The Guardians by Philip West.
Legendary Hurricane pilot Flight Commander Pete Brothers (32 Sqn) and
his wingman, having just taken off from Biggin Hill, proceed to gain
height over the White Cliffs of Dover in search of the fighters and
bombers of the Luftwaffe. By the end of the war Pete Brothers had
amassed 875 operational hours over a 44-month period. He was credited
with having personally shot down 16 enemy aircraft and damaged many
more.
Evening Glory by Philip West.
Without doubt the most famous British fighter aircraft. It always
inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike – to this very day.
Flight Lt. Geoff Wellum in his 92 Sqn. Spitfire, during an all-too rare
quiet moment, one evening during the summer of 1940 - the height of the
Battle of Britain. The aircraft that inspired devotion from pilots and
mechanics alike, and such statements as - she really was the perfect
flying machine; she hadnt got a vice at all - was also admired by those
on the ground. In propaganda posters and illustrations, the Spitfire
represented Britains defiance and commitment to ultimate victory. signed by Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum DFC and Group Captain
Allan R. Wright DFC AFC.
Winter of 45 by Philip West.
American built, British inspired and once re-engined with the Merlin,
the mighty Mustang became a supreme long-range escort fighter and close
air support platform. Old Crow was the mount of Clarence E. Anderson
based at Leiston, England, with the 357th FG, 363rd FS. Andersons
personal victory score during WWII was 16.25 in air combat.
Operation Cerberus - The Channel Dash by Philip West.
The
Channel Dash (officially known as Operation Cerberus) was one of three
operations during the Second World War for which the Swordfish was to
become the most famous. Heavily outgunned in the Straits of Dover on
this day in February 1942 by the German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau
and Prinz Eugen, with their accompanying flotilla of destroyers and
motor torpedo boats, and with top cover provided by deadly fighter
aircraft of the Luftwaffe, all six Fleet Air Arm Swordfish were shot
down. Only five of the eighteen aircrew survived. Here we see the
Swordfish flown by Sub. Lt. Kingsmill and Sub. Lt. Samples with PO Bunce
in the rear, fighting for their lives with his machine gun. Signed limited edition of 100
prints, signed by C.P.O. Donald Bunce.
Operation Judgement by Philip West.
The
attack on Taranto was the first major victory for naval air power in the
world and blueprint for the strike on Pearl Harbor. The Fleet Air Arm
played an active part in the fight against the Axis forces in the
Mediterranean. Their greatest achievement was the strike against the
Italian Fleet at Taranto, 11 November 1940 by four Fleet Air Arm
squadrons and 40 or so men who carried out this daring raid. In this
picture we see the Swordfish flown by Lt. FMA Torrense-Spence and Lt.
AWF Sutton, having just released its torpedo. Signed limited edition of 100
prints, signed by Capt. AWF Sutton DSC.
Against All Odds by Philip West. Geoffrey
Wellum joins combat head-on with a Dornier during the Battle of Britain.
He was part of a small group of 10 spitfires from Biggin Hill facing 150
plus enemy bombers and fighters. Other friendly fighters joined battle
but the defenders were still vastly out numbered, a scene repeated on
many occasions in the summer of 1940. On this particular day Geoff
scored a Heinkel destroyed, together with a Dornier as a probable.
signed by Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum DFC; Air Commodore Pete
Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC & Bar, AFC, Alex Henshaw MBE.
Defending the Realm by Philip West.
The White
Cliffs at Dover patrolled and protected by two magnificent Spitfires. A
sight to bring back memories of days, thankfully long gone, when the
future of Great Britain was at stake. signed by Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum
DFC; Air Commodore Pete
Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC & Bar, AFC, Alex Henshaw MBE.
Close Encounter by Philip West.
Flight Lieutenant Bryan Colston, A Flight Commander – 225 Squadron
in Spitfire Mk. VB, ER 660 attacks a German Transport Convoy on a
mountain road near Sjedenane in Tunisia with Pilot Officer Melvyn Evans
flying as his wingman – 6th March 1943. signed by Flight Lieutenant Bryan
Colston, A Flight
Commander – 225 Squadron, the pilot in the main Spitfire; Wing Commander
Hank Costain MBE, Spitfire pilot 154 Squadron and Squadron Leader Geoffrey
Wellum
Almost Home by Philip West. After
another long, hard nights mission over Germany, Flt. Lt. Rusty Waughman
of 101 Special Duties Squadron, once again brings his aircraft and
trusting crew back across the English Channel, heading for their home
base of Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. Many
of the 101 Squadron Lancasters flew with an extra, German speaking, crew
member, whose job it was to use onboard transmitters to jam the radio
frequencies of German night-fighters. signed by Flt Lt Rusty Waughman DFC
AFC
In the Mists of Time by Philip West.
