian</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Posted to 432 Sqn RCAF, Henry Oakeby served as a Navigator.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2128>Oakeby, Henry</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £160</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRESENTATION</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Original pencil tribute edition of 10 proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=22442>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 35 inches x 23 inches (89cm x 58cm) Image size 29 inches x 16 inches (74cm x 41cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a WOP/Air Gunner he joining 408 Sqn, only the second RCAF squadron formed overseas, serving on first Halifaxes and Lancasters completing 32 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1878>Godfrey, Laurie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially posted to 615 Squadron flying Hurricanes, Eric was then posted to 81 Squadron, again on Hurricanes. In the autumn of 1941 he accompanied the squadron on HMS Argus to Russia as part of Force Benedict, a clandestine operation to defend the strategically important Russian port of Murmansk. As well as operational patrols the squadron escorted Russian bomber missions. He died in August 2021.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2114>Carter, Eric</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2021'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Polish pilot Stanislaw Nawwarski flew with the French Air Force, but escaped to England after the fall of France in 1940 and joined the RAF. Just prior to the Battle of Britain he was injured after being shot down whilst ferrying an unarmed Hurricane. In 1941, back in action, he was posted to 302 Polish Squadron flying Spitfires. He flew Spitfires om D-Day and throughout the subsequent Allied advance through Normandy, scoring four victories, all Me109s. He died on 8th January 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2115>Nawarski, Stanislaw</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom was originally part of the RAFVR and was first posted to 10 Squadron as a pilot on Whitleys. He then transferred to fly Halifaxes with 102 Squadron at RAF Driffield and flew operationally from May to October 1943. He completed 35 operations in total. After a rest period he went to train new aircrew flying Stirlings who were involved in the towing of gliders for airborne operations during 1944 - 45.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2116>Sayer, Tom</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Was at 10 Sqn and 102 Sqn at the same time as Tom Sawyer, he flew Whiltleys and Halifaxes and he completed 26 Operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2094>Williamson, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Completed a full tour of Operations in 1943 flying Halifaxes for 158 Sqn at Lissett.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2097>Mottershead, Bluey</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='With 35 Sqn he flew as a WOP/Air Gunner on Halifaxes taking part in 24 'Ops' but was shot down on the attack on the Tirpitz in April 1942. After being captured he spent the rest of the War as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. We have learned that John Morrison has now sadly passed away.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2008>Morrison, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Frank Walker joined the RAF in 1943, and did his original training in Glasgow. He was posted to 466 Squadron which was formed at RAF Driffield in Yorkshire on 10th October 1942, and changed over from Wellingtons to Halifaxes in September 1943. As a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes, Frank completed 36 operations before the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2117>Walker, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2110>MacNamara, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred joined the RAF as a Flight Engineer and was originally sent to 51 Squadron at RAF Snaith on Halifaxes. He then joined 35 Squadron as they undertook their Pathfinder duties. On his 2nd operation to Krefeld on 21st June 1943 his Halifax HR799 was shot down, and Fred ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2118>Maltas, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as Shiny 10 at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2119>Gough, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John joined the RAF in late 1942. He qualified as a pilot and was posted to 158 Squadron at RAF Lissett. His 12th operation on 12th May 1944 was to Hasselt, where his Halifax was shot down by a night fighter. He evaded capture with the help of the Resistance in the Freteval Forest, and got back to England in September 1944.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2120>Evans, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid Upper Gunner he was posted to 103 Sqn on Halifaxes before transferring to 9 Sqn where he completed 3 raids on the Tirpitz and also Berchtesgaden, completing 50 Ops in total.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2061>Thompson, Sam</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Matt joined the RAF in March 1939 and was originally posted to 10 Squadron and later to 77 Squadron. He completed 52 operations as a Mid Upper Gunner on Halifaxes. On a raid to Dusseldorf they were attacked by fighters and broke away from the bomber stream, but after evasive action they followed on later and bombed Dusseldorf on their own, resulting in the whole crew receiving instant awards.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2121>Holiday, Matt</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bill joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds as a Navigator on Halifaxes. He was later transferred to 166 Squadron, and was on his 20th operation, flying to Berlin in November 1943 when he was shot down and ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft IVb. He escaped on three separate occasions but was recaptured every time - the war finished just before his fourth attempt!'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2122>Bell, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Czech Kurt was sent, age 15, by his parents on the Kindertrnsport to England from Czechoslovakia in June 1939 to escape the Nazi persecution of the Jews. Determined to fight the Germans he joined the RAF at eighteen in late 1942, and after training was posted to the Middle East to join 225 Squadron flying Spitfires on photo-reconnaissance duties in Tunisia, the Sicily landings, and in Italy. He died on 19th September 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1037>Taussig, Kurt</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2019'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John (Tim) Elkington was born in 1920 and joined the RAF in September 1939. Commissioned as a Pilot Officer in July 1940 he was immediately posted to join 1 Squadron flying Hurricanes atTangmere. On 15 August he shot down an Me109 over the Channel, but the following day he was himself shot down over Thorney Island. He baled out injured and was admitted to hospital, his Hurricane crashing at Chidham. He died on 1st February 2019.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=895>Elkington, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2019'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tom Neil was born on 14th July 1920 in Bootle, Lancashire. Tom Neil (also to become known in the RAF as 'Ginger') joined the RAFVR in October 1938 and began his flying training at 17 E and RFTS, Barton, Manchester. Tom Neil was called up on the 2nd os September 1939 being sent to 4 ITW, Bexhill in early November. On 1st December 1939, he was posted to 8 FTS and on completion of the course he was commissioned and posted to 249 Squadron in May 1940 flying Hurricanes just before the start of the Battle of Britain flying from North Weald. On 7th September 1940, Tom Neil encountered and claimed a Bf109 destroyed. On the 11th an He111, on the 15th two Bf109s and a Do17 destroyed and another Do17 shared, on the 18th an He111 damaged and on the 27th a Bf110 and a Ju88 destroyed, a Bf110 probably destroyed and a Ju88 shared. On 6th October Tom Neil shared a Do17, on the 25th claimed a Bf109 destroyed, on the 27th a Do17 probably destroyed, on the 28th a Ju88 shared and on 7th November a Ju87 and two Bf109s destroyed. He was awarded a DFC on 8 October, but on 7 November, after claiming 3 victories over the North Sea off the Essex coast, he collided in mid-air with Wing Commander Francis Beamish and his aircraft lost its tail. He baled out of his Hurricane unhurt, Beamish force-landing unscathed. Tom received a Bar to his DFC on 26 November, and on 13 December was promoted flight Commander. The squadron was posted to Malta in May 1941, flying off HMS Ark Royal on the 21st. During a summer of frequent scrambles, he claimed one further victory in June, while on 7th October he led a fighter-bomber attack on Gela station, Sicily. He departed the island in December 1941, returning to the UK via the Middle East, South and West Africa, and Canada, finally arriving in March 1942, when he became tactics officer with 81 Group. A spell as an instructor at 56 OTU, before being posted as a flying liaison officer with the 100th Fighter Wing of the US 9th Air Force in January 1944. He managed to get some flying in over France with this unit, claiming a share in 6 aircraft destroyed on the ground before D-Day, and a dozen or so more later, plus a number of other ground targets. In January 1945 he was sent to the school of Land/Air Warfare as an instructor. In March 1945 he was posted out to Burma, where he undertook some operations with 1 Wing, Indian Air Force, to gain experience of the operations in this area. Returning to the UK in April, he resumed instructing at the school until the end of the year. In January 1946 he attended the Empire Test Pilots School, undertaking No.4 short course and No.5 course, a total of 18 months. Posted briefly to Farnborough, he sought a move to Boscombe Down, where he stayed for some 3 years. In 1948 in went to Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio, to take part in the first high altitude pressure suit experiments, as a precursor to the aerospace programme. 1950-51 he was a staff officer at HQ, Fighter Command, while in 1952 he attended the staff college at Bracknell. He was then given command of 208 Squadron in Egypt, which he led until 1956, leaving just before the Suez operation. He returned to the UK to become W/Cdr Operations, Metropolitan sector, until 1958, when he attended the flying college at Manby. He went to the British Embassy in Washington for 3 years from 1959, returning to the Ministry of Defence but retiring from the service as a Wing Commander in 1964. Meanwhile he had added the US Bronze Star to his decorations in august 1947, and an AFC in January 1956. Tom Neil died on 11th July 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=52>Neil, Tom</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Stefan Ryll went into operations with 306 Squadron flying both Hurricanes and Spitfires, and took part in the last raid of the war flying a P-51 Mustang on escort for the bombers flying to Berchtesgaden.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2123>Ryll, Stefan</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Having completed his training as a Bomb Aimer he joined 635 Sqn serving with W.O. Ernie Patterson and W.O. Harry Parker on over 50 Ops in Lancasters with Pilot Alex Throne DSO DFC.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1632>Bressloff, Boris</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 58 and 103 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2129>Briggs, Graham</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 49 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2130>Clarke, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 214 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2131>Cox, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Navigator, 115 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2132>Glendinning, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Rear Gunner posted to 626 Squadron at Wickenby on Lancasters where he completed a full tour during 1944. After the War in an attempt to keep Bomber Command veterans in touch with each other he was the founder member of the Wickenby Register.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2133>Joss, Douglas</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, 9 and 97 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2134>Lasham, Bob</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 30 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2135>Leksinski, Rudolf</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 9 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2136>Levy, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 10, 51 and 76 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2137>Manning, Reg</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John Petrie-Andrews joined the RAF in 1940. After training as a pilot, in January 1943 he was posted to join 102 (Ceylon) Squadron at Pocklington for his first tour, flying Halifaxes. In February 1943 he transferred to 158 Squadron, still on Halifaxes. John the joined 35 Squadron, one of the original squadrons forming the Pathfinder Force. Here he flew first Halifaxes before converting to Lancasters. John Petrie-Andrews completed a total of 70 operations on heavy bombers, including 60 with the Pathfinders.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=96>Petrie-Andrews, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 617 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2138>Smith, Ron</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Originally joined the RAF as a mechanic, but went on to complete his pilots course. Ken completed 30 Operations flying Stirlings and Lancasters for 622 Sqn at Mildenhall.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2096>Thomas, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Born in Australia, Bennet had joined the RAF before the war. He became widely experienced in flying all types of aircraft including fighters, flying boats and heavy bombers commanding 77 squadron, flying Halifaxes. In 1942, whilst commanding 10 Squadron, he was shot down on one of the attacks on the Tirpitz, but evaded capture and returned to England. Widley regarded as a navigation expert beyond comparison, he was personally selected by Arthur Harris to form the Pathfinder Force and his uncompromising attitude and ceaseless devotion to his men made him a legendary figure in WWII history. He died 15th September 1986.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=774>Bennett, Donald</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1986'><i> (matted on companion print)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=216>Cheshire, Leonard</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1992'><i> (matted on companion print)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1994'><i> (matted on companion print)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1996'><i> (matted on companion print)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (matted on companion print)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £1070</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14384><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm2083.jpg alt='Cloud Companions by Robert Taylor.' title='Cloud Companions by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm2083.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Cloud Companions by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Cloud Companions by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br> A Lancaster has been damaged and is left far behind the main force to make its own perilous way home as best it can. Seeing the vulnerability of their friends, a Mosquito crew expose themselves to the same dangers, and throttle back to stay alongside the injured warbird. Dawn has broken, the visibility is unlimited. They have yet to make that Channel crossing and enemy fighters are in the area. The crew of the Lancaster struggle to maintain flying speed and enough height to bring their large four-engined aircraft home. Perhaps tonight they will all drink and laugh in the local pub - perhaps! Meanwhile the drama unfolds: Dawn has broken, the visibility is unlimited. They have yet to make that Channel crossing and enemy fighters are in the area. The crew of the Lancaster struggle to maintain flying speed and enough height to bring their large four engine aircraft home. Robert Taylor conveys the desperate urgency of the situation with masterful strokes of his brush, providing an imag.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14384>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM2083</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Cloud Companions by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=14384>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 33 inches x 29 inches (84cm x 74cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Fred Coney served with No.15 Sqn out of RAF Mildenhall during 1943 and 1944, including two ops on D-Day. He was the honorary chairman of the Mildenhall Registrar. He passed away in 2010.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=542>Coney, Fred</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2010'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=543>Costello, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=544>Hammersley, Roly</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Enlisted 1940 as a flight mechanic in the Royal Air Force and commissioned 1943, joined as a bomber Pilot with No.75 (New Zealand) Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 13th October 1944. After the war he became a successful rally driver, making his debut in the early 1950s driving a 2.4-litre Riley Pathfinder in which he took part in the Rallye de Monte-Carlo in 1954 co-driven by William Rogers, finishing 20th. That same year he finished seventh in the 6 Hour Relay Silverstone, driving the same car. It was in a private Aston Martin DB2 that Lyndon Sims first came to international fame, as the driver in the three-man crew that won the sixth edition of the RAC Rally, in 1956 when he was 39 years old. He was partnered with Rupert Jones and Tony Ambrose, beating Ian Appleyard and Pat Appleyard of Leeds, second in a Jaguar XK140 and Dr. J. T. Spare and M. Meredith-Owens third in a Morgan Plus-4. Later in the 1956 season Sims took a fine fourth in a national sportscar race at Silverstone in the same car, and once again with Ambrose as co-driver he finished 10th in the Internationale Tulpenrallye, which passed through Holland, Belgium and eastern France. Sims returned to the Rallye de Monte-Carlo in 1959 in another Aston Martin, scoring a second in class with his navigator and friend Tony Ambrose who the next year joined the BMC Competitions Department soon becoming a prominent rally co-driver. Lyndon Sims passed away in 1999 at the age of 82. <br><br>His citation fo the DFC :<br><br><i>This officer is now engaged on his second tour of operational duty and has completed very many sorties against most heavily defended objectives in Germany. As Flight Engineer leader, he has shown conscientiousness and vigour in his duties and has been largely responsible for the high standard of technical efficiency attained by the engineers in his unit. On one occasion when operating against Fellersleben his aircraft was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Similar damage has been sustained on various sorties but this has never deterred Flight Lieutenant Sims from displaying great keenness to fly on operations.</i>'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=545>Sims, Lyndon</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1999'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Leonard Joseph Sumpter was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on 20th September 1911, the son of Joseph and Mary Ann Sumpter. He had already served two stints in the Grenadier Guards before transferring to the RAF in 1941. He had joined the army as a boy soldier in 1928 and left again in 1931. He rejoined his old regiment at the outbreak of war but then in 1941 he persuaded his superiors to let him transfer to the RAF. After training in England and Canada, he was posted to No.57 Squadron at Scampton in September 1942 and flew as the bomb aimer on thirteen operations with Flt Lt G.W. Curry. Curry was then grounded with ear trouble, and his crew were told they had to break up. However, he and his colleague, flight engineer Bob Henderson, heard a rumour that a new squadron was being formed elsewhere at Scampton, and went looking for David Shannon, who was apparently on the lookout for a bomb aimer and an engineer. They both impressed the young pilot, and joined his crew. After the Dams Raid, for which he received the DFM for his accurate attack on the Eder Dam, Sumpter continued flying in Shannon's crew, as No.617 Squadron undertook a series of operations. He was commissioned in June 1943. In 1944 Mosquitoes were introduced into No.617 Squadron to mark targets, and Sumpter became Shannon's observer. He received the DFC in June 1944. Shannon was finally taken off operations, but Sumpter reverted to Lancasters for a short time as part of Flt Lt I.M. Marshall's crew. By the end of the war he had flown a total of thirty-five operations. He flew on No.617 Squadron's last wartime operation, an attack on Berchtesgarten on 25th April 1943. He was demobilised from the RAF after the war, but rejoined in 1946 in the Physical Fitness branch, and served until 1950. Len Sumpter died on 30th November 1993 in Luton.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=546>Sumpter, Len</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1993'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=547>Wing, Howie</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £315</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Limited edition of 125 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3713>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 33 inches x 29 inches (84cm x 74cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred Coney served with No.15 Sqn out of RAF Mildenhall during 1943 and 1944, including two ops on D-Day. He was the honorary chairman of the Mildenhall Registrar. He passed away in 2010.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=542>Coney, Fred</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2010'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=543>Costello, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=544>Hammersley, Roly</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Enlisted 1940 as a flight mechanic in the Royal Air Force and commissioned 1943, joined as a bomber Pilot with No.75 (New Zealand) Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 13th October 1944. After the war he became a successful rally driver, making his debut in the early 1950s driving a 2.4-litre Riley Pathfinder in which he took part in the Rallye de Monte-Carlo in 1954 co-driven by William Rogers, finishing 20th. That same year he finished seventh in the 6 Hour Relay Silverstone, driving the same car. It was in a private Aston Martin DB2 that Lyndon Sims first came to international fame, as the driver in the three-man crew that won the sixth edition of the RAC Rally, in 1956 when he was 39 years old. He was partnered with Rupert Jones and Tony Ambrose, beating Ian Appleyard and Pat Appleyard of Leeds, second in a Jaguar XK140 and Dr. J. T. Spare and M. Meredith-Owens third in a Morgan Plus-4. Later in the 1956 season Sims took a fine fourth in a national sportscar race at Silverstone in the same car, and once again with Ambrose as co-driver he finished 10th in the Internationale Tulpenrallye, which passed through Holland, Belgium and eastern France. Sims returned to the Rallye de Monte-Carlo in 1959 in another Aston Martin, scoring a second in class with his navigator and friend Tony Ambrose who the next year joined the BMC Competitions Department soon becoming a prominent rally co-driver. Lyndon Sims passed away in 1999 at the age of 82. <br><br>His citation fo the DFC :<br><br><i>This officer is now engaged on his second tour of operational duty and has completed very many sorties against most heavily defended objectives in Germany. As Flight Engineer leader, he has shown conscientiousness and vigour in his duties and has been largely responsible for the high standard of technical efficiency attained by the engineers in his unit. On one occasion when operating against Fellersleben his aircraft was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Similar damage has been sustained on various sorties but this has never deterred Flight Lieutenant Sims from displaying great keenness to fly on operations.