ESCORT FOR THE STRAGGLER

Description

On 25 April 1945 the RAF dispatched over 300 Lancasters to attack “The Eagles Nest,” Hitler’s private mountain top castle at Berchtesgaden. It was a symbolic raid, for the war was almost over, but it seemed appropriate that after nearly six years of continual combat, crews of the RAF should be allowed this almost final gesture of the air war in Europe.

Two aircraft, above all others, came to symbolize the deeds of the men and machines of the RAF: The Spitfire, magnificent in defense, lethal in attack, and the mighty Lancaster, the awesome heavy bomber that took the war to the heart of Nazi Germany.

This iconic print has become a classic in aviation art and much sought after on the secondary market. Three different signature versions were produced, each issued with a different companion print.

THE RAF EDITION

Issued with the companion Print WINTER HOMECOMING

Published to commemorate the British and Allied aircrews who flew with the RAF during World War II, this edition was available outside of Britain only by special request.  The RAF Edition is personally signed by:

Flight Lieutenant JIM BELL DFC
Group Captain HUGH “COCKY” DUNDAS CBE DSO* DFC
Wing Commander LADDIE LUCAS
Flight Lieutenant BILL REID VC
Wing Commander ERNEST RODLEY DSO DFC AFC AE
Squadron Leader NORMAN SCRIVENER DSO DFC AE
Group Captain JAMES “WILLIE” TAIT DSO*** DFC* ADC (companion print)
Group Captain HAMISH MAHADDIE DSO DFC AFC* FRAES (companion print)

THE RCAF EDITION

Issued with the companion print MAPLE LEAF HALIFAXES

Published to commemorate the RCAF Aircrews that flew with the RAF during World War II, this edition was only available outside of Canada by special request.  The Canadian Edition is personally signed by:

Air Vice Marshal JOHNNIE JOHNSON CB CBE DSO** DFC*
Flight Lieutenant BILL REID VC
Wing Commander ERNEST RODLEY DSO DFC AFC AE
Squadron Leader NORMAN SCRIVENER DSO DFC AE
Squadron Leader W.C. PIERCE DFC (companion print)
Flight Lieutenant JACK DUNDAS DFC (companion print)
Lieutenant General CHESTER HULL CMM DFC CD (companion print)
Flight Officer STEPHEN J. PUSKAS DFC (companion print)
Squadron Leader JOHN TURNBULL DFC (companion print)

THE RAAF EDITION

Issued with the companion print MOSQUITO MISSION

Published to commemorate the Royal Australian and New Zealand Airforce aircrews that flew with the RAF during World War II, this edition was only available outside of Australia and New Zealand by special request.  The Anzac Edition is personally signed by:

Flight Lieutenant W.R. CUNDY DFC DFM MID
Air Commodore ALAN DEERE DSO OBE DFC*
Wing Commander A. DOUBLEDAY DSO DFC MID
Wing Commander R. KINGSFORD-SMITH DSO DFC AM
Flight Lieutenant BILL REID VC
Squadron Leader R.B. COWPER DFC* (companion print)
Flight Lieutenant LEONARD DAVIES (companion print)