The
Lancaster is one of the most famous aircraft of all time. During the
Second World War some 7,377 examples of this aircraft were built and saw
service with British and Commonwealth bomber squadrons in the dangerous
skies over Germany and Occupied Europe. Of these Lancasters, 3,345 were
lost in action.signed by Flt Lt Phil Ainley DFC.
Wings of Dawn by Philip West. The
legendary, much loved and respected wooden wonder Mosquito was perhaps the
best twin-engined fighter-bomber of its size to see combat action during
WW11. More than 7,700 de Havilland Mosquitoes were produced and served in
many versions, from fighters, night fighters, bombers, attack aircraft,
trainers, reconnaissance aircraft, torpedo bombers and civil transports.signed by Wing Commander Branse
Burbridge
Eye of the Storm - The
Dambusters by Philip
West Wing
Commander Gibsons aircraft in the foreground and Flt. Lt. Martins in the
distance, both draw flak away from Sqn. Ldr. Youngs Lancaster after it
has dropped its Bouncing Bomb and makes its escape over the Mohne Dam.
Lead by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 19 Lancasters departed their home
base in three waves, each aircraft armed with a single bouncing bomb
developed by Barnes Wallis. The targets were German dams in the heart of
the industrial Ruhr. The resulting attacks breached the Mohne and Eder
Dams with attempts also on the Sorpe and Schwelme Dams. For his
leadership and courage, Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross. 34 other
men also received decorations.
Legends of the Air by
Philip West. Probably the most famous RAF Squadron in history, mainly due to the
audacious Dambuster raid in 1943. Other notably successful missions
flying their Avro Lancaster bombers included precision raids on the
mighty German battleship Tirpitz, U-boat pens, railways, V-weapons
sites, canals and bridges. Through their skill and bravery 617 Sqn.
crews received many high honours including V.Cs for Wing Commander Guy
Gibson and Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire. signed by at least two 617
Sqn. pilots and four other 617
aircrew and Wing Commander W. Tait DSO*** DFC* and Sqn Ldr. Tony Iveson
DFC.
Spitfires - Malta Bound by Philip West.
On the 11th August 1942, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Wellum DFC,
having just taken off from the deck of HMS Furious, leads his section of
gathering Spitfires on the long journey to Malta. They are much
needed reinforcements for the beleaguered island, now in the
twenty-sixth month of its siege. To enable each of the 38
Spitfires dispatched from Furious to reach Malta, over three hours
flying time away, they carry maximum fuel together with a centre line
overload tank. Even their ammunition is removed to save
weight. Escorting Furious to the aft is the cruiser HMS Manchester
together with destroyers Brave and Lithe. To their port side is
the Ohio tanker laden with fuel during what became an epic voyage.
In the distance HMS Eagle succumbs to an Axis torpedo attack. The
success of Operation Pedestal was absolutely critical for the survival
of Malta, bringing desperately needed fuel, food and ammunition to the
Island. Losses were heavy but the courage and determination by all
involved prevailed: five of the fourteen merchant ships, including the
Ohio, made it through and the island was saved. Signed by Dame Vera Lynn, Flt Lt Geoffrey
Wellum, Plt Off
Harry Moon, Les Owen, Tom Sprake, Les Goodenough, Fred Davenport and Ted
Shute
Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 by Philip West
High over the southern coast of England in 1940 a Spitfire
(Mk 1) of 609 Squadron from Middle Wallop, flown by Flying Officer John
Dundas, lies in wait for enemy aircraft (Junkers 87 divebombers) on
their
way to attack British naval installations at Portland. signed by Flt Lt Michael Penny and Flt Lt Peter
May
Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 by Philip West
The Hawker
Hurricane was Britains most important aircraft in the Battle of Britain,
credited with destroying more enemy aircraft than all other forms of
defence combined. Flown by Flying Officer Arthur Cowes, the aircraft
depicted shows seven kill markings displayed as stripes on the Hornet
motif. signed by Flt Lt
Peter May and Flt Lt Michael Penny
Dallas Doll by Philip West American designed and built, British inspired and later powered,
the Mustang turned into arguably the finest WWII long-range fighter ever
constructed. The Mustang, developed from the Prototype NA73X, was
manufactured in large quantities with an impressive final total of
15,586 aircraft. Of these, 13,600 were powered by the British Rolls
Royce designed Merlin engine.