</i>'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=545>Sims, Lyndon</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1999'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Leonard Joseph Sumpter was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on 20th September 1911, the son of Joseph and Mary Ann Sumpter. He had already served two stints in the Grenadier Guards before transferring to the RAF in 1941. He had joined the army as a boy soldier in 1928 and left again in 1931. He rejoined his old regiment at the outbreak of war but then in 1941 he persuaded his superiors to let him transfer to the RAF. After training in England and Canada, he was posted to No.57 Squadron at Scampton in September 1942 and flew as the bomb aimer on thirteen operations with Flt Lt G.W. Curry. Curry was then grounded with ear trouble, and his crew were told they had to break up. However, he and his colleague, flight engineer Bob Henderson, heard a rumour that a new squadron was being formed elsewhere at Scampton, and went looking for David Shannon, who was apparently on the lookout for a bomb aimer and an engineer. They both impressed the young pilot, and joined his crew. After the Dams Raid, for which he received the DFM for his accurate attack on the Eder Dam, Sumpter continued flying in Shannon's crew, as No.617 Squadron undertook a series of operations. He was commissioned in June 1943. In 1944 Mosquitoes were introduced into No.617 Squadron to mark targets, and Sumpter became Shannon's observer. He received the DFC in June 1944. Shannon was finally taken off operations, but Sumpter reverted to Lancasters for a short time as part of Flt Lt I.M. Marshall's crew. By the end of the war he had flown a total of thirty-five operations. He flew on No.617 Squadron's last wartime operation, an attack on Berchtesgarten on 25th April 1943. He was demobilised from the RAF after the war, but rejoined in 1946 in the Physical Fitness branch, and served until 1950. Len Sumpter died on 30th November 1993 in Luton.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=546>Sumpter, Len</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1993'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=547>Wing, Howie</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £315</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3721><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm2092.jpg alt='Lancaster VC by Robert Taylor' title='Lancaster VC by Robert Taylor'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm2092.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Lancaster VC by Robert Taylor'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Lancaster VC by Robert Taylor</b><br><br>A superb study of a pair of Lancaster heavy bombers as they set out on a mission over occupied Europe, painted against a powerful cloudscape. Both Bill Reid and Norman Jackson won Britains supreme award, the Victoria Cross, flying in Lancasters.</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3721>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM2092</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Lancaster VC by Robert Taylor - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 1500 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3721>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Paper size 24 inches x 20 inches (61cm x 51cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1994'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £160</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3822><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm2221.jpg alt='Strike and Return by Robert Taylor.' title='Strike and Return by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm2221.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Strike and Return by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Strike and Return by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br>Winter in Northern Europe brings short days, long nights and, for the most part, appalling weather making navigation difficult and flying hazardous, even by todays electronically sophisticated standards. Throughout RAF Bomber Commands arduous six year World War II campaign, as if atrocious weather were not enough to contend with, day and night bomber crews faced interceptions by enemy fighters, constant flak over occupied territory, and the real and ever-present danger of mid-air collision. Add snowstorms, gale force winds, freezing temperatures and the comparatively rudimentary navigational aids available at the time, it seems a miracle they were able to continue at all. But continue they did, and whenever there was the slimmest chance of hitting an enemy target, unhesitatingly, the aircrews of Bomber Command took up the challenge. 460 Squadron, RAAF was typical of the bomber squadrons under overall command of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, squadrons manned by volunteer airc.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3822>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM2221</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Strike and Return by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Aircrew Edition. Signed limited edition of 400 prints, with four signatures. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3822>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (79cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A member of the elite 617 Dambusters squadron, Bob Knights had a key role on the night before D-Day. With the rest of the squadron he flew on Operation Taxable which simulated the approach of the invasion across the Pas de Calais by dropping metal strips of window to a very precise pattern. The enemy was completely deceived and kept most of their best troops on the wrong side of the Seine. Bob Knights had already flown a full operational tour with 619 Squadron Lancasters, including eight trips to Berlin, before volunteering for 617 Squadron. Under Cheshire he flew on some of the squadrons most challenging precision operations and later under Willie Tait took part in the attack that finally destroyed the Tirpitz. Seconded to BOAC in December 1944 he stayed with the airline after the war for a 30 year long career. He died 4th December 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=24>Knights, Bob</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=120>Carden, Pat</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flying Lancasters with 61 Squadron, in 1944 he was shot down over Northern France. With his aircraft badly hit, he gave the order to bale out, but as some of the crew had damaged parachutes, he elected to stay with the aircraft and crash land. Despite being badly wounded, he managed to land his Lancaster at night, and every crewmember walked away - two of them evading capture and returned to England. Bill spent the rest of the war as a POW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=145>North, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2011'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £175</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£150 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£220.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='3822'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM2221. Strike and Return by Robert Taylor. <p>Winter in Northern Europe brings short days, long nights and, for the most part, appalling weather making navigation difficult and flying hazardous, even by todays electronically sophisticated standards. Throughout RAF Bomber Commands arduous six year World War II campaign, as if atrocious weather were not enough to contend with, day and night bomber crews faced interceptions by enemy fighters, constant flak over occupied territory, and the real and ever-present danger of mid-air collision. Add snowstorms, gale force winds, freezing temperatures and the comparatively rudimentary navigational aids available at the time, it seems a miracle they were able to continue at all. But continue they did, and whenever there was the slimmest chance of hitting an enemy target, unhesitatingly, the aircrews of Bomber Command took up the challenge. 460 Squadron, RAAF was typical of the bomber squadrons under overall command of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, squadrons manned by volunteer aircrews from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Rhodesia, South Africa, and many other nations opposed to Hitlers Nazi Germany. To a man they knew the frightening odds against completing a tour of duty, yet many faked their ages just to join this elite band of wartime flyers. True to their squadron motto Strike and Return, the artist shows Lancasters of 460 Squadron RAAF, returning to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire following a daylight raid over Germany in the late winter of 1944. With the sun almost set, chill evening shadows lengthen on a magnificent winter landscape dusted with snow, Lancaster J-Squared leads the mighty bombers as they descend in the fading light. <b><p>Signed bySquadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased), <br>Flt Lieutenant Bob Knights DSO, DFC (deceased), <br>Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC (deceased)<br> and <br>Flying Officer Bill North (deceased).<p>Aircrew Edition. Signed limited edition of 400 prints, with four signatures. <p>Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (79cm x 61cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='220.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value='4frGtrdSe630rdha9qre5Fdc3'><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT150, APRIL18, MAYS18, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', AIC1, AIT9, SQN106, CAT16, ERA2, WAR2, COU2, ART7, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG46, SIG199, SIG1280, SIG1318, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0487<x>PP<id>22815, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Aircrew Edition. Limited edition of 25 artist proofs, with four signatures. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3823>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (79cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A member of the elite 617 Dambusters squadron, Bob Knights had a key role on the night before D-Day. With the rest of the squadron he flew on Operation Taxable which simulated the approach of the invasion across the Pas de Calais by dropping metal strips of window to a very precise pattern. The enemy was completely deceived and kept most of their best troops on the wrong side of the Seine. Bob Knights had already flown a full operational tour with 619 Squadron Lancasters, including eight trips to Berlin, before volunteering for 617 Squadron. Under Cheshire he flew on some of the squadrons most challenging precision operations and later under Willie Tait took part in the attack that finally destroyed the Tirpitz. Seconded to BOAC in December 1944 he stayed with the airline after the war for a 30 year long career. He died 4th December 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=24>Knights, Bob</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=120>Carden, Pat</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flying Lancasters with 61 Squadron, in 1944 he was shot down over Northern France. With his aircraft badly hit, he gave the order to bale out, but as some of the crew had damaged parachutes, he elected to stay with the aircraft and crash land. Despite being badly wounded, he managed to land his Lancaster at night, and every crewmember walked away - two of them evading capture and returned to England. Bill spent the rest of the war as a POW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=145>North, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2011'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £175</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>RAAF Edition. Signed limited edition of 250 prints, with six signatures.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3824>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Paper size 31cm x 24 inches (79cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=215>Bateman, W E Jerry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=217>Bayliss, Hilary M</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=218>Coffey, Phillip J</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='John Robert Gardner, DFC - was a Pilot Officer in 460 squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=219>Gardner, John R</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=221>Goodwin, R Gordon</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title=''> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=222>Woods, Lawrence W</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £175</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Collectors Edition. Signed limited edition of 250 prints, with a total of nine signatures. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3825>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (79cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A member of the elite 617 Dambusters squadron, Bob Knights had a key role on the night before D-Day. With the rest of the squadron he flew on Operation Taxable which simulated the approach of the invasion across the Pas de Calais by dropping metal strips of window to a very precise pattern. The enemy was completely deceived and kept most of their best troops on the wrong side of the Seine. Bob Knights had already flown a full operational tour with 619 Squadron Lancasters, including eight trips to Berlin, before volunteering for 617 Squadron. Under Cheshire he flew on some of the squadrons most challenging precision operations and later under Willie Tait took part in the attack that finally destroyed the Tirpitz. Seconded to BOAC in December 1944 he stayed with the airline after the war for a 30 year long career. He died 4th December 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=24>Knights, Bob</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Ernest Rodley initially joined the RAFVR in 1937 and was commissioned and posted to Bomber Command in 1941. Joining 97 Sqn flying Manchesters he was involved in the attack on the Scharnhorst, Prinz Eugen and Gneisenau whilst in Brest harbour and in the famous Augsberg daylight raid for which he received a DFC. At the end of 1942 he joined RAF Scampton helping to convert to Lancaster Bombers before rejoining 97 Sqn at Bourn as a Pathfinder. After a spell at Warboys as an instructor he took command of 128 Sqn at Wyton, flying Mosquitoes as part of the Light Night Strike Force and involvede in doing 7 trips to Berlin. Staying with this unit he finished the war having completed 87 operations. In 1946 Ernest Rodley joined British South American Airways flying Lancastrians across the Atlantic from a tented Heathrow. On 13th April 1950 he was checked out on the new Comet jet airliner by John Cunningham and became the worlds first jet endorsed Airline Transport Pilots Licence holder. Ernest Rodley retired from BOAC in 1968 as a Boeing 707 Captain, joining Olympic Airways a few days later. He amassed an amazing 28000 flying hours. Sadly he died in 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=28>Rodley, Ernest</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred Watts joined the RAF in 1940, and qualifying as a pilot was posted to 630 Squadron in 1943 flying 15 operations on Lancasters out of East Kirby. He joined 617 Squadron in April 1944 and took part in many of the precision operations that the Squadron was renowned for, including raids on V1 sites, V2 rocket bases, and all three attacks on the Tirpitz. He left 617 Squadron in March 1945 to join 83 Pathfinder Squadron for Far East deployment with Tiger Force but VJ-day brought disbandment of the Force before it could be despatched. He stayed on in the RAF after the end of the war, retiring in 1964. He died 6th August 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=191>Watts, Fred</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=120>Carden, Pat</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flying Lancasters with 61 Squadron, in 1944 he was shot down over Northern France. With his aircraft badly hit, he gave the order to bale out, but as some of the crew had damaged parachutes, he elected to stay with the aircraft and crash land. Despite being badly wounded, he managed to land his Lancaster at night, and every crewmember walked away - two of them evading capture and returned to England. Bill spent the rest of the war as a POW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=145>North, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2011'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1939, he was posted as a wireless operator firstly to 149 Squadron and then 99 Squadron on Wellingtons. He then joined OTU on Whitleys before moving firstly to 158 Squadron, and then 617 Squadron on Lancasters, where he was Unit Signals Leader for 18 months. After bomber operations he joined Transport Command in 1944. He died on 21st June 2008.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=156>Curtis, Lawrence</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Dudley joined the RAF in 1935 and in 1937 went to India flying on the North West Frontier, and Iraq. At the outbreak of war he went to Burma and in 1942 was fortunate to escape when his airfield was overrun by the Japanese. Escaping back to England he took command of 195 Squadron RCAF flying Wellingtons. In 1943 he became CO of 427 Squadron on Halifaxs, later converting to Lancasters. In the Korean War he commanded a Flying Boat Wing operating Sunderlands. He retired from the RAF in 1962. He died 20th September 2005.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=155>Burnside, Dudley</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2005'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £410</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Victoria Cross Edition. Signed limited edition of 50 prints, with seventeen signatures.</b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=3826>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (79cm x 61cm) Sold out edition. Only one secondary market print available.</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A member of the elite 617 Dambusters squadron, Bob Knights had a key role on the night before D-Day. With the rest of the squadron he flew on Operation Taxable which simulated the approach of the invasion across the Pas de Calais by dropping metal strips of window to a very precise pattern. The enemy was completely deceived and kept most of their best troops on the wrong side of the Seine. Bob Knights had already flown a full operational tour with 619 Squadron Lancasters, including eight trips to Berlin, before volunteering for 617 Squadron. Under Cheshire he flew on some of the squadrons most challenging precision operations and later under Willie Tait took part in the attack that finally destroyed the Tirpitz. Seconded to BOAC in December 1944 he stayed with the airline after the war for a 30 year long career. He died 4th December 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=24>Knights, Bob</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Ernest Rodley initially joined the RAFVR in 1937 and was commissioned and posted to Bomber Command in 1941. Joining 97 Sqn flying Manchesters he was involved in the attack on the Scharnhorst, Prinz Eugen and Gneisenau whilst in Brest harbour and in the famous Augsberg daylight raid for which he received a DFC. At the end of 1942 he joined RAF Scampton helping to convert to Lancaster Bombers before rejoining 97 Sqn at Bourn as a Pathfinder. After a spell at Warboys as an instructor he took command of 128 Sqn at Wyton, flying Mosquitoes as part of the Light Night Strike Force and involvede in doing 7 trips to Berlin. Staying with this unit he finished the war having completed 87 operations. In 1946 Ernest Rodley joined British South American Airways flying Lancastrians across the Atlantic from a tented Heathrow. On 13th April 1950 he was checked out on the new Comet jet airliner by John Cunningham and became the worlds first jet endorsed Airline Transport Pilots Licence holder. Ernest Rodley retired from BOAC in 1968 as a Boeing 707 Captain, joining Olympic Airways a few days later. He amassed an amazing 28000 flying hours. Sadly he died in 2004.