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Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC

Joined the RAF with a Short Service Commission in August 1939. He joined 92 Squadron flying Spitfires in June 1940 at the time of Dunkirk. He flew throughout the Battle of Britain, later completing over 50 fighter sweeps and escorts over northern France and Belgium until August 1941. He then joined 65 Squadron as Flight Commander in March 1942 operating over northern France and flew off aircraft carrier HMS Furious on Operation Pedestal, to Malta. Geoff was a Flight Lieutenant during Operation Pedestal. He returned to the UK as a test pilot for Gloster Aircraft and finished the war as a Pilot Attack Instructor. Geoffrey was credited with three destroyed, four probables and several damaged and was awarded the DFC in July 1941.


Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished
Flying Cross

OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS SIGNATURE

Their Finest Hour by Nicolas Trudgian. (B)

DHM2682B. Their Finest Hour by Nicolas Trudgian.

Situated on the south eastern tip of Kent, RAF Hawkinge was the most forward airfield in Fighter Command. It was not surprising therefore that when Reichmarshal Goering began his fierce attacks on airfields - part of his softening up campaign in preparation for Hitlers Adler Tag (Eagle Day) - Hawkinge would be among the first in his sights. The Luftwaffe were putting up massive raids - over 1700 aircraft crossed the coast on August 16th - and RAF bases in the south-east were taking a pounding. Hawkinge, a satellite of Biggin Hill sector station, and vital to front line defences, lay right in the path of the raiding Luftwaffe hordes. When on August 12th it was bombed for the first time, its effect was only to harden the resolve of its pilots and groundstaff. MkI Spitfires of No.610 County of Chester Squadron are seen scrambling out of RAF Hawkinge in late August 1940. refuelled and re-armed, with scarlet patches covering the gunports, all serviceable aircraft roar off the grass strip and head back to the fray. With aerial battles raging all the way from 2000 to 20,000 feet, within minutes they will be back in the action. Ground crews in the foreground work frantically to get more Spitfires airworthy. In the background Hurricanes from No.32 Squadron are at readiness, and will be called into action as the primitive radar picks up the next incoming raid

Less than 7 available.

Signed by Squadron Leader Cyril Bam Bamberger (deceased), Squadron Leader Ben Bennions DFC (deceased), Wing Commander George Grumpy Unwin, DSO, DFM* (deceased), Tony Pickering AFC, Flight Lieutenant Richard L Jones, Vivian Snell (deceased), Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC, Squadron Leader Basil Stapleton DFC (deceased), Group Captain Tom Dalton Morgan DSO, DFC*, OBE (deceased), Wing Commander Ken W MacKenzie (deceased), Wing Commander Wilfred M Sizer DFC* (deceased), Wing Commander George W Swanwick, Squadron Leader Jocelyn G P Millard (deceased) and Air Commodore Paul Webb CBE DFC AE (deceased).

Limited edition of 50 publisher proofs.

Paper size 31 inches x 23 inches (78cm x 58cm)

Price : £385.00

Items Signed by Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC

 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 DetailsDHM1611
 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. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM1611AP
 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. (B)Click For DetailsDHM1611B
 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 DetailsDHM1628B
 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 DetailsDHM1741
 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. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM1741AP
 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 contributed 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 DetailsDHM1781
 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 contributed 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. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM1781AP
 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 contributed 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. (B)Click For DetailsDHM1781B
 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. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM1816AP
 Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum of 92 Squadron once again takes his trusted Spitfire into attack high over southern England.  Any moment now both he and one other Spitfire pilot will be flying into hell amongst at least a dozen Luftwaffe He111s on their way to drop their bombs on London.  Geoffrey Wellum together with other pilots of Fighter Command became One of the Few and fought with courage and determination. Tally Ho! by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM1884
 Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum of 92 Squadron once again takes his trusted Spitfire into attack high over southern England.  Any moment now both he and one other Spitfire pilot will be flying into hell amongst at least a dozen Luftwaffe He111s on their way to drop their bombs on London.  Geoffrey Wellum together with other pilots of Fighter Command became One of the Few and fought with courage and determination. Tally Ho! by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM1884AP
 On August 12th, 1940 the Luftwaffe turned their full attention to the RAF's forward fighter bases and radar stations with the intent to obliterate them once and for all.  The outcome of the Battle of Britain hung in the balance.  It was late in the afternoon of Sunday, 18 August 1940.  The previous week had seen the hardest days of fighting in the Battle of Britain as the young pilots of the RAF Fighter Command had engaged in deadly duels with the Luftwaffe.  Bystanders gazed cautiously upwards at the weaving contrails in the clear blue skies over southern England as they anxiously awaited the outcome.  For just a moment, all was at peace:  A gentle breeze floated across the airfield at RAF Hornchurch as the exhausted young pilots of 54 Squadron could rest for a few brief minutes and reflect on their own previous two encounters with the enemy that day.  The Luftwaffe had thrown everything at them in the past few days, but today had been the toughest of them all.  And then the calm was shattered by the shrill tones of the alarm, the Luftwaffe had launched another huge raid of over 300 aircraft across the Channel, and it looked like Hornchurch was the target.  Hornchurch Scramble, portrays the moment as 54 Squadron's commanding officer, Squadron Leader James Leathart, taxis out at Hornchurch to prepare for take-off.  Quickly following, the aircraft of New Zealander Colin Gray is guided out from dispersal by his ground crew.  Gray would claim 3 Bf110s in the encounter and would eventually become the top scoring New Zealand Ace of the war. Hornchurch Scramble by Robert Taylor.Click For DetailsDHM1940
 On August 12th, 1940 the Luftwaffe turned their full attention to the RAF's forward fighter bases and radar stations with the intent to obliterate them once and for all.  The outcome of the Battle of Britain hung in the balance.  It was late in the afternoon of Sunday, 18 August 1940.  The previous week had seen the hardest days of fighting in the Battle of Britain as the young pilots of the RAF Fighter Command had engaged in deadly duels with the Luftwaffe.  Bystanders gazed cautiously upwards at the weaving contrails in the clear blue skies over southern England as they anxiously awaited the outcome.  For just a moment, all was at peace:  A gentle breeze floated across the airfield at RAF Hornchurch as the exhausted young pilots of 54 Squadron could rest for a few brief minutes and reflect on their own previous two encounters with the enemy that day.  The Luftwaffe had thrown everything at them in the past few days, but today had been the toughest of them all.  And then the calm was shattered by the shrill tones of the alarm, the Luftwaffe had launched another huge raid of over 300 aircraft across the Channel, and it looked like Hornchurch was the target.  Hornchurch Scramble, portrays the moment as 54 Squadron's commanding officer, Squadron Leader James Leathart, taxis out at Hornchurch to prepare for take-off.  Quickly following, the aircraft of New Zealander Colin Gray is guided out from dispersal by his ground crew.  Gray would claim 3 Bf110s in the encounter and would eventually become the top scoring New Zealand Ace of the war. Hornchurch Scramble by Robert Taylor. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM1940AP
 On August 12th, 1940 the Luftwaffe turned their full attention to the RAF's forward fighter bases and radar stations with the intent to obliterate them once and for all.  The outcome of the Battle of Britain hung in the balance.  It was late in the afternoon of Sunday, 18 August 1940.  The previous week had seen the hardest days of fighting in the Battle of Britain as the young pilots of the RAF Fighter Command had engaged in deadly duels with the Luftwaffe.  Bystanders gazed cautiously upwards at the weaving contrails in the clear blue skies over southern England as they anxiously awaited the outcome.  For just a moment, all was at peace:  A gentle breeze floated across the airfield at RAF Hornchurch as the exhausted young pilots of 54 Squadron could rest for a few brief minutes and reflect on their own previous two encounters with the enemy that day.  The Luftwaffe had thrown everything at them in the past few days, but today had been the toughest of them all.  And then the calm was shattered by the shrill tones of the alarm, the Luftwaffe had launched another huge raid of over 300 aircraft across the Channel, and it looked like Hornchurch was the target.  Hornchurch Scramble, portrays the moment as 54 Squadron's commanding officer, Squadron Leader James Leathart, taxis out at Hornchurch to prepare for take-off.  Quickly following, the aircraft of New Zealander Colin Gray is guided out from dispersal by his ground crew.  Gray would claim 3 Bf110s in the encounter and would eventually become the top scoring New Zealand Ace of the war. Hornchurch Scramble by Robert Taylor. (B)Click For DetailsDHM1940B
 On August 12th, 1940 the Luftwaffe turned their full attention to the RAF's forward fighter bases and radar stations with the intent to obliterate them once and for all.  The outcome of the Battle of Britain hung in the balance.  It was late in the afternoon of Sunday, 18 August 1940.  The previous week had seen the hardest days of fighting in the Battle of Britain as the young pilots of the RAF Fighter Command had engaged in deadly duels with the Luftwaffe.  Bystanders gazed cautiously upwards at the weaving contrails in the clear blue skies over southern England as they anxiously awaited the outcome.  For just a moment, all was at peace:  A gentle breeze floated across the airfield at RAF Hornchurch as the exhausted young pilots of 54 Squadron could rest for a few brief minutes and reflect on their own previous two encounters with the enemy that day.  The Luftwaffe had thrown everything at them in the past few days, but today had been the toughest of them all.  And then the calm was shattered by the shrill tones of the alarm, the Luftwaffe had launched another huge raid of over 300 aircraft across the Channel, and it looked like Hornchurch was the target.  Hornchurch Scramble, portrays the moment as 54 Squadron's commanding officer, Squadron Leader James Leathart, taxis out at Hornchurch to prepare for take-off.  Quickly following, the aircraft of New Zealander Colin Gray is guided out from dispersal by his ground crew.  Gray would claim 3 Bf110s in the encounter and would eventually become the top scoring New Zealand Ace of the war. Hornchurch Scramble by Robert Taylor. (C)Click For DetailsDHM1940C
On the 11th August 1942, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Wellum DFC, having just taken off from the deck of HMS Furious, leads his section of gathering Spitfires on the long journey to Malta. They are much-needed reinforcements for the beleaguered island, now in the twenty-sixth month of its siege. To enable each of the 38 Spitfires dispatched from Furious to reach Malta, over three hours flying time away, they carry maximum fuel together with a centre-line over-load tank. Even their ammunition is removed to save weight. Escorting Furious to her aft is the Cruiser HMS Manchester together with Destroyers Brave and Lithe. To their port side is the Ohio tanker laden with fuel during what became an epic voyage. In the distance HMS Eagle succumbs to an Axis torpedo attack. The success of Operation Pedestal was absolutely critical for the survival of Malta, bringing desperately needed fuel, food and ammunition to the Island. Losses were heavy but the courage and determination by all involved prevailed: five of the fourteen merchant ships, including the Ohio, made it through and the island was saved.Spitfires - Malta Bound by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2310
On the 11th August 1942, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Wellum DFC, having just taken off from the deck of HMS Furious, leads his section of gathering Spitfires on the long journey to Malta. They are much-needed reinforcements for the beleaguered island, now in the twenty-sixth month of its siege. To enable each of the 38 Spitfires dispatched from Furious to reach Malta, over three hours flying time away, they carry maximum fuel together with a centre-line over-load tank. Even their ammunition is removed to save weight. Escorting Furious to her aft is the Cruiser HMS Manchester together with Destroyers Brave and Lithe. To their port side is the Ohio tanker laden with fuel during what became an epic voyage. In the distance HMS Eagle succumbs to an Axis torpedo attack. The success of Operation Pedestal was absolutely critical for the survival of Malta, bringing desperately needed fuel, food and ammunition to the Island. Losses were heavy but the courage and determination by all involved prevailed: five of the fourteen merchant ships, including the Ohio, made it through and the island was saved.Spitfires - Malta Bound by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2310AP
On the 11th August 1942, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Wellum DFC, having just taken off from the deck of HMS Furious, leads his section of gathering Spitfires on the long journey to Malta. They are much-needed reinforcements for the beleaguered island, now in the twenty-sixth month of its siege. To enable each of the 38 Spitfires dispatched from Furious