Over the Beaches by Philip West In the early hours of 6th June 1944, the campaign to liberate europe
began following many months, if not years of planning and
preparation. The RAF was heavily committed in support of allied
land and sea forces flying combat air patrols, ground attack and
reconnaissance missions. After a further year of fighting a hard
fought victory was achieved.
Stirling Service by Philip West The Short Stirling won the distinction as the RAFs first purpose
built four engine monoplane bomber. A strong, highly complex
design it gained a reputation as a pilots aircraft to fly being agile
for a big bomber and demonstrating great character. Well over 2000
Stirlings provided stout service for the RAF in a variety of extremely
important roles throughout WW2.
Lancaster Legend by Philip West After another long, dangerous mission this Lancaster is limping home
flak damaged, past the windmill at Cley-next-the-Sea.
In Defence of Britain by Philip West Spitfires
(MkI) of 92 Squadron out of Biggin Hill in September 1940
are about to take on the enemy during the Battle of Britain. The
aircraft in the background was flown by Pilot Officer Alan Wright - his
list of victories was eleven, three destroyed, two probables, two
possibles and seven damaged.
Night Hawks by Philip West The ever-vigilant crew of this Mosquito night-fighter successfully
intercept a Luftwaffe Bf110 as it heads towards a bomber stream over
target in Germany. Signed by two former WW2 Mosquito night fighter pilots, including
Wing Commander Branse Burbridge.
Preparing for the Tirpitz by Philip West.
Working around the clock and in all weather conditions the ground
crew knew from the size of the bombs they were loading, this was going
to be a very special operation for the Lancaster crews of 9
Squadron. Brainchild of Barnes Wallis, the 'Tallboy' bomb weighed
in at an impressive 12,000lbs. On this occasion in November 1944
the crews and aircraft are being readied for departure to Lossiemouth or
Kinloss on route to sink the "Tirpitz" laying at anchor near
Tromso in Norway. Signed by a
Pilot, Flight Engineer, a Bomb Aimer and an Air Gunner, all from 9
Squadron.
Safely Home by Philip E West. The dawn of a new day illuminates a Lancaster of 57 Squadron
returning to East Kirkby from night ops over occupied Europe, escorted
by a Swannington based Mosquito night-fighter of 85 Squadron signed by 57 Sqn Lancaster pilot Flt Lt Phil
Ainley DFC and the RAF's top (21 victories) night-fighter pilot Sqn Ldr
Branse Burbridge DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar.
Outward Bound by Philip West With the sun setting behind them, fully loaded Lancaster bombers from 57
Sqn, East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, make their way out over the English Channel
on route to target. Each crew member knew the dangers ahead but bravely gave
of their best at all times.
Mosquito Attack by Philip E West. On 31st October 1944 a courageous low level attack was undertaken
by Mosquitoes of Nos. 21, 464 and 487 squadrons on the Aarthus
University, Denmark, which housed the Gestapo HQ for the whole of
Jutland. Every print is signed by two Mosquito Pilots (one each of 21
and 487 sqds) and a Navigator (21 sqn).
Operation Jericho , The Amiens Raid by Philip West
On 18th February 1944 Mosquitoes of 487 Squadron (New Zealand) and
464 Squadron (Australian) and 21 squadron took off from RAF Hunsdon.
target the prison at Amiens, France. In this picture having approached
the prison at a height of just 10 feet. Pilot Officer Maxwell Sparks and
navigator Arthur Dunlop dropped their bombs before climbing and barely
clearing the prison rooftop.
Every print is signed by Maxwell Sparsks and Arthur Dunlop - the
two men pictured in this aircraft.
Heading Home by Philip West Having completed yet another sortie, the crew of 101 Sqn Special
Operations Lancaster SR-W, piloted by Flt Lt Rusty Waughman, are about
to commence the long and hazardous journey back to their base at Ludford
Magna, Lincolnshire.Signatories: Rusty Waughman and four of his crew.
Spitfire Patrol by Philip West One summers evening, Douglas Bader (flying Mk V Spitfire without
cannons) and Johnnie Johnson (flying the Mk VB Spitfire with cannons) of
the Tangmere Wing, share a few moments of peaceful flying whilst on
patrol over the English Channel.
Teamwork by Philip West As night falls, Short Stirlings of XV Squadron based at
Mildenhall, Cambridgeshire, await their crews for yet another nocturnal mission. One
of the almost forgotten Bomber Command aircraft that made a very
significant contribution to the war effort.
Final Preparations by Philip West Soon to be cloaked in darkness, Wellington aircraft of 150 Squadron,
RAF Newton, Nottinghamshire, prepare for another dangerous mission,
never knowing if they would return.
Operations On by Philip West The evening mist begins to settle on the bleak airfield at Ludford
Magna, Lincolnshire, as Lancaster aircraft of 101 Squadron taxi out for
another dangerous nighttime sortie. The nature of their assignments
during the war was a closely guarded secret. The unusual aerials on the
front and top of the aircraft were used for intercepting and jamming
messages between German fighter aircraft and their ground control.
Mutual Support by Philip West In the depths of winter, Halifax aircraft of 158 Squadron based at
RAF Lissett, Yorkshire, make their final preparations before take off. A
remarkable aircraft much loved by its crews.
Calling Starlight by Philip West Royal Air Force Beaufighter used as a
nightfighter, shoots down a
German Heinkel III over the coast of England.
Final Encounter by Philip West Returning from a raid over
Lorient, France on the 17th
May 1943 the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" came
under close attack from Fw190s and Me109s. Fortunately no aircraft were
lost and very little damage sustained to the 91st Bomb Group aircraft
during this mission - the 25th and final one of the "Memphis
Belle" for Captain Robert Morgan. Named after Capt. Morgan's wartime
sweetheart, Miss Margaret Polk, the "Memphis Belle" was based at
Bassingbourn, England and was the first B-17 to complete 25 combat
missions and keep her entire crew alive - this at a time when eight out of
ten aircraft were being shot down over Europe.
Tirpitz Re-Visited by Philip West
In a 10½ hour sortie to Tromso Fjord on 22nd March 1945, Sqn Ldr Frank
Dodd and P/O Eric Hill flew low under unexpected heavy fire to obtain
confirmation of the final demise of the pride of the German Navy - the
battleship Tirpitz.
Homeward Bound by Philip West A combat damaged B-17 of the 91st Bomb Group heads home to Bassingbourn
shadowed by P51Ds of the 352nd Fighter Squadron (353rd FG).
Primary Target by Philip West The final seconds on 17th May 1943 as the bouncing bomb of Flight Lt.
Maltby's Lancaster breached the giant Möhne dam. Print is signed by Flt Sgt
George Chalmers DFC, DFM (flew on AJ-O), Sqn Ldr Jerry Fray DFC (Spitfire
PRU pilot who took the aerial photos of the dams before and after the
raids), Cpl Ron Barton - fitter for 617 sqn Lancasters; Harold Roddis,
Flight Mechanic for Geoff Rice and Guy Gibson; Victor Gill, Flight Mechanic
for Bill Astell and 'Dinghy' Young, and Richard Todd OBE who played W/Cdr
Guy Gibson in the film "The Dam Busters".
Tirpitz Re-Visited by Philip west Signatures :
Warrant Officer Harry Barrett flew as a PR Mosquito Navigator
for 17 months from October 1945 to April 1947. He volunteered for
aircrew duties as a navigator in mid-1941, and was selected and put on
deferred service until August 1942. He trained as a Navigator /
Wireless Op at Cranwell and in Canada, qualifying in November 1943.
He was on the night-flying staff at 3(P) AFU at South Cerney for nine
months. He qualified as an air-gunner in May 1945 on the Isle of
Man. On joining 540 Squadron at Benson, he and his pilot ferried
three Mosquitoes to the Middle East and was then posted to 680 in
Palestine, where it was more dangerous on the ground than in the
air. 680 then became 13 Squadron. Harry carried out aerial
surveys in Egypt and the Greek Islands, and then went on the
Nairobi. Nine of the 15 Mosquitoes Harry flew in came to grief.
W/O Francis Joseph Baylis AFM C de G (Belg) Kings Commendation
volunteered
in October 1941 and joined the ACRC Lords in March 1942. He
completed a ITW at Baddacombe and a Wireless course at Cranwell. He
received flying training at Port Albert, Ontario and Charlotte Town PEI
and a General reconnaissance Course at Squires Gate, then OTU (PR) at Dyce.
He was posted to 544 Squadron, Benson in January 1944 and flew 63 ops,
finishing in April 1945. he was awarded the C de G with Palme and
also served on 13 (PR) Squadron at Fayid 1947-49 and awarded the AFM.
Finally, after ten minths on 540 (PR) Benson he received the Kings
Commendation.
Flt. Lt. Peter G Brearley DFC joined the RAF in 1941 from
Cambridge University Air Sqn. He obtained his wings in 1942, and
then completed a navigation course at 3 School of General Reconnaissance
and after OTU joined 140 Photo Reconnaissance Sqdn in November 1942 until
March 1944. The squadron was attached to Army intelligence revising
maps and possible coastal landing sites for the coming invasion.
Targets also included flying bomb sites in Pas de Calais area and other
varied sectors of enemy activity. At first peter flew Spitfires and
later Mosquitoes with F/O Leslie W Preston GM as navigator. He
finished his RAF service as a flying instructor on Mosquitoes.
Flying Officer Tom Clark volunteered to join the RAF in October
1941. On completion of training he spent 12 months flying with
Dominion and trained pilots at No 15 (P) AFU. At No 8 OTU Dyce he
crewed with Fl/Lt (later Sqn Ldr) W R Assheton and was posted to 540 Sqn
in May 1944. He completed 48 operations and ceased flying duties in
September 1945.
Flt. Lt. Arnold Cussons joined the RAF in July 1940, but pilot
training did not start until early 1941. After EFTS (DH82) and SFTS
(Oxford) he was told he must be an Instructor. FIS at Cranwell,
instructing at 14 SFTS Lyneham (then grass field!) then secondment to
RNZAF at Christchurch until got back to UK September 1943. 8OTU (Dyve)
then 540 Sqn, A flight, January 1944. Flew 62 operational flights
including Damage Assessment of the Tirpitz just 3 hours after it was sunk
by Lancasters. He returned to instructing in July 1945, first as Flt
Cdr Mosquitoes at PRU's 8 OTU then as CFI when Frank Dodd
left. Arnold then went to the Empire Central Flying School as a
Tutor. He left the RAF at the end of 1949 after a time flying
Hornets with 65 Sqn, Linton-on-Ouse near York.
Flight Officer Ken Ellis DFM joined the RAF in April 1942 for
training as an Observer. He received his wings as a navigator in
Canada and after subsequent OTU training was posted to 540 Squadron (PR)
at Benson in January 1944. His pilot was F/Lt Arnold Cussons DFC and
after in excess of 60 missions over Europe, Ken eventually left the
Squadron in July 1945. He and Arnold photographed the German
battleship Tirpitz within hours of it being capsized on 12th November 1944
in Tromso Fjord.
Flight Officer Eric Hill DFC DFM joined the RAF in 1941 and
crewed up with F/Lt F L Dodd AFC in January 1944. He joined 544
Mosquito PRU Squadron (detached from RAF Benson to Leuchars) in March
1944. They did all their 53 operational flights together, including
flying diplomatic mail to Churchill at the Big Three Conferences in
Moscow, Athens and Yalta. They photographed the battleship Tirpitz
at anchor in Alten Fjord (north Norway) in July 1944 having lost their
cockpit hood cover moments before. In other sorties, they survived a
half-hour chase by two ME262 jets over Magdeburg and a ME109 attack while
on one engine over the same city. Frank Dodd stayed in the service
as a pilot after the war, finally retiring as Air Vice Marshall, CBE DSO
DFC AFC*** AE LRPS.
W/O S F (Paddy) Hope joined the RAFVR in July 1940 and trained
as a WOP / Nav at Blackpool, Yatesbury, Torquay and Staverton, joining 236
Squadron, Coastal Command at Carew Cheriton, S Wales in October 1941 on
Blenheims. After 3 operations, he converted to Beaufighters Squadron
before moving to Wattisham, where he did 3 operations on Beaufighters over
the German Bight. Paddy then transferred to PRU Benson on Mosquitoes
in May 1942. He completed 20 more ops with F/O F Mckay (NZ) before
bailing out over Belgium in December 1942 after engine failure.
After evading for one month, he was captured at the Spanish frontier with
Comete Line Leader (A deJongh) and held by the Gestapo for questioning,
for four months. He was made a PoW in Germany until returning home
on 11 May 1945.
Fligh Lieutenant Walter le May DFC joined the RAF in 1941, and
trained as an Observer in Canada, joining 140 Squadrom, Army Co-operation
Command, at Hartford Bridge (now Blackbshe). The squadron, engaged
on photo reconnaissance, was unique in that one flight was equipped with
Spitfires while a second flight, converting from Blenheims to Lockheed
Venturas, was used for night operations. In June 1943 the squadron
became part ofthe 34 Wing 2nd Tactical Air Force, and later converted to
Mosquito IX & XVI. Mainly involved in night operations, he, with
his pilot, F/Lt Ray Batenburg DFC, RNZAF, crossed the French coast a few
minutes after midnight on D-Day, and took photographs of key points,
followed by nearly two hours of low level visual reconnaissance, at
heights down to 200 feet. After operational flying he was appointed
Night Ops Controller 34 Wing, and, afterwards Ops Controller at HQ2 Group,
Gutersloh.
Flight Lieutenant Tom Pratt DFC joined the RAF in 1940 and after
initial training in Paignton, Duxford and Hidlington he was posted to West
Freugh. He left there in 1943 and went to Squires Gate for
navigational training, and then to Dyce for conversion to
Mosquitoes. He was posted to 544 Sqdn at Benson and stayed until the
war was over. Tom says "I flew 68 sorties and was fortunate to
be chosen to fly to Moscow, when Churchill attended the Yalta Conference,
and had an extremely pleasant few days being entertained by the
Russians!" Tom finally left the RAF in 1946.
Flight Lieutenant Mike Randles volunteered as a Wireless
Operator in 1941, but on call up immediately remustered for aircrew.
His lengthy training as a navigator/ wireless op/ photographer culminated
in jooining 540 Squadron at RAF Benson. With his pilot, Flight
Lieutenant Guy Trevor, who sadly lost his life in a flying accident
shortly after the end of the war, he completed 35 PR operations from
Benson, Dyce (Aberdeen) from which they concentrated on Norwegian targets,
and Coulommiers in France. Their longest operation of over 1500
miles took over six ours to photograph 18 targets in Norway in November
1944. Mike claims he was a lucky one, having been shot at only twice
and escaping interception by German jets over Prague, Arnhem and Osnabruck.
Flying Officer Joe Townshend DFN joined the RAF in February 1942
and after a wireless course at Cranwell went to Canada for Navigation, GR
and an OTU on Torpedo Hampdens on Vancouver Island. He returned to
England for an OTU on Mosquitos at Dyce where he teamed up with F/Lt H C S
(Sandy) Powell DFC. After four ferry trips to Rabat in Morocco, he
joined 540 Squadron in May 1944 and completed 50 Photo Reconnaissance
operations over Europe, including finding the Tirpitz at Tromso for the
Lancasters to sink in November 1944.
Battle Line by Philip West On the 6th June 1944 the invasion of Normandy commenced. The RAF
was, of course, a major combatant and formed part of a dedicated Allied
force tasked with freeing Europe. VE Day finally signalled the end
of hostilities on the 8th MAY 1945. During those bitter months many
great air battles were fought in the unforgiving skies and individual
combats ensued. One such combat is depicted here, displaying the
eerie feeling of the victor and vanquished between two of the greatest
aircraft ever built.
Never before in the history of war had such an impressive and awesome
gathering of aircraft come together. The Allies' quest was for
freedom, with the Luftwaffe fighting for its very existence - the battle
lines were drawn.
Signed and numbered by the artist and countersigned by the late Air
Vice-Marshall J. E. 'Johnnie' Johnson.
Southern Patrol by Philip West "During the battle of Britain, 609 Squadron (PR)
and 152 Squadron (UM) were pitting themselves against the Luftwaffe. 609
based at Middle Wallop near Andover and 152 operating from Warmwell were
tasked with protecting part of 10 Group's Southern Sector. In this
painting I have attempted to give a feeling of companionship and freedom
during a quiet moment patrolling the south coast on the last patrol of the
day." Each copy is signed and numbered by the Artist and
countersigned by the late Group Captain Sir Hugh Dundas.
Mission Accomplished by Philip West
17th May 1943, Sqn Ldr Frank (Jerry) Fray in his Spitfire PRX1 of 542
Squadron operating out of RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, returned alone and
unarmed to gather photographic evidence from 30,000 feet of the Möhne dam
having been breached earlier the same day by 617 Squadron Lancaster
bombers.