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=28>Rodley, Ernest</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2004'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1994'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1996'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1941 he graduated as a pilot after completing his training in America. Returning to England he joined 51 Squadron in early 1943 flying from RAF Snaith. Born in 1922 in Islington, Cass as he was known to all, enlisted in 1941 and trained in North America. Returning to England he crewed up at OTU and after completing their HCU course the crew, captained by a newly commissioned Cass, joined 57 Squadron in December 1943 for their first tour of operations. They were to be blooded with a series of attacks against Berlin, completing three operations against this target in four nights during January 1944. In all Cass was to visit <i>the Big City</i> eight times during his tour. During the Nuremberg operation of 30/31 March 1944 his Lancaster's rear turret guns froze up but a burst from the mid-upper caused an approaching Me 210 to break away. On return his gunners also claimed one Ju 88 destroyed and another damaged. On 5 April 1944 the crew were one of six attached along with their aircraft to the Squadron at Woodhall Spa, to provide an H2S capability. After an initial trip as passenger with Fg Off Fearn for the attack against the Luftwaffe Depot at St Cyr on 10 April to observe the Squadron's methods, Cass found himself non-operational for a month as the Squadron trained intensively for Operation Taxable. Teamed up with Nick Knilans he completed the D-Day deception operation and three nights later he was operating against the Saumur railway tunnel. Unable to carry Tallboy, his H2S equipped aircraft was loaded with thousand pounders to be aimed at the adjacent railway bridge across the Loire. His next three trips were as an additional member of Knilans'crew. By July Cass had been posted back to 57 Sqn at East Kirkby and would complete his first tour with them.He was not away from Woodhall for long, arriving back on the Squadron on 15 August to start his second tour. This was to be much more satisfying. With his trademark 'operationally battered' cap, Cass and his crew soon proved themselves a popular and valuable asset to the Squadron. Starting with a trip to Brest on 27 August and now carrying Tallboy they were part of the high level force for the attack on the Kembs Dam, and took part in all three operations against Tirpitz, claiming a direct hit in the middle of the superstructure during the final attack. During the attack on Bergen on 12 January 1945 his aircraft came under fighter attack and Cass dived to within the range of the flak batteries; the fighter deigned to follow. Heading out to sea he spotted Ian Ross' aircraft at low level, on fire and under fighter attack. With his bomb aimer manning the front turret and without thinking of his own safety Cass dived to offer whatever assistance he could. He was successful in driving the fighter away, but Ross was forced to ditch, while Cass circled overhead dropping an emergency radio wrapped in Mae Wests when it was seen that Ross' dinghy had not deployed. Climbing to 500 feet they signalled the ditched Lancaster's position and remained in the area, seeking cloud cover when a German fighter came too close. With fuel running low he was eventually forced to leave the stricken crew to their fate. The remaining months saw a new routine develop, railway viaducts replacing U-boat pens as targets during February and March, before returning to April's target list, along with other naval targets during the last month of hostilities. After a total of 62 operations Cass' war came to an end on 19 April 1945 with an attack on the island fortress of Heligoland. The latter part of 1945 saw him as the Squadron's Inspector Pilot as they worked up for 'Tiger Force' – the RAF's projected contribution to the Pacific War but, with the squadron prepared to go overseas to India, in January 1946 he was posted to RAF Snaith, to conduct aircrew training. Having been awarded the DFC for his time on 57 Sqn, Cass was to receive a bar in March 1945 for his service with 617 and a further award of the DSO in October 1945.Awarded a permanent commission in 1947, he was posted to the Central Flying Establishment, RAF West Raynham, flying Mosquitos, Vampires and Meteors, before transferring to the Empire Test Pilots School, RAE Farnborough, in March 1950. After qualifying as a test pilot his experience was put to good use for four years at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down. Cass transferred to fighters in April 1954 and served in the Middle East and Germany before becoming Officer Commanding No. 41 Sqn, Biggin Hill, flying the Hunter F 5. In keeping with a number of pilots following their fighter tour, at the beginning of 1958 he was sent on a radar control course prior to being posted to Neatishead radar station, Norfolk, as Control Executive. After a final tour as a Staff Officer with HQ No. 13 Group, at Ouston, he left the RAF in November 1961 as a Squadron Leader, joining British Airways as a captain on Comets and Tridents until his retirement in 1980. We have learned that James Castagnola has died, but have no information as to when.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=195>Castagnola, J</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=216>Cheshire, Leonard</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1992'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Fred Watts joined the RAF in 1940, and qualifying as a pilot was posted to 630 Squadron in 1943 flying 15 operations on Lancasters out of East Kirby. He joined 617 Squadron in April 1944 and took part in many of the precision operations that the Squadron was renowned for, including raids on V1 sites, V2 rocket bases, and all three attacks on the Tirpitz. He left 617 Squadron in March 1945 to join 83 Pathfinder Squadron for Far East deployment with Tiger Force but VJ-day brought disbandment of the Force before it could be despatched. He stayed on in the RAF after the end of the war, retiring in 1964. He died 6th August 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=191>Watts, Fred</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=120>Carden, Pat</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flying Lancasters with 61 Squadron, in 1944 he was shot down over Northern France. With his aircraft badly hit, he gave the order to bale out, but as some of the crew had damaged parachutes, he elected to stay with the aircraft and crash land. Despite being badly wounded, he managed to land his Lancaster at night, and every crewmember walked away - two of them evading capture and returned to England. Bill spent the rest of the war as a POW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=145>North, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2011'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1939, he was posted as a wireless operator firstly to 149 Squadron and then 99 Squadron on Wellingtons. He then joined OTU on Whitleys before moving firstly to 158 Squadron, and then 617 Squadron on Lancasters, where he was Unit Signals Leader for 18 months. After bomber operations he joined Transport Command in 1944. He died on 21st June 2008.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=156>Curtis, Lawrence</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2008'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Dudley joined the RAF in 1935 and in 1937 went to India flying on the North West Frontier, and Iraq. At the outbreak of war he went to Burma and in 1942 was fortunate to escape when his airfield was overrun by the Japanese. Escaping back to England he took command of 195 Squadron RCAF flying Wellingtons. In 1943 he became CO of 427 Squadron on Halifaxs, later converting to Lancasters. In the Korean War he commanded a Flying Boat Wing operating Sunderlands. He retired from the RAF in 1962. He died 20th September 2005.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=155>Burnside, Dudley</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2005'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Ben Brennan volunteered for the RAF in 1941, qualifying as a Flight Engineer in early 1943. Converting to Lancasters, he was posted to join 619 Squadron at Woodall Spa. In late 1943 he went to 83 Squadron at Wyton, as part of the Lancaster Pathfinder Force, before joining No 5 Group at Coningsby. He flew a total of 80 operations during the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=213>Brennan, M Ben</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Bill was a Wireless Operator with 466 Squadron on Wellingtons, before being posted to 640 Squadron on Halifaxes. In 1943 he joined 35 Squadron, part of the Pathfinder Force, on Lancasters. He remained with this unit until the end of the war, completing nearly 60 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=223>Wilcox, Bill</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Leonard Trent was in the war from the start, and at a time when aircrew losses were appalling. In May 1943, before Trent took off for the Amsterdam power station raid, he said - Im going over the target whatever happens - Of the twelve Ventura aircraft that set out against murderous fighter attacks and heavy flak, only Trent made it to the target - he was as good as his word. Trent was shot down on the return home, but his VC ranks amongst the most courageous of all.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1108>Trent, Leonard</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £905</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table><table width=99% border=1><tr><td bgcolor=000000 align=center colspan=3><font color=#FFFFFF><b>SAVE MONEY WITH OUR DISCOUNT PRINT PACKS!</b></font></td></tr><tr><td align=center valign=middle width=33% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20638><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2186.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20638>One Hundred Up! by Simon Atack.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£320</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £250</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=33% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20634><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm1161.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20634>Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. (C)</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£290</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £240</i></font></td><td align=center valign=middle width=33% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20626><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/dhm2050.jpg></a><br><i><font color=#000000>Buy With :</i><br><b><a href= https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=20626>Bomber Force by Nicolas Trudgian.</a></b><br><i>for </i><b>£380</b> - </font><font color=#FF0000><i>Save £290</i></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23772><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm6078.jpg alt='Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor.' title='Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm6078.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br> With its mission completed, the mighty Lancaster slowly rolls to a halt on the lonely dispersal point, the roar of its four pulsating Merlin engines steadily slackens, replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the snapping cracks of cooling metal. Slowly the seven weary crew tumble out of the fuselage, their faces etched with strain, eyes rimmed red with tiredness. For them it is the final act of another long, arduous and nerve-wracking operation, another eight-hour ordeal to attack industrial targets in the Ruhr. This time they know they've been lucky, they reached the target and returned home safely, despite the deadly flak and prowling Luftwaffe night-fighters. For others, however, the work of war has just begun. As the massive Lancaster looms majestically over them, the ever vigilant ground crew begin the task of preparing their aircraft for the coming night's operation. Checking, repairing and double-checking again, making sure that nothing goes wrong on the next.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23772>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM6078</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 200 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23772>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Having completed his training as a Bomb Aimer he joined 635 Sqn serving with W.O. Ernie Patterson and W.O. Harry Parker on over 50 Ops in Lancasters with Pilot Alex Throne DSO DFC.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1632>Bressloff, Boris</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 and trained as an Observer in the UK and in South Africa but served as Bomb Aimer with 630 Squadron and later 57 Squadron on Lancasters completing 29 operations. Based at RAF East Kirkby Alan took part in the Battle of Berlin from November 1943, culminating with a raid on Nuremberg at the end of March 1944. Alan was then transferrred to Transport Command where he completed a full tour as a navigator on Halifaxes wtih 620 Sqn Transport Command in Palestine supporting the 6th Airborne Divison. He died on 24th January 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1879>Payne, Alan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2018'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £65</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£70.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='23772'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6078. Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor. <p> With its mission completed, the mighty Lancaster slowly rolls to a halt on the lonely dispersal point, the roar of its four pulsating Merlin engines steadily slackens, replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the snapping cracks of cooling metal. Slowly the seven weary crew tumble out of the fuselage, their faces etched with strain, eyes rimmed red with tiredness. For them it is the final act of another long, arduous and nerve-wracking operation, another eight-hour ordeal to attack industrial targets in the Ruhr. This time they know they've been lucky, they reached the target and returned home safely, despite the deadly flak and prowling Luftwaffe night-fighters. For others, however, the work of war has just begun. As the massive Lancaster looms majestically over them, the ever vigilant ground crew begin the task of preparing their aircraft for the coming night's operation. Checking, repairing and double-checking again, making sure that nothing goes wrong on the next trip, nothing that could endanger the lives of the crew who depend on them. And then there are guns to be re-armed, bombs to be loaded and near-empty fuel tanks refilled. It will be a race against time. <b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Boris Bressloff DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Reg Cleaver<br>and<br>Flight Sergeant Alan Payne DFC. <p>Signed limited edition of 200 prints. <p> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='70.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2009, SIG1623, SIG2055, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Bomber Command edition of 25 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23774>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Having completed his training as a Bomb Aimer he joined 635 Sqn serving with W.O. Ernie Patterson and W.O. Harry Parker on over 50 Ops in Lancasters with Pilot Alex Throne DSO DFC.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1632>Bressloff, Boris</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 and trained as an Observer in the UK and in South Africa but served as Bomb Aimer with 630 Squadron and later 57 Squadron on Lancasters completing 29 operations. Based at RAF East Kirkby Alan took part in the Battle of Berlin from November 1943, culminating with a raid on Nuremberg at the end of March 1944. Alan was then transferrred to Transport Command where he completed a full tour as a navigator on Halifaxes wtih 620 Sqn Transport Command in Palestine supporting the 6th Airborne Divison. He died on 24th January 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1879>Payne, Alan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bill joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds as a Navigator on Halifaxes. He was later transferred to 166 Squadron, and was on his 20th operation, flying to Berlin in November 1943 when he was shot down and ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft IVb. He escaped on three separate occasions but was recaptured every time - the war finished just before his fourth attempt!'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2122>Bell, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Navigator on 625 Sqn Lancasters, flying operationally from late 1944, he flew on the last bombing mission of the European war to Berchtesgaden and supplied relief drops to the Dutch in Operation Manna.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2103>Booker, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 156, 7 and 635 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2455>Carlton, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 49 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2130>Clarke, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Richard Curnock was posted to 425 Squadron RCAF where he served as a Rear Gunner. He was only on his second operation on 25th February 1944 to Augsburg when his aircraft was shot down and he ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2126>Curnock, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='After qualifying as a Rear Gunner he served with 463 RAAF Sqn serving on Lancasters from Waddington. In November 1944 his Lancaster was shot down by a German night fighter whilst on a mission over Germany and he served the rest of the War as a PoW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1659>Evans, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear and Middle Upper Air Gunner, 550 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2456>Eves, Reg</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, No.90 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2457>Field, Dennis</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bomb Aimer, 76 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2458>French, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as Shiny 10 at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2119>Gough, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Navigator Les did a full Tour with 40 Squadron on Wellingtons. His second tour was completed on Mosquitos with 139 PFF, from where he later transferred back to heavy Bombers with 156 PFF, completing his war-time service.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2148>Hadley, Les</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John Anthony Sanderson Hall was born in Oxford on Christmas Day 1921. His father was William Glenvil Hall, MP for Colne Valley and Financial Secretary to the Treasury in Attlee's government. From his father, a life-long Quaker, John inherited a belief in practical action rather than ideology, along with a sense of decency and respect for the rights of individuals. He attended the Quaker co-educational Leighton Park School, Reading, then worked briefly as a publisher's reader and studied at the Sorbonne before returning to this country and joining the RAF at the height of the Battle of Britain. After training as a night-fighter pilot, Hall joined No 85 Squadron, At that time, 85 Squadron flew twin engine Havocs, a night fighter version of the American light bomber, the Boston, with the radar operator where the Boston's gun turret would have been and 12 machine guns in the nose, in place of the Boston's navigator. The radar then was the Mark 4, not very reliable, and with a very limited range. During 1942, the Squadron re-equipped with the much faster and more maneuverable Mosquito, with a scanner in the nose for the infinitely more effective Mark 8 radar and 4 cannon. After excelling on an air gunnery course at the Central Gunnery School, Hall became an instructor at No 51 Operational Training Unit. He became an ardent believer in the need for fighter pilots to understand fully the basics of air-to-air shooting, something that he felt most of them lacked. He likened the problem to shooting game birds when an estimate of <i>range, line and deflection</i> held the key to success. Hall joined the New Zealanders of No 488 in November 1943, and was crewed up with Cairns, an experienced radar operator. Two months after their initial success, Hall and Cairns were on a routine patrol over Essex when they were directed to a contact flying at 18,000ft. They identified a Junkers 88, which they shot down and saw crash with a tremendous explosion. The enemy aircraft had landed on a group of dispersed bombers on the USAAF airfield at Earls Colne, severely damaging a number of them. Hall was doubtful about claiming this as a kill. He shot down another bomber off the Essex coast on April 19 1944. As he approached to land, he was told to wait until another Mosquito had landed ahead of him. In the event, the other <i>Mosquito</i> turned out to be a Junkers 88; the crew claimed they thought they were landing in Holland. After shooting down their fifth German bomber, as it attacked Bristol on May 22, both Hall and Cairns were awarded the DFC. Hall's citation described him as <i>a highly efficient and courageous fighter</i>. On the night before D-Day, Hall flew one of the many night fighters that patrolled over the beachhead keeping German bombers away from the invasion fleet. By mid-August, the crews of No 488 had destroyed 49 enemy aircraft. The sum of £50 had been accrued at various fund-raising events, and it was agreed that this should go to the ground crew of the aircraft achieving the squadron's 50th success. During the night of August 14/15, Hall attacked a German bomber, but it escaped. Shortly afterwards a second bomber was attacked and Hall succeeded in shooting it down 20 miles south of Caen, much to the delight of his ground crew. After moving to an advanced airfield in France, further success came on the night of December 23/24. Two days later, however, Hall had a narrow escape. Flying in atrocious weather in an attempt to support Allied troops under attack during the German's lightning Ardennes offensive, he was prevented by blizzards from returning to his base at Amiens. With virtually no fuel, he saw a light and crash-landed on a US forward grass airstrip and the Mosquito was wrecked. Hall scored his last kill on March 27 1945. He pressed home his attack from such close range that his Mosquito was hit by debris from the enemy bomber. The port engine was damaged and subsequently caught fire, but Hall managed to crash land on an airfield in Holland; his aircraft was almost completely burnt out. A few days later, he and Cairns each received a Bar to their DFCs. After leaving the RAF at the end of 1946, Hall went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Law. He was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in November 1948, and joined chambers at Lamb Building. He died on 24th September 2015.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1064>Hall, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2015'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Wireless Operator/Air Gunner who joined the recently reformed 170 Sqn at Hemswell in October 1944. He went on to complete 28 Ops on Lancasters over North West Europe before the War finished in May 1945.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2177>Hildreth, Jeff</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, as Radio Operator to pilot Ian Ross, he remained with the crew when they joined 617 Sqn and their aircraft crash landed in Russia after the first raid on the Tirpitz.