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On the night of September 2nd-3rd 1916. Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson, of the Worcester Regiment and Royal Flying Corps, attacked an enemy airship under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it crashing to the ground as a flaming wreck at Cuffley, near Enfield. He had been in the air for more than two hours, and had previously attacked another airship during his flight. For this act of most conspicuous bravery he was deservedly rewarded with the VC. Lieutenant W L Robinson Attacks an Enemy Airship and Brings it Down in Flames by W Avis (P) Click For Details ANT0131
On April 26th 1915, 2nd Lieutenant William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse, of the Special Reserve, Royal Flying Corps, set out from the British lines for the purpose of raiding the railway at Courtrai. On reaching the place he planed down to a height of 300 ft, and, under heavy shell fire, bombed the railway near the station. As he started on his return journey he received a mortal wound, but with great pluck and determination kept control of his aeroplane. He flew back, at a very low altitude, a distance of 35 miles to his starting point, and reported the success of his undertaking. He subsequently died of his wounds, but for his most conspicuous bravery a posthumous award of the VC was made. Lieutenant Rhodes-Moorhouse Flying Over Courtrai to Bomb the Railway by Allen Stewart. Click For Details ANT0140
Aircraft History: First flight 30th September, 1940. Delivered to 609 West Riding Squadron October, 1940. On 21st October, 1940, whilst flown by pilot officer S J Hill it shared in the destruction of a Ju88 which was 609 Squadrons 100th victory. X4590 was damaged on 25th October, 1940. After repair it was delivered to 66 Squadron. This aircraft is now preserved in its 609 Squadron markings in the Battle of Britain Hall at the RAF Museum, Hendon. <br><br>Pilot Officer Sydney Jenkyn Hill: Born April 1917, Sydney Hill joined 609 West Riding Squadron at RAF Middle Wallop in October 1940. On 21st October, 1940, whilst flying Spitfire Mk I PR-F serial X4590 he shared in the destruction of 609 Squadrons 100th victory (a Ju88) with Flight Lieutenant F. J Howell, DFC. On 18th June, 1941, whilst flying Spitfire MKVb PR-H serial W3211, he engaged Bf109s off Cap Gris Nez. Although his aircraft was damaged he managed to get back to the English coast and was seen gliding down towards Dover. Sadly, he crashed 5 miles west of Dover and was killed. Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4590 PR-F. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0001
Aircraft History: First delivered to 609 West Riding Squadron June 1942. It was the personal aircraft of Squadron Leader Roland Beamont whilst he was the Commanding Officer at 609. R7752 was damaged by enemy anti aircraft fire off Vissingen and crash landed at RAF Manston on 1st June 1943. The pilot, Squadron Leader A Ingle DFC, AFC, the Commanding officer of 609 at the time, was uninjured. R7752 was struck off charge 25th August 1943. <br><br>Wing Commander Roland P Beamont, CBE, DSO and bar, DFC (USA) DL: Born 10th August 1920, Roland Beamont joined No. 87 squadron in France during November 1939. Returning to England 20th May 1940 (having destroyed a Do17 and an ME109) he went on to destroy a further three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In June 1941, he was posted to No.79 Squadron as Flight Commander. In December 1941 he went to Hawker Aircraft Ltd as a Service test pilot flying Hurricanes. On 29th June 1942, he was posted as Flight Commander to Hawker Typhoon equipped 609 Squadron at Duxford, and took command of the squadron in October. He returned to Hawker Aircraft during May 1943, to test fly the Tempest. In February 1944, he was tasked with forming the first Tempest Wing, No.150 at Castle Camps and later Newchurch. When leader of the five squadron Tempest Wing No.122 over Germany on 12th October 1944, Roland Beamont was shot down by ground fire and became a POW. During his time with No.150 and No.122 Wings he destroyed one Bf109, one Fw190, one Ju188 on the ground, and thirty two V1 flying bombs. After the war Roland Beamont became Chief Test Pilot for English Electric, test flying the Canberra, P1, Lightning and TSR2 aircraft. He was the first British pilot to fly a British aircraft at Mach 1 in level flight, and later Mach 2. After serving as Director of Flight Operations for the Tornado test programme he retired and became a respected author. Hawker Typhoon Mk Ib R7752 PR-G. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0002
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5.a D3540. The Artful Dodger was the personal aircraft of Wing Commander G.H. Lewis DFC and the aircraft in which he claimed four of his twelve victories. Aircraft History: The third S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year Nos 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its demob 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always remain one of aviations great warplanes. <br><br>Wing Commander Gwilym H. Lewis, DFC: Born 5th August, 1897, Gwilym Lewis qualified for his aviators certificate number 2116 on 27th November 1915. He was posted to France with 32 Squadron at he age of eighteen flying the DH2 single seater scout aircraft. Later after a period as an instructor he was posted as a flight commander to 40 squadron flying the famous S.E.5.a. By the end of the First World War, Gwilym Lewis had amassed a personal tally of 12 enemy aircraft destroyed and had been awarded the DFC. After leaving the RAF he went into insurance working for Lloyds Insurance Brokers, Sedgwick, Collins & Company Ltd. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, he rejoined the RAF and became a member of Winston Churchills Joint Planning Staff in the underground Central War Room. After World War II, he resumed his successful career in insurance and retired in 1974. SE5 Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0003
Aircraft History: The Hawker Hurricane MkI was part of the first production batch of 500 built by Gloster Aircraft Co. Ltd, Brockworth during 1939/140 under contract number 962371/38/C.23A/ Delivered to 504 squadron, P2725 brought down the first enemy aircraft over London on 15th September 1940, piloted by Flight Sergeant R. T. Holmes. Ammunition exhausted he deliberately rammed a Dornier causing it to crash on Victoria Station, P2725 was badly damaged as a result of this action and Flight Sergeant Holmes had to leave the stricken aircraft by parachute. The Hurricane crashed in the vicinity of Victoria Station. <br><br>Flight Lieutenant Raymond T Holmes: Born and raised on the Wirral Peninsula, Ray Holmes was the 55th volunteer for the RAFVR on its formation in 1936. As a sergeant pilot he was credited with being the first to bring down an enemy aircraft over London during the Battle of Britain whilst with 504 County of Nottingham Squadron flying Hawker Hurricane P2725. After flying convoy protection duties he was posted to Murmansk with 81 Fighter Squadron, escorting Russian Bombers over Finland. Upon his return to Britain he qualified as a flying instructor and spent two years at the Central Flying School. This was followed by a move to 541 Squadron at Benson, flying PR Spitfires, photographing targets such as Berlin, the Ruhr and Hitlers hideout at Berchtesgaden. At the end of the war he was appointed Kings Messenger flying mail for Winston Churchill. Ray was demobilized in October 1945 to return to the Wirral and his pre-war career of journalism. Hawker Hurricane MkI P2725 TM-B. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0004
AP005. De Havilland Mosquito FBVI HX922 EG-F. by M A Kinnear. De Havilland Mosquito FBVI HX922 EG-F. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0005
Aircraft History: Built by Westland Aircraft Ltd. Yeovil and delivered to 39 MU on 12th December 1943, it went to 880 squadron May 1944 then onto 887 squadron September 1944. Whilst being flown by S/L V Lowden on 15th August 1945 LR866 was credited with 2½ destroyed and 2 probable A6M5 Zeke fighters. This was the last air combat of the 1939-45 conflict. <br><br>Sub Lieutenant (Air) Victor S Lowden DSC, RNVR: Born in Bangkok, Siam September 1923, Victor Lowden joined the Fleet Air Arm in July 1942 and commenced his basic flying training at Sealand UK and then Kingston, Canada. After converting to Seafires in August 1943, he joined 899 squadron in Northern Ireland and with the unit embarked on the escort carrier HMS Khedive. His first operational sortie in a Seafire took place in June 1944 in Air Defence Great Britain at Peterhead in Scotland. Further sorties on the type soon followed, notably over France during Operation Dragoon and then on to the Aegean in September 1944 with operational Aplomb and Outing. After arriving in Australia in April 1945 aboard HMS Chaser, 899 squadron was dismantled to provide pilot and aircraft for the Fleet Carrier HMS Indefatigable to which Victor found himself attached. He officially joined 887 squadron as part of the British Pacific Fleet in Task Force 37 off Sakashima, Japan in May 1945. Moving on to Task Force 38 in July of that year, he was engaged in dive bombing, strafing and providing Combat Air Patrols off Shikoko and Honshu. During the next few weeks, more Ramrod operations followed, attacking shipping and shore installations off Sendai, Japan. On 15th August 1945 whilst leading a flight of Seafires Mk III in LR866 escorting Fireflys and Avengers attacking targets south of Tokyo, he ran into a force of approximately 15 A6M5 (Zeke) fighters and an intense dogfight ensued. The enemy accounted for one Seafire (out of 7) and one Avenger but in doing so paid a high price 8 Zekes were shot down and a further four counted as probables. Victor Lowden was credited with 2½ destroyed and 2 probables/damaged. This engagement subsequently proved to be the last aerial combat of the 1939-45 war, for shortly after landing back on the Indefatigable the official ceasefire flag was run up and flown on the ship. After the Tokyo Bay surrender, the carrier returned to Sydney and Victor was awarded the DSC. In mid September 1945 he sailed back to the United Kingdom for early demobilisation. Today he lives happily with his wife Helen in Scotland. Supermarine Seafire MkIII LR866 (S121) by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0007
Aircraft History: W5984 was built by Blackburn Aircraft Ltd at Sherburn-in-Elmet near Leeds and was delivered to 825 Squadron 1st January 1942. The aircraft was crewed by Lieutenant Commander E Esmonde DSO (Pilot) Lieutenant W H Williams (Observer) and Leading Airman W J Clinton (Telegraphist/ Air Gunner) Sadly on 12th February 1942, W5984 was shot down over the English Channel whilst leading Operation Fuller, the attack against the German ships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen. All three crew were killed. <br><br>Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde VC DSO: Born 1st March 1909 in Ireland, Esmonde joined the Royal Air Force in 1928 as a fighter pilot. He left the RAF in 1933 and joined Imperial Airways, flying passengers, mail and freight to Australia and the Far East. In January 1939 he was offered a commission in the Fleet Air Arm as a Lieutenant Commander of 825 squadron. On 23rd May 1941, Esmonde led his squadron on a search for the Bismarck. After locating the target, he led 825 into the attack. Flying through heavy anti-aircraft fire, one of 825s torpedoes hit the Bismarck amidships. For his courage and skill Esmonde was awarded the DSO. On 12th February 1942, 825 took off from RAF Manston to attack the German ships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen, in the English Channel. Despite heavy anti aircraft fire, and ferocious attacks by enemy fighters, the six Swordfish bravely pressed home their attack, but all 6 were shot down. Out of a total of 18 aircrew only five survived, four of whom were wounded. Esmondes aircraft was seen crashing in flames into the sea. His body was later found washed ashore at the mouth of the River Medway, April 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. Fairey Swordfish Mk I W5984 H. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0008
Aircraft History: First flight 11th July 1941, then onto 12 Maintenance Unit 16th July 1941. W3458 was delivered to 616 Squadron on 23rd July 1941. It failed to return from operations over Northern France on 9th August 1941. <br><br>Squadron Leader LH Buck Casson DFC, AFC: Coming from Sheffield Lionel H Casson was one of the original volunteer pilots to join 616 (South Yorkshire) Auxiliary Air Force Squadron on its formation at Doncaster in 1938. After pilot training, he served briefly with 79 Squadron flying Hurricanes from Biggin Hill before rejoining Spitfire equipped 616 at Leconfield in July 1940. With the squadron he flew south to Kenley in mid-August and over the next three weeks was involved in fierce fighting during the Battle of Britain. On 30th August he was credited with a probable and a damaged HE111. Two days later he claimed a Bf109 followed by the destruction of a Do17. After suffering severe losses, the squadron was withdrawn to Kirton-in-Lindsay on 4th September and after a rest period, 616 moved to Tangmere in February to join the Bader Wing. On 5th May 1941, Casson shared in the destruction of a Ju88 but was hit by return fire and was forced to bale out. Flying on daily sweeps and bomber escorts over Northern France, he destroyed a Bf109 on 22nd June and he claimed a damaged two days later. He was made Flight Commander in July and claimed two Bf109s as probables. On 9th August as he was leading his flight over St Omer, his aircraft was hit and he was forced to crash land. He was soon captured and spent the rest of the war in the infamous Stalag Luft 3. Shortly after his capture he was awarded the DFC. After his release four years later, he rejoined the peacetime 616 Squadron, equipped at first with Mosquito night fighters and then Meteor jet fighters. He was appointed as Commanding Officer in December 1950 during which time the Squadron won the coveted Esher Trophy awarded to the top Auxiliary Air Force squadron. After three years in command, he retired having been awarded the AFC for his outstanding leadership. Supermarine Spitfire MKVb W3458 YQ-X. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0009
AP011. Handley Page Hampden Mk I AE193 ZN-A. by M A Kinnear. Handley Page Hampden Mk I AE193 ZN-A. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0011
Aircraft History: Built by Gloster Aircraft, L8011 was one of a batch of 28 Gladiators delivered in September 1938 to the Royal Air Force. Allocated to 80 Squadron, L8011 saw service in North Africa and Greece, until it was transferred to the Royal Hellenic Air Force, 15th December 1940. <br><br>Squadron Leader Marmaduke T St. John Pat Pattle, DFC: Born on 3rd July 1914 in Butterworth, Cape Province, South Africa, Pat Pattle joined 80 Squadron in 1937. The Squadron was sent to Egypt in April 1938, and Pattle became a flight commander in 1939. During August 1940 the Squadron moved up to the Libyan border. Whilst escorting a Lysander, Pattles flight was engaged by a force of Italian fighters. Pattle (claiming 2) was forced to bale out inside Italian territory, but returned to base the next day. The Squadron moved to Greece in November in support of Greek forces on the Albanian border. Pattle was awarded the DFC in February 1941. In March he was awarded a bar to the DFC promoted to Squadron Leader and given command of 33 squadron equipped with Hawker Hurricanes Mk I. By this time he was credited with 23 victories. Due to the chaotic conditions during the British and Greek retreat, records were lost. However, relying on personal records and memories, it appears that his score of victories was 50 (possibly as high as 60) making him the highest scoring RAF pilot of the war. On 20th April 1941, he led the combined remnants of No.s 33 and 80 squadrons from Eleusis airfield. Although suffering from influenza and fatigue and on his third sortie of the day, Pattle led the remaining Hurricanes to intercept a German formation over Eleusis Bay. He was seen to shoot down a Bf110 but two other Bf110s then attacked him. Pattle was hit and he was seen slumped forward in the cockpit of his aircraft as it fell into the Bay. Gloster Gladiator Mk II L8011 YK-O. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0012
AP013. Avro Manchester Mk Ia R5770 ZN - G. by M A Kinnear. Avro Manchester Mk Ia R5770 ZN - G. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0013
Aircraft History: EE227 was 13th out of a batch of 15 F.1 aircraft delivered to 616 Squadron during 1944. Following service with 616, the aircraft was transferred to the Royal Aircraft Establishment and then to Rolls Royce, where it became the first aircraft to be fitted with turboprops (Rolls Royce Trents) It then went to the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment before returning to Rolls Royce and finally going back to the Royal Aircraft Establishment. After a distinguished career EE227 was struck off charge 27th June 1949. <br><br>Squadron Leader Dennis Barry, Croix de Guerre Avec Palme: Born on 26th August 1921 in London Dennis Barry joined the Royal Air Force in October 1940. In 1941, following pilot training, he was posted to 504 County of Nottingham Squadron and flew both Hurricanes and Spitfires. In August 1943 he was sent on a flight leaders course at Charmy Down and posted to Ibsley as a Flight Commander in 616 South Yorkshire Squadron. In June 1944 with other 616 pilots he was sent to Farnborough for a conversion course to fly the new Gloster Meteor. During this period, USAAF daylight bombers were under attack by German Me262 jet fighters so, together with three other pilots, Dennis was attached to Debden, where they staed mock attacks against 180 bombers and fighters to help the Americans gauge the speed of jet aircraft. In July 1944 616 moved to RAF Manston and was involved with the interception of German V-1 flying bombs and on 29th August he flew EE227 on an operational sortie. In February 1945, Dennis took four meteors Mk III to Brussels/ Melsbroeck. To enable Allied ground forces to distinguish the Meteors from the German jet fighters, the aircraft were painted all white. Prior to the end of hostilities, as the Allies moved through Europe, 616 were involved with numerous attacks on airfields, road and rail traffic. They moved to Lubeck at the end of the war, from where Dennis Barry led the Squadron on a victory fly past at the Copenhagen air show. In May 1946 he was demobilised from the RAF and re-joined 616 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Finningley in March 1948, remaining with the squadron until July 1951. During this period on 8th January 1950 he probably became the only pilot to successfully bale out of a Meteor without the aid of an ejector seat. Gloster Meteor Mk F.1 EE227 YQ-Y. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0014
Aircraft History: First flight 27th August 1940. X4277 was delivered to No.6 Maintenance Unit 28th August, and then delivered to 603 Squadron, 30th August. The aircraft was shot down in flames off the North Foreland (between Margate and Broadstairs) and crashed in to the sea 3rd September, 1940. <br><br>Flight Lieutenant Richard Hope Hillary: Born on the 20th April, 1919 in Australia. Richard Hillary came to England aged three, when his father took up a post as a government official at Australia House in London. He later attended Oxford, was a member of the University Air Squadron and was called up in October 1939. He completed his training and was initially posted to No.1 School Army Co-operation, followed by a posting to No.5 OTU - to convert to Spitfires- and then on to 603 Squadron at Montrose. He shot down his first enemy aircraft on 29th August 1940, but his aircraft was badly damaged forcing him to crash land, Hillary surviving unhurt. He obtained his fifth victory on 3rd September 1940, but was then shot down by Hptmn. Bode of II/JG26. He had to abandon his blazing Spitfire (X4277) by parachute, landing in the sea with severe burns to his face and hands. After some time in the water he was rescued by the Margate lifeboat. He spent the next three months in the Royal Masonic Hospital, and was then transferred to the Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital at East Grinstead, where he began a long period in hospital as one of the first guinea pig patients under the care of plastic surgeon Archibald McIndoe (later Sir Archibald McIndoe) It was during his recovery that he wrote his famous book The Last Enemy which has since become a wartime classic. Following great personal effort, he was posted on a nightfighter training course to No.54 OTU, flying the Bristol Blenheim. During the early hours of 8th January 1943 whilst on a night flying exercise, his Blenheim crashed in poor weather, both he and his navigator were killed. Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4277 XT-M. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0015
Aircraft History: P2544 was one of 729 Mk I Hawker Hurricanes built by Glosters at Hucclecote and delivered to the RAF between November 1939 and July 1940. One of the first delivered to No.274 in North Africa, Autumn 1940, P2544 served with the squadron until Spring 1941 when it was sent to No.71 OTU. Severely damaged on 6th June 1941 after a forced landing at Ismailia, the aircraft was used as an instructional airframe, until struck off charge. <br><br>Flight Lieutenant Arthur Adrian Percy Weller, DFC: Born 21st December 1917 in Watford Hertfordshire, Sam Weller was posted to No.80 Squadron at Amriya near Alexandria in September 1939. His fellow officers included the legendary Pat Pattle and Imshi Mason. Soon after the outbreak of war with Italy, Weller achieved his first success witha shared probable, shooting down an Italian SM79 with Flying Officer G F Graham. In August 1940 Weller transferred with No.80 Squadrons Hurricane flight to form the nucleus of the newly reformed No.274 Squadron under the command of Squadron Leader P H Dunn. During the months which followed, the Squadron operated from various locations in the Western Desert, which were often little more than landing grounds and sand and scrub. Weller flew P2544 on several offensive patrols in the Bardia area in November and December 1940. Whilst flying Hurricane V7300 on 14th December 1940, he shot down an SM79 aircraft with a second one unconfirmed. Five days later he fired at seven SM79 aircraft setting one on fire. His own aircraft was riddled with bullets, but he landed safely. On 27th April 1941, he undertook a lone attack on enemy aircraft at Benina near Benghazi, a mission which required him to fly 880 miles. Pressing home his attack with great skill he destroyed seven Ju52s causing heavy casualties to the troops on board them. For this action he was awarded an immediate DFC. The following month Weller took part in the defence of Crete and on 27th May damaged his Hurricane at Heraklion. Unable to get away from the island, he was eventually evacuated and returned to Egypt, finally being posted to No.71 OTU as an instructor. On 13th December 1941, when the unit was stationed at Gordons Tree near Khartoum, he was tragically killed in a flying accident. Hawker Hurricane Mk I P2544 YK (T) by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0016
AP017. Short Stirling MkI R9257 MG - C. by M A Kinnear. Short Stirling MkI R9257 MG - C. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0017
AP018. Avro Lancaster Mk III ND845 MG-C. by M A Kinnear. Avro Lancaster Mk III ND845 MG-C. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0018
AP019. Handley Page Halifax LK797 LK-E. by M A Kinnear. Handley Page Halifax LK797 LK-E. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0019
Aircraft History: JN751 was built at Hawkers Langley factory and delivered to No. 20 MU at Aston Down 20th February 1944. Delivered to No.486 (NZ) Squadron initially, and subsequently received by No.3 Squadron, it became the personal aircraft of Wing Commander R P Beamont. On 8th June 1944, it became the first Tempest to shoot down and enemy aircraft (Bf109G-6, JN751 was hit in the starboard wing by a cannon shell in this combat) and during June/August it shot down over 30 V-1 flying bombs. On 1st September, following an engine failure on take-off, JN751 made a forced landing at Langley. Repaired 2nd September, Wing Commander Beamont collected the aircraft from Langley on 5th September and returned to Newchurch - this was his last flight in JN751. Returned to No.20 MU on 3rd October 1944, it was delivered to No.287 Squadron at Hornchurch on anti aircraft co-operation duties. On 18th May 1945, whilst trying to avoid a fog bank JN751 crashed on the Isle of Sheppey, killing the pilot, Flight Sergeant P.C.A. Redstone. <br><br>Wing Commander Roland P Beamont, CBE, DSO and bar, DFC and bar, DFC (USA), DL: Born on 10th August 1920, Roland Beamont joined No87. Squadron in France during November 1939. Returning to England 20th May 1940 (having destroyed a Do17 and an Me109) he went on to destroy a further three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In June 1941 he was posted to No79 Squadron as a Flight Commander. In December 1941, he went to Hawker Aircraft Limited as a Service test pilot flying Hurricanes. On 29th June 1942, he was posted as Flight Commander to Hawker Typhoon equipped No.609 (WR) squadron at Duxford, and took command of the squadron in October. He returned to Hawker Aircraft during May 1943, to test fly the Tempest. In February 1944, he was tasked with forming the first Tempest Wing, No.150 at Castle Camps and later Newchurch. When leader of the five squadron Tempest Wing No.122 over Germany on 12th October 1944, Roland Beamont was shot down by ground fire, and became a POW. During his time with Nos 150 and 122 Wings he destroyed one Bf109, one Fw190, one Ju88 on the ground and thirty two V1 flying bombs. After the war Roland Beamont became Chief Test Pilot for English Electric, test flying the Canberra, P1, Lightning and TSR2 aircraft. He was the first British pilot to fly a British aircraft at Mach 1 in level flight, and later at Mach 2. After serving as Director of Flight operations for the Tornado test programme he retired and became a respected author. Hawker Tempest Mk V JN751 R-B. by M A Kinnear. Click For Details AP0020
A Wellington returns low over the calm, dawn water of the North Sea, vainly struggling to maintain both height and speed. Dawn Return by Anthony Saunders. (APB) Click For Details AS0003
Battle hardened Spitfires of 222 squadron head home high above a gathering storm. Two of 222 by Anthony Saunders. (APB) Click For Details AS0004
A poignant scene from the Battle of Britain, as a pair of battle weary Hurricanes return from a mission, young children play in the afternoon sun. Salute the Few by Anthony Saunders. (APB) Click For Details AS0005
Sqd Ldr Beamont leads the Typhoons of no. 609 Squadron in an attack on heavily armed German shipping in the Channel. Typhoon Attack by Robert Taylor. Click For Details AX0004
One secondary market remarque print available, numbered 398 / 500. The Sinking of The Tirpitz by Gerald Coulson. Click For Details AX0040
One secondary market print available, numbered 166 / 850. Operation Jericho, the Jail Breakers by Gerald Coulson. Click For Details AX0041
August 17th - 18th 1943 - German fighers and British bombers battle above the research station at Peenemunde to decide the fate of the Nazi V weapons. Peenemunde by Frank Wootton. Click For Details AX0045
6th Airborne Div , D-Day 1944. Gliders at Caen by Frank Wootton. Click For Details AX0047
Typhoon IBs of No.181 Squadron attack a German supply vessel off the coast of northern France during the run up to D-Day in 1944 using cannon and 60il rockets. This unique aircrafts amazing speed at low level and awesome fire-power proved formidable and, after a shaky start to its service career, proved itself beyond all doubt to be an essential tool in the softening-up operations against German defences prior to allied invasion in June 1944. Typhoon Season by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0006
Developed from the hawker Typhoon, the first hawker Tempest MkV took to the air during September 1942 and immediately showed great promise as a most versatile aircraft. During the build up to Overlord in 1944, tempests raged across northern France softening up the enemy defenses and blocking or destroying arterial supply routes. This Hawker Tempest V is engaged in knocking out a German train as part of Roland Beamonts No.3 Squadron operations prior to D - Day. Raging Tempest by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0007
As part of Operation Overlord in June 1944, it was necessary to deploy large numbers of troops quickly and accurately to the fields and bridgeheads of Northern France. No aircraft was better suited to dropping paratroopers and their equipment than the ubiquitous Douglas Dakota, these examples being of No.271 Squadron from Down Ampney near Gloucester. 6th June 1944 (Dakotas) by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0010
Wearing the distinctive black and white identification stripes of the D-Day operations of June 1944. Airspeed Horsa MkII assault gliders, towed by their Short Stirling MkIV tugs of No.620 Squadron, make their way across a moody English Channel en route for Normandy during the tumultuous Operation Overlord. Tugs of War (Stirling & Gliders) by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0011
Sadly, but two examples of the Handly page Halifax exist today - the unrestored W1048 at the RAF Museum at Hendon, and the Yorkshire Air Museums pristine LV907 Friday the 13th, a rebuild from the remains of HR792. In this portrait of one of Bomber Commands oft-forgotten workhorses, the original Friday the 13th is set against a stunning evening cloudscape. Friday the 13th by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0012
R-Robert was dramatically retrieved after nearly forty years on the bed of Loch Ness in Scotland. It is being restored at the Brooklands Museum. The Loch Ness Wellington by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0013
First flown on 26th October 1931. The De Haviland DH82 Tiger Moth was to enjoy one of the longest and most distinguished careers in aviation history. Depicted here is an example of that variant employed by an elementary and reserve flying training school during the early part of World War Two. First Wings by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0014
When Roy Chadwick first drew the Avro 679 Manchester bomber for the RAF, he could little have known that from this rather lacklustre machine would evolve the classic 683 Lancaster. This painting is not a record of any single event in the Lancasters illustrious history, rather a portrait of a fine aeroplane and a tribute to the many crews who flew and serviced them. Chadwicks Masterpiece by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0016
To commemorate Shuttleworths Golden Jubilee in 1994. A Spitfire leads a Hawker Hind and a Gloster Gladiator in formation over Old Warden. The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden aerodrome is recognised as one of the finest private collections of vintage aircraft in the world. Many of the exhibits have direct connections with the all too short but lively career of Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth himself, and all the aircraft are flown regularly - from the frail and endearing Bristol Boxkite to what is regarded as the most genuine Spitfire flying today. Here, this Spitfire leads a Vic-3 formation of the Collections Hawker Hind and Gloster Gladiator over Old Warden during a typical flying display to Commemorate Shuttleworths Golden Jubilee in 1994. Shuttleworth Salute by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0017
Depicting Spitfires of No.92 Squadron, which on their first mission over Dunkirk, encountered six ME109Es and succeeded in shooting down every one of them! Such actions came to symbolise the spirit of the 92nd Squadron which went on to see intense fighting during the Battle of Britain and by the end of 1940 had claimed an astonishing 127 enemy aircraft destroyed. A dramatic and unusual perspective on this classic aeroplane addition to any collection of Spitfire paintings. The Hunting Party by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0019
B20. Red Arrows Break Left by Ivan Berryman. Red Arrows Break Left by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0020
In one of the finest portrayals of the Avro Lancaster, Moonlight Run depicts the aircraft of Fl. Lt. Mickey Martin (ED909 AJ-P) at the moment of release of the Wallace Bomb during the Dams raid on the Ruhr in 1943. With only the gentlest of moonlight rippling over the dark water of the Mohne, this dramatic picture plays homage to the impossible low altitudes and high speeds that were necessary to complete successfully their heroic mission. A stark and refreshing treatment of a subject at the hearts of all aviation historians. Moonlight Run (Dambusters) by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0021
One of the artists most haunting paintings, a Mosquito B.IX of the Light Night Striking Force, PFF, banks away from the target zone having released a cluster of green Christmas tree marker flares to light the way for the second wave of approaching bombers. Frought with enormous difficulties and dangers, perhaps the most surprising aspect of the PFF is that it was made up almost entirely of volunteers and was widely regarded as the elite within Bomber Command. A fact made even more staggering by the slim chances of any aircrew completing the sixty sorties tour of operations that was asked of them. Nevertheless, the PFF was never short of volunteers and their dedication and courage is celebrated in this stunning print. Shining the Way (Mosquito) by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0022
Allied fighters encountering Focke-Wulfs potent Fw190 were to find themselves alarmingly outclassed when first the Luftwaffes new fighter appeared in the skies above France in 1941. Even the Spitfire MkV struggled to match the Butcher Birds outstanding performance. However, the inception of the Spitfire MkIX was to rapidly redress the balance and represented, in many ways, the coming of age for this classic British fighter, final production of this mark alone totalling 5665 machines. The Thoroughbred by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0023
The remarkable Avro Shackleton provided the RAF with stalwart service for no less than 43 years. These charming giants lumbering into the 1990s and into the hearts of literally thousands of servicemen, ex-servicemen and enthusiasts alike before finally signing off in July 1991. This is AEW.2 WL757 Brian based at Lossiemouth. The last RAF unit to operate the Shackleton before its replacement with the long overdue Boeing Sentry AEW. An appealing and emotive painting of one of British aviations most charismatic aeroplanes. Bowing Out (Shackleton) by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0026
An unusual and pleasing study of three Bae Hawks of the RAFs official display team, the Red Arrows. Arrows Break affords the enthusiast three views of the Hawks clean lines, while at the same time providing a thoughtful and pensive portrait of man, machine and rolling sky in perfect harmony. Arrows Break by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0027
Without doubt one of the most outstanding and versatile aircraft in the Allied inventory during World War II, the Bristol Beaufighter was to endure a cautious reception by its crews when it first entered service, not least due to difficulties experienced by crews attempting to abandon a stricken aircraft in an emergency. Its performance and hard-hitting potential quickly overcame such doubts, however, and it went on to earn a commendable reputation - and the nickname Whispering Death. Here, two 254 Sqn TF. MkXs attack a captured Norwegian vessel in 1945. Seastrike by Ivan Berryman Click For Details B0028
North American Mustang IIIs of No.315 Polish Squadron Deblinski are shown over the invasion fleet heading for the D-Day landings. Watching Station (Mustangs) by Ivan Berryman Click For Details B0030
The Consolidated Model 28 PBY Catalina was so successful in its definitive form that it went on to become the most extensively built flying boat of all time. Here, a 210 Squadron Catalina Mk IVA from RAF Sullem Voe, Shetland, has located two weary downed aircrew, drained but grateful after a long night in the North Atlantic swell. By Dawns Light by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0031
Together with its more glamorous contemporary the Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane has become one of the best known fighter aircraft in aviations war torn history. In this picture, two Hurricanes of No.501 Sqn are shown on a coastal sweep at the height of the Battle of Britain. Holding the Fort by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0034
B89. Typhoons on the Offensive by Richard Ward. Typhoons on the Offensive by Richard Ward Click For Details B0089
B92. Battle of the Atlantic by Richard Ward. Battle of the Atlantic by Richard Ward Click For Details B0092
A pair of De Havilland Mosquito NF. MkII night fighters of 23 Squadron, based at Bradwell Bay, Essex in 1942. Night Raiders by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0096
When De Havilland built the prototype DH.98 Mosquito (E-0234) they did so as an act of the purest faith in their design since the Air Ministry had already dismissed the companys proposal for their all-wood aircraft as impractical and unworkable. However, when E-0234 first flew on 25th November 1940, it demonstrated remarkably smooth handling characteristics and its speed, as expected, was outstanding. Here at last was a bomber which, in a straight line, could outfly even the Spitfire, giving rise to such nicknames as Wooden Wonder and, succicntly The Aeroplane. With such an aircraft, it was soon realised, many new possibilities were laid open to the RAF, among them the chance to initiate precision raids whereupon carefully selected isolated targets could be attacked with pinpoint accuracy. Just such a raid took place on 18th February 1944, involving 18 Mosquitoes of Nos 64 and 487 Squadrons in an operation on the jail at Amiens, France, where a large number of the French Resistance were being held for questioning by the Gestapo. It was thought unlikely that any of them would survive their ordeal at the hands of their inquisitors and it was considered more sensible to try to aid their escape by breaching the prison walls, even if it meant that some of the prisoners might be killed in the process. An accurate model of the jail and the nearby town was constructed and each pilot viewed the model from eye level to familiarise themselves with the view that they would get from a planned height of 50 feet. With this knowledge and some carefully selected reference points such as church spires and chimneys, the Mosquitoes, led by Group Captain Charles Pickard, were able to brush over the rooftops of the town and deliver their bombs with incredible accuracy, breaching the prison walls in four places. 258 prisoners escaped in the ensuing chaos and were quickly spirited away by other Resistance groups who were waiting outside. Sadly, a number of French prisoners were killed in the raid and added to the losses of that day was Group Captain Pickard himself who fell victim to marauding Focke Wulf 190s, but the raid had been a tremendous success and further precision attacks using the most superb Mosquito were carried out throughout 1944 and 1945, each one making its own significant contribution to the downward turn in the fortunes of Hitlers Reich. Breakout. Amiens Raid by Mosquitos by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0098
Routine, though essential, maintenance is carried out on a 501 Sqn Hurricane at the height of the Battle of Britain during the Summer of 1940.  Ground Force by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0099
Vulcan prototypes and Avro 707s flown together in 1951. Debut by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0100
Sea Wings by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0121
Major James McCudden is pictured in his 56 Sqn S.E.5a B519 on a patrol during August 1917. In this month alone, he shot down four Albatross DVs. His final tally of victories totalled a remarkable 57 before he was killed in a flying accident in 1918. McCudden, VC by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0157
Guy Gibsons Lancaster having unsuccessfully dropped its bomb, draws enemy fire from the aircraft of Sqn Ldr Young as his bomb explodes spectacularly on the Mohne Dam during the audacious Dams Raids of 16th/17th May 1943. The Night They Broke the Dams - Operation Chastise by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0158
Standing his aircraft at the height of just 60 feet above the waters of the Mohne, Flt Lt Maltby braves a hail of anti-aircraft fire just seconds before the release of the bouncing bomb that would at last breach the dam on that historic night of the 16th/17th May 1943. The Dambusters by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0159
When De Havilland built the prototype DH.98 Mosquito (E-0234) they did so as an act of the purest faith in their design since the Air Ministry had already dismissed the companys proposal for their all-wood aircraft as impractical and unworkable. However, when E-0234 first flew on 25th November 1940, it demonstrated remarkably smooth handling characteristics and its speed, as expected, was outstanding. Here at last was a bomber which, in a straight line, could outfly even the Spitfire, giving rise to such nicknames as Wooden Wonder and, succicntly The Aeroplane. With such an aircraft, it was soon realised, many new possibilities were laid open to the RAF, among them the chance to initiate precision raids whereupon carefully selected isolated targets could be attacked with pinpoint accuracy. Just such a raid took place on 18th February 1944, involving 18 Mosquitoes of Nos 64 and 487 Squadrons in an operation on the jail at Amiens, France, where a large number of the French Resistance were being held for questioning by the Gestapo. It was thought unlikely that any of them would survive their ordeal at the hands of their inquisitors and it was considered more sensible to try to aid their escape by breaching the prison walls, even if it meant that some of the prisoners might be killed in the process. An accurate model of the jail and the nearby town was constructed and each pilot viewed the model from eye level to familiarise themselves with the view that they would get from a planned height of 50 feet. With this knowledge and some carefully selected reference points such as church spires and chimneys, the Mosquitoes, led by Group Captain Charles Pickard, were able to brush over the rooftops of the town and deliver their bombs with incredible accuracy, breaching the prison walls in four places. 258 prisoners escaped in the ensuing chaos and were quickly spirited away by other Resistance groups who were waiting outside. Sadly, a number of French prisoners were killed in the raid and added to the losses of that day was Group Captain Pickard himself who fell victim to marauding Focke Wulf 190s, but the raid had been a tremendous success and further precision attacks using the most superb Mosquito were carried out throughout 1944 and 1945, each one making its own significant contribution to the downward turn in the fortunes of Hitlers Reich. Destination Amiens by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0222
B0223. Catalina Crescendo by Ivan Berryman. Catalina Crescendo by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0223
Captain William Avery Bishop - Nieuport 17. Captain William Avery Bishop by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0225
The crew of MkIII Short Stirling WP-M of No.90 Squadron RAF prepare for a flight test on the morning of 3rd July 1943. <br><br>Aircraft BK718, with designation WP-M, of No.90 Squadron RAF was lost over Germany in the early hours of 4th July 1943. Six of the seven crew were lost in the crash, the rear gunner surviving to be taken prisoner. Stirling WP-O was also lost on the same mission, with the loss of all seven crew.<br><br>The crew of Stirling WP-M, BK718: Sgt Hugh Murray, Flight Engineer - Sgt Robert Freeland, Air Bomber - P/O Geoffrey Smith, Air Gunner - Sgt Oliver Beard, Wireless Operator - P/O Andrew Gilmour, Navigator - F/Lt Robert Platt, Pilot - Sgt I. H. Norris, Air Gunner. Preparing To Go - Crew of a Short Stirling by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0236
The Short Stirlings WP-M and WP-O, aircraft numbers BK718 and EH907, fly together en route to Cologne in the late evening of 3rd July 1943. <br><br>Aircraft BK718, with designation WP-M, of No.90 Squadron RAF was lost over Germany in the early hours of 4th July 1943. Six of the seven crew were lost in the crash, the rear gunner surviving to be taken prisoner. Stirling WP-O was also lost on the same mission, with the loss of all seven crew. <br><br>The crew of Stirling WP-M, BK718: Sgt Hugh Murray, Flight Engineer - Sgt Robert Freeland, Air Bomber - P/O Geoffrey Smith, Air Gunner - Sgt Oliver Beard, Wireless Operator - P/O Andrew Gilmour, Navigator - F/Lt Robert Platt, Pilot - Sgt I. H. Norris, Air Gunner. Stirlings of No.90 Squadron by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0237
A Lancaster returns to its home airfield. Lancaster Arrival by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0245
Wing Commander Bob Doe in his Spitfire is shown attacking Heinkel He-111s during the Battle of Britain. Wing Commander Bob Doe during the Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0247
Air Commodore Alan Deere DSO DFC* and other Spitfires of No.54 squadron during the Battle of Britain, attacking He111 bombers which are being escorted across the Channel by Me109 fighters Spitfires of No.54 squadron during the Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0248
Hurricane pilots await their next scramble while ground crews ready their Hawker Hurricanes for their next engagement during the Battle of Britain. Hurricanes FT-S and FT-D of No.43 Sqn. Hurricanes at the Ready by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0250
A superb portrait of one of the Royal Air Forces top fighter pilots of World War Two. Johnnie Johnson has also signed this original pencil drawing. Johnnie Johnson by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0252
Original pencil drawing showing two Me262 jet fighters. Signed by Graeme Lothian only. Messerschmitt 262 by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0253
Original pencil drawing showing two Spitfires. Signed by Graeme Lothian only. Supermarine Spitfire by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0254
Original pencil drawing of Pilot Officer Constantine Pegge, who shot down eight enemy aircraft in one day during the Battle of Britain. P.O. Constantine Pegge, 610 Sqn, August 1940 by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0255
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. Bill Reid VC by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0256
Johnnie Johnsons Spitfire on patrol over the British coastline. This is the original sketch for the oil painting Fighting Lady. Siptfire - Fighting Lady by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0257
B0258P. Dogfight - Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. Dogfight - Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0258
Hawker Hurricane, the backbone of Fighter Command (along with the Spitfire) is shown during the Battle of Britain, downing an Me109. Hawker Hurricane - War Horse by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0259
A Spitfire of No.19 Sqn returns from a sortie during the Battle of Britain, summer 1940. Supermarine Spitfire - Job Well Done by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0260
Spitfire D-AZ of Royal Air Force Spitfire Ace Bob Doe is shown in a steep turn. Bob Doe - Spitfire Ace by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0261
Three Spitfires are shown banking into a dive during the Battle of Britain. Spitfire Wing by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0262
Along with the Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire was the backbone of Fighter Command. here three Spitfires are shown on patrol above the fields of southern England during the Battle of Britain. Tribute to the Spitfire Pilots by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0263
Spitfire JE-J of Spitfire Ace Johnnie Johnson is shown with the engine cowling removed during maintenance. Spitfire Maintenance Check by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0264
Spitfire Z-FA of No.308 Sqn (Polish) thunders over a picturesque village in April 1941. Polish Spitfire by Graeme Lothian. (P) Click For Details B0265
Blenheim IVs of No 21 Squadron, here being attacked by Adolf Gallands Bf 109 on 21st June 1940. Galland claimed two Blenheims and a Spitfire that day before he, too, was shot down by the defending Spitfires of 303 Sqn. Tribute to the Blenheim Crews by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0287
Boston IIIs of No 88 (Hong Kong) Squadron. These aircraft were involved in the search for the Scharnhorst in February 1942 and frequently attacked targets in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Tribute to the Boston Crews by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0288
A pair of Beaufighters attacking Axis shipping in the North Sea. Without doubt one of the most outstanding and versatile aircraft in the Allied inventory during World War II, the Bristol Beaufighter was to endure a cautious reception by its crews when it first entered service, not least due to difficulties experienced by crews attempting to abandon a stricken aircraft in an emergency. Its performance and hard-hitting potential quickly overcame such doubts, however, and it went on to earn a commendable reputation - and the nickname Whispering Death. Beaufighter Attack by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0289
A Royal Air Force Blenheim of No.25 Sqn is prepared for take-off as the crew get ready to board their aircraft. Ready for the Off - Blenheim of No.25 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0290
Royal Air Force Blenheim Mk.I aircraft of No.141 Squadron. Mk.I Blenheims of No.141 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0291
Boulton Paul Defiant of 151 Sqn, based at Wittering, attacking a Messerschmitt Me110. Following an exhausting summer during the Battle of Britain, 151 was designated a night fighter squadron and was equipped both with Hurricanes and Defiants. On the night of 15th January 1942, two Defiants succeeded in bringing down three German aircraft and further successes were recorded during enemy raids on Birmingham when a further nine kills were claimed. Night of Defiance by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0292
Group Captain Billy Drake in Curtiss P.40 AL161 of 112 Sqn downing a Stuka during the North Africa Campaign in 1942. The Jaws of Victory by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0293
Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0294
Bristol Blenheim Mk.IVF of No.68 Squadron. The night-fighter squadron flew Blenheims from mid1941 to early 1942 before converting to Beaufighters. Aircraft WM-Z is shown in combat with a marauding Dornier Do17. Blenheim Mk.IVF of No.68 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0295
A Fairey Battle of No.218 Squadron gets on the tail of a Ju-87 Stuka over France in 1940. An aircraft carrying the codes HA-J was shot down by flak on the afternoon of 12th May 1940. The three crew of aircraft K9353, J B Horner, L C Flisher and L D Davies were all lost. Fairey Battle, 218 Squadron by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0296
An Avro Anson comes under attack from an Me109. Avro Anson by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0298
An Avro Anson Mk.I from Coastal Command is attacked by an Me109. Coastal Command - Avro Anson Mk.I by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0299
Fairey Battle HA-J of No.218 Sqn is taken by surprise by the close pass of a Bf109E over France. The squadron were based at Auberive-sur-Suippes in 1939, and as part of the Advance Air Striking Force of the RAF during the Battle of France, suffered heavy losses. An aircraft carrying the codes HA-J was shot down by flak on the afternoon of 12th May 1940. The three crew of aircraft K9353, J B Horner, L C Flisher and L D Davies were all lost.  Fairey Battle Mk.I by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0301
Hurricane Mk.IIC Z3971 of 253 Sqn, closing on a Heinkel 111. Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0303
Mustang Mk.IIIs of No.19 Sqn, 1944. Mustang Mk.III by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0307
On 12th November 1944, the mighty Tirpitz was finally destroyed by a combined force of Lancasters from No 9 and No 617 Squadrons. LM220, an aircraft of 9 Sqn is shown here making its run toward the target at approximately 09.40 hours on that fateful day. Raid on the Tirpitz by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0310
A Bristol Beaufort Mk I of No 22 Squadron attacks a railway marshalling yard during raids on the French coast in the Autumn of 1940. Bristol Beaufort by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0312
A tribute to the glider crews and airborne troops who participated in the glider operations during D-Day. The British Horsa glider (known as the flying coffin) was used by British, Canadian and American airborne forces during the invasion. Approximately 100 glider pilots were killed or wounded during the D-Day operations. D-Day Invasion : Tribute to the Glider Troops by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details B0313
CCP0064. British Ace Albert Ball c.1917 by Chris Collingwood. British Ace Albert Ball c.1917 by Chris Collingwood. Click For Details CCP0064
CCP0065. Observer / Gunner, Royal Flying Corps 1917 by Chris Collingwood. Observer / Gunner, Royal Flying Corps 1917 by Chris Collingwood. Click For Details CCP0065
One of the best known Aces of the first world war. Albert Ball Portrait by Darren Baker. (P) Click For Details DBAK0042
DHM261. Vulcan Sunset by Geoff Lea. Vulcan Sunset by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0261
DHM262. Phantom FGR 2 of III Squadron by Geoff Lea. Phantom FGR 2 of III Squadron by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0262
Depicting Spitfire of 609 squadron during the Battle of Britain. Spitfire Tally-Ho by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0264
DHM265. Desert Prang by Geoff Lea. Desert Prang by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0265
DHM266. Dakota Over Burma by Geoff Lea. Dakota Over Burma by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0266
A Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Sea Harrier turns to release its Sidewinder missiles at an Argentinean Airforce Dagger as it beats a hasty retreat after a near miss on Sir Bedivere and HMS Fearless in San Carlos Sound during the 1982 Falklands Islands conflict. Action Over San Carlos by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0268
A pair of RAF Tornado GRIs at low level during the Gulf War operation Desert Storm, in their distinctive desert pink camouflage colour scheme. Pink Tornados by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0284
Features the successful Horsa glider borne assault on the Caen Canal bridge at Benouville in Normandy at approx. 00.15hrs on D-Day, the 6th June 1944. Troops from the second battalion of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry led by Major John Howard took the bridge which later became known as Pegasus Bridge. The Longest Day Begins - Pegasus Bridge by Geoff Lea Click For Details DHM0286
DHM287. Sunderland Over the Gareloch by Geoff Lea. Sunderland Over the Gareloch by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0287
DHM290. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith. Click For Details DHM0290
602 City of Glasgow Squadron patrol the Normandy beaches. Beware of the Lion by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0401
DHM403. Freedom Fighters by Simon Smith. Freedom Fighters by Simon Smith. Click For Details DHM0403
Spitfire Mk9. of 56 squadron patrol the D-Day landings. Normandy Beach Head Patrol by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0410
Lancaster CF-X (LM384) of 625 Squadron. This aircraft was lost over Leipzig on the evening of 19th / 20th February 1944. Last Long Shadow by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0413
This aircraft entered service with the RFC in February 1915. Nicknamed the gunbus, it was the first British aircraft to be designed as a fighting machine from the start. The plane was armed with a single .303 inch Lewis machine gun, fired by the observer. It was only a short period of time before it was outclassed by German aircraft carrying synchronised forward firing machine guns. Vickers Gunbus FB5 by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM0418
Mosquitos of 105 Squadron, Marham. Return From Leipzig by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0421
P40 Kittyhawks of No.3 Squadron RAAF based at Ta Qali Airfield, Malta. Over Grand Harbour by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0422
The Hawker Hurricane powered by the powerful Rolls Royce Merlin engine is shown in combat with Luftwaffe aircraft during the Battle of Britain. The Hurricane played a major role in the aerial victory along with its companion the Spitfire. Merlin Roar by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0423
Hawker Hurricanes of 249 squadron (RAF) departing off HMS Ark Royal in June 1941 as par tof Force H. The Hurricanes were to become part of the Defence of Malta against the onslought and non stop bombing by the Axis Bombers and HMS Ark Royal would be sunk only a few months later when on the 13th November 1941 HMS Ark Royal was hit by a single torpedo from the German U-boat U81. The torpedo hit on the starboard side near the starboard boiler room causing a 130ft by 30ft hole. Water poured in causing a 10% list immediately. The flooding spread quickly to the middle of the ship and then to the port boiler room, eectric power failed, and after 14 hours while in tow to Gibraltar she capsized and sunk the following day. Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM0427
Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0434
Sopwith Camel with 65 Squadron, on routine patrol, meet head-on with the unmistakable Albatross fighters of the German air force. The Sky Warriors by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0435
Portsmouth August 26th 1940, the lone spitfire of Squadron Leader Sandy Johnstone breaks the ranks and picks off one of the menacing Heinkels only to encounter an equally determined attack from a BF109. <br><br>We were brought to readiness in the middle of lunch and scrambled to intercept mixed bag of 100+ Heinkel IIIs and DO 17s approaching Portsmouth from the South. The controller did a first class job and positioned us one thousand feet above the target. with the sun behind us, allowing us to spot the raiders from a long way off. No escorting Messchersmitts were in sight at the time, although a sizable force was to turn up soon after. then something strange happened. I was about to give a ticking off to our chaps for misusing the R/T when I realised I was listening to German voices. It appeared we were both using the same frequency and, although having no knowledge of the language it sounded from the monotonous flow of the conversation that they were unaware of our presence. as soon as we dived towards the leading formation, however we were assailed immediately to loud shouts of Achtung Spitfuern Spitfuern! as our bullets began to take their toll. In spite of having taken jerry by surprise our bag was only six, with others claimed as damaged, before the remainder dived for cloud cover and turned for home. In the meantime the escorting fighters were amongst us when two of our fellows were badly shot up. Hector Maclean stopped a cannon shell on his cockpit, blowing his foot off above the ankle although, in spite of his grave injuries, he managed to fly his spitfire back to Tangmere to land with wheels retracted. Cyril Babbages aircraft was also badly damaged in the action. forcing him to abandon it and take to his parachute. He was ultimately picked up by a rescue launch and put ashore at Bognor, having suffered only minor injuries. I personally accounted for one Heinkel III in the action (Sandy Johnson) . <br><br>No. 602 City of Glasgow auxiliary squadron was a household name long before WWII began. It had been the first auxiliary squadron to get into the air in 1925, two of its members, Lord Clydeside and David McIntyre were the first to conquer Mount Everest in 1933: the squadron sweeped the board in gunnery and bombing in 1935, beating the regular squadrons at their own game. It was the first auxiliary Squadron to be equipped with Spitfire Fighters as far back as March 1939 and it was the first squadron to shoot down the first enemy aircraft on British soil. The squadron moved south from Drem airfield in East Lothian on August 14th 1940 to relieve the already battered no. 145 squadron at Westhampnett, Tangmeres satelitte station in Sussex. The squadron suffered 5 casualties during the battle. The squadron remained at Westhampnett until December 1940 to be replaced by no. 610 auxiliary airforce squadron. No 602 squadron itself remained active up until 1957 when it was put into mothballs. Gauntlet by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0436
Depicting Spitfires of No.229 squadron as they pass over Malta in 1942, a tribute to the young pilots, regarded as the saviour of an Island. Maltese Falcons by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM0437
Lockheed Vega PV-1 VB32 Squadron in the Santaren Channel. From this point on the U-boat was hunted and harassed only to be sunk in the Bay of Biscay. The Hunt for U-Boat 134 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0571
Gazelle of Army Air Corps 661 Squadron on a reconnaissance mission for British 7th Armoured Division during Operation Desert Storm. Desert Gazelle by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0572
Westland Wessex of No.72 Squadron based at RAF Aldergrove, flying over the Copeland Islands in Belfast Lough. Wessex Over the Copelands by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0573
Boeing Chinook of No.7 Squadron (detachment) from RAF Aldergrove, flying on supply duty in the west of the province. Chinook over the Sperrins by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0574
Two Hawker Hurricanes ME11D tank busters of No.6 Shiny Six Squadron about to attack retreating axis mechanised units, November 1942 at El Alamein. Can Openers by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0576
Wing Commander Roland Beamont in his personal Tempest V, intercepted and downed his first V1 Buzzbomb on the night of June 22nd, 1944, over south east England. As Commander of 150 wing and others he went on to shoot down a total of 30 V1 flying bombs, 8 enemy aircraft and 35 locomotives destroyed plus one minesweeper sunk. A Buzz for Beamont by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0577
A C130 Hercules MK1 from RAF Lynham Transport Wing, delivers a low level Brigade drop of Airbourne forces over Salisbury Plain. Dawn Descent by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0589
Gloster Gladiators flown by Flt. Lt. M.T. Pattle and Flying Officer Johnny Lancaster surprise a flight of Breda 65s from 59A Squadriglia over Bit Taob El Essem, North Africa. Pattle went on to be top Commonwealth Air Ace of all time. Pattles First Victory, 4th August 1940 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0590
Depicting a Hercules dropping Paras at low level. Low Level Para Drop by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM0772
Joint exercise between a RNLI Lifeboat and a Royal Air Force Westland Wessex from 72 Squadron off the coast of Northern Ireland. Joint Rescue by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0776
De Havilland Tigermoth. Tigermoth by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0778
Historic RNAS bombing raid on the German Zepperlin base at Cuxhaven, on Christmas day 1914. Christmas Surprise by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0779
The Vulcan B2 takes off from Ascension Island to play a major role in Operation Corporate, the name given to the British military operation to retake the Falkland Islands. The Vulcan would take part in the seven planned bombing missions during the Falklands campaign codenamed Operation Black Buck. Each mission would require a solo Vulcan Bomber (plus an airborne reserve Vulcan in case of problems with the first) to fly and bomb the Argentinean airfield at Port Stanley, requiring the support of 12 Handley Page Victor K2 tankers of 55 and 57 squadron on the outward journey and 2 Victors and a Nimrod on the return journey. Vulcan Twilight by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0793
Hawker Hurricane IIc of top Czech ace Flt. Lt. K.M. Kuttlewascher, No.1 Fighter Squadron on a night intruder sortie from RAF Tangmere. On this mission he destroyed three Heinkel IIIs over their own airfield, St. Andre, in occupied France. Night Reaper, 4th May 1942 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM0859
Spitfires of R.C.A.F 144 Wing led by Wing Commander Johnson in combat with ME109s of JG3 over Arromanches, France June 1944. Combat Over Normandy by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM0869
A solo Spitfire on patrol off the coast of Dover during the Battle of Britain. Fighting Lady by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM0870
Before D-Day allied fighters ranged far and wide across the North of Europe. Ranger by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM0871
Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfires overfly London with the Tower of London and Tower Bridge in the distance. Spitfires over London by John Young. Click For Details DHM0915
DHM917. Spitfire by Barrie Clark. Spitfire by Barrie Clark. Click For Details DHM0917
DHM921. McRoberts Reply by Geoff Lea. McRoberts Reply by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0921
A solo Hurricane flies over the remains of a downed German bomber during the Battle of Britain. Also shown in the painting are the early warning radar towers which played a significant part in the detection of German aircraft and their number, helping the RAF win the Battle of Britain. Teamwork by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0922
DHM923. Shackletons by Geoff Lea. Shackletons by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0923
DHM924. Jaguar Flight Test On by Geoff Lea. Jaguar Flight Test On by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0924
DHM925. Harrier in a Hyde by Geoff Lea. Harrier in a Hyde by Geoff Lea. Click For Details DHM0925
Depicting the short S45 Solent 2 G-AHIS (Scapa), BOAC Flying Boat, passing over the Queen Elizabeth on Southampton Water, Late 1940s The Golden Age by Ivan Berryman Click For Details DHM0935
Spitfire of 761 Training Squadron (attached to the Royal Navy) flies over the Forth Railway Bridge on the eve of World War Two, also shown is HMS Royal Oak departing Rosyth for the open sea. Land, Sea and Air by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM0965
RAF Hastings drop men of 3 PARA battalion on the Egyptian airfield of El Gamil as part of the Airborne element of Operation Musketeer, (Anglo-French plan to re-open the Suez Canal after its closure by Egyptian President Nasser) Carried to their target by 18 Valettas and 9 Hastings of RAF Transport Command, and supported by Air strikes by Fleet Air Arm Sea Venoms and Seahawks they quickly succeeded in securing their objective. Suez Drop, 5th November 1956 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1021
British Aerospace Hawk of the Red Arrows over Farnborough. Arrowhead by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1030
A De Havilland Mosquito patrols high above the clouds. This versatile all-wooden aircraft first flew on the 25th of November 1940. This aircraft was used in a wide variety of roles, including as a fighter-bomber and as a Pathfinder for bombers. A Moments Peace by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1031
Dedicated to those who served and died in the Battle of Britain on the ground and in the air during the summer of 1940. A Nation Alone by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1033
DHM1034. In the Playground of the Gods by Ivan Berryman. In the Playground of the Gods by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1034
1st June 1940 - Pete Peters fights off overwhelming attack over Dunkirk and destroys three fighters. Anson MKV flown by pilot officer Phillip Peters was leading a petrol of three Ansons of No 500 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron over Dunkirk at the time the British Expeditionary Forces were evacuating from the beaches. He was flying at around 50ft when his mid upper gunner reported that nine Bf109s were attacking. Dropping to wave-top height the slow obsolescent twin engined aircraft tried to shake off their pursuers. Two planes were severely damaged and Peters sent them home, leaving his own aircraft at the mercy of the enemy fighters. Improbable Victory by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM1074
Sailor Malam leading 74 Squadron engaging Me109s of I/JG52 during the Battle of Britain, September 1940. The Right of the Line by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1115
The fourth attack on the Mohne Dam led by Sqd Ldr H M Young, piloting AJ-A (ED877/G) In the background to his starboard side is Flt Lt H B Martin, flying AJ-P (ED909/G) who was drawing fire away from the attacking aircraft by flashing his identification lights and turning on the spotlight altitude indicators. Wing Cdr G P Gibsons aircraft is out of sight, engaging enemy fire at the far side of the dam wall. The bomb was observed to make three good bounces and exploded on contact exactly as Barnes Wallis had planned, generating a vast column of water. Although it was not obvious at that instant, this was the attack which succeeded in breaching the dam. However, it was not until the next attack by Flt D J H Maltby that it was realised that the dam was crumbling. The code word sent out by Young signified; Goner (bomb released) 7 (exploded in contact with the dam) 8 (no apparent breach) A (Mohne dam) Youngs aircraft was lost with all lives on its return to Scampton possibly around 02.58 near Castricum-ann-Zee, north of Ijmuiden. Goner 78A - The Dambusters Raid by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM1128
Commissioned by 70 Squadron RAF in 1996. Four ton Manual Extraction onto Kievel Airfield. Squadron Training by Scott Kirkwood. Click For Details DHM1151
A Lysander of 161 Squadron from RAF Tempsford banks to port as it circles a field somewhere in France 1943. These missions only took place on or around the full moon period to pick up or drop off SOE agents with the help of the Resistance. 161 Squadron, the most secret of all RAF squadrons, had in its flight, Lysanders, Hudsons, and Halifaxes which carried out parachute operations. Two of 161s top pilots Hugh Verity and Lewis Hodges both received the DSO & bar and DFC & bar, and from France the Legion dHonneur and the Croix de Guerre. Lysander Pick Up by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1155
A large umbrella of Spitfire Wings covered most of the sky over Dieppe during the Allied attack Operation Jubilee on 19th August 1942. Squadron leader Johnnie Johnson leads 610 (County of Chester) Squadron down from top cover support to lend a hand to Spitfires of 485 Squadron (New Zealand) and 411 Squadron (Canadian) which made up the 12 Group Wing, led by W/C Pat Jameson. The enemy being made up of a huge mixed force of Fw190 and Me109 fighters from JG2 and JG26. 12 Group Wing flew four times that disastrous day and in the end the Royal Air Force lost 106 aircraft compared to the Luftwaffe losses of 48. The Battle for the Skies Over Dieppe, 19th August 1942 by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1159
DHM1161. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. Distant Dispersal by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1161
DHM1167. Bristol Bulldog by Barrie Clark. Bristol Bulldog by Barrie Clark. Click For Details DHM1167
After taking part in the Battle of France early in 1940, 85 Squadron moved to Croydon on the 19th August, where, led by renowned squadron leader Peter Townsend DSO DFC, the squadron played a notable part in the Battle of Britain. Thirty Hurricane squadrons participated in the Battle of Britain compared to only eighteen Spitfire squadrons, claiming 80 percent of the RAF victories. Sir Sidney Camms innovative design ensured the Hurricane became a classic fighter. Hurricane Patrol portrays Squadron Leader Peter Townsend leading 85 Squadron on a high altitude sortie during the long hot summer of 1940. Hurricane Patrol by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1177
210 Squadron RAF 1918. Homeward Bound - Sopwith Camel by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1190
139 Squadron RAF in North Italy, December 1917 Christmas Hunt - Bristol Fighter F2B by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1192
Lancaster of 50 Squadron being escorted home by Spitfires. 50 Squadron were based at Swinderby Nursing Her Home by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1210
Spitfire of 610 Squadron over the white cliffs of Dover. Return of the Heroes by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1211
A solo spitfire flies through the clouds over southern England. Give Us Spitfires by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1212
DHM1213. Power and the Glory by Ivan Berryman. Power and the Glory by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1213
<b>Hurricanes of No.1 Sqn fly over the famous London landmark. Hurricanes over the Houses of Parliament by John Young. (AP) Click For Details DHM1214
Spitfire from No. 71 (eagle) squadron flys over Buckingham Palace. Spitfire Over Buckingham Palace by John Young. (AP) Click For Details DHM1215
Spitfire from No. 54 squadron flies over London with Tower Bridge in the background. Spitfire Over Tower Bridge by John Young. (AP) Click For Details DHM1216
At 0154am, Pilot officer Les Knight in Avro Lancaster AJ-N transmitted the codeword Dinghy, the signal that the Eder Dam had been successfully breached. Although the target was undefended by flak, its location made it extremely difficult to hit. In fact, four of the five aircraft involved in the attack failed in their attempts and Knights was the last available aircraft carrying the last available bomb! Target Y The Eder Dam Raid, The Ruhr Valley, 17th May 1942 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1217
DHM1221. Bristol Blenheim by Tim Fisher. Bristol Blenheim by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM1221
The night of the 16th May 1943 saw 19 modified Lancasters of the specially formed 617 squadron set out to breach the Ennepe, Eder, Mohne and Sorpe dams in Westphalia, Germany. The mission was led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson DSO, DFC. Gibsons Lancaster can be seen in the foreground with lights full on to draw enemy fire, as is Mick Martins Lancaster on the far side protecting Dinghy Young, who has dropped his bouncing bomb and is flying through a hail of defensive gunfire. He scored a direct hit, and his was the decisive bomb that breached the Mohne Dam. Of the 19 Lancasters who set out, 5 received damage from enemy defences, 6 returned unscathed and 8 failed to return. Operation Chastise was a huge success especially for the countries morale. 58 decorations were awarded for the raid including a Victoria Cross for Gibson. The squadron were known thereafter as the Dambusters. Gibson VC by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1226
Lancasters of 61 Squadron head out for the enemy coast during the night of 3rd November 1943. Seen in the lead Lancaster is Flt Lt Bill Reid flying QR-O. After sustaining two heavy attacks by enemy night fighters, killing two crew members and injuring Reid in the head, shoulders and hands. He carried on to the target, dropping accurately his bomb load. Navigating back by Pole Star and Moon, he lost consciousness on occasions due to blood loss. He managed to find his way Shipdharn. Upon landing the undercarriage collapsed but luckily did not catch fire. For his exploits that night he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Lancaster VC by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1227
On 31st August 1944, 6 Mosquitoes of 305 Polish Squadron, Lasham, 2nd TAF were led by Wing Commander Orlinski to attack oil refineries at Nomexy, south of Nancy, France. Diving down and releasing their bombs before escaping at tree top height they destroyed 4 large containers and several smaller ones. All aircraft safely returned after their four and a half hour sortie. Fl Lt Eric Atkins DFC(bar) KW(bar) and his navigator Fl Lt Majer can be seen exiting the area to reform on the other 3 Mosquitoes who have already finished their bombing run. This was Atkins 61st operation, finishing the war with 78 ops over 3 tours. Mosquito Attack by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1228
Hurricanes of 607 County of Durham Squadron diving down and attacking Heinkels over the Needles on the Isle of Wight, after a raid on the southern coast. 607 squadron were stationed at nearby Tangmere from the start of September 1940 and saw continuous action throughout the Battle of Britain until the 16th October, when it withdrew to Scotland having raised its total victory to 102. Also aiding in the pursuit are Spitfires of 602 City of Glasgow Squadron based at Westhampnett. Hurricanes Over the Needles by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1229
High above the trenches in April 1918, 74 Squadron engage the famed JG 1 led by the renowned ace baron von Richthofen in his distinctive bright red DR 1. Edward Mick mannock flying a SE5.a diving down top engage another Fokker Dr1 as the red baron flies past momentarily catching each others eyes. The new CO of 74 squadron, major Grid Caldwell MC (bar) New Zealands top ace can be seen above entering the dog fight. But it would be Mannock who would go on to great fame. with 61 confirmed victories and to win the VC, DSO (bar) and MC (bar) After 74 squadron he replaced Billy Bishop of CO 85 Squadron on the 3rd July 1918, scoring 46 victories in the Se5.a He was killed by ground fire near Lestram, France on the 26th July 1918. his Victoria Cross being gazetted on the 18th July 1919. The red baron CO of the Richthofens Flying circus didnt survive the month, also killed by ground fire on the 24th April, he was buried by the Allies with full military honours. Dawn Dog Fight, Mick Mount VC by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1296
DHM1297. Hampden Roar, tribute to the men of the Hampdens by Graeme Lothian. Hampden Roar, tribute to the men of the Hampdens by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1297
Outward bound, Stirling III of 199 Squadron based at Lakenheath, Suffolk, heads out on another night of operations in August 1943. EE953, Sqd letters EX - E of 100 group is piloted by F/L Tom Austin DFC who finished his tour by the end of October 1944, winning the DFC with his bomb aimer F/O Jack Lawrence. Nicknamed the Queen of the Skies, the Stirling was the 1st four engined bomber to enter service with the RAF in 1941. The cockpit stood a massive 22.5 feet from the ground and had an operational ceiling of only 12,000 feet, well within the range of the enemy AA guns. By September 1944 other bombers were taking the brunt of the attack to the Germans and the Stirlings were used mainly for glider towing especially for D-day and Arnhem. Tribute to the Crews of the Stirling by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1326
The Disbandment Parade, Rheindahlen, 20th April 1993. Royal Air Force Germany by David Rowlands. Click For Details DHM1337
The Vulcan B2 of 50 Squadron heads to Ascension Island from its base at Waddington, where it had been completely overhauled, including the fitting of a refuelling probe, which had to be found from various stores at Catterick, Goosebay in Labrador, Canada, and Wright-Patterson Airfield in Ohio, USA. The Vulcan would take part in the seven planned bombing missions during the Falklands campaign codenamed Operation Black Buck. Each mission would require a solo Vulcan Bomber (plus an airborne reserve Vulcan in case of problems with the first) to fly and bomb the Argentinean airfield at Port Stanley, requiring the support of 12 Handley Page Victor K2 tankers of 55 and 57 squadron on the outward journey and 2 Victors and a Nimrod on the return journey. Vulcan B.2, 50 Sqn, Waddington by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1338
Swordfish of 825 Sqn led by Lt-Cdr Esmonde begin their heroic attack on the battlescruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as they make their way up the English Channel from Brest during Operation Cerberus on 12th February 1942. Although all the aircraft were lost and no significant damage was done to the German fleet, all the pilots were decorated for their bravery and Lt-Cdr Esmonde received the first Fleet Air Arm VC to be awarded, albeit posthumously. Attack on the Scharnhorst by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1349
Two Hawker Furies of No.1 Sqm, based at Tangmere in 1937. Cloud Dancers by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1357
The night of the 16th May 1943 saw 19 modified Lancasters of the specially formed 617 squadron set out to breach the Ennepe, Eder, Mohne and Sorpe dams in Westphalia, Germany. The mission was led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson. The Dambusters by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1419
Handley Page 0/400s are attacked by German Albatross fighters as they return home from a raid during 1918. Difficult Journey Home by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1429
<b>SOLD OUT. The Night Awaits by Keith Woodcock. Click For Details DHM1446
Douglas C47 Dakotas fly into the landing and drop zone at Renkum Heath, September 17th 1944. Arnhem - September 17th 1944 by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1454
On the night of 16/17th May 1943,under a full moon, 19 specially modified Lancaster bombers from 617 Squadron carried out one of the most daring and effective air raids of the Second World War. Led by wing commander Guy Gibson the 19 aircraft took off and headed for Germany at extreme low level.. Their mission, code named Operation Chastise, was to destroy the Ruhr dams which supplied water and electricity to the industrial heart of Reich. Each aircraft carried the ingenious Upkeep mine, developed by the engineer Barnes Wallis. Shaped like a large oil drum, the bomb was spun prior to release at exactly 60ft above the water and 150 yards from the dam wall. This caused the weapon to bounce across water and on impact would also make it stay close to the wall of the dam as it sank. The bomb, technically a mine, was fitted with a hydrostatic fuse similar to a depth charge causing detonation at the required depth.The correct height above the water was achieved by aligning the beams of two spotlights to meet on the surface of the water. Delivering such a weapon on target at night at such low altitude and under enemy fire was thought by many to be impossible. The nineteen pilots,some as young as eighteen had been hand picked by Gibson only two months before and formed into 617 squadron whose first mission was to remain top secret and unknown to them up until the last moment. The Mohne Dam was attacked first and several attempts were made under heavy fire with one lancaster being shot down as it flew over the target.Guy Gibson then attempted to draw fire away from the attacking aircraft by switching on his navigation lights and flying to one side of Mick Martins aircraft ,the scene depicted in Simon Smiths painting.Just as another aircraft was about to go in,excited shouts came over the intercom - its gone! The main target achieved, Gibson led the remaining aircraft on to the Eder Dam deep amongst the mountains of the Eder valley. Here, although no flak defenses, the terrain made the approach extremely hazardous. Two bombs were released yet still the target remained unbreached leaving only one last aircraft ,that of Les Knights to attack. A steep descent from a thousand feet then a dive over a spit of land left very little time to line up and release the bomb.Worse still there was a huge mountain on the far side of the dam! Added to this Edward Johnson the bomb aimer recalled that the spinning bomb had an alarming gyroscopic effect on the handling of the aircraft,so it was with superb flying and teamwork that their bomb struck and finally destroyed the massive stonework of the Eder Dam. Gibsons leadership and bravery led to the award of the VC and many other decorations were bestowed upon the other crews.The squadron however paid a heavy price with 8 lancasters being lost. The Dambusters by Simon Smith. Click For Details DHM1460
Two 85 squadron Hurricanes returning to base after a battle over the skies of southern England in the summer of 1940. Return From Combat by Simon Smith. Click For Details DHM1462
Two Me109s of Adolf Gallands famed JG26 breaking away after a head on attack against Johnnies Johnsons Spitfire formation. Combat over the Pas de Calais by Simon Smith. Click For Details DHM1465
RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe. The Shining Sword by Simon Smith. Click For Details DHM1466
The Hawker Horsley was the last wooden aircraft to be constructed by Hawker. It was designed initially in 1923 but modified in 1925 to meet the need for torpedoes. In January 1927, No.11 Squadron were equipped with Horsleys and then No.100 Squadron. In 1928, No.33 and No.15 Squadron were also equipped with Horsleys. The first torpedo bomber versions were used by No.36 squadron from June 1928, being sent to Singapore shortly thereafter. No Horsleys were built after February 1934. Hawker Horsley by Michael Turner. Click For Details DHM1467
Fairey IIIDs served from 1924 to 1930. It could be used either as a seaplane or landplane, and was employed as both. It mainly served in the Middle East and home waters, but was used for a great number of roles throughout its service. In all, 227 Fairey IIIDs were built. Fairey IIID by Michael Turner. Click For Details DHM1468
The De Havilland 2 was designed in 1915, and first used by No.24 squadron RFC and used by three RFC Squadrons in France until June 1917. A Victoria Cross was won in a De Havilland 2 by Major Lionel Rees, commanding officer of 32 Squadron. D.H.2 versus Fokker by Michael Turner. Click For Details DHM1469
Hawker Harts were first used in 1930 by No.33 Squadron at Eastchurch. Many of these aircraft were used overseas in India, the Middle East and South Africa, some still operating well into World War Two. However, in Britain, most were being replaced by 1936, having been used by a total of 20 RAF and AAF Squadrons. A total of 1042 of this aircraft were built. Hawker Harts by Michael Turner. Click For Details DHM1470
June 1940, Gloster Sea Gladiators. Maltas airborne defence flying over the Grand harbour. Faith, Hope and Charity by Kenneth McDonough. Click For Details DHM1471
July 1940 Hurricanes from 32 squadron RAF southbound over Kent to protect their home base, Biggin Hill. Battle for Biggin by Kenneth McDonough. Click For Details DHM1472
The workhorse of forces around the globe, the mighty Hercules could be called todays universal soldier. Whether supplying troops in desert and jungle or dropping air to starving nations, Fat Albert has been a true unsung hero. Herculean Effort by Robert Tomlin. Click For Details DHM1474
Guy Gibson in his specially modified Avro Lancaster, makes his first run over the Mohne Dam to create a legend that will live forever. Gibson by Robert Tomlin. Click For Details DHM1475
Standing his aircraft at the height of just 60 feet above the waters of the Mohne, Flt Lt Maltby braves a hail of anti-aircraft fire just seconds before the release of the bouncing bomb that would at last breach the dam on that historic night of the 16th/17th May 1943. Third Time Lucky by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1482
Guy Gibsons Lancaster having unsuccessfully dropped its bomb, draws enemy fire from the aircraft of Sqn Ldr Young as his bomb explodes spectacularly on the Mohne Dam during the audacious Dams Raids of 16th/17th May 1943. Operation Chastise - The Night They Broke the Dams by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1483
Chinook helicopters based at RAF Odiham approach the landing site on the Al Faw peninsula, Iraq on the night of 20th March 2003 to insert Royal Marines to secure the oil terminal. Operation HOUGHTON, as it was known, was part of the early stages of Operation TELIC, the campaign to rid the country of Saddam Hussein. The strength of the enemy ground forces was unknown. The formation of 5 aircraft inserted 200 Royal Marines in 3 waves in 2 minutes and was led by Squadron Leader Steve Carr flying Bravo November, the same aircraft that was so successful during the Falklands War in 1982. For leading the assault Squadron Leader Carr was awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Chinooks Approaching the Al Faw Peninsula, Iraq by David Rowlands. Click For Details DHM1485
Sopwith Camels of 45 Sqn, Istrana, are shown on an early patrol on a crisp morning in the Winter of 1917-18. B6238 was an aircraft shared by Lts E McN Hand and H M Moody, whilst B6354 was the mount of Lt J C B Firth. A Hand of Aces by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1509
Spitfire of 19 Squadron shown over southern England in 1940. Spitfire Country by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1550
This sortie was for the sole purpose of saving lives. The objective was to initiate a breakout of more than 700 French resistance workers from Amiens prison, many of whom were on their eve of execution by their Gestapo jailers. The De Havilland Mosquito FB Mk V1s of 464 and 487 Squadron of No 140 wing were to breach the outer walls and destroy certain key buildings within the compound. Absolute pin point precision was vital to reduce casualties amongst the French patriots. Three formations of six aircraft were formed, each crewed by the most experienced members of these squadrons. Low level runs at only fifteen feet were required to maintain bombing accuracy. The raid was the responsibility of Group Captain Percy Charles Pickard, DSO, DFC. The navigational plot was in the hands of Pickards inseparable friend and navigator, Flight Lieutenant J A Bill Broadley. The operation took place on the 18th Februrary 1944 in terrible weather, with heavy snow falling, sweeping in gusts and almost obscuring the runway. The first run took place along the Albert to Amiens road which can be seen in the foreground of the painting. Led by Wing Commander I S Black, the aircraft were flying so low they had to be flown at an angle to miss the trees lining the road. Bombs were placed with pin point accuracy, breaching the walls in places and setting fire to the main building. The second attack at right angles to the first across barren open fields was led by Wing Commander R W Bob Iredale followed by the Australians of 464 Squadron. The target being the second phase demolition of the guards annex. The painting shows Iredale in the foreground with his navigator Flt. Lt. McCaul, followed closely by Sqn Ldr Sugden and navigator Fg Off Bridger. In the background, comimg up rapidly at a height of fifteen feet is Fg Off Mongham, DFM and his navigator Fg Off Dean DFM. These two attacks were so successful, that streams of prisoners managed to escape. Further bombing runs were deemed unnecessary and 21 Squadron returned to base. Liberation from Amiens by Tim Fisher. Click For Details DHM1552
144 Wing RCAF, Normandy, 1944. Wing Commander Johnnie Johnson DSO**, DFC* by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1553
Albert Ball in his Nieuport 17 having just shot down a German LVG. His aircraft, A134, was distinctive in having a bright red spinner. He was the first Royal Flying Corps pilot to score a hat-trick (3 kills on a single mission) and, in the course of his career, scored another two on his way to his outstanding 44 victories. Albert Ball by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1557
Ground crew performing routine maintenance on a Sunderland on the slipway at Pembroke. Fat Alberts Day Off by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1558
Lieutenant Leefe-Robinsons BE2C, converted to single-seater night-fighter configuration, destroying the German SL11 over Hertfordshire on the night of 2/3 September, 1916. Robinson attacked the SL11 from below, raking it with incendiary fire, before turning and diving past the airship for another attack. As he did so, the airship exploded into flames and crashed into a field near Cuffley, killing all sixteen crew. For this action, Leefe-Robinson was awarded the VC. William Leefe-Robinson by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1559
Major Lanoe G Hawkers Bristol Scout C 1611, the No 6 Sqn aircraft in which he shot down two enemy planes on 25th July, 1915, and sufficiently damaged a third enemy aircraft to force it to the ground. He is shown here in combat with an Albatross C.III - soon to fall as one of his victims that day. Lanoe G Hawker earned the first aerial Victoria Cross (VC) of the war for this action, but was killed in November 1916, after a lengthy battle with the infamous Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, becoming his 11th victim. Lanoe G Hawker by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1567
On Christmas Day at 0745 hours, Maj.Barker and Lt Steve Hudson of No.28 Squadron, staged an unauthorized raid on the German aerodrome at San Fior, even dropping a holiday greeting - To the Austrian Flying Corps, with Christmas greetings from the RFC, along with liberal machine gun fire and twenty-pound Cooper bombs. Christmas Greetings from the RFC, North Italy, 25th December 1917 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1569
SE5As of B Flight, 56 Sqn led by James McCudden in the aircraft numbered B519, on patrol over the Western Front in 1917. James McCudden by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1572
Flying Sopwith Snipe E8102 on 27th October 1918, Major William Barker encountered a flight of fifteen Fokker D.VIIs and decided to take them on single handed. Having downed one enemy aircraft, Barker was wounded in his left thigh and momentarily fainted. Coming to, he found another D.VII ahead of him and immediately resumed the battle. Another bullet now tore into his right leg and another shattered his left elbow. Despite his terrible injuries, Barker shot down three D.VIIs and drove the others off before crash landing his bullet-riddled Snipe in friendly territory. He survived the crash and was awarded the VC for his gallantry on this epic flight. Major William Barker VC, DSO - Nearly an Ace in a Day by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1574
Aircraft of the UKs Special Forces flight perform an ALARP exercise on an MoD range at Pendine Sands, Wales. The Air Land Refuel Points (ALARP) can be located on improvised airfields or beaches and normally operate at night with the aid of Night Vision Goggles. The aircraft portrayed are a 47 Sqn Hercules refuelling a 7 Sqn Chinook and a 657 Sqn AAC Lynx. Special Forces personnel provide armed cover. Teamwork by Stuart Brown. Click For Details DHM1580
Raymond Collishaw is shown heading B-Flight of No.10 Naval Squadron in 1917, comprised of five Sopwith Triplanes that became known as the Black Flight – all flown with great success by Canadian pilots. Collishaws aircraft was named Black Maria, Reids was Black Roger and Sharmans was Black Death, while Nash and Alexander flew Black Sheep and Black Prince respectively. Collishaws personal tally at the end of the war was 60 victories. Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond Collishaw by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1582
The Bristol F.2b (or Bristol Fighter, as it was more popularly known) first entered service with the RFC in March 1917 and quickly established itself as a useful and reliable fighting machine in the capable hands of the crews who quickly exploited its many attributes. The teamwork between pilot and gunner / observer yielded many success stories, both in the roles of air combat and ground attack. Here, Captain W E Staton has a stab at a Fokker DR.1 during an intense battle in April 1918 in the skies above France, whilst his pilot, Lieutenant John R Gordon keeps their 62 Squadron machine out of harms way. The combination of Gordon and Staton scored a total of 9 confirmed victories, 1 shared destroyed and 5 out of control. Deadly Partnership - Captain W E Staton and Lieutenant John R Gordon, Bristol F.2b by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1596
The vulnerability of early air gunners is evident in this painting as this Royal Aircraft Establishment FE 2 comes under attack from a Fokker E.III early in World War 1. Archaic in appearance, compared to their German rivals, the FE2 was nevertheless heavily armed with three Lewis guns arranged to cover almost every angle, one of them fixed in a forward firing position for the pilot to operate. Tribute to the Air Gunners - Royal Aircraft Establishment FE2 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1599
A Lysander prepares to leave its base on yet another dangerous and secret mission to drop agents into occupied France during WWII. Agents and Pilots alike, took great personal risk during these operations. Pilots having to navigate by map, timing and sight, find and land in fields in the dead of night. Agents having to slip away into the countryside, constantly aware that the enemy could discover them at any moment. They were the bravest of the brave. Only the Brave by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1602
A 101 Squadron Lancaster returns home after yet another highly dangerous but vitally important mission over occupied Europe. The Squadron was involved in Special Duties ops usually carrying an extra, German speaking operator to transmit messages designed to confuse enemy fighters trying to intercept bomber formations. During the D-Day landings and beyond, Bomber Command was tasked with daylight and night missions to help clear the way for land forces. The bombers were usually given fighter escort, in this instance Spitfires, to and from these sorties. Moral Support by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1603
Undoubtedly one of the truly great Aces of the First World War, William Billy Bishop became celebrated for his technique of actively seeking out the enemy and bringing the fight to him, rather than the more usual practice of patrolling in search of enemy activity. An example of this was his single-handed attack on a German airfield in June 1917 when he destroyed not only a number of aircraft on the ground, but then successfully despatched another seven Albatross scouts that took off to engage him. For this action, he was awarded the Victoria Cross in August 1917 and his final tally when the war ended was 72 confirmed victories. He is depicted here in his Nieuport Scout B1566 in combat with a Pfalz D.III. Captain William Billy Bishop by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1608
RAF Mosquitos attack a German supply train. Mosquito Bite by Geoff Lea. (P) Click For Details DHM1610
The Battle of Britain commenced at the beginning of June 1940, and for the next two and a half gruelling months the young men of Royal Air Force Fighter Command, duelled with the cream of Goerings Luftwaffe over the skies of southern England. It was to become the greatest aerial conflict in aviation history. Always outnumberd, the valiant young pilots fought with a determined fierceness and intensity, and never once did their spirit waiver. By the end of September the battle was won, but many had made the ultimate sacrifice. Those Valiant Few by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM1611
Lancasters - B1 R5689 VN-N 50th Squadron RAF leads a gaggle of Lancs as they gain altitude to form up over the English coast. Forming Up by Randall Wilson. (GL) Click For Details DHM1618
With its sleek, graceful design, instantly recognisable by its thin, aerodynamically advanced elliptical wings, the Supermarine Spitfire was the creation of R. J. Mitchell, an aeronautical creative genius. His fighter was to become not only the most important Allied aircraft of World War II, but the most famous British fighter in history. Mitchells design for the Spitfire was so fine that everyone who ever saw it, flew it, or fought in it was captivated for eternity. When American Eagle Squadron ace Jim Goodson transferred from Spitfires to fly his 4th Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolt, he said it was like moving from a sports car to a truck. I fell in love with her the moment I was introduced. I was captivated by her sheer beauty; she was slimly built with a beautifully proportioned body and graceful curves just where they sohuld be; so said Lord Balfour, Britains under Secreatry of State for War in 1938, not of his wife but of the Spitfire. A sentiment echoed by generations of aviators and enthusiasts ever since. In the hands of an experienced pilot it was nearly invincible, and even legendary Luftwaffe leader Adolf Galland, when asked by Goering what he needed to overcome the RAF, replied: Give me a squadron of Spitfires!. Gerald Coulsons majestic painting captures a pair of Spitfire Mk1s at dawn high above the clouds over southern England in late 1940. An iconic tribute from the artist to the greatest fighter aircraft of all time. Dawn Sortie by Gerald Coulson. Click For Details DHM1624
Spitfires pass above a downed Me110 as they return to base at Biggin Hill in September 1940, the most intense and crucial phase of the Battle of Britain. September Victory by Nicolas Trudgian. (B) Click For Details DHM1628
During the night of May 16/17, 1943, 19 Lancasters of the newly formed 617 Squadron carried out daring raids against four dams in the Ruhr. The Primary target was the Mohne dam. Here we see Flt Lt Maltby and crew in AJ-J flying clear of the Mohne before their Upkeep mine exploded against and breached the dam. Operation Chastise became a legend in the annals of the RAF and military history. Operation Chastise - The Dambusters by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1634
Wing Commander Guy Gibson and crew have just released their Upkeep mine against their primary target The Mohne dam. Wg. Cdr. Gibson went on to receive the Victoria Cross after leading 19 Lancasters on this historic mission to the Ruhr dams. Operation Chastise gave the nation a great boost in confidence during 1943 and honoured the brave men of 617 Squadron who carried out this dangerous mission. Every Second Counts - The Dambusters by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1635
The Falklands conflict led to the Vulcan being used for the first time in anger in 25 years of RAF service; 44, 50 and 101 Sqdn. aircraft were involved in Operation Corporate with five crews selected, two from 50 Sqdn., one each from 44 Sqdn. and 101 Sqdn., plus others from the disbanded 9 Sqdn. This beautiful painting portrays the mighty XM607 at altitude during the work up period prior to active operations. During the Falklands War XM607, piloted by Martin Withers, flew there and back from Ascension Island non-stop, covering a staggering 7,500 miles; the flight lasted 15 hours 45 minutes – at the time, the longest combat flight in history. The Vulcan was refuelled by Victor tankers five times on the outward journey and once on the return journey. Corporate Prelude by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1636
Despite having sight in just one eye, Major Edward Mick Mannock was to become one of the most decorated and celebrated aces of World War 1, bringing down an official 61 enemy aircraft in just eighteen months before himself being brought down in flames by enemy ground fire. He was reluctant to add shared kills to his tally, so his actual total of victories is recorded at 73. His decorations include the VC, DSO and 2 Bars, MC and Bar and he is depicted here diving on enemy aircraft in SE5a D278 of 74 Sqn in April, 1918. Major Edward Mannock by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1638
In the dark days of 1940 following Dunkirk, a seemingly defenceless Britain stood starkly alone in Europe, facing the might of an all-conquering Nazi Germany. Protected only by the narrow waters of the English Channel, it was left to a tiny band of young RAF fighter pilots to stem the Luftwaffes onslaught as the country braced itself for invasion. Across the Atlantic, America followed the savage encounters of the Battle of Britain, knowing that soon it too would become involved in the war. Unable to wait, a small band of Americans decided their time had come; some 240 young US pilots, motivated to fight for the cause of freedom, made their way to England to fly with the RAF, and later the USAAF; many paid the ultimate price, more than a third never returning home. By September 1940 these carefree young flyers were united into a re-formed 71 Squadron, the first of three Eagle Squadrons, and the first to go into action, followed shortly after by 121 and 133 squadrons. Showing the same steely determination that had carried their British comrades through the Battle of Britain, they were quickly embraced into the fold of the RAF, their ferocious reputation in combat endearing them to the British people. The legend of the American Eagles was born. Robert Taylors tribute to the young American volunteer pilots who joined the RAF to fight for freedom at the time when Britain stood alone against the Nazi domination in Europe. Robert Taylors painting features Spitfire Vbs of 71 Squadron RAF as they return to their base at North Weald, September 1941, the young American pilots perhaps taking a brief moment to marvel at the myriad colours of the late evening sun – welcome relief from the perils of recent air combat with the Luftwaffe high above the English Channel. Eagle Force by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM1639
The Jaguar served with the Royal Air Force from 1974 to 2007 as a strike / attack and reconnaissance fighter bomber, equipping eight squadrons in Germany and the UK during the Cold War, and in the Balkans conflict. Now at the end of its RAF career, it will be remembered as a rugged and reliable aircraft, capable of finding and putting bombs on a target in bad weather with unprecedented accuracy. The painting portrays a favourite haunt of Jaguar pilots: the west coast of Scotland near Torridon looking towards the Isle of Skye and Kyle of Lochalsh, an area where military pilots enjoy some of the most challenging flying in the world. Jaguar Sunset by Michael Rondot. Click For Details DHM1641
The Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8 (Reconnaissance Experimental 8), or Harry Tate as its crews affectionately called it, was used throughout the Great War to good effect, but was something of an anachronism when pitted against the more modern machines of the Jastas. However, Lieutenants Rothes Pithey and Rhodes scored a credible 10 victories together, sending down three Pfalz D.IIIs on a single mission on 7th June 1918 flying F6097. Lieutenant Croye Rothes Pithey and Lieutenant Hervey Rhodes, RE.8 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1650
A veteran of over 150 missions flying the DH.4, Captain Euan Dickson was credited with an impressive 14 victories during his service with both the RNAS and RAF. After the war, Dickson returned to New Zealand where he continued to fly, pioneering mail routes and becoming the first man to fly across Cook Strait in 1920. His 205 Squadron DH.4 is shown here as Observer / Gunner V Robinson rakes an attacking Pfalz D.III on 3rd May, 1918, sending it spiraling to the ground out of control. Captain Euan Dickson and AGL V Robinson, DH.4 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1651
The Sopwith Camel was with the mainstay of the Royal Flying Corps. It is shown here downing an Albatros over the Western Front. Sopwith Camel by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM1654
Flying at altitudes as low as fifty feet, Lancasters of 617 Squadron follow the Dutch canals en-route to Germany - their target, the mighty Dams of the Ruhr - on the night of 16th / 17th May 1943. At such low level the pilots of many of the specially modified Lancasters found their flying skills tested to the extreme as they were forced to take violent evasive actions when they encountered flak, large electricity pylons and tall trees, but several of the gunners in the crews still managed to shoot up and damage a number of trains on the way. En-Route by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM1655
Immediately following their devastating attack on the Mohne Dam, the specially modified Lancasters of 617 Squadron successfully breach the second of Germanys mighty western dams - the Eder, on the night of 16th / 17th May 1943. After hitting the target with pinpoint precision, pilot Les Knight and Flight Engineer Ray Grayston battle with the controls of Lancaster AJ-N in order to clear the high ground beyond the dam as a torrent of water erupts into the valley below them; the wall of the Eder Dam is rent apart and collapses. Dambusters by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM1656
The highest scoring Sopwith Camel ace of World War 1, Donald MacLaren was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1893. Joining the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 as a trainee pilot, it was only the following March that he claimed his first victory, a Hannover C-Type whilst posted to 46 Squadron. His kill rate was quite formidable for, in this the final year of the war, he was to claim no fewer than 54 confirmed victories. Indeed, in the period from 15th September to 2nd October, he claimed eight Fokker D.VIIs – a remarkable feat against Germanys most potent fighter. He is pictured here attacking a D.VII in Camel F2137 U of 46 Sqn. MacLaren survived the war and died in 1989. Donald MacLaren by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1661
The Straits of Dover, 12th February 1942. Sub Lieutenant Edgar Lee helps his badly wounded pilot, Sub Lieutenant Brian Rose from the cockpit of their downed Swordfish, before it sinks into the depths of the English Channel following their brave attack on the mighty German fleet. Six Royal Navy Swordfish aircraft manned by 18 aircrew attacked the German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen, with their accompanying flotilla of destroyers and motor torpedo boats and top cover provided by deadly fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe. But only five Swordfish crew survived. Channel Dash Heroes by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1669
The Short Stirling was the RAFs first four-engined bomber to enter service and it served throughout WWII in many roles including bomber, minelayer, troop carrier and glider-tug. The lack of power produced by its engines severely limited the loads carried by Stirlings. On long-range trips such as Italy, even with a greatly reduced bomb load the aircraft could barely clear the Alps. Despite very large losses due to its operational limitations, those that flew this big, agile aircraft, came to respect and look upon it with it with affection. The Night Shift by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1670
Salisbury Cathedral is famous for its elegance and having the highest spire in England: 404ft high. During 1940, 609 Squadron Spitfires were based near-by at Middle Wallop, from where they fought the Battle of Britain and joined the first cross channel operations against occupied Europe. The airfield was attacked several times during the Battle of Britain, causing casualties and a number of aircraft were destroyed. From Dawn to Dusk by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1671
A sketch of one of the most famous WW1 Aces, Albert Ball. Initial drawing for a forthcoming major oil painting. £550. Albert Ball by Darren Baker. (P) Click For Details DHM1676
Having spotted smoke on the horizon, Vice-Admiral Sir David Beatty ordered that a floatplane be immediately launched from HMS Engadine to investigate. Without delay, Short 184 (serial No 8359) was airborne, but had to maintain a modest altitude due to the low cloud base. Flight Lieutenant Frederick Rutland (who would forevermore be known as Rutland of Jutland) and his observer G.S. Trewin, quickly spotted the German fleet, but found their radio transmissions to be jammed and, upon encountering engine problems, were forced to return to their tender where they were able to file their report. Sadly, an increasing swell made a further flight impossible and their report failed to be relayed to the British Fleet who continued their engagement with the Germans without the benefit of aerial reconnaissance. Flight Lieutenant Rutland and Assistant Paymaster Trewin Locate the German Fleet at Jutland, 31st May, 1916 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1679
On the morning of 30th November 1917, Lieutenant Andrew McKeever, a Canadian serving with 11 Squadron RFC, together with his observer/gunner Lieutenant Leslie Powell, climbed into their Bristol F2b Fighter and took off alone; their task to fly a solo reconnaissance patrol over Cambrai, where the decisive battle involving tanks for the first time in history was raging on the ground below - it was to prove a remarkable day. As they flew over the enemys lines they encountered a pair of German two seater observer aircraft, protected by no fewer than seven enemy Albatross DV scouts. Armed with a forward firing .303 Vickers machine gun and a ring mounted Lewis gun in the back seat, McKeever skilfully manoeuvred his aircraft to engage one of the enemy scouts, and destroyed it. As he turned to get back to the Allied lines, five of the remaining enemy Albatross fighters dived on his tail, but Lt Powell rapidly downed two of them in quick succession with deadly fire from his Lewis gun. Continuing the duel with the remaining Germans, McKeever managed to destroy a further Albatross when suddenly his observers Lewis gun jammed. The pair seemed doomed, however McKeever, showing great courage and initiative, feigned disaster by rolling his aircraft over, plummeting it towards the ground. Fooled by the manoeuvre, the German aircraft climbed away, and McKeever levelled out just twenty feet above the ground and flew back to safety. Remarkably, all of McKeevers thirty one victories were achieved at the controls of the Bristol F2b Fighter, making him the highest scoring ace with 11 Squadron, and of any pilot flying two seater aircraft during the First World War. The Biff Boys by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM1681
With a final 47 victories to his credit, Robert Alexander Little was one of the highest-scoring British aces of World War 1, beginning his career with the famous No 8 (Naval) Squadron in 1916, flying Sopwith Pup N5182, as shown here. On 21st April 1917, he was attacked and shot down by six aircraft of Jasta Boelke, Little being thrown from the cockpit of his Sopwith Camel on impact with the ground. As the German aircraft swooped in to rake the wreckage with machine gun fire, Little pulled his Webley from its holster and began returning fire before being assisted by British infantry with their Lewis guns. Such was the character of this great pilot who finally met his death whilst attacking Gotha bombers on the night of 27th May 1918. Captain Robert Little by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1683
Albert Ball was the first Royal Flying Corps pilot to score a hat-trick (3 kills on a single mission) and, in the course of his career, scored another two on his way to his outstanding 44 victories. Albert Ball VC by Darren Baker. Click For Details DHM1687
From 1915 to 1917, there existed a very real threat of a bombing campaign on mainland Britain as the giant German airships drifted silently and menacingly across the English Channel and the North Sea to deliver their deadly cargo on the towns and cities of the east coast. Countermeasures were soon put into action as powerful searchlights picked out the Zeppelins for the anti-aircraft batteries and RFC pilots to pour their unrelenting fire into the raiders, sometimes with little effect, sometimes with catastrophic results. Here, 2nd Lieutenant Brandons BE.2 climbs for position, its exhaust pipes aglow in the dark, whilst flak bursts all around the massive bulk of the L.33 as she passes over the east end of London on the night of 23 / 24th September 1916. A Zeppelin over London by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1698
The most famous raid of the second world war, the audacious Dambusters raid by Lancasters of No.617 Sqn was to wreak havoc in Germanys industrial heartland. Two dams will be destroyed on the raid - the Mohne and the Eder, flooding the valleys below and stopping production in their factories, providing an immeasurable morale boost for those back home. Here, two of the modified bombers pass windmills on the Dutch canals as they make their way to the first target, their almighty roar shattering the stillness and disturbing some of the local wildlife. As they approach Germany in the moonlight, the bombers are well on the way to make history. Well on the Way to Make History - the Dambusters by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1701
The exploits of the partnership of McKeever and Powell in their 11 Squadron Bristol F.2B made them perhaps the most celebrated of all the Bristol Fighter crews, McKeever himself becoming the highest scoring exponent of this classic type with a closing tally of 31 victories. Powell was to secure a further 19 kills before both were withdrawn from front line service to Home Establishment in January 1918. Whilst on a lone patrol above enemy lines in November 1917, their aircraft (A7288) was attacked by two German two-seaters and seven Albatross scouts, four of which were sent to the ground through a combination of superb airmanship and outstanding gunnery. The remaining German aircraft continued to give chase until the F.2B was down to less than 20ft above the British trenches, at which point the Germans broke off their attack and fled. Captain Andrew McKeever and 2nd Lieutenant Leslie Powell by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1702
By British standards, the colour schemes of many Felixstowe flying boats were unusually garish during the closing months of World War 1, but there was a simple logic to this choice of livery: A downed aircraft would be easily visible in a dark sea and even when in combat with its German counterparts, it could be easily identified, both by friendly aircraft and by ships below. F.3 N4258 sported this red and white chequerboard pattern, whilst others wore stripes or zig-zags, this example being based at Felixstowe Naval Air Station in the late Summer of 1918. Felixstowe F.3 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1703
Squadron Leader H C Sawyer is depicted here flying his 65 Sqn Spitfire Mk.1a R6799 (YT-D) in the skies above Kent on 31st July 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain. Chasing him is Major Hans Trubenbach of 1 Gruppe, Lehrgeschwader 2 in his Messerschmitt Vf109E-3 (Red 12) . The encounter lasted eight minutes with both pilots surviving. High Pursuit by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1707
Two Spitfire Mk1Bs of 92 Squadron patrol the south coast from their temporary base at Ford, here passing over the Needles rocks, Isle of Wight, in the Spring of 1942. In Them We Trust by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1708
A pair of Spitfire Mk.IXs of 402 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force, based at Kenley, practise combat manoeuvres in the skies above Kent in May, 1943. Spitfire Alley by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1709
One of 6,176 Halifaxes built during World War II, NA337(2P-X) was shot down over Norway on 23rd April 1945. In 1995 it was recovered from the lake that had been its watery home for fifty years and has now been restored by the Halifax Aircraft Association in Ontario, Canada. Halifax Mk.III NA337 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1712
Halifax glider tugs of 644 Squadron, Tarrant Rushton, 1944. Halifax Tugs Towing Hamilcar Gliders by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1713
In 1947, the first of three SR.A1 experimental flying boat fighters took to the air from the Saunders Roe factory at Cowes. Powered by two Metropolitan-Vickers F2 / 4 Beryl turbojet engines, this unique and innovative machine displayed excellent performance, providing the pilot with an ejection seat and fully pressurised cockpit. Sadly, service chiefs concluded that land-based fighters were the way forward and no further examples of the SR.A1 were built. Saro SR.A1 Over the Needles by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1714
A Ministry of Supply contract issued in the mid 1950s resulted in the unique Saro SR.53 supersonic interceptor fighter, which incorporated a mixed powerplant consisting of an Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbojet mounted above a liquid-propellant De Havilland Spectre rocket motor. First flown in 1957, the aircraft displayed good characteristics, but was ultimately not put into production. Saro Sr.53 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1715
Planned as a successor to the Barracuda, the Fairey Spearfish was one of the largest and heaviest single-engined aircraft ever flown. This example, RA363, first took to the air on 23rd September 1947 but a change in naval requirements brought the project to a premature halt before being superceded by the highly successful Gannet. Fairey Spearfish by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1716
R5689 (VN-N) - a Lancaster B.1 of 50 Squadron based at Swinderby. This aircraft crash-landed in Lincolnshire while returning from a mission on 19th September 1942, after both port engines failed as the aircraft was preparing to land. The aircraft never flew again. The crew on the final mission were : <br>Sgt E J Morley RAAF,<br>P/O G W M Harrison,<br>Sgt H Male,<br>Sgt S C Garrett,<br>Sgt J W Dalby,<br>Sgt J Fraser<br>and<br>Sgt J R Gibbons RCAF, the sole member of the crew killed in the crash. Avro Lancaster B.1 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1719
Pushing the concept of the Spitfire almost to the limit, the sleek F Mk212 represented the ultimate in fighter design at the end of the Second World War. Powered by the mighty Griffon 61 engine driving a five blade propeller, its armament consisted of four 20mm British Hispano Cannon, two in each wing. This example is LA200 (DL-E) of 91 Sqn in 1945. Spitfire F Mk21 by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1720
A pair of Spitfire Mk.IXEs of 611 Squadron make their way home from a patrol during the summer of 1942. At this time 611 Squadron were based at Kenley and were the first squadron to receive the new Mk.IX putting it on equal terms, for the first time, with the formidable Focke-Wulf 190. Spitfire Mk.IXE by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1721
Under the watchful eye of his more experienced tutor a trainee pilot gets his first taste of the Spitfire Mk.IIa, airborne from Tangmere early in 1941. the nearest aircraft is P7856 (YT-C) which enjoyed a long career, surviving until 1945. The Fledgling by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1722
A pair of 29 Squadron Lightning F.Mk3s tuck their gear up and head skyward from the Wattisham tarmac in the summer of 1972. QRA Scramble by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1723
High in its element, a lone BAE Lightning F.6 glints in the evening sunshine as it returns from a sortie over the North Sea in the late 1970s. The Sentinel by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1725
For so large a machine, production of the Handley Page 0/400 was considerable with over 400 examples being delivered by the time of the Armistice in 1918. Its first missions were carried out during April of that year, operating both during daylight and by night. Here, three machines are being readied for a sortie. As final checks are completed on the nearest aircraft, some last minute engine maintenance is being carried out on a similar machine in the middle distance. The furthest example is being towed, with its vast wings folded, to the dispersal. Handley Page 0/400s by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1728
The potential value of aircraft at sea had been proven as early as the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and many experiments were undertaken to provide all significant warships with their own aircraft for spotting and reconnaissance purposes. One solution widely adopted was the fitting of flying-off platforms to the main guns, as demonstrated here, as a Sopwith 1½ strutter is launched from HMS Warspite in 1919. Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1737
Passing low over Norwich Cathedral on this wintry evening, Pathfinder Mosquitoes begin to transit east from their bases on yet another dangerous night-time mission over enemy territory. They will take the lead on this bombing mission and their role is to identify and mark pre-planned targets with flares, enabling the main force of Lancaster and Halifax aircraft to drop their bombs as accurately as possible. The Pathfinders were elite squadrons in RAF Bomber Command. Like all aircrew, these brave men took the fight to the enemy night after night until victory was achieved.  Pathfinder Force by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1739
The Avro Lancaster was undoubtedly the RAFs greatest bomber of World War 2. Stemming from the unsuccessful Avro Manchester, the Lancaster carried the night bomber offensive deep into occupied Europe. Over 7,300 Lancasters were built with the last being delivered in 1946. Towards Victory by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1740
Flt. Lt. Geoff Wellum leads this flight of Spitfires from 92 Squadron in a scramble to take on the might of the German Luftwaffe during the height of the Battle of Britain. No 92 Squadron was first formed on the 1st September 1917 at London Colney and was disbanded on 7th August 1919. Following the outbreak of the Second World War 92 Squadron reformed on 10th October 1939 at RAF Tangmere and first saw action over the Dunkirk evacuation beaches. The Squadron was the first into action on September 15, 1940, now known as Battle of Britain Day. Towards the end of the Battle of Britain 92 Squadron flew from Biggin Hill. By the end of 1940 the Squadron tally stood at 127 German aircraft destroyed. Spitfire Scramble by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1741
The Hawker Hurricane, long remembered as the other fighter of the Battle of Britain. Available in large enough numbers prior to the battle, the aircraft proved to be the mainstay of the RAF and went on to record a formidable reputation as a robust machine offering its pilots a steady gun platform. In terms of victories over enemy aircraft it was the most successful of all British fighters. This particular Hurricane was the aircraft of Wg. Cdr. Tom Neil DFC* AFC AE of 249 Squadron based at North Weald December 1940. After another long day of confronting enemy aircraft, the pilot has left his trusted aircraft in the safe hands of highly respected groundcrew. Tom was one of the RAFs most successful fighter pilots, credited with 17 victories, the majority of which being claimed during the Battle of Britain. Home is the Hunter by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1742
The Sopwith Dolphin was a radical departure from previous Sopwith design philosophies, embodying a reverse-stagger on the wings, a water-cooled Hispano-Suiza engine and an unusual, but highly popular positioning of the cockpit which gave the pilot unprecedented views. One exponent of this purposeful looking machine was Canadian Major A D Carter who claimed many of his 31 victories flying the Dolphin. He is shown here sending an Albatross to the ground on 8th May 1918 whilst flying C4017. Carter was himself shot down soon after became a prisoner of war. He was killed in 1919 whilst test flying a Fokker D.VII at Shoreham, Sussex. Major Albert Carter by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1746
On the 9th September 1940, No.92 Squadron was thrown into the Battle of Britain. They had fought bravely during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and after a spell on convoy patrol, they were thrust into the desperate climax of the greatest air battle in history. Flying Spitfires from Biggin Hill, they immediately went into action attacking massive Luftwaffe bomber formations and their escorting Me109s. Southern England was under severe threat, but the impact of 92 Squadron was immediate. During the next four months, its young pilots brought down no fewer than 127 enemy aircraft. This painting by Anthony Saunders portrays Spitfires from No.92 Sqn as they successfully engage an Me109 over the harvested fields of southern England, in August 1940. The desperate action of aerial combat is beautifully captured in this compelling and accurate reconstruction of a famous fighter squadron at war. High Summer by Anthony Saunders. Click For Details DHM1750
Australian by birth and serving with the New Zealand army in the middle east at the outbreak of World War 1, Arthur Coningham joined the RFC in 1917 and was posted to 32 Squadron, flying DH.2s, as depicted here. It was in such a machine that Coningham scored the first of his 14 victories, sending down a German two seater over Ervillers. He survived the war and was made AOC Desert Air Force in 1941 before taking command of 2nd Tactical Air Force until the Second World War’s end whereupon he became Air Marshal and was awarded a knighthood. He died in January 1948. Major Arthur Coningham by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1756
On 8th October 1914, war in the air changed forever with what would become the first successful strategic bombing raid on Germany. As bad weather threatened to frustrate their mission, two little Sopwith Tabloids took off in search of the giant Zeppelin sheds at Cologne and Dusseldorf, one piloted by Squadron Commander D A Spenser Grey and the other by Flight Lieutenant Reggie Marix. Grey was beaten by poor visibility and instead chose to bomb the railway station at Cologne whilst Marix located the primary target and bombed it at once from a height of just 600ft. Almost immediately, the mighty LZ.25 that was housed inside began to burn and then blew up spectacularly, the fireball threatening to engulf Marixs Tabloid. Both Marix and Grey were awarded the Distinguished Service Order for their efforts. The age of aerial bombing had arrived. Flight Lieutenant R L G Marix by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1757
Spitfires of No.19 Squadron RAF, including Flt Sgt George Unwin (QV-H) attack a formation of He111 bombers during the Battle of Britain. Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1763
Standing just five feet two inches tall, Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor had to have his SE5a specially modified to accommodate his small stature, but the diminutive South African was a giant in the air, claiming a total of 54 victories before the end of the war, many of them observation balloons which made him one of the top balloon-busting aces of the RFC. But many aircraft fell to his guns, too, as here when on 21st August 1918 he claimed an Albatros C-Type as victory number 34 whilst flying D6856 of 84 Squadron. Captain Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1764
In the months following D-Day, Hawkers hard-hitting, snub-nosed Typhoon struck terror into the German formations in Normandy, crack Panzer units wilted under the constant hail of rockets and bombs. Several times a day the Typhoon pilots would cross the Channel to run the gauntlet of flak and ground fire, and deliver their lethal cargo. The disaster befell the German Army during the third week in August 1944. For over two months, sixteen divisions of the Germany Army had battled to contain the huge tide of the Allied armies as they swept ashore in the weeks following D-Day. Overwhelmed by the size and determination of the invasion force, the Germans fell back amidst bitter fighting, contesting every town, every village, and every hedgerow. But there was one thing they could not fight against - devastating Allied air superiority - and leading the assault were the deadly ground-attack Typhoons of the RAF. Equipped with cannons and eight lethal rockets, the Typhoons simply cut the German Panzer Divisions to shreds, the burning, blasted, and obliterated hulks of tanks and vehicles lay srewn across an ever decreasing battlefield as the Allies fought to snare their enemy within the Falaise Pocket. And ensnare them they did. The only option for the Germans was to surrender or perish. Most choose to surrender, thousands and thousands of crack troops crushed by one of the deadliest air to ground attacks in history. The Typhoons lethal weaponry is clearly visible in Richard Taylors beautiful painting Typhoons Outward Bound. As another fine summer day begins, Typhoon Mk1bs of 247 Squadron are en-route to the Normandy battlefront, the first of several missions that day. Skimming at mast-top height, the Typhoons pass over two ancient steam drifters, conscripted into the wartime role of patrolling the Channel and, should the need arise, rescuing any downed aircrew in need of help. Typhoons Outward Bound by Richard Taylor. Click For Details DHM1765
Avro Lancaster AJ-P of Flt. Lt. Martin  617 Squadron releases the bomb that successfully breaches the Mohne dam. In the foreground the electrical substation is burning from a previous attack by Flt.Lt. Hopgood. GONER 58A - Mohne Dam, Germany, 17th May 1943 by David Pentland. Click For Details DHM1776
High over London, Hurricanes of 85 Squadron engage Me109s in an intense dogfight during the heavy fighting of August 1940. Defence of the Capital by Gerald Coulson. Click For Details DHM1780
If you had the height, you controlled the battle. If you came out of the sun, the enemy could not see you. If you held your fire until you were very close, you seldom missed. These three basic rules contibuted to the prowess in aerial combat of some of the most successful fighter pilots in history and seldom were they more valuable than when outnumbered. Between July and October 1940 the brave young pilots of RAF Fighter Command were under intense pressure from the constant attacks of the Luftwaffe and the Hawker Hurricane was <i>the</i> machine of the Battle of Britain, accounting for 80 percent of Allied victories. In this painting, Hurricanes of 32 Sqn climb high into the morning sky, gaining Height and Sun in an attempt to take the advantage over the onslaught of enemy fighters - August, 1940. This image captures the surreal calmness above the clouds, belying the fury of action and ultimate sacrifices made in those crisp blue skies. Height and Sun by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM1781
If the German and Italian forces were to succeed in their campaign in North Africa something had to be done about Malta. British submarines and torpedo carrying aircraft based on the tiny Mediterranean island were wreaking havoc with Axis shipping, severely hampering their efforts to get supplies and reinforcements through. The German High Command had had enough and the order came to obliterate the island. Malta immediately came under continual day and night aerial bombardment from the combined strengths of the Luftwaffe and Italian Regia Aeronautica. So intense was the onslaught that by the end of 1942 Malta had become the most heavily bombed place on earth. Too far away for fighters to fly from Gibraltar, any reinforcements would have to be brought part way by aircraft carrier. Until Churchills order to send the latest Spitfires came in March 1942, the island had to defend itself as best as it could with what remained serviceable of the few obsolescent Hurricanes flown to the island off HMS Argus in 1940, and from Ark Royal and Victorious in 1941. Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta shows Hurricanes of 126 Squadron, based at the islands Ta Qali airfield, diving to intercept a force of Junkers JU88 bombers as they make an attack on the port at Valletta. In the foreground of this powerful reconstruction is Hurricane Z3055, which is currently undergoing restoration for the Malta Aviation Museum. A memorable collector print in support of a truly memorable passage of history. Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta was specially commissioned to help raise funds for the Merlins over Malta Appeal, which aims to bring a Spitfire and Hurricane back to the scene of their epic defence, each print has been signed by famous Malta fighter pilots, and importantly every copy sold will directly benefit the Appeal. Merlins over Malta by Gerald Coulson. Click For Details DHM1782
Arriving in France in 1917 with little or no air gunnery training behind him, Captain Arthur Harry Cobby went on to become the Australian Flying Corps highest scoring ace with 29 victories to his credit, five of them observation balloons. He is shown here in Sopwith Camel E1416 of 4 Sqn AFC (formerly 71 Sqn AFC) having downed one of his final victims, a Fokker D.VII on 4th September 1918. Cobby survived the Great War and served in the RAAF during the inter war period and World War Two, eventually leaving the service as Air Commodore CBE. He died in 1955. Captain Arthur Henry Cobby by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1783
Having successfully weaved and dodged the hail of bullets from the defensive guns of the German Zeppelin, Lieutenant Warneford climbed above the giant airship and prepared for a run along the full length of the LZ.37 in the hope that his 20lb bombs would turn it into an inferno and bring it down. Warneford had time to release all six of his bombs, the last of which set off a chain of eruptions that resulted in the Zeppelin breaking its back before plunging to earth in a fireball. So violent was the initial explosion that Warnefords tiny Morane Saulnier Type L was flipped over and thrust 200ft into the air above the disintegrating leviathan. Warneford survived this historic interception, whilst the LZ.37 plunged to the ground near Ghent and was completely destroyed. This was the first time that a Zeppelin had been brought down by an aircraft for which gallant action, Warneford was awarded the Victoria Cross. Special mention should be made of the roundels on the Type L, where the original French examples were not overpainted to British colours on the wings, unlike those on the fuselage sides. Lieutenant Reginald Warneford by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1786
At 3.30am on the 23rd June 1945, a Dakota of 357 (special duties) Squadron took off from Mingaladon airfield nr. Rangoon , to travel the 600 miles, 300 of them behind enemy lines, to rescue a downed American Liberator crew deep in the jungles of Siam .  The Dakota was flown by pilot Fl Lt. Larry Lewis, who already held the DFM awarded to him for 33 ops as a rear gunner on Wellingtons in 1941. Two crews had already failed when Lewis was asked to attempt this hazardous mission. Flying between 5,000 - 6,000ft he flew over The Hump, a ridge of mountains running down the spine of Burma . Local villagers had cleared a rough airstrip 800yds long with Lewis finding it by the time dawn broke. With monsoon clouds gathering, the Liberator crew aboard and the Dakota sinking in the wet ground, he managed, just, to get airborne. Flying at zero feet and looking out for Japanese Zero fighters Lewis took a different course back. Although being fired on from the ground they managed to make it all the way to the airfield at Dum Dum nr. Calcutta , India . Lewis was awarded an immediate DFC. By the end of the war he had completed 63 ops, held the rank of Squadron Leader with his service from 1938-1945, and was awarded the Air Efficiency Medal. Larry Lewis DFC by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1793
P-40 Kittyhawks of No.112 Squadron, Medenine, April 1943. Aircraft GA-V (ground, nearest on right) is Kittyhawk Mk.III, FR440, which was later lost when damaged beyond repair after a belly landing. Kittyhawks of No.112 Squadron by Graeme Lothian. Click For Details DHM1799
With 39 confirmed victories to his credit, Major John Gilmour is also recognised as the joint highest scoring pilot on the Martinsyde G.100 Elephant, an unusual score given the poor performance of this aircraft in one-on-one combat. He was awarded the DSO, MC and 2 Bars during the course of his flying career and in 1917 was posted to 65 Squadron as Flight Commander flying Sopwith Camels. On 1st July 1918, he downed three Fokker D.VIIs, a Pfalz and an Albatros D.V in the space of just 45 minutes. In 1918 he was promoted to the rank of major and posted to command 28 Squadron in Italy, staying with the trusty Camel, but he did not add further to his score, although his final un-confirmed total may have been as high as 44. He is depicted here claiming his second kill on 24th September 1916 when he destroyed a Fokker E.1 whilst flying Elephant No 7284. Major John Gilmour by Ivan Berryman. Click For Details DHM1807
Fighter Ace Johnnie Johnson leads MkIX Spitfires of his No.144 Canadian Wing back to their base at Ford after a long day of operations over Normandy shortly after D-Day. The wing flew constant fighter sweeps throughout the Normandy Invasions, before relocating to France on June 15th 1944. Dawn Till Dusk by Richard Taylor. Click For Details DHM1814
Depicting Wing Commander Tom Neil about to join in the combat with German bombers over London. At the height of the Battle of Britain, the RAF stood alone facing an enemy determined in their goal of total victory. Little did they understand the mentality of the defenders strength of conviction, courage and shear bloody mindedness to protect the homeland. British and Commonwealth pilots together with others from far off lands joined the RAF in battle and after much sacrifice won the air war for all freedom loving people. Height of the Battle by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1815
Few people become a legend in their own lifetime. Douglas Bader was one such person. An exceptional pilot and leader, t the age of 21, as a young RAF officer, he had both legs amputated after he crashed his aircraft. Through sheer guts and determination he learnt not only to walk again, but also fly, subsequently becoming the RAFs most famous WW2 fighter pilot. Flying his Spitfire with the unmistakable DB markings, Wing Commander Bader with his wingman close by, heads home to Tangmere after another successful, action-packed day, taking on swarms of enemy aircraft intent on wreaking havoc over the south of England. Fleeting Moments by Philip West. Click For Details DHM1816
Silently out of the night they came. With flaps deployed, three timber and plywood Horsa gliders swept swiftly down through the night skies, rapidly closing with their objective – Pegasus Bridge over the Caen Canal. On board, with tension etched deep into their blackened faces, men from the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, part of the British 6th Airborne Division, braced themselves for landing. They, and sappers from the Royal Engineers, were about to become the first fighting force to land in France on D-Day. They were about to make history. Out of the Night - The First To Go In by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM1818
Throughout four long years of war Allied air and naval forces endeavoured to sink the German battleship Tirpitz. The mighty warship was a constant threat to Allied shipping, even while lying at anchor in her lair among the fjords of Norway. Her very presence demanded constant attention and hampered all naval decision making till she was sunk at the end of 1944. Without so much as weighing anchor, Tirpitz could disrupt the north Atlantic convoys by tying up urgently needed escort vessels in readiness in case she made a run for the open sea. Churchill was exasperated and called upon RAF Bomber Command to make a decisive bid to finish her off once and for all. On November 12, 1944 Lancasters of Number 9 and 617 Squadrons set forth towards the Norwegian fjord of Tromso where Tirpitz lay at anchor surrounded by a web of protective submarine nets. Armed with the 12,000lb Tallboy bomb devised by Barnes Wallis, the Lancaster crews arrived in clear skies overhead the fjord to see the great battleship sharply contrasted against the still deep waters some 10,000ft below. As flak from the ships heavy armament burst all around them, one by one the 31 Lancasters rolled in for the attack. In a matter of three minutes the devastating aerial bombardment was completed, and eleven minutes later, her port side ripped open, the Tirpitz capsized and sank. The Coup de Grace was complete. Sinking the Tirpitz by Nicolas Trudgian. Click For Details DHM2031
As the Allied invasion of northern France drew nearer, the entire length of southern England had seemingly become one huge army camp. While the local population went about its daily business as best it could, British and American troops massed at every point near the coast in readiness for the imminent crossing of the Channel. Though the RAF fighters of 10 Group were tasked in the Air Defense role, like all RAF squadrons that could be spared, they became involved with the softening up process, a pre-requisite of any large scale landing on enemy occupied territory. Under the leadership of Wing Commander Peter Brothers, 10 Groups Spitfire Wing based at Culmhead was heavily involved flying shipping patrols over the beachhead and Rhubarbs - low-level strikes of opportunity - disrupting enemy movements and communications.Nicolas Trudgians comprehensive painting Summer of 44 recreates with such realism a scene in southwest England just a few days before the Normandy landings in June 1944. Mark IX Spitfires of No. 126 Squadron, returning from combat over France, sweeps low over the local branch line railway station on their way back to Culmhead. Below, as the GWR Prairie tank engine pulls out of the station, American troops are assembling their equipment in readiness for the impending invasion. Adding great atmosphere to his composition, Nick has painted a classically peaceful English landscape, highlighting the unique contrast between war and peace that pervaded Britain during that summer of 44. Summer of 44 by Nicolas Trudgian. Click For Details DHM2034
Frustrated by the absence of Luftwaffe aircraft over the Normandy beaches on D-Day, Allied fighter pilots were spoiling for a fight. When a dozen Ju88s appeared over Gold Beach on the following morning, June 7, 1944, the patrolling Spitfires of 401 Squadron wasted no time in getting into the fray. At just after 0800 hours twelve Junkers Ju88s appeared out of the 2000ft. cloud base, intent on making a diving attack on the heavily populated beachhead. Wheeling their Spitfires into the on-coming attack, Squadron Leader Cameron, C.O. of 401 Squadron, called his pilots to pick their own targets, and all hell broke loose. In the ensuing dogfight 401 Squadrons Canadian pilots destroyed no fewer than six of the Ju88s, and the attack on the beach was averted. Nicolas Trudgian recreates the scene as Flying Officer Arthur Bishop, son of WWI Ace Billy Bishop, brings down one of the Ju88s that day. With its starboard engine on fire, and its hydraulics shot away, the doomed Luftwaffe fighter-bomber begins its ultimate uncontrollable roll. F/O Arthur Bishop hurtles past the stricken bomber, Nicks superb study showing every detail of his Mk IX Spitfire. Below the pockmarked landscape and beachhead is packed with detail and activity: No fewer than fifty vehicles of all description can be counted, with as many ships and landing craft offshore. Some thirty aircraft are visible in the sky. A massively comprehensive image that will keep collectors endlessly absorbed in a wholly realistic atmosphere, created by a hugely talented and highly respected aviation artist. Victory Over Gold by Nicolas Trudgian. Click For Details DHM2037
Bob Stanford-Tuck waits at dispersal in his 257 Squadron Hurricane during the Battle of Britain. Promoted to command 257 Squadron, Bob was one of the Battle of Britains leading Aces. Bob Stanford-Tuck Tribute Folio by Nicolas Trudgian. Click For Details DHM2049
The tension is electric; slowly they climb to circle the airfield while the entire squadron gets airborne. Below, the countryside reverberates with the sound of roaring Merlin engines. RAF Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron. Bomber Force by Nicolas Trudgian. Click For Details DHM2050
They came across the English Channel at wave top height, their propeller slipstreams leaving wakes on the surface of the water. Nine Dornier Do17Z bombers of 9th Staffel, KG76, detailed to attack the RAF airfield at Kenley as part of Reichsmarshal Gorings prelude to Operation Sealion - the invasion of Britain. Hitler knew that RAF Fighter Command had to be destroyed in the airand on the ground if his plans were to succeed, but the German High Command failed to take into account the resilience of the young Hurricane and Spitfire pilots, and their determination to hold this last vital line of defence. The Dorniers were spotted as they approached the English coast, and Hurricanes were scrambled to intercept. The German bombers cleared the North Downs with feet to spare and spread out into attack formation as they lined up on the hangars at Kenley. As they came in over the airfield Hurricanes of 111 Squadron came diving upon them. Suddenly all hell broke loose. Bombs rained down on to the airfield and buildings went up in flames. One Dornier was brought down and tow more, badly damaged by ground fire, were finished off by the Hurricane pilots. Now the chase was on to catch the others before they could escape back to their base in Northern France. Only one of the nine Dorniers that set out will return to base on that 18th day of August, 1940. Holding the Line - The Battle of Britain by Nicolas Trudgian. Click For Details DHM2054
Spitfires of No.71 Squadron American Eagles fly over a downed Me109 after a dogfight above northern Francce, 1941. Eagles Prey by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM2077
Taking his Hurricane off from Speke, a raiding JU88 crossed the airfield in front of Denys Gillam, who promptly shot it down. It was the fastest air victory of the war, and probably of all time. Fastest Victory by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2078
In this classic Robert Taylor painting Brian Kingcome is seen leading the Spitfires of 92 Squadron in a diving attack into a force of HEIIIs over the city of London during the height of the Battle of Britain. Brian Kingcome flew Spitfires operationally virtually without break, right throughout the war. Tally Ho by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2079
On October 12, 1940, No. 603 Squadron, reduced to only eight aircraft, took on a large formation of Me109s attacking head on. Robert Taylors vivid portrayal shows Scott-Maldens Spitfire moments after knocking down an Me109 in the encounter, both he and his wingman coming through unscathed. Head on Attack by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2080
Don Kingaby is the only pilot in the RAF to have been awarded 3 DFMs. During his first combat on August 12, 1940, he severely damaged an JU88 over the Isle of Wight and Robert Taylor captures the moment of break, with the JU88 already smoking. Don Kingaby flew a further 450 operational sorties on Spitfires. First Combat by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2081
In August 1940, Frank Carey let No 43 Squadrons A Flight into Schwarms of JU87s, escorted by Me109s. Though hopelessly outnumbered, Carey accounted for 4 JU87s before running out of ammunition. Uneven Odds by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2082
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! Cloud Companions by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM2083
Bobby Oxspring in his 66 Squadron Spitfire destroys an ME109 of JF/53 Ace of Spades Group, in a high level attack at 30,000 feet above Dover, 18th September 1940. Angels Three Zero by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2084
A flight of Kittyhawks of No. 3 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force on a strike mission over the North African Desert in January 1942, in the build-p to the Battle of Alamein. No. 3 Squadron RAAF was the first in the Desert to achieve 100 confirmed victories, and continuing in combat throughout the fighting in North Africa, became the Squadron with the highest number of air victories of the Desert Air Force Squadrons. Desert Hawks by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2086
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. Brilliantly navigated in darkness right over the target, the masterbombers aircraft, seen in the forefront of Robert Taylor 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. Target Peenemunde by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM2088
Leonard Cheshire VC is one of the most outstanding of all RAF Bomber Pilots. He devised the master bomber technique - flying low over the target marking with flares, allowing the main force to pinpoint the target in the darkness. Cheshire flew over 100 operational missions and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his supreme courage. Mosquito into Attack by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2090
An outstanding painting commemorating the intrepid 240 American air men who volunteered to fly with the R.A.F. in their early struggle against the Luftwaffe before the U.S.A. joined the war. Taylors painting vibrated with the roar of the Spitfires Merlin engines as they Scramble into action. Goodson later became a 4th Fighter Group Ace. Eagle Squadron Scramble by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2091
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. Lancaster VC by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2092
Flying an 805 Squadron Sea Fury from H.M.S. Ocean in Korean waters, 1952, Hoagy Carmichael became the first piston engine pilot to destroy a jet aircraft when he downed a North Korean MiG. Sea Fury by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2093
RAF Pathfinder founder and Commander signs print featuring the four engined Halifax bomber. Halifax Legend by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2094
During operation Ramrod 792 on April 25, 1944, leading his Spitfire wing, Johnnie Johnson had a long-running combat with an FW190. Robert Taylor shows the last moments of the duel which ended in victory for the Allied Air Forces leading fighter Ace. Ramrod by Robert Taylor Click For Details DHM2095
Piloting a Sea King helicopter of 820 Naval Air Squadron, Prince Andrew was first to lift off survivors after the Atlantic Conveyor was hit by an exocet missile. Robert Taylors fine painting depicts the Prince in the thick of the action. Sea King Rescue by Robert Taylor. Click For Details DHM2108
Mickey Mount, flying his 602 Squadron MkII Spitfire, successfully attacks a Messerschmitt Me109 low over the cliffs of Beachy Head on the south coast during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940. Spitfires and Me109s were so evenly matched at this early point in the war that the outcome of such contests were usually decided by the skill of the competing pilots. Combat Over Beachy Head by Nicolas Trudgian. Cl