Feriens Tego
by Robert Tomlin 25(F) Squadron of the Royal Air Force, based at Leeming
in Yorkshire is one of the premier Defence squadrons. Here, a
Tornado F3 makes a dramatic dash for the air in response to a potential
threat. The title comes from their motto Striking I
Defend. The border contains printed remarques of the first and
the latest fighters to serve with 25(F) Squadron, the autographed by Group
Captain Phil Goodman, OC 25(F) Squadron.
Display 25
by Robert Tomlin A Tornado F3 from 25(F) Squadron based at RAF Leeming
blasts off from the runway at Duxford to begin its display sequence.
Flown for the second year by Glt Lt "Willy" Hackett and
navigated by Flt Lt John Shields, this dramatic limited edition prints is
autographed by the two crew members. LESS THAN 200 COPIES
REMAIN
Flt Lt John Shields and Flt Lt "Willy"
Hackett
Perpetual
Motion by Robert Tomlin Dakota KN442 lands again at Gatow during the autumn of
1948 at the height of the Berlin Airlift as Yorks and Hastings wait to
take off for the return. Each print is autographed by the pilot,
navigator and signaller who flew KN442 on the airlift. KN442 is rare
among airlift aircraft in that it still flies today as G-AMPZ for Air
Atlantique more than 50 years on.
Perpetual
Motion II by Robert Tomlin Dakota G-AMPZ (formerly KN442) of Air Atlantique
resplendent in the commemorative livery of RAF Transport Command heads out
across the English coast, back to Berlin? Still flying
more than 50 years after serving valiantly on the Berlin Airlift, this
aircraft carries out the bulk of the airlines passenger charters.
These prints are signed by the current crew. Signed by pilots S Chambers and Eamonn Willow.
Muscateer
by Robert Tomlin Squadron Leader John Plagis, Commanding Officer of 126 Squadron, in his
Spitfire LFIX, returns from France on 24th July 1944 after shooting down
an Me109. Plagis went on to score 15 aerial victories before the end of
World War II.
Ramraiders by
Robert Tomlin FW 190 A-8/R-8 Sturmbock no 681382 of Hauptmann Wilhelm
Moritz stalks a formation of B-17 Flying Fortresses. Moritz led 4JG3,
the Luftaffes first dedicated Sturmgruppe for seven months from April to
November 44 before being relieved from exhaustion. He ended the war
with over 44 victories..
The Black is
Back by
Robert Tomlin At the end of its landing run and streaming the unmistakable scarlet
brake parachute with its characteristic tuck at the bottom, an SR-71
prepares to turn off of the runway after another Hot Flight.
Retired in favour of other technology including satellite surveillance a
small number of these remarkable aircraft were due to start back in
service at the end of 1996. There were jobs that just could not be
done by any other system, even the most sophisticated modern technology
failing to address all of the incredible capabilities of one of the most
advanced aircraft of all time.
The Vikings
Legend by
Robert Tomlin The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was undoubtedly one of
the most remarkable aircraft of the famous Century Series of American jet
fighters. Sold to so many Air Forces around the world, it featured
strongly in the inventories of most European countries but none more so
than West Germany. A difficult learning curve gave the aircraft a
bad reputation but once mastered it proved a formidable interceptor.
The ultimate proof that the machine had been tamed was given from 1983 to
1986 by the German Navy Display Team The Vikings who thrilled
crowds throughout Europe by demonstrating the surprising agility of the
Starfighter in spectacular fashion. This picture commemorated their
achievements and gives The Vikings their rightful place in the
history of Aeorbatic Display Teams. The legendary team is depicted over the dream Bavarian castle of
Neuschwanstein. Each of the 500 limited edition prints is
individually autographed by team leader Axel Ostermann and his frequent
partner Siggi Schmidt.
A Green Hill Far Away by
Robert Tomlin On the morning of October 14th 1943 along with 15 others
from the 305th Bomb Group, Lazy Baby set off from Chelveston in England on
Mission 115, the second Schweinfurt raid, later to become known as Black
Thursday. By the time they reached Aachen on the outward leg only
Lazy Baby and two others of the 305th were left flying. They were
then seriously damaged and three crew severely injured whilst two bailed
out. Diving from 23,000 ft to only 3,000 ft, pilot Ed Dienhart
managed to escape the attacking fighters. With the ball turret
gunner trapped and navigator seriously injured they proceeded at 30 to 50
feet, hedge-hopping all the way, to Switzerland and safety. Guided
by the navigator Don Rowley who, despite having both arms virtually
severed, managed to steer them from memory for over an hour to Switzerland
where they made a dramatic crash landing only four miles from the German
border. The navigator died the following day from his injuries.
Whilst the pilot drew upon every ounce of his flying skills, the rest of
the crew exhibited untold valour in the face of terrible adversity and
selfless devotion to their stricken comrades. This print is autographed by pilot Ed
Dienhart, crew
members and Swiss Schoolmaster Leo Thüring who helped to rescue the
mortally wounded navigator. Accompanying the print is a 24 page
illustrated book which charts the story from take off, through the
landing, to the eventual escape of some of the crew back to England.
An individual book plate is also signed by members of the crew, the author
and relevant Swiss personalities providing not only a complete historical
record of the heroism and valour of the crew, but a tribute to all who
fought for the freedom which we now enjoy.
Blackpool
Showtime by
Robert Tomlin At one of their favourite locations, pilot Flt Lt Simon
Stevens (now a member of the Red Arrows) and navigator Flt Lt Dave
Chadderton of 56 Squadron RAF display the fabulous Tornado F3 to thrill
the holiday crowds gathered in front of Blackpools famous tower.
Buffalo
by
Robert Tomlin Beaufighter TFX L2451 EE-M was the personal aircraft of Wing Commander
A K (Ken) Gatwood DSO, DFC of 404 Squadron from Davidstow Moor in
Cornwall, England. On 21st August 1944, Wing Commander Gatwood was
involved in attacking warships at Le Verdon amongst the anti-aircraft fire
exploding around him in the sky.
Concorde -
The Last Flight Home by
Robert Tomlin October 24th 2003, and
British Airways Concorde G-BOAG makes its final scheduled flight from New
York to London under the command of Chief Concorde pilot and General
Manager of Concorde Operations, Captain Mike Bannister. With
Manhattan now far below, Mike punches through the clouds to take Speedbird
002, Concorde G-BOAG, together with its complement of celebrity passengers
through Mach 2 for the last time. Concorde will be a legend
in our time and this limited edition print is designed to be a lasting
tribute to all who made her, or who operated her, and the privileged few
fortunate to fly in her. Unless you are not yet old enough to read
and understand this, you may never see the like again in your lifetime.
Be proud to have been part of this experience, even if it is only owning
and preserving this tribute print. Each print individually
autographed by Captain Mike Bannister, British Airways Senior Concorde
pilot Mr Concorde.
Cruising
by
Robert Tomlin After a practice scramble, a Lightning F1A of 56
Squadron RAF The Firebirds, makes a gentle turn over the
famous Langdale Pikes in the Lake District in preparation for a steady
cruise back to base.
Dust
Off by
Robert Tomlin Somewhere in the desert, a chinook lifts off in the
midst of swirling sand. Bob paints from experience here, having
witnessed just such scenes during his time with the RAF. But this
could be equally relevant today.
End of
Season by
Robert Tomlin Always a poignant time of year, this
specially-commissioned black and white drawing from Robert Tomlin shows team leader
during the 2000 season, Andy Offer, climbing down from his Hawk watched
over by a member of the blues - the Red Arrows ground support team.
Fill Up at
Kiseljak by
Robert Tomlin Throughout the crisis in Bosnia helicopters of various nations provided
logistic support to the ground forces, especially in the times when
movement along dangerous roads was impossible. Here Puma Helicopters
of the French detachment drop into a forward base to refuel before going
on to their final destination. These Pumas operated out of their
base in Split, Croatia, together with British and Norwegian helicopters;
indeed it was common to see aircraft of several nations operating
together. As the first machine UN 128, serial number 1128, comes
into land at the forward refuelling base at Kiseljak, only 20km west of
Sarajevo, a second, the radar equipped UN 126, serial number 1662 turns on
to finals. The machines will be re-supplied in this instance by
British Ground Forces, two of whom crouch against the billowing dust ready
to go into action to minimise time on the ground
For Real by
Robert Tomlin Bob was kept busy during the winter months of 1999 and one of his
stunning results is this Harrier picture, commissioned by 1(F) Squadron
Wittering, England. The scenario is the Kosovan war and the action
taken during that time in trying to bring about settlement