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2067>Jenkinson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 625 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2459>Jones, Norman</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Gunner, No.50 and No.9 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2460>Kelbrick, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 76 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2461>Kirtland, Bert</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 9 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2462>Lusher, Norman</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2463>Mannion, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2464>OBrien, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 75 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2465>Parsons, Lou</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, No.12, No.613 and No.625 Squadrons. Squadron Leader John Rowland was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice in three days in 1943; later, on completion of 50 bombing operations, he received the Distinguished Service Order. Rowland joined No.12 Squadron in June 1943 at the height of what became known as the Battle of the Ruhr – a sustained campaign against the huge industrial complexes in the region. Over the next five months he attacked most of the major cities. He went to Cologne twice before sorties to Gelsenkirchen, Duisberg and Essen. On the night of July 25th, an intense campaign was directed against Hamburg. The radar countermeasure 'window' was used for the first time and proved very effective in reducing bomber losses. Rowland flew on three of the four raids that devastated the city and the Blohm and Voss shipyard. In the middle of August, Bomber Command launched the first phase of the Battle of Berlin, a campaign that was to be waged with great intensity throughout the winter of 1943-44. Rowland flew on the first attack on the night of August 23rd, a sortie of almost eight hours. Throughout the autumn, he attacked other large cities including Nuremburg, Frankfurt and Munich. On October 8th, the target was Hanover. Just before reaching the city, his Lancaster was engaged by a German night fighter and badly damaged. His rear gunner was killed but he decided to press on to the target, which he bombed successfully Rowland had just been awarded the DFC for 'his skill and courage' when it was announced that he had been awarded a Bar for his gallant conduct during the two sorties to Hanover. John Naunton Rowland was born in Cardiff on December 28th 1919. He attended Cheltenham College before gaining a cadetship to the RAF College Cranwell. On the outbreak of the Second World War, his course was cut short and, after graduating as a pilot, he joined No 613 Squadron. The squadron flew antiquated Lysander aircraft in the Army co-operation role and Rowland was rushed into service. He made a number of trips to Calais as the British Expeditionary Force fought a rearguard action before the evacuation from Dunkirk. In September 1940, Rowland started a three-year period as a flying instructor before joining No.12 Squadron. After his first tour on Lancasters and a period as an instructor, Rowland returned to the bombing campaign as a flight commander on No.625 Squadron. The squadron was heavily involved in flying operations in the build-up to D-Day, when the French railway system and storage areas were key targets. He also attacked V-1 flying bomb sites, and on the night of D-Day he bombed the large gun batteries at Vire. On June 30th 1944, 118 Lancasters attacked the railway yards at Vierzon near Orleans. The Pathfinder force had great difficulty identifying the target, and the orbiting Lancasters came under heavy attack. Rowland feared the worst and told his crew 'to keep a good lookout'. They survived but 14 Lancasters were lost, nearly 12 per cent of the force. Rowland attacked more flying bomb sites and the huge secret weapons facility at Wizernes before the campaign against Germany was resumed. After completing his 50th operation – to Calais, the scene of his first war sortie – Rowland was rested. He was awarded a DSO. In December 1944 he was seconded to BOAC, flying from Bristol. He remained with the airline after the war and flew routes to West Africa, the Middle East and to India. He was one of the first pilots to land at Heathrow Airport after its opening, remembering it as 'a field with a long runway and marquees for passengers and customs clearance'. After a number of years, he left to join the family hotel business. He always claimed that leaving BOAC was his greatest regret. In the post-war years, Rowland befriended a number of former Luftwaffe night fighter pilots and attended their reunions. In later life he planted a tree at his old airfield at Wickenby in Lincolnshire in memory of his rear gunner. In 2011 he wrote his memoirs, Return Flights in War and Peace. John Rowland married Jean McMichael, a WAAF officer, in 1944. She died in 1982. He is survived by their two sons and by Pam Ideson, his companion for the last 23 years. Squadron Leader John Rowland, born December 28th 1919, died November 22nd 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2466>Rowland, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 207 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2467>Staves, Malcolm</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 44 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2468>Worrall, Raymon</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, 9 and 97 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2134>Lasham, Bob</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 30 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2135>Leksinski, Rudolf</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Rear Gunner on Lancasters he was posted to 9 Sqn which was one of only two squadrons equipped with the Tallboy bomb used for precision bombing and went on to lead the final raid on Berchtesgaden. He completed 18 Ops. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1752>Linaker, Jack</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2110>MacNamara, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred joined the RAF as a Flight Engineer and was originally sent to 51 Squadron at RAF Snaith on Halifaxes. He then joined 35 Squadron as they undertook their Pathfinder duties. On his 2nd operation to Krefeld on 21st June 1943 his Halifax HR799 was shot down, and Fred ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2118>Maltas, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Rear Gunner on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, his aircraft was shot down by a German Night Fighter on only his 3rd Operation on 18th April 1944. Taken in by local French civilians, they kept him in hiding until the Allies advanced through Northern France before he finally got back to Britain on 5th September 1944.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2016>Manning, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='With 35 Sqn he flew as a WOP/Air Gunner on Halifaxes taking part in 24 'Ops' but was shot down on the attack on the Tirpitz in April 1942. After being captured he spent the rest of the War as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. We have learned that John Morrison has now sadly passed away.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2008>Morrison, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Completed a full tour of Operations in 1943 flying Halifaxes for 158 Sqn at Lissett.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2097>Mottershead, Bluey</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Posted to 432 Sqn RCAF, Henry Oakeby served as a Navigator.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2128>Oakeby, Henry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the Royal Air Force in 1942, he served with 635 Sqn Pathfinder Force until the end of the war. As a WOP/Air Gunner he completed 51 Ops on Lancasters – all of which were with Flt Lt Boris Bressloff and W.O. Harry Parker.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1631>Patterson, Ernie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he served with 207 Sqn on Lancasters. On his 8th Operation in April 1945 his aircraft was shot down and he then spent three days evading capture before finding his way into US occupied territory.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2063>Pearl, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Radio Operator he served with 9 Sqn similar to W.O. Jack Linaker. He completed 34 Ops on Lancasters including precision bombing on Bergen, Munich and the Arnsberg Viaduct in the German Rhine River Valley.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1754>Rogers, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 617 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2138>Smith, Ron</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 158 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2038>Statham, Rex</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Dick Starkey was with 106 Sqn as a pilot on Lancasters when his aircraft was shot down in March 1944. After hospitalisation he moved to Stalag Luft III arriving within days of the execution of 50 escapees.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2052>Starkey, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in August 1942 he soon began wireless training and, after a spell with 17 OTU, joined 9 Sqn at Bardney. He completed a total of 42 ops including all three raids against the Tirpitz.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1618>Tetlow, Phil</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid Upper Gunner he was posted to 103 Sqn on Halifaxes before transferring to 9 Sqn where he completed 3 raids on the Tirpitz and also Berchtesgaden, completing 50 Ops in total.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2061>Thompson, Sam</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear Gunner, 158 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2039>Tunstall, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining 207 Sqn he served as a Mid-Upper Gunner on over 20 Ops on Lancasters including the controversial joint RAF and USAAF raids on Dresden in February 1945.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1880>Varney, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Frank Wheeler joined the RAF in 1941, training in England as a pilot after which he completed a period of instructing. In January 1944 he was posted to join 174 Typhoon Fighter Squadron at Westhampnett, his first operation being as an escort to the Mosquitos taking part in Operation Jericho, the Amiens Jailbreak. He stayed with 174 Squadron for the remainder of the War, serving throughout occupied Europe, and in 1945, at the end of his tour of operations, he was awarded the DFC. We have learned that Frank Wheeler sadly passed away in early 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=131>Wheeler, Frank</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially serving with the Polish Army he was captured in 1939 but escaped to England in early 1943. He then joined the RAF as a W.Op/Air Gunner with 304 Polish Squadron completing 27 Ops in Wellingtons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1749>Wesolowski, Andrzej</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Called up one day after his 18th birthday to join the Royal Air Force on 16th July 1943. After basic training as an Air Gunner he served on operations in September 1944. Tony Winser served as a Rear Turret Air Gunner in Lancasters with 12 and 626 Squadrons, completing 31 Ops and was the second highest scoring Bomber Command Ace of the war shooting down 7 enemy aircraft. Sadly, we have learned that Tony Winser passed away on 13th November 2011.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2064>Winser, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2011'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £845</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>£295.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='23774'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6078AP. Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor. <p> With its mission completed, the mighty Lancaster slowly rolls to a halt on the lonely dispersal point, the roar of its four pulsating Merlin engines steadily slackens, replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the snapping cracks of cooling metal. Slowly the seven weary crew tumble out of the fuselage, their faces etched with strain, eyes rimmed red with tiredness. For them it is the final act of another long, arduous and nerve-wracking operation, another eight-hour ordeal to attack industrial targets in the Ruhr. This time they know they've been lucky, they reached the target and returned home safely, despite the deadly flak and prowling Luftwaffe night-fighters. For others, however, the work of war has just begun. As the massive Lancaster looms majestically over them, the ever vigilant ground crew begin the task of preparing their aircraft for the coming night's operation. Checking, repairing and double-checking again, making sure that nothing goes wrong on the next trip, nothing that could endanger the lives of the crew who depend on them. And then there are guns to be re-armed, bombs to be loaded and near-empty fuel tanks refilled. It will be a race against time. <p><b>Supplied with a copy of the book <i>Heroic Endeavour</i> by Sean Feast, signed by the author.</b><b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Boris Bressloff DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Reg Cleaver,<br>Flight Sergeant Alan Payne DFC,<br>Warrant Officer William Bell,<br>Warrant Officer Jim Booker,<br>Flight Lieutenant Ken Carlton,<br>Flt Lt Eric Clarke MiD,<br>Warrant Officer Richard Curnock,<br>Warrant Officer Eric Evans,<br>Warrant Officer Reg Eves,<br>Flight Lieutenant Dennis Field,<br>Flying Officer George French,<br>Warrant Officer Harry Gough,<br>Flying Officer Les Hadley,<br>Squadron Leader John Hall, DFC*,<br>Warrant Officer Jeff Hildreth,<br>Flight Sergeant Ken Jenkinson,<br>Warrant Officer Ken Johnson,<br>Warrant Officer Norman Jones,<br>Flight Lieutenant William J Kelbrick,<br>Flight Lieutenant H W Bert Kirtland DFC*,<br>Flt Lt Bob Lasham DFC*,<br>Flt Sgt Rudolf Leksinski,<br>Warrant Officer Jack Linaker,<br>Flight Sergeant Norman Lusher,<br>Flt Lt Len MacNamara DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Fred Maltas,<br>Sergeant Len Manning,<br>Warrant Officer Frank P Mannion,<br>Warrant Officer John Morrison,<br>Flt Lt Bluey Mottershead DFC,<br>Flt Lt Henry Oakeby,<br>Warrant Officer Ken OBrien DFM,<br>Warrant Officer Lou Parsons,<br>Warrant Officer Ernie Patterson DFC,<br>Warrant Officer John Pearl,<br>Warrant Officer Ken Rogers,<br>Squadron Leader John Rowland DSO DFC*,<br>Flt Lt Ron Smith DFC AE,<br>Warrant Officer Rex Statham,<br>Pilot Officer Richard Dick Starkey,<br>Flying Officer Malcolm Staves,<br>Flying Officer Phil Tetlow,<br>Warrant Officer Sam Thompson,<br>Flight Lieutenant Fred Tunstall DFC,<br>Flight Sergeant Eric Varney,<br>Flying Officer Frank Wheeler DFC (deceased),<br>Warrant Officer Andrzej Wesolowski,<br>Warrant Officer Tony Winser (deceased)<br>and<br>Flying Officer Raymond Worrall. <p>Bomber Command edition of 25 artist proofs. <p> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='295.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2009, SIG1623, SIG2055, SIG2178, SIG2159, SIG2511, SIG2186, SIG2182, SIG1376, SIG2512, SIG2513, SIG2514, SIG2175, SIG2204, SIG895, SIG2233, SIG2122, SIG2004, SIG2515, SIG2516, SIG2517, SIG2518, SIG2519, SIG2520, SIG2521, SIG2522, SIG2523, SIG2524, SIG2190, SIG2191, SIG2036, SIG2166, SIG2174, SIG2071, SIG1264, SIG2153, SIG2184, SIG2008, SIG2118, SIG2038, SIG2194, SIG2093, SIG2107, SIG2005, SIG2116, SIG2094, SIG2056, SIG855, SIG2033, SIG2119, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='ARTIST<br>PROOF'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtong.jpg name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Bomber Command edition of 125 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23773>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Having completed his training as a Bomb Aimer he joined 635 Sqn serving with W.O. Ernie Patterson and W.O. Harry Parker on over 50 Ops in Lancasters with Pilot Alex Throne DSO DFC.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1632>Bressloff, Boris</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 and trained as an Observer in the UK and in South Africa but served as Bomb Aimer with 630 Squadron and later 57 Squadron on Lancasters completing 29 operations. Based at RAF East Kirkby Alan took part in the Battle of Berlin from November 1943, culminating with a raid on Nuremberg at the end of March 1944. Alan was then transferrred to Transport Command where he completed a full tour as a navigator on Halifaxes wtih 620 Sqn Transport Command in Palestine supporting the 6th Airborne Divison. He died on 24th January 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1879>Payne, Alan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Bill joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds as a Navigator on Halifaxes. He was later transferred to 166 Squadron, and was on his 20th operation, flying to Berlin in November 1943 when he was shot down and ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft IVb. He escaped on three separate occasions but was recaptured every time - the war finished just before his fourth attempt!'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2122>Bell, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A Navigator on 625 Sqn Lancasters, flying operationally from late 1944, he flew on the last bombing mission of the European war to Berchtesgaden and supplied relief drops to the Dutch in Operation Manna.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2103>Booker, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 156, 7 and 635 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2455>Carlton, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 49 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2130>Clarke, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Richard Curnock was posted to 425 Squadron RCAF where he served as a Rear Gunner. He was only on his second operation on 25th February 1944 to Augsburg when his aircraft was shot down and he ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2126>Curnock, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='After qualifying as a Rear Gunner he served with 463 RAAF Sqn serving on Lancasters from Waddington. In November 1944 his Lancaster was shot down by a German night fighter whilst on a mission over Germany and he served the rest of the War as a PoW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1659>Evans, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Rear and Middle Upper Air Gunner, 550 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2456>Eves, Reg</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Pilot, No.90 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2457>Field, Dennis</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Bomb Aimer, 76 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2458>French, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as Shiny 10 at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2119>Gough, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Navigator Les did a full Tour with 40 Squadron on Wellingtons. His second tour was completed on Mosquitos with 139 PFF, from where he later transferred back to heavy Bombers with 156 PFF, completing his war-time service.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2148>Hadley, Les</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='John Anthony Sanderson Hall was born in Oxford on Christmas Day 1921. His father was William Glenvil Hall, MP for Colne Valley and Financial Secretary to the Treasury in Attlee's government. From his father, a life-long Quaker, John inherited a belief in practical action rather than ideology, along with a sense of decency and respect for the rights of individuals. He attended the Quaker co-educational Leighton Park School, Reading, then worked briefly as a publisher's reader and studied at the Sorbonne before returning to this country and joining the RAF at the height of the Battle of Britain. After training as a night-fighter pilot, Hall joined No 85 Squadron, At that time, 85 Squadron flew twin engine Havocs, a night fighter version of the American light bomber, the Boston, with the radar operator where the Boston's gun turret would have been and 12 machine guns in the nose, in place of the Boston's navigator. The radar then was the Mark 4, not very reliable, and with a very limited range. During 1942, the Squadron re-equipped with the much faster and more maneuverable Mosquito, with a scanner in the nose for the infinitely more effective Mark 8 radar and 4 cannon. After excelling on an air gunnery course at the Central Gunnery School, Hall became an instructor at No 51 Operational Training Unit. He became an ardent believer in the need for fighter pilots to understand fully the basics of air-to-air shooting, something that he felt most of them lacked. He likened the problem to shooting game birds when an estimate of <i>range, line and deflection</i> held the key to success. Hall joined the New Zealanders of No 488 in November 1943, and was crewed up with Cairns, an experienced radar operator. Two months after their initial success, Hall and Cairns were on a routine patrol over Essex when they were directed to a contact flying at 18,000ft. They identified a Junkers 88, which they shot down and saw crash with a tremendous explosion. The enemy aircraft had landed on a group of dispersed bombers on the USAAF airfield at Earls Colne, severely damaging a number of them. Hall was doubtful about claiming this as a kill. He shot down another bomber off the Essex coast on April 19 1944. As he approached to land, he was told to wait until another Mosquito had landed ahead of him. In the event, the other <i>Mosquito</i> turned out to be a Junkers 88; the crew claimed they thought they were landing in Holland. After shooting down their fifth German bomber, as it attacked Bristol on May 22, both Hall and Cairns were awarded the DFC. Hall's citation described him as <i>a highly efficient and courageous fighter</i>. On the night before D-Day, Hall flew one of the many night fighters that patrolled over the beachhead keeping German bombers away from the invasion fleet. By mid-August, the crews of No 488 had destroyed 49 enemy aircraft. The sum of £50 had been accrued at various fund-raising events, and it was agreed that this should go to the ground crew of the aircraft achieving the squadron's 50th success. During the night of August 14/15, Hall attacked a German bomber, but it escaped. Shortly afterwards a second bomber was attacked and Hall succeeded in shooting it down 20 miles south of Caen, much to the delight of his ground crew. After moving to an advanced airfield in France, further success came on the night of December 23/24. Two days later, however, Hall had a narrow escape. Flying in atrocious weather in an attempt to support Allied troops under attack during the German's lightning Ardennes offensive, he was prevented by blizzards from returning to his base at Amiens. With virtually no fuel, he saw a light and crash-landed on a US forward grass airstrip and the Mosquito was wrecked. Hall scored his last kill on March 27 1945. He pressed home his attack from such close range that his Mosquito was hit by debris from the enemy bomber. The port engine was damaged and subsequently caught fire, but Hall managed to crash land on an airfield in Holland; his aircraft was almost completely burnt out. A few days later, he and Cairns each received a Bar to their DFCs. After leaving the RAF at the end of 1946, Hall went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Law. He was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in November 1948, and joined chambers at Lamb Building. He died on 24th September 2015.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1064>Hall, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2015'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A Wireless Operator/Air Gunner who joined the recently reformed 170 Sqn at Hemswell in October 1944. He went on to complete 28 Ops on Lancasters over North West Europe before the War finished in May 1945.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2177>Hildreth, Jeff</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Initially on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, as Radio Operator to pilot Ian Ross, he remained with the crew when they joined 617 Sqn and their aircraft crash landed in Russia after the first raid on the Tirpitz.