Description
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!
Many WWII bomber stations shared Lancaster and Mosquito squadrons, and a healthy rivalry developed between the respective crews. Often Lancasters and Mosquitos would set off from the same airfield to attack the same target, the Mosquitos taking off an hour after the Lancasters and usually managing to get back to base an hour ahead of them. Much good natured ribbing between the crews took place in the local hostelries, which led to firm friendships between aviators flying the two different types.
Over the target they became “blood brothers” and fought tooth and nail to protect each other in the event of attack by enemy fighters. On more than one occasion the bond between crews was such that a Mosquito crew would stay behind to escort home a damaged Lancaster. Usually the sight of a Mosquito “riding shotgun” was enough to deter any further attack, and many Lancaster crews had their friendly Mosquito companions to thank for their safe return.
Cloud Companions portrays just such an event. Robert manages to convey the desperate urgency of the situation with masterful strokes of his brush, providing an image of war that is poignant, emotive, yet beautiful to behold.
Released in 1989 and carrying outstanding signatures, this is a long sold out and very collectible edition.
THE SIGNATURES
Each print is signed by a complete Lancaster Crew with a combined 420 operational missions and a host of decorations, including the Victoria Cross, between them. This unique release provides collectors with the only Limited Edition print signed by a complete crew.
Flight Lieutenant BILL REID VC – Pilot / 617 Sqn
Flight Lieutenant LEN SUMPTER DFC DFM – Bomb Aimer / 617 Sqn / Dambuster Raid
Flight Lieutenant LYNDON SIMS – Flight Engineer
Flying Officer ROLY HAMMERSLEY – Wireless Operator / Gunner
Warrant Officer HOWIE WING – Rear Gunner
Warrant Officer FRED CONEY – Mid Upper Gunner
Squadron Leader JOHN COSTELLO – Navigator
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