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2067>Jenkinson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 625 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2459>Jones, Norman</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Gunner, No.50 and No.9 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2460>Kelbrick, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Air Gunner, 76 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2461>Kirtland, Bert</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Air Gunner, 9 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2462>Lusher, Norman</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2463>Mannion, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2464>OBrien, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 75 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2465>Parsons, Lou</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Pilot, No.12, No.613 and No.625 Squadrons. Squadron Leader John Rowland was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice in three days in 1943; later, on completion of 50 bombing operations, he received the Distinguished Service Order. Rowland joined No.12 Squadron in June 1943 at the height of what became known as the Battle of the Ruhr – a sustained campaign against the huge industrial complexes in the region. Over the next five months he attacked most of the major cities. He went to Cologne twice before sorties to Gelsenkirchen, Duisberg and Essen. On the night of July 25th, an intense campaign was directed against Hamburg. The radar countermeasure 'window' was used for the first time and proved very effective in reducing bomber losses. Rowland flew on three of the four raids that devastated the city and the Blohm and Voss shipyard. In the middle of August, Bomber Command launched the first phase of the Battle of Berlin, a campaign that was to be waged with great intensity throughout the winter of 1943-44. Rowland flew on the first attack on the night of August 23rd, a sortie of almost eight hours. Throughout the autumn, he attacked other large cities including Nuremburg, Frankfurt and Munich. On October 8th, the target was Hanover. Just before reaching the city, his Lancaster was engaged by a German night fighter and badly damaged. His rear gunner was killed but he decided to press on to the target, which he bombed successfully Rowland had just been awarded the DFC for 'his skill and courage' when it was announced that he had been awarded a Bar for his gallant conduct during the two sorties to Hanover. John Naunton Rowland was born in Cardiff on December 28th 1919. He attended Cheltenham College before gaining a cadetship to the RAF College Cranwell. On the outbreak of the Second World War, his course was cut short and, after graduating as a pilot, he joined No 613 Squadron. The squadron flew antiquated Lysander aircraft in the Army co-operation role and Rowland was rushed into service. He made a number of trips to Calais as the British Expeditionary Force fought a rearguard action before the evacuation from Dunkirk. In September 1940, Rowland started a three-year period as a flying instructor before joining No.12 Squadron. After his first tour on Lancasters and a period as an instructor, Rowland returned to the bombing campaign as a flight commander on No.625 Squadron. The squadron was heavily involved in flying operations in the build-up to D-Day, when the French railway system and storage areas were key targets. He also attacked V-1 flying bomb sites, and on the night of D-Day he bombed the large gun batteries at Vire. On June 30th 1944, 118 Lancasters attacked the railway yards at Vierzon near Orleans. The Pathfinder force had great difficulty identifying the target, and the orbiting Lancasters came under heavy attack. Rowland feared the worst and told his crew 'to keep a good lookout'. They survived but 14 Lancasters were lost, nearly 12 per cent of the force. Rowland attacked more flying bomb sites and the huge secret weapons facility at Wizernes before the campaign against Germany was resumed. After completing his 50th operation – to Calais, the scene of his first war sortie – Rowland was rested. He was awarded a DSO. In December 1944 he was seconded to BOAC, flying from Bristol. He remained with the airline after the war and flew routes to West Africa, the Middle East and to India. He was one of the first pilots to land at Heathrow Airport after its opening, remembering it as 'a field with a long runway and marquees for passengers and customs clearance'. After a number of years, he left to join the family hotel business. He always claimed that leaving BOAC was his greatest regret. In the post-war years, Rowland befriended a number of former Luftwaffe night fighter pilots and attended their reunions. In later life he planted a tree at his old airfield at Wickenby in Lincolnshire in memory of his rear gunner. In 2011 he wrote his memoirs, Return Flights in War and Peace. John Rowland married Jean McMichael, a WAAF officer, in 1944. She died in 1982. He is survived by their two sons and by Pam Ideson, his companion for the last 23 years. Squadron Leader John Rowland, born December 28th 1919, died November 22nd 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2466>Rowland, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Air Gunner, 207 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2467>Staves, Malcolm</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 44 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2468>Worrall, Raymon</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Pilot, 9 and 97 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2134>Lasham, Bob</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 30 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2135>Leksinski, Rudolf</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Rear Gunner on Lancasters he was posted to 9 Sqn which was one of only two squadrons equipped with the Tallboy bomb used for precision bombing and went on to lead the final raid on Berchtesgaden. He completed 18 Ops. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1752>Linaker, Jack</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2110>MacNamara, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Fred joined the RAF as a Flight Engineer and was originally sent to 51 Squadron at RAF Snaith on Halifaxes. He then joined 35 Squadron as they undertook their Pathfinder duties. On his 2nd operation to Krefeld on 21st June 1943 his Halifax HR799 was shot down, and Fred ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2118>Maltas, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Rear Gunner on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, his aircraft was shot down by a German Night Fighter on only his 3rd Operation on 18th April 1944. Taken in by local French civilians, they kept him in hiding until the Allies advanced through Northern France before he finally got back to Britain on 5th September 1944.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2016>Manning, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='With 35 Sqn he flew as a WOP/Air Gunner on Halifaxes taking part in 24 'Ops' but was shot down on the attack on the Tirpitz in April 1942. After being captured he spent the rest of the War as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. We have learned that John Morrison has now sadly passed away.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2008>Morrison, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Completed a full tour of Operations in 1943 flying Halifaxes for 158 Sqn at Lissett.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2097>Mottershead, Bluey</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Posted to 432 Sqn RCAF, Henry Oakeby served as a Navigator.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2128>Oakeby, Henry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the Royal Air Force in 1942, he served with 635 Sqn Pathfinder Force until the end of the war. As a WOP/Air Gunner he completed 51 Ops on Lancasters – all of which were with Flt Lt Boris Bressloff and W.O. Harry Parker.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1631>Patterson, Ernie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he served with 207 Sqn on Lancasters. On his 8th Operation in April 1945 his aircraft was shot down and he then spent three days evading capture before finding his way into US occupied territory.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2063>Pearl, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Radio Operator he served with 9 Sqn similar to W.O. Jack Linaker. He completed 34 Ops on Lancasters including precision bombing on Bergen, Munich and the Arnsberg Viaduct in the German Rhine River Valley.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1754>Rogers, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Air Gunner, 617 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2138>Smith, Ron</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 158 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2038>Statham, Rex</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Dick Starkey was with 106 Sqn as a pilot on Lancasters when his aircraft was shot down in March 1944. After hospitalisation he moved to Stalag Luft III arriving within days of the execution of 50 escapees.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2052>Starkey, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in August 1942 he soon began wireless training and, after a spell with 17 OTU, joined 9 Sqn at Bardney. He completed a total of 42 ops including all three raids against the Tirpitz.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1618>Tetlow, Phil</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Mid Upper Gunner he was posted to 103 Sqn on Halifaxes before transferring to 9 Sqn where he completed 3 raids on the Tirpitz and also Berchtesgaden, completing 50 Ops in total.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2061>Thompson, Sam</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Rear Gunner, 158 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2039>Tunstall, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining 207 Sqn he served as a Mid-Upper Gunner on over 20 Ops on Lancasters including the controversial joint RAF and USAAF raids on Dresden in February 1945.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1880>Varney, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Frank Wheeler joined the RAF in 1941, training in England as a pilot after which he completed a period of instructing. In January 1944 he was posted to join 174 Typhoon Fighter Squadron at Westhampnett, his first operation being as an escort to the Mosquitos taking part in Operation Jericho, the Amiens Jailbreak. He stayed with 174 Squadron for the remainder of the War, serving throughout occupied Europe, and in 1945, at the end of his tour of operations, he was awarded the DFC. We have learned that Frank Wheeler sadly passed away in early 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=131>Wheeler, Frank</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Initially serving with the Polish Army he was captured in 1939 but escaped to England in early 1943. He then joined the RAF as a W.Op/Air Gunner with 304 Polish Squadron completing 27 Ops in Wellingtons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1749>Wesolowski, Andrzej</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Called up one day after his 18th birthday to join the Royal Air Force on 16th July 1943. After basic training as an Air Gunner he served on operations in September 1944. Tony Winser served as a Rear Turret Air Gunner in Lancasters with 12 and 626 Squadrons, completing 31 Ops and was the second highest scoring Bomber Command Ace of the war shooting down 7 enemy aircraft. Sadly, we have learned that Tony Winser passed away on 13th November 2011.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2064>Winser, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2011'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £845</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£250.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='23773'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6078B. Day Duties for the Night Workers by Robert Taylor. <p> With its mission completed, the mighty Lancaster slowly rolls to a halt on the lonely dispersal point, the roar of its four pulsating Merlin engines steadily slackens, replaced by an eerie silence, broken only by the snapping cracks of cooling metal. Slowly the seven weary crew tumble out of the fuselage, their faces etched with strain, eyes rimmed red with tiredness. For them it is the final act of another long, arduous and nerve-wracking operation, another eight-hour ordeal to attack industrial targets in the Ruhr. This time they know they've been lucky, they reached the target and returned home safely, despite the deadly flak and prowling Luftwaffe night-fighters. For others, however, the work of war has just begun. As the massive Lancaster looms majestically over them, the ever vigilant ground crew begin the task of preparing their aircraft for the coming night's operation. Checking, repairing and double-checking again, making sure that nothing goes wrong on the next trip, nothing that could endanger the lives of the crew who depend on them. And then there are guns to be re-armed, bombs to be loaded and near-empty fuel tanks refilled. It will be a race against time. <p><b>Supplied with a copy of the book <i>Heroic Endeavour</i> by Sean Feast, signed by the author.</b><b><p>Signed by Flight Lieutenant Boris Bressloff DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Reg Cleaver,<br>Flight Sergeant Alan Payne DFC,<br>Warrant Officer William Bell,<br>Warrant Officer Jim Booker,<br>Flight Lieutenant Ken Carlton,<br>Flt Lt Eric Clarke MiD,<br>Warrant Officer Richard Curnock,<br>Warrant Officer Eric Evans,<br>Warrant Officer Reg Eves,<br>Flight Lieutenant Dennis Field,<br>Flying Officer George French,<br>Warrant Officer Harry Gough,<br>Flying Officer Les Hadley,<br>Squadron Leader John Hall, DFC*,<br>Warrant Officer Jeff Hildreth,<br>Flight Sergeant Ken Jenkinson,<br>Warrant Officer Ken Johnson,<br>Warrant Officer Norman Jones,<br>Flight Lieutenant William J Kelbrick,<br>Flight Lieutenant H W Bert Kirtland DFC*,<br>Flt Lt Bob Lasham DFC*,<br>Flt Sgt Rudolf Leksinski,<br>Warrant Officer Jack Linaker,<br>Flight Sergeant Norman Lusher,<br>Flt Lt Len MacNamara DFC,<br>Warrant Officer Fred Maltas,<br>Sergeant Len Manning,<br>Warrant Officer Frank P Mannion,<br>Warrant Officer John Morrison,<br>Flt Lt Bluey Mottershead DFC,<br>Flt Lt Henry Oakeby,<br>Warrant Officer Ken OBrien DFM,<br>Warrant Officer Lou Parsons,<br>Warrant Officer Ernie Patterson DFC,<br>Warrant Officer John Pearl,<br>Warrant Officer Ken Rogers,<br>Squadron Leader John Rowland DSO DFC*,<br>Flt Lt Ron Smith DFC AE,<br>Warrant Officer Rex Statham,<br>Pilot Officer Richard Dick Starkey,<br>Flying Officer Malcolm Staves,<br>Flying Officer Phil Tetlow,<br>Warrant Officer Sam Thompson,<br>Flight Lieutenant Fred Tunstall DFC,<br>Flight Sergeant Eric Varney,<br>Flying Officer Frank Wheeler DFC (deceased),<br>Warrant Officer Andrzej Wesolowski,<br>Warrant Officer Tony Winser (deceased)<br>and<br>Flying Officer Raymond Worrall. <p>Bomber Command edition of 125 prints. <p> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='250.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=''><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG2009, SIG1623, SIG2055, SIG2178, SIG2159, SIG2511, SIG2186, SIG2182, SIG1376, SIG2512, SIG2513, SIG2514, SIG2175, SIG2204, SIG895, SIG2233, SIG2122, SIG2004, SIG2515, SIG2516, SIG2517, SIG2518, SIG2519, SIG2520, SIG2521, SIG2522, SIG2523, SIG2524, SIG2190, SIG2191, SIG2036, SIG2166, SIG2174, SIG2071, SIG1264, SIG2153, SIG2184, SIG2008, SIG2118, SIG2038, SIG2194, SIG2093, SIG2107, SIG2005, SIG2116, SIG2094, SIG2056, SIG855, SIG2033, SIG2119, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRESENTATION</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Victoria Cross edition of 25 matted prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=23775>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 36cm) Overall size 25 inches x 22 inches (64cm x 56cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Having completed his training as a Bomb Aimer he joined 635 Sqn serving with W.O. Ernie Patterson and W.O. Harry Parker on over 50 Ops in Lancasters with Pilot Alex Throne DSO DFC.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1632>Bressloff, Boris</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Served with 419 (Moose) Squadron RCAF. Reg Cleaver was a Flight Engineer and Co-pilot on Halifaxes until On his 17th operation on 24 June 1943, on a raid to Wuppertal, his aircraft was shot down by German Fw190 nightfighters. After initially evading capture he was eventually captured in Holland where he was beaten by the Gestapo and taken as a PoW to Stalag Luft 6 until the end of the war. He died aged 89 when his car hit a tree in Brandon, he was given a funeral with full military honours at St. John the Baptist Church in Brinklow.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1661>Cleaver, Reg</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joined the Royal Air Force in 1942 and trained as an Observer in the UK and in South Africa but served as Bomb Aimer with 630 Squadron and later 57 Squadron on Lancasters completing 29 operations. Based at RAF East Kirkby Alan took part in the Battle of Berlin from November 1943, culminating with a raid on Nuremberg at the end of March 1944. Alan was then transferrred to Transport Command where he completed a full tour as a navigator on Halifaxes wtih 620 Sqn Transport Command in Palestine supporting the 6th Airborne Divison. He died on 24th January 2018.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1879>Payne, Alan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2018'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bill joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to 103 Squadron at RAF Elsham Wolds as a Navigator on Halifaxes. He was later transferred to 166 Squadron, and was on his 20th operation, flying to Berlin in November 1943 when he was shot down and ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft IVb. He escaped on three separate occasions but was recaptured every time - the war finished just before his fourth attempt!'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2122>Bell, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Navigator on 625 Sqn Lancasters, flying operationally from late 1944, he flew on the last bombing mission of the European war to Berchtesgaden and supplied relief drops to the Dutch in Operation Manna.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2103>Booker, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 156, 7 and 635 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2455>Carlton, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 49 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2130>Clarke, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Richard Curnock was posted to 425 Squadron RCAF where he served as a Rear Gunner. He was only on his second operation on 25th February 1944 to Augsburg when his aircraft was shot down and he ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2126>Curnock, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='After qualifying as a Rear Gunner he served with 463 RAAF Sqn serving on Lancasters from Waddington. In November 1944 his Lancaster was shot down by a German night fighter whilst on a mission over Germany and he served the rest of the War as a PoW.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1659>Evans, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear and Middle Upper Air Gunner, 550 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2456>Eves, Reg</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, No.90 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2457>Field, Dennis</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Bomb Aimer, 76 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2458>French, George</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Harry joined the RAF in 1943 as a Rear Gunner in 10 Squadron affectionately known as Shiny 10 at RAF Melbourne, part of 4 Group. At the beginning of the war they were equipped with Whitleys, upgrading to the Halifax in December 1941. On 8th July 1940, they moved to RAF Leeming, Yorkshire and again on 19th August 1942 to RAF Melbourne, Yorkshire. Harry completed 33 operations.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2119>Gough, Harry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Navigator Les did a full Tour with 40 Squadron on Wellingtons. His second tour was completed on Mosquitos with 139 PFF, from where he later transferred back to heavy Bombers with 156 PFF, completing his war-time service.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2148>Hadley, Les</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='John Anthony Sanderson Hall was born in Oxford on Christmas Day 1921. His father was William Glenvil Hall, MP for Colne Valley and Financial Secretary to the Treasury in Attlee's government. From his father, a life-long Quaker, John inherited a belief in practical action rather than ideology, along with a sense of decency and respect for the rights of individuals. He attended the Quaker co-educational Leighton Park School, Reading, then worked briefly as a publisher's reader and studied at the Sorbonne before returning to this country and joining the RAF at the height of the Battle of Britain. After training as a night-fighter pilot, Hall joined No 85 Squadron, At that time, 85 Squadron flew twin engine Havocs, a night fighter version of the American light bomber, the Boston, with the radar operator where the Boston's gun turret would have been and 12 machine guns in the nose, in place of the Boston's navigator. The radar then was the Mark 4, not very reliable, and with a very limited range. During 1942, the Squadron re-equipped with the much faster and more maneuverable Mosquito, with a scanner in the nose for the infinitely more effective Mark 8 radar and 4 cannon. After excelling on an air gunnery course at the Central Gunnery School, Hall became an instructor at No 51 Operational Training Unit. He became an ardent believer in the need for fighter pilots to understand fully the basics of air-to-air shooting, something that he felt most of them lacked. He likened the problem to shooting game birds when an estimate of <i>range, line and deflection</i> held the key to success. Hall joined the New Zealanders of No 488 in November 1943, and was crewed up with Cairns, an experienced radar operator. Two months after their initial success, Hall and Cairns were on a routine patrol over Essex when they were directed to a contact flying at 18,000ft. They identified a Junkers 88, which they shot down and saw crash with a tremendous explosion. The enemy aircraft had landed on a group of dispersed bombers on the USAAF airfield at Earls Colne, severely damaging a number of them. Hall was doubtful about claiming this as a kill. He shot down another bomber off the Essex coast on April 19 1944. As he approached to land, he was told to wait until another Mosquito had landed ahead of him. In the event, the other <i>Mosquito</i> turned out to be a Junkers 88; the crew claimed they thought they were landing in Holland. After shooting down their fifth German bomber, as it attacked Bristol on May 22, both Hall and Cairns were awarded the DFC. Hall's citation described him as <i>a highly efficient and courageous fighter</i>. On the night before D-Day, Hall flew one of the many night fighters that patrolled over the beachhead keeping German bombers away from the invasion fleet. By mid-August, the crews of No 488 had destroyed 49 enemy aircraft. The sum of £50 had been accrued at various fund-raising events, and it was agreed that this should go to the ground crew of the aircraft achieving the squadron's 50th success. During the night of August 14/15, Hall attacked a German bomber, but it escaped. Shortly afterwards a second bomber was attacked and Hall succeeded in shooting it down 20 miles south of Caen, much to the delight of his ground crew. After moving to an advanced airfield in France, further success came on the night of December 23/24. Two days later, however, Hall had a narrow escape. Flying in atrocious weather in an attempt to support Allied troops under attack during the German's lightning Ardennes offensive, he was prevented by blizzards from returning to his base at Amiens. With virtually no fuel, he saw a light and crash-landed on a US forward grass airstrip and the Mosquito was wrecked. Hall scored his last kill on March 27 1945. He pressed home his attack from such close range that his Mosquito was hit by debris from the enemy bomber. The port engine was damaged and subsequently caught fire, but Hall managed to crash land on an airfield in Holland; his aircraft was almost completely burnt out. A few days later, he and Cairns each received a Bar to their DFCs. After leaving the RAF at the end of 1946, Hall went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Law. He was called to the Bar by Inner Temple in November 1948, and joined chambers at Lamb Building. He died on 24th September 2015.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1064>Hall, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2015'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Wireless Operator/Air Gunner who joined the recently reformed 170 Sqn at Hemswell in October 1944. He went on to complete 28 Ops on Lancasters over North West Europe before the War finished in May 1945.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2177>Hildreth, Jeff</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, as Radio Operator to pilot Ian Ross, he remained with the crew when they joined 617 Sqn and their aircraft crash landed in Russia after the first raid on the Tirpitz.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2067>Jenkinson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 625 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2459>Jones, Norman</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Gunner, No.50 and No.9 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2460>Kelbrick, William</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 76 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2461>Kirtland, Bert</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 9 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2462>Lusher, Norman</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2463>Mannion, Frank</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear Gunner, No.10 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2464>OBrien, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 75 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2465>Parsons, Lou</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, No.12, No.613 and No.625 Squadrons. Squadron Leader John Rowland was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice in three days in 1943; later, on completion of 50 bombing operations, he received the Distinguished Service Order. Rowland joined No.12 Squadron in June 1943 at the height of what became known as the Battle of the Ruhr – a sustained campaign against the huge industrial complexes in the region. Over the next five months he attacked most of the major cities. He went to Cologne twice before sorties to Gelsenkirchen, Duisberg and Essen. On the night of July 25th, an intense campaign was directed against Hamburg. The radar countermeasure 'window' was used for the first time and proved very effective in reducing bomber losses. Rowland flew on three of the four raids that devastated the city and the Blohm and Voss shipyard. In the middle of August, Bomber Command launched the first phase of the Battle of Berlin, a campaign that was to be waged with great intensity throughout the winter of 1943-44. Rowland flew on the first attack on the night of August 23rd, a sortie of almost eight hours. Throughout the autumn, he attacked other large cities including Nuremburg, Frankfurt and Munich. On October 8th, the target was Hanover. Just before reaching the city, his Lancaster was engaged by a German night fighter and badly damaged. His rear gunner was killed but he decided to press on to the target, which he bombed successfully Rowland had just been awarded the DFC for 'his skill and courage' when it was announced that he had been awarded a Bar for his gallant conduct during the two sorties to Hanover. John Naunton Rowland was born in Cardiff on December 28th 1919. He attended Cheltenham College before gaining a cadetship to the RAF College Cranwell. On the outbreak of the Second World War, his course was cut short and, after graduating as a pilot, he joined No 613 Squadron. The squadron flew antiquated Lysander aircraft in the Army co-operation role and Rowland was rushed into service. He made a number of trips to Calais as the British Expeditionary Force fought a rearguard action before the evacuation from Dunkirk. In September 1940, Rowland started a three-year period as a flying instructor before joining No.12 Squadron. After his first tour on Lancasters and a period as an instructor, Rowland returned to the bombing campaign as a flight commander on No.625 Squadron. The squadron was heavily involved in flying operations in the build-up to D-Day, when the French railway system and storage areas were key targets. He also attacked V-1 flying bomb sites, and on the night of D-Day he bombed the large gun batteries at Vire. On June 30th 1944, 118 Lancasters attacked the railway yards at Vierzon near Orleans. The Pathfinder force had great difficulty identifying the target, and the orbiting Lancasters came under heavy attack. Rowland feared the worst and told his crew 'to keep a good lookout'. They survived but 14 Lancasters were lost, nearly 12 per cent of the force. Rowland attacked more flying bomb sites and the huge secret weapons facility at Wizernes before the campaign against Germany was resumed. After completing his 50th operation – to Calais, the scene of his first war sortie – Rowland was rested. He was awarded a DSO. In December 1944 he was seconded to BOAC, flying from Bristol. He remained with the airline after the war and flew routes to West Africa, the Middle East and to India. He was one of the first pilots to land at Heathrow Airport after its opening, remembering it as 'a field with a long runway and marquees for passengers and customs clearance'. After a number of years, he left to join the family hotel business. He always claimed that leaving BOAC was his greatest regret. In the post-war years, Rowland befriended a number of former Luftwaffe night fighter pilots and attended their reunions. In later life he planted a tree at his old airfield at Wickenby in Lincolnshire in memory of his rear gunner. In 2011 he wrote his memoirs, Return Flights in War and Peace. John Rowland married Jean McMichael, a WAAF officer, in 1944. She died in 1982. He is survived by their two sons and by Pam Ideson, his companion for the last 23 years. Squadron Leader John Rowland, born December 28th 1919, died November 22nd 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2466>Rowland, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 207 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2467>Staves, Malcolm</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 44 Sqn.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2468>Worrall, Raymon</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Pilot, 9 and 97 Squadrons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2134>Lasham, Bob</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Weapons Operator, 30 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2135>Leksinski, Rudolf</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Rear Gunner on Lancasters he was posted to 9 Sqn which was one of only two squadrons equipped with the Tallboy bomb used for precision bombing and went on to lead the final raid on Berchtesgaden. He completed 18 Ops. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1752>Linaker, Jack</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2110>MacNamara, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Fred joined the RAF as a Flight Engineer and was originally sent to 51 Squadron at RAF Snaith on Halifaxes. He then joined 35 Squadron as they undertook their Pathfinder duties. On his 2nd operation to Krefeld on 21st June 1943 his Halifax HR799 was shot down, and Fred ended up as a PoW in Stalag Luft VI.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2118>Maltas, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Rear Gunner on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, his aircraft was shot down by a German Night Fighter on only his 3rd Operation on 18th April 1944. Taken in by local French civilians, they kept him in hiding until the Allies advanced through Northern France before he finally got back to Britain on 5th September 1944.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2016>Manning, Len</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='With 35 Sqn he flew as a WOP/Air Gunner on Halifaxes taking part in 24 'Ops' but was shot down on the attack on the Tirpitz in April 1942. After being captured he spent the rest of the War as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. We have learned that John Morrison has now sadly passed away.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2008>Morrison, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died '><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Completed a full tour of Operations in 1943 flying Halifaxes for 158 Sqn at Lissett.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2097>Mottershead, Bluey</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Posted to 432 Sqn RCAF, Henry Oakeby served as a Navigator.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2128>Oakeby, Henry</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the Royal Air Force in 1942, he served with 635 Sqn Pathfinder Force until the end of the war. As a WOP/Air Gunner he completed 51 Ops on Lancasters – all of which were with Flt Lt Boris Bressloff and W.O. Harry Parker.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1631>Patterson, Ernie</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he served with 207 Sqn on Lancasters. On his 8th Operation in April 1945 his aircraft was shot down and he then spent three days evading capture before finding his way into US occupied territory.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2063>Pearl, John</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Radio Operator he served with 9 Sqn similar to W.O. Jack Linaker. He completed 34 Ops on Lancasters including precision bombing on Bergen, Munich and the Arnsberg Viaduct in the German Rhine River Valley.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1754>Rogers, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Air Gunner, 617 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2138>Smith, Ron</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Flight Engineer, 158 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2038>Statham, Rex</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Dick Starkey was with 106 Sqn as a pilot on Lancasters when his aircraft was shot down in March 1944. After hospitalisation he moved to Stalag Luft III arriving within days of the execution of 50 escapees.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2052>Starkey, Richard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in August 1942 he soon began wireless training and, after a spell with 17 OTU, joined 9 Sqn at Bardney. He completed a total of 42 ops including all three raids against the Tirpitz.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1618>Tetlow, Phil</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid Upper Gunner he was posted to 103 Sqn on Halifaxes before transferring to 9 Sqn where he completed 3 raids on the Tirpitz and also Berchtesgaden, completing 50 Ops in total.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2061>Thompson, Sam</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Rear Gunner, 158 Squadron.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2039>Tunstall, Fred</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining 207 Sqn he served as a Mid-Upper Gunner on over 20 Ops on Lancasters including the controversial joint RAF and USAAF raids on Dresden in February 1945.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1880>Varney, Eric</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Frank Wheeler joined the RAF in 1941, training in England as a pilot after which he completed a period of instructing. In January 1944 he was posted to join 174 Typhoon Fighter Squadron at Westhampnett, his first operation being as an escort to the Mosquitos taking part in Operation Jericho, the Amiens Jailbreak. He stayed with 174 Squadron for the remainder of the War, serving throughout occupied Europe, and in 1945, at the end of his tour of operations, he was awarded the DFC. We have learned that Frank Wheeler sadly passed away in early 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=131>Wheeler, Frank</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Initially serving with the Polish Army he was captured in 1939 but escaped to England in early 1943. He then joined the RAF as a W.Op/Air Gunner with 304 Polish Squadron completing 27 Ops in Wellingtons.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1749>Wesolowski, Andrzej</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Called up one day after his 18th birthday to join the Royal Air Force on 16th July 1943. After basic training as an Air Gunner he served on operations in September 1944. Tony Winser served as a Rear Turret Air Gunner in Lancasters with 12 and 626 Squadrons, completing 31 Ops and was the second highest scoring Bomber Command Ace of the war shooting down 7 enemy aircraft. Sadly, we have learned that Tony Winser passed away on 13th November 2011.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2064>Winser, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2011'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=216>Cheshire, Leonard</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1992'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1994'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1996'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (matted)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £1120</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25172><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm6301.jpg alt='Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor.' title='Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/dhm6301.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br> Sometimes it was five, every so often it might be six, occasionally it was three, but usually it was seven men who flew together as a crew with RAF Bomber Command. They formed the closest of bonds, forged through an anvil of freezing temperatures, deadly flak and prowling night-fighters but, with an average age of only 22, their odds of survival were slim. By 1943 the life expectancy for bomber aircrew was just 5 missions - only one in six were expected to survive their first tour of 30 operations. The chances of surviving a second tour were even slimmer. Of the 125,000 men who flew with Bomber Command during World War II, more than 55,000 were killed. Whilst the 'Few' of Fighter Command had undoubtedly defeated the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, it was the 'Many' of Bomber Command who were to play the pivotal role in delivering to the Allies ultimate victory in Europe. But it came at a terrible cost: on one raid alone - the Nuremberg raid of 30th/31st M.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25172>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : DHM6301</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 200 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25172>Full Item Details</a></i><br><font color=#FF0000><b><i>Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!</b></i></font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall size 24.5 inches x 19 inches (63cm x 48cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthys Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. The last surviving Dambuster, he died aged 101 on 7th December 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=449>Johnson, George L</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Having completed training as a Rear Gunner he as posted to 115 Sqn serving on 12 Ops on Lancasters from Autumn 1944 until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1881>McGillivray, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joined the RAF in 1940 on Lancasters with 97 Sqn Pathfinders. He baled out on a bombing raid over Hanover and was captured and taken PoW and interned at Stalag Luft I.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2107>Copus, James</a><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £175</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b>£90 Off!</b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><i>Now : </i><b>£145.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='25172'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6301. Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor. <p> Sometimes it was five, every so often it might be six, occasionally it was three, but usually it was seven men who flew together as a crew with RAF Bomber Command. They formed the closest of bonds, forged through an anvil of freezing temperatures, deadly flak and prowling night-fighters but, with an average age of only 22, their odds of survival were slim. By 1943 the life expectancy for bomber aircrew was just 5 missions - only one in six were expected to survive their first tour of 30 operations. The chances of surviving a second tour were even slimmer. Of the 125,000 men who flew with Bomber Command during World War II, more than 55,000 were killed. Whilst the 'Few' of Fighter Command had undoubtedly defeated the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, it was the 'Many' of Bomber Command who were to play the pivotal role in delivering to the Allies ultimate victory in Europe. But it came at a terrible cost: on one raid alone - the Nuremberg raid of 30th/31st March 1944 - 543 aircrew were killed, more than Fighter Command lost during the entire Battle of Britain. Robert Taylor's evocative new painting is a moving tribute to these men of Bomber Command. As the setting sun casts a golden glow, a group of Lancasters from 576 Squadron gather into formation after departing from their Lincolnshire base at the start of a raid into Germany in late 1944. The lead aircraft UL-I (LM227) was one of only a handful of Lancasters to complete 100 operational sorties. Between them the pilots of Bomber Command won 23 Victoria Crosses during WWII, and countless others were highly decorated for courage and commitment. Several of these veterans have now joined together to sign this commemorative limited edition to honour all those who served with Bomber Command. They include some of the RAF's most inspirational leaders - men such as James 'Tirpitz&;39; Tait, who was awarded no less than four DSOs to become one of the most highly decorated RAF airmen of WWII. Although sadly no longer with us, we are privileged that he was able to personally sign the prints during his lifetime, creating a truly historic collectors edition. <b><p>Signed by :<br>Squadron Leader George L. Johnson DFM,<br>Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC,<br>Flight Sergeant Jim McGillivray,<br>Warrant Officer Ken Johnson<br>and<br>Warrant Officer James Copus. <p>Signed limited edition of 200 prints. <p> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall size 24.5 inches x 19 inches (63cm x 48cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='145.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', NT90, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, SQN447, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', SIG211, SIG1324, SIG2057, SIG2004, SIG2163, '><input type=hidden name=digital value=', b0428<x>PP<id>22203, '><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='PRINT'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>ARTIST<br>PROOF</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collectors edition of 25 artist proofs. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25174>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall size 24.5 inches x 19 inches (63cm x 48cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthys Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. The last surviving Dambuster, he died aged 101 on 7th December 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=449>Johnson, George L</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Having completed training as a Rear Gunner he as posted to 115 Sqn serving on 12 Ops on Lancasters from Autumn 1944 until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1881>McGillivray, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joined the RAF in 1940 on Lancasters with 97 Sqn Pathfinders. He baled out on a bombing raid over Hanover and was captured and taken PoW and interned at Stalag Luft I.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2107>Copus, James</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Originally serving as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Sqns, he then volunteered for 617 Sqn becoming a Flight Engineer, taking part in many operations including the viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. He died on 11th August 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1616>Langston, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='After training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all the raids against the Tirpitz, but at the end of 1944 was forced to crash land in East Germany after being badly shot up and injured on a mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=210>Tilley, F L</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A mid-upper gunner on Lancaster ED308 D-Donald of 57 squadron RAF Bomber Command, then based at Scampton. By the end of his tour in March 1944 Stan had become an air Ace, credited by 5 Group with the shooting down of 6 enemy fighters, including a Bf109 over France on his very first operation on the night of August 27th 1943. He died on 22nd June 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=23>Bradford, Stan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collectors edition of 100 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25173>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall size 24.5 inches x 19 inches (63cm x 48cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthys Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. The last surviving Dambuster, he died aged 101 on 7th December 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=449>Johnson, George L</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Having completed training as a Rear Gunner he as posted to 115 Sqn serving on 12 Ops on Lancasters from Autumn 1944 until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1881>McGillivray, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joined the RAF in 1940 on Lancasters with 97 Sqn Pathfinders. He baled out on a bombing raid over Hanover and was captured and taken PoW and interned at Stalag Luft I.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2107>Copus, James</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Originally serving as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Sqns, he then volunteered for 617 Sqn becoming a Flight Engineer, taking part in many operations including the viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. He died on 11th August 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1616>Langston, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='After training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all the raids against the Tirpitz, but at the end of 1944 was forced to crash land in East Germany after being badly shot up and injured on a mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=210>Tilley, F L</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A mid-upper gunner on Lancaster ED308 D-Donald of 57 squadron RAF Bomber Command, then based at Scampton. By the end of his tour in March 1944 Stan had become an air Ace, credited by 5 Group with the shooting down of 6 enemy fighters, including a Bf109 over France on his very first operation on the night of August 27th 1943. He died on 22nd June 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=23>Bradford, Stan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2017'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRESENTATION</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Victoria Cross edition of 25 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25177>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall matted size 27 inches x 24 inches (69cm x 61cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthys Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. The last surviving Dambuster, he died aged 101 on 7th December 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=449>Johnson, George L</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Having completed training as a Rear Gunner he as posted to 115 Sqn serving on 12 Ops on Lancasters from Autumn 1944 until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1881>McGillivray, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joined the RAF in 1940 on Lancasters with 97 Sqn Pathfinders. He baled out on a bombing raid over Hanover and was captured and taken PoW and interned at Stalag Luft I.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2107>Copus, James</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Originally serving as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Sqns, he then volunteered for 617 Sqn becoming a Flight Engineer, taking part in many operations including the viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. He died on 11th August 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1616>Langston, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='After training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all the raids against the Tirpitz, but at the end of 1944 was forced to crash land in East Germany after being badly shot up and injured on a mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=210>Tilley, F L</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A mid-upper gunner on Lancaster ED308 D-Donald of 57 squadron RAF Bomber Command, then based at Scampton. By the end of his tour in March 1944 Stan had become an air Ace, credited by 5 Group with the shooting down of 6 enemy fighters, including a Bf109 over France on his very first operation on the night of August 27th 1943. He died on 22nd June 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=23>Bradford, Stan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1994'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2001'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1996'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=216>Cheshire, Leonard</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1992'><i> (matted)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Leonard Trent was in the war from the start, and at a time when aircrew losses were appalling. In May 1943, before Trent took off for the Amsterdam power station raid, he said - Im going over the target whatever happens - Of the twelve Ventura aircraft that set out against murderous fighter attacks and heavy flak, only Trent made it to the target - he was as good as his word. Trent was shot down on the return home, but his VC ranks amongst the most courageous of all.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1108>Trent, Leonard</a><i> (matted)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £715</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>FLYER</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Promotional Flyer </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=28948>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> A4 Size Double Sheet 11.5 inches x 8 inches (30m x 21cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>none</b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font><img src='https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/oneonew.jpg' title='Add ANY two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!' alt='Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!'></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>£2.00</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><form action='https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/sc-bin/shop1.php' method='POST'><input type=hidden name=part value='28948'><input type=hidden name=description value='DHM6301FLY. Towards Night's Darkness by Robert Taylor. <p> Sometimes it was five, every so often it might be six, occasionally it was three, but usually it was seven men who flew together as a crew with RAF Bomber Command. They formed the closest of bonds, forged through an anvil of freezing temperatures, deadly flak and prowling night-fighters but, with an average age of only 22, their odds of survival were slim. By 1943 the life expectancy for bomber aircrew was just 5 missions - only one in six were expected to survive their first tour of 30 operations. The chances of surviving a second tour were even slimmer. Of the 125,000 men who flew with Bomber Command during World War II, more than 55,000 were killed. Whilst the 'Few' of Fighter Command had undoubtedly defeated the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, it was the 'Many' of Bomber Command who were to play the pivotal role in delivering to the Allies ultimate victory in Europe. But it came at a terrible cost: on one raid alone - the Nuremberg raid of 30th/31st March 1944 - 543 aircrew were killed, more than Fighter Command lost during the entire Battle of Britain. Robert Taylor's evocative new painting is a moving tribute to these men of Bomber Command. As the setting sun casts a golden glow, a group of Lancasters from 576 Squadron gather into formation after departing from their Lincolnshire base at the start of a raid into Germany in late 1944. The lead aircraft UL-I (LM227) was one of only a handful of Lancasters to complete 100 operational sorties. Between them the pilots of Bomber Command won 23 Victoria Crosses during WWII, and countless others were highly decorated for courage and commitment. Several of these veterans have now joined together to sign this commemorative limited edition to honour all those who served with Bomber Command. They include some of the RAF's most inspirational leaders - men such as James 'Tirpitz&;39; Tait, who was awarded no less than four DSOs to become one of the most highly decorated RAF airmen of WWII. Although sadly no longer with us, we are privileged that he was able to personally sign the prints during his lifetime, creating a truly historic collectors edition. <b><p>Promotional Flyer <p> A4 Size Double Sheet 11.5 inches x 8 inches (30m x 21cm)'><input type=hidden name=price value='2.00'><input type=hidden name=size value=''><input type=hidden name=weight value=''><input type=hidden name=units value=''><input type=hidden name=taxed value='Yes'><input type=hidden name=discounted value='No'><input type=hidden name=volume1 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume2 value=''><input type=hidden name=volume3 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount1 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount2 value=''><input type=hidden name=discount3 value=''><input type=hidden name=upsell value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid value=''><input type=hidden name=artistid2 value=''><input type=hidden name=noship value=''><input type=hidden name=dscode value=''><input type=hidden name=otags value=', B1G1HP, '><input type=hidden name=searchtags value=', CAT16, ART7, ERA2, COU2, WAR2, AIT9, SQN447, '><input type=hidden name=extratags value=', '><input type=hidden name=digital value=''><input type=hidden name=price5 value=''><input type=hidden name=backurl value=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC><input type=hidden name=type value='FLYER'><input src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/ADDButtonw.gif name=ADDButton alt='Add Item(s):' type=image align=absmiddle><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/QTYButton.gif alt='Quantity: ' align=absmiddle><input type=text size=3 name=Quantity value=1></form></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>REMARQUE</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collectors edition of 15 remarques. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25175>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall size 24.5 inches x 19 inches (63cm x 48cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthys Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. The last surviving Dambuster, he died aged 101 on 7th December 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=449>Johnson, George L</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Having completed training as a Rear Gunner he as posted to 115 Sqn serving on 12 Ops on Lancasters from Autumn 1944 until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1881>McGillivray, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Joined the RAF in 1940 on Lancasters with 97 Sqn Pathfinders. He baled out on a bombing raid over Hanover and was captured and taken PoW and interned at Stalag Luft I.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2107>Copus, James</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Originally serving as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Sqns, he then volunteered for 617 Sqn becoming a Flight Engineer, taking part in many operations including the viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. He died on 11th August 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1616>Langston, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='After training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all the raids against the Tirpitz, but at the end of 1944 was forced to crash land in East Germany after being badly shot up and injured on a mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=210>Tilley, F L</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='A mid-upper gunner on Lancaster ED308 D-Donald of 57 squadron RAF Bomber Command, then based at Scampton. By the end of his tour in March 1944 Stan had become an air Ace, credited by 5 Group with the shooting down of 6 enemy fighters, including a Bf109 over France on his very first operation on the night of August 27th 1943. He died on 22nd June 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=23>Bradford, Stan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 2017'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>REMARQUE</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Collectors edition of 5 double remarques. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=25176>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Image size 19.5 inches x 13 inches (50cm x 33cm) Overall size 24.5 inches x 19 inches (63cm x 48cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthys Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. The last surviving Dambuster, he died aged 101 on 7th December 2022.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=449>Johnson, George L</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2022'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joining the RAF at the age of 16 in 1940, he did 2 full tours as a Rear Gunner with 9 Squadron and took part in nearly all the famous raids of Bomber Command. He finished in 1945 at 158 Squadron flying Halifaxes. 'I had just turned 18 when we went on a gunnery school course. After that six-week training, we usually went for a further three months training to an Operational Training Unit. It so happened that 9 Squadron had just converted from Wellingtons to Lancasters and they were 14 air gunners short on the squadron, so they posted us from gunnery school after six weeks' training straight to the squadron. 'When I got there, I was approached by a Flt Lt Stubbs, who said to me: 'You're my new gunner. We've got a gunner already but he's been flying Wellingtons and he doesn't want to be a rear gunner. He wants to go in the mid-upper turret. You'll be the rear gunner.' But, he said, on my first raid, the best thing for me to do would be to go on the mid-upper turret. 'That way you can see exactly what's going on,' he said. 'My first raid in Lancasters with 9 Squadron was to Dusseldorf on September 10th, 1942. Every time we went on a bombing raid, we had to do an air test first. We would test our guns, test the bomb sight, test the hydraulics, test the engines, and when you landed, if everything was OK, you told the engineers that everything was fine for the raid. As we landed, the armourers arrived with the bomb load. I still remember now, it was one 4,000 pounder - one huge, fat bomb - and 1,200 incendiaries. 'Our bomb aimer was an 'old sweat'. We used to call him 'The Old Boy'. He was 26. He said that with that bomb load we had, we were definitely going to the Happy Valley. When we returned to the mess, we got ready to go to the briefing. We were briefed and the curtain came down off the target and there it was - Dusseldorf. 'That's right,' said the bomb aimer to me, 'that's where we are going, Dusseldorf.' Most of our raids were on the Ruhr Valley and the reason why I am alive now is because - I don't know why - but I never went to Berlin. I wouldn't be talking to you now if I had been to Berlin. I can assure you. 'We put all our gear on. It took about half an hour for the air gunner to get dressed with all the clothing. I clambered into the mid-upper turret and off we went. As we crossed the Dutch coast, I could see we were about 1,400 or 1,500 feet over the coast. I could see a huge number of lights coming up. Far below us there was light flak, in beautiful colours, but it never touched us because we were a little too high. 'We crossed over Holland and the bomb aimer said: 'We are approaching the target, Skipper,' so I decided to swing my turret around and have a look. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw. I could not believe my eyes seeing what was in front of me. The flak, the guns, the lights, the search lights. It was incredible and I was really, really, really frightened. The plane was bouncing about. Then the bomb aimer said: 'Bomb doors open' and in we go straight and level. 'On my left I could see an aircraft on fire going down, and one below us I could see exploding. And I thought to myself: 'We're in for something here!'. I could not believe that we were going to fly through this huge explosion. But we went through it. Then the pilot was talking to the bomb aimer, and the bomb aimer said: 'We have missed the target, Skipper. We're going to have to go round again.' And I thought: 'Dear, oh dear, we've got to go all the way round, come back and go through all that again.' Which we did. And on the second run, we dropped our bombs. 'Bomb doors closed. On the way home. Flying back, there were problems with the oxygen, so the skipper – he was 21 and on his second tour, and old hand – took us down lower. We had to drop below 10,000 feet, and as we crossed the Dutch coast, the light flak opened up. It was absolutely hair-raising. There were hundreds and hundreds of these lights flashing past us but, strangely enough, not one of them hit us. 'When we got back, we landed and had a look at our aircraft. There were about 10 or 15 holes, two or three inches wide, across the fuselage, flak holes caused by shrapnel from the shells. We must have caught them on the Dutch coast. We were lucky but I've seen much worse. We went in for a briefing, had a coffee and went to bed. That was my first raid. Later, I found out, that our skipper, who had finished his tour, unfortunately got killed during training a couple of weeks later.' <br>Harry Irons died on 10th November 2020.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1620>Irons, Harry</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2020'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Having completed training as a Rear Gunner he as posted to 115 Sqn serving on 12 Ops on Lancasters from Autumn 1944 until the end of the war.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1881>McGillivray, Jim</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1617>Johnson, Ken</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Joined the RAF in 1940 on Lancasters with 97 Sqn Pathfinders. He baled out on a bombing raid over Hanover and was captured and taken PoW and interned at Stalag Luft I.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=2107>Copus, James</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Originally serving as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Sqns, he then volunteered for 617 Sqn becoming a Flight Engineer, taking part in many operations including the viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. He died on 11th August 2014.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1616>Langston, John</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2014'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. He died on 5th November 2013.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=77>Iveson, Tony</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2013'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='After training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all the raids against the Tirpitz, but at the end of 1944 was forced to crash land in East Germany after being badly shot up and injured on a mission.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=210>Tilley, F L</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='A mid-upper gunner on Lancaster ED308 D-Donald of 57 squadron RAF Bomber Command, then based at Scampton. By the end of his tour in March 1944 Stan had become an air Ace, credited by 5 Group with the shooting down of 6 enemy fighters, including a Bf109 over France on his very first operation on the night of August 27th 1943. He died on 22nd June 2017.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=23>Bradford, Stan</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2017'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £365</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16022><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/rst0011.jpg alt='Escort for the Straggler by Robert Taylor.' title='Escort for the Straggler by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/rst0011.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Escort for the Straggler by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Escort for the Straggler by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br>On April 25th 1945, the RAF despatched over 300 Lancasters to attack The Eagles Nest, Hitlers private mountain top castle at Berchstegaden. It was a symbolic raid, for the war was almost over, but it seemed appropriate that, after almost six years of continual combat, crews of the Royal Air Force should be allowed this almost final gesture of the air war in Europe. After the Spitfires and Hurricanes of Hugh Dowdings Fighter Command had won the Battle of Britain, and gained vital air supremacy, Arthur Harris Bomber Forces were able to mount the systematic devastation of Germanys mighty war machine, which in turn paved the way for the D-Day invasion, and the final liberation of Nazi dominated Europe. The Lancaster had become the mainstay of RAF Bomber Command, and its crews were typically representative of the men who had fought the six year aerial campaign in Europe. Every one a volunteer, they came from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Rhodesia, and many Europ.........</font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16022>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : RST0011</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Escort for the Straggler by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>RAF Edition of 600 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16022>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Paper size 33 inches x 25 inches (84cm x 64cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Brian -Willie- Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=212>Tait, J B Willie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><i> (companion print)</i><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Hugh Dundas was born on the 2nd of July 1920 in Doncaster. Hugh Dundas, like his elder brother John, became fascinated by the idea of flying from childhood, and straight after leaving Stowe School in 1938 joined the Auxiliary Air Force. As a pre-war member of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Hugh Dundas was called up early in the war, serving with 616 Squadron. After a promising start as a fighter pilot, Dundas was shot down on 22nd August and wounded during the Battle of Britian, but returned to his squadron in September 1940. His brother John, a 12 victory ace with No.609 Squadron, was killed in action in November 1940 after shooting down the top-scoring German Luftwaffe ace at the time, Helmut Wick. In early 1941 he was at Tangmere and came under the command of Wing Commander Douglas Bader. Dundas became one of the leading members of that Wing and frequently flew with Bader, gradually building his reputation as a fighter pilot and tactician. After receiving the DFC, Dundas became Flight Commander in 610 Squadron. December 1941 brought another promotion as commanding officer of 56 Squadron, the first in the RAF to be converted to Typhoons. Posted to the Mediterranean in 1943, he led 244 Spitfire Wing from Malta and later Italy. In 1944, Dundas was awarded the DSO and became one of the youngest Group Captains in the RAF. For some years after the war, Dundas served once more with the RAuxAF during which time he became CO of 601 Squadron. His war time score was 4 destroyed, 6 shared destroyed, 2 shared probables, and 2 and 1 shared damaged. After the war had ended Dundas served with the RAuxAF as CO of No.601 Squadron and was the air correspondent for the Daily Express newspaper. In 1961 he joined Rediffusion ltd becoming a Director in 1966, and Chairman of Thames Television unitl 1987, when he was knighted. In 1989 he served as High Sheriff of Surrey. Sir Hugh Dundas died on 10th July 1995 at the age of 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=183>Dundas, Hugh</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1995'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Laddie (Percy Belgrave) Lucas rose in two years from Aircraftman 2nd class to Command No.249, the top scoring fighter squadron in the Battle of Malta in 1942 at the age of 26. Lucas led two Spitfire squadrons and in 1943 a wing on the Western Front. In 1944 he switched to the Mosquito of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. After the war he was a Conservative MP for ten years and was also one of Britain's best amateur golfers, captaining Cambridge University, England in the Walker Cup, Great Britain and Ireland against the United States. Laddie Lucas died on 20th March 1998.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=187>Lucas, Laddie</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1998'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of the top RAF navigators of the war who went on more than 100 sorties in Bomber Command. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was born in Birmingham in November 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force in early 1939. Norman Scrivener trained at Staverton Aerodrome, in Gloucestershire, where he discovered he suffered from air sickness. He joined 97 (New Zealand ) Squadron, became a pilot officer and was one of the first navigators to use the developing radar systems and later flew with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (before Gibson moved to the Dambusters.) with 106 Squadron and in 1943 joined the Pathfinders of 83 Squadron as navigator to the Squadron Commander John Searby and took part in the raid on the German radar facilities in Peenemunde where the German V2 and V1 rockets were produced and tested. Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Flying Order. Sadly Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener died in Worcester aged 91 in May 2007.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=211>Scrivener, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2007'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=188>Mahaddie, Hamish</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1997'><i> (companion print)</i><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £385</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br><table width=90% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td with=100%><table width=100% align=center border=1 bgcolor=#FFFFFF><tr><td width=50% align=center valign=top><p align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16013><img border=1 src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/rst0020.jpg alt='Dambusters by Robert Taylor.' title='Dambusters by Robert Taylor.'></a></p><center><a href=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/800s/rst0020.jpg rel='thumbnail'><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/small/enlarge.jpg title='Dambusters by Robert Taylor.'></a></center></td><td width=50% align=center valign=top><br><b><font color=#000000>Dambusters by Robert Taylor.</b><br><br><b>SOLD OUT. </font><br><br><b><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16013>More Text...</a></b></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><table width=99% align=center border=1><tr><td colspan=7 align=center width=100% bgcolor=#EEF6FF><table width=100% border=0><tr><td width=15% align=left bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b><i>Item Code : RST0020</i></b></font></td><td width=70% align=center bgcolor=#EEF6FF><font color=#000000><b>Dambusters by Robert Taylor. - Editions Available</b></font></td><td width=15% align=right bgcolor=#EEF6FF><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/cart1.jpg width=45 height=29></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>TYPE</font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>DESCRIPTION</font></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIZE</font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>SIGNATURES</font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>OFFERS</font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PRICE</font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color=#FFFFFF>PURCHASING</font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 100 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16013>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 24 inches x 20 inches (61cm x 51cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Born 27th February 1918, Australian Mick Martin joined the RAF in 1940 and had flown tours with 455 Squadron RAAF and 50 Squadron RAF before joining Guy Gibson at 617 Squadron. Pilot of AJ-P, Mick Martin was Deputy Leader of the Dams Raid and flew in Gibsons lead group. Third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam, he was awarded the DSO for his part in the raid. Mick Martin later served with Leonard Cheshire, and went on to a distinguished career after the war. ADC to the Queen in 1963, he eventually retired from the RAF as an Air Marshal in 1974. Mick Martin died 3rd November 1988.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1137>Martin, Harold Mick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_gr.jpg title='Died 1988'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infogreen.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £80</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#9DBA8E align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=9% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>PRINT</b></font></td><td width=20% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>Signed limited edition of 400 prints. </b></font><br><i><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/product.php?ProdID=16014>Full Item Details</a></i></td><td width=18% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b> Paper size 24 inches x 20 inches (61cm x 51cm)</b></font></td><td width=17% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=152>Reid, Bill</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2001'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Norman Jackson joined 106 Squadron as a flight engineer, and his 30th operational raid earned him the Victoria Cross. While climbing out of the target area over Schweinfurt, his Lancaster was hit by an enemy night-fighter and the inner starboard engine set on fire. Although injured by shrapnel he jettisoned the pilots escape hatch and climbed out on to the wing clutching a fire extinguisher, his parachute spilling out as he went. He succeeded in putting out the fire just as the night-fighter made a second attack, this time forcing the crew to bale out. Norman was swept away with his parachute starting to burn but somehow survived the fall to spend 10 months as a POW in a German hospital. Sadly, Norman Jackson died on 26th March 1994. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=143>Jackson, Norman</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1994'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='On the day that war was declared Rod Learoyd was on patrol flying Hampdens with 49 Sqn. Continually involved with low level bombing, on the night of 12th August 1940, he and four other aircraft attempted to breach the heavily defended Dortmund - Ems canal. Of the four other aircraft on the mission, two were destroyed and the other two were badly hit. Learoyd took his plane into the heavily defended target at only 150 feet, in full view of the searchlights, and with flak barrage all around. He managed to get his very badly damaged aircraft back to England, where he circled until daybreak when he finally landed the aircraft without inflicting more damage to it, or injuring any of his crew. For his supreme courage that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He later joined 44 Sqn with the first Lancasters, and then commanded 83 Sqn. He died 24th January 1996. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=161>Learoyd, Roderick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1996'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=216>Cheshire, Leonard</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1992'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Born 27th May 1922 in Australia, Dave Shannon joined the RAAF in 1941, and trained as a pilot. He flew an extended tour of 36 operations with 106 Squadron RAF before being chosen for 617 Squadron. Pilot of Lancaster AJ-L in Gibsons group, he was called off as he began his run on the Mohne Dam after the breach became apparent, but flew on and was the first pilot to attack the Eder Dam. Awarded a DSO for the Dams operation, he later served as Deputy to Leonard Cheshire, flying Mosquitos on what was by then his third tour. He later served with 511 and 246 Squadrons, and worked in the oil industry after the war. David Shannon died on 8th April 1993.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1138>Shannon, David J</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1993'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Born 20th August 1920. Joined the Canadian Air Force in 1941, and joined No.617 Sqn in 1943. Pilot and Captain of Lancaster AJ-F, he attacked the Sorpe Dam. Ken Brown died 23rd December 2002.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=446>Brown, Ken</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 2002'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Commander-in-Chief and inspirational leader of RAF bomber command. Died 5th April 1984.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=445>Harris, Arthur T</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1984'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='In March 1943, a special Royal Air Force (RAF) unit, 617 Squadron, was created to try a new tactic--low altitude bombing using deep penetration bombs that weighed from 9,500 to 22,000 pounds. Their first targets were three dams in the Ruhr industrial area of western Germany: the Mohne, the Eder, and the Sorpe. These dams supplied water for Ruhr steel mills and hydroelectric power. Twenty Avro Lancaster bombers were specially modified for this mission to carry a new, rotating skip bomb that would bounce across the lake, sink, and then explode at the base of the dam. So secret was the dambusting mission, that the pilots and navigators were briefed only the day before as to the actual targets. The three dams were struck, and two were breached, on the night of 16 May 1943. 'Joe' McCarthy, from Long Island, New York, was an original member of 617 Squadron. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1941 and soon transferred with his crew to RAF Bomber Command. From 1941 until late 1944, he flew the Hampden, Manchester, Lancaster, and Mosquito bombers and compiled a total of 80 combat missions. As Officer Commanding, German Aircraft Flight, he tested and flew over 20 different German aircraft, which had been taken from captured German airfields back to Farnborough for extensive engineering evaluation. During this period, McCarthy flew the first British operational jet, the Meteor, and the experimental Windsor bomber. Upon returning to Edmonton, Canada, he continued flight testing a variety of aircraft for cold weather operations as well as the experimental Canadian flying wing. During 28 years in the RCAF, he flew 64 different British, American, German, and Canadian aircraft. Later assignments included base executive officer for an F-86 NATO installation in France; Commander, Flying Training School, RCAF Station Penhold, Canada; and Commanding Officer of the 407 Maritime Squadron, flying the P2V Neptune. From 1961 to 1962, he was Chief of Air Operations for the United Nations' forces in the Congo, and from 1963 to 1966, worked in plans and policy for CINCLANT/CINCLANTFLT. Wing Commander McCarthy's final assignment was as base operations officer for two maritime squadrons flying the Argus antisubmarine warfare aircraft in Nova Scotia. He retired from the RCAF in 1969 and, after a second career in real estate, fully retired in 1986. Passed away 6th September 1998.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1115>McCarthy, Joe C</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1998'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Leonard Trent was in the war from the start, and at a time when aircrew losses were appalling. In May 1943, before Trent took off for the Amsterdam power station raid, he said - Im going over the target whatever happens - Of the twelve Ventura aircraft that set out against murderous fighter attacks and heavy flak, only Trent made it to the target - he was as good as his word. Trent was shot down on the return home, but his VC ranks amongst the most courageous of all.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1108>Trent, Leonard</a><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Pilot Offcier geoffrey Rice was born on 4th January 1917. Geoff Rice joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to No.57 Sqn on 20th February 1943. Joining No.617 Sqn on 26th March 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer on 20th August 1943 and awarded the DFC on 16th November 1943. He was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He was shot down on 20th December 1943, but was hidden by the French Resistance for six months before being captured. He was taken prisoner of war until the end of the war, not returning to the UK until 10th May 1945. Geoff Rice passed away in November 1981 in Somerset. '> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1468>Rice, Geoff</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1981'><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Born 27th February 1918, Australian Mick Martin joined the RAF in 1940 and had flown tours with 455 Squadron RAAF and 50 Squadron RAF before joining Guy Gibson at 617 Squadron. Pilot of AJ-P, Mick Martin was Deputy Leader of the Dams Raid and flew in Gibsons lead group. Third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam, he was awarded the DSO for his part in the raid. Mick Martin later served with Leonard Cheshire, and went on to a distinguished career after the war. ADC to the Queen in 1963, he eventually retired from the RAF as an Air Marshal in 1974. Mick Martin died 3rd November 1988.'> <a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/signatures.php?Signature=1137>Martin, Harold Mick</a> <img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/deceased_wh.jpg title='Died 1988'><i><br>+ Artist : Robert Taylor</i><br><br><img src=https://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/infowhite.jpg title='Our calculated total cumulative value of the signatures on this item. NOTE this is the value of the signatures alone, NOT the price of the print'><i>Signature(s) value alone : £810</i></b></font></td><td width=8% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#FF0000><b></b></font></td><td width=12% bgcolor=#FF0000 align=center><font color=#000000><b>SOLD<br>OUT</b></font></td><td width=16% bgcolor=#EEEEEE align=center><font color=#000000><b>NOT<br>AVAILABLE</b></font></td></tr></table></td></tr></table><br><br></td></tr></table></table><p align=center><table width=50%><tr><td width=100% colspan=2 bgcolor=#FFFFFF align=center><font color=#000000 size=4><b>Navigation</b></font></td></tr><tr><td width=50% bgcolor=#DDDDDD align=center><b><font size=3 color=#000000>Page 1 of 2</font></b></td><td align=center width=50% bgcolor=#DDDDDD><b><font size=3 color=#000000>Page 1 .. <a href=aviation_signatures.php?Signature=Flight_Lieutenant_Bill_Reid_VC&V=2>Next</a></b></font></td></tr></table><br><br><center><table width=100% border=1><tr bgcolor=#000000><td colspan=2 width=100% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>Aircraft for : Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased)</b></font></td></tr><tr bgcolor=#FFFFFF><td colspan=3 width=100% align=center><font color=#000000><b>A list of all aircraft associated with Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased). A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name.</b></font></td></tr><tr bgcolor=#808080><b><td width=20% align=center>Squadron</td><td width=80% align=center>Info</td></b></tr><tr bgcolor=#000000><td width=20% align=center valign=top><br><table width=95%><tr bgcolor=#FFFFFF><td align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aircraft_history.php?Aircraft=23>Lancaster</a></td></tr></table><br><font color=#FFFFFF><br><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aircraft_history.php?Aircraft=23><img src=https://www.military-art.com/mall/images/small/dhm1719.jpg></a><br><br><table width=90%><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF align=center valign=middle><font size=2 color=#000000><i>Click the name above to see prints featuring Lancaster aircraft.</font></td></tr></table><br>Manufacturer : Avro<br>Production Began : 1942<br>Retired : 1963<br>Number Built : 7377<br><br></td><td width=80% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>Lancaster</b><br><br>The Avro Lancaster arose from the avro Manchester and the first prototype Lancaster was a converted Manchester with four engines. The Lancaster was first flown in January 1941, and started operations in March 1942. By March 1945 The Royal Air Force had 56 squadrons of Lancasters with the first squadron equipped being No.44 Squadron. During World War Two the Avro Lancaster flew 156,000 sorties and dropped 618,378 tonnes of bombs between 1942 and 1945. Lancaster Bomberss took part in the devastating round-the-clock raids on Hamburg during Air Marshall Harris' Operation Gomorrah in July 1943. Just 35 Lancasters completed more than 100 successful operations each, and 3,249 were lost in action. The most successful survivor completed 139 operations, and the Lancaster was scrapped after the war in 1947. A few Lancasters were converted into tankers and the two tanker aircraft were joined by another converted Lancaster and were used in the Berlin Airlift, achieving 757 tanker sorties. A famous Lancaster bombing raid was the 1943 mission, codenamed Operation Chastise, to destroy the dams of the Ruhr Valley. The operation was carried out by 617 Squadron in modified Mk IIIs carrying special drum shaped bouncing bombs designed by Barnes Wallis. Also famous was a series of Lancaster attacks using Tallboy bombs against the German battleship Tirpitz, which first disabled and later sank the ship. The Lancaster bomber was the basis of the new Avro Lincoln bomber, initially known as the Lancaster IV and Lancaster V. (Becoming Lincoln B1 and B2 respectively.) Their Lancastrian airliner was also based on the Lancaster but was not very successful. Other developments were the Avro York and the successful Shackleton which continued in airborne early warning service up to 1992.</font></td></tr><tr bgcolor=#22443F><td width=20% align=center valign=top><br><table width=95%><tr bgcolor=#FFFFFF><td align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aircraft_history.php?Aircraft=4>Wellington</a></td></tr></table><br><font color=#FFFFFF><br><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/aircraft_history.php?Aircraft=4><img src=https://www.military-art.com/mall/images/small/b13.jpg></a><br><br><table width=90%><tr><td width=100% bgcolor=#FFFFFF align=center valign=middle><font size=2 color=#000000><i>Click the name above to see prints featuring Wellington aircraft.</font></td></tr></table><br>Manufacturer : Vickers<br>Production Began : 1938<br>Retired : 1953<br><br></td><td width=80% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>Wellington</b><br><br>The Vickers Wellington was a Bomber aircraft and also used for maritime reconnaissance. and had a normal crew of six except in the MKV and VI where a crew of three was used. Maximum speed was 235 mph (MK1c) 255 mph (MK III, X) and 299 mph (MK IIII), normal operating range of 1805 miles (except MK III which was 1470miles) The Wellington or Wimpy as it was known, was the major bomber of the Royal Air Force between 1939 and 1943. The Royal Air Force received its first Wellingtons in October 1938 to 99 squadron. and by the outbreak of World war two there were 6 squadrons equipped with the Vickers Wellington. Due to heavy losses on daylight raids, the Wellington became a night bomber and from 1940 was also used as a long range bomber in North Africa. and in 1942 also became a long range bomber for the royal Air Force in India. It was well used by Coastal Command as a U-Boat Hunter. The Wellington remained in service with the Royal Air Force until 1953. Probably due to its versatile use, The aircraft was also used for experimental work including the fitting of a pressure cabin for High altitude tests. The Vickers Wellington could sustain major damage and still fly, probably due to its construction of its geodesic structure and practical application of geodesic lines. Designed by Sir Barnes Wallis</font></td></tr></table></center><center><table width=100% border=1><tr bgcolor=#000000><td colspan=2 width=100% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>Squadrons for : Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased)</b></font></td></tr><tr bgcolor=#000000><td colspan=3 width=100% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>A list of all squadrons known to have been served with by Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC (deceased). A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.</b></font></td></tr><tr bgcolor=#808080><b><td width=20% align=center>Squadron</td><td width=80% align=center>Info</td></b></tr><tr bgcolor=#000000><td width=20% align=center valign=top><br><table width=95%><tr bgcolor=#FFFFFF><td align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/squadron_history.php?Squadron=166>No.61 Sqn RAF</a></td></tr></table><br><font color=#FFFFFF><br>Country : UK<br>Founded : 25th July 1917<br>Fate : Disbanded 31st March 1958<br><p><i>Per prurum tonantes - Thundering through the clear sky</i><br><br><font size=2 color=#FFFFFF><i>Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.61 Sqn RAF</font></td><td width=80% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>No.61 Sqn RAF</b><br><br>On July 1917 at RAF Rochford in Essex No.61 Squadron was formed and along with two other squadrons formed the London Air Defence Area intended to counter the daylight air raids. 61 squadron was equipped with the Sopwith Pup. The squadron first went into action on 12 thAugust, when a formation of 10 German Gotha bombers were seen over the Thames. Sixteen Sopwith Pups of No.61 Squadron took off to intercept them and succeeded in turning the enemy back, but not before two bombs had been dropped near No.61s hangars on Rochford Aerodrome. In 1918, 61 squadron was re-equipped with SE5s. When the armistice had been signed and the war was over 61 squadron was disbanded on 13th June 1919. No. 61 Squadron was re-formed on 8th March 1937 as a bomber squadron, and initially flying Hawker Audax, then the Avro Anson, followed by the Bristol Blenheim and during World War II flew with No. 5 Group, Bomer Command flying the Handley Page Hampden. The squadrons first operational mission was on 25th December 1939. The squadron then was equipped with the Avro Manchester. The slow delivery of the Manchester meant that the squadron operated both aircraft from July 1941 when the first Manchesters arrived, through to October 1941 when the use of the last of the Hampdens stopped. The squadron struggled on with the Manchester before converting to the Avro Lancaster in 1942, which 61 squadron flew for the rest of the war. Four of its Lancasters; ED860 N-Nan, EE176, JB138, and LL483, each served on more than 100 operational sorties. Records show that in the case of the first three aircraft, the long road to their centuries included participation in the raid on 3/4 November 1943, when Flt Lt William Reid of No. 61 Squadron won the Victoria Cross. After the war No. 61 Squadron re-equipped with Avro Lincolns in May 1946 and saw action in Malaya during Operation Firedog and during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya. In 1954 at RAF Wittering, 61 Squadron was equipped with the new English Electric Canberra. The Canberras of the squadron were used during the Suez Crisis in 1956. Finally on March 31st 1958, 61 squadron wasd disbanded. </font></td></tr><tr bgcolor=#22443F><td width=20% align=center valign=top><br><table width=95%><tr bgcolor=#FFFFFF><td align=center><a href=https://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/squadron_history.php?Squadron=78>No.617 Sqn RAF</a></td></tr></table><br><font color=#FFFFFF><br>Country : UK<br>Founded : 23rd March 1943<br><p><i>Apres mois, le deluge - After me, the flood</i><br><br><font size=2 color=#FFFFFF><i>Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of No.617 Sqn RAF</font></td><td width=80% align=center><font color=#FFFFFF><b>No.617 Sqn RAF</b><br><br><i>Full profile not yet available.</i></font></td></tr></table></center> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> </head> <body> <div align="center"> <center> </center> </div> <center> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="60%"> <p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman, Times"><b><font size="4">Everything we obtain for this site is shown on the site, we do not have any more photos, crew lists or further information on any of the ships.</font></b></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Abadi MT Condensed Light"><b>COPYRIGHT NOTICE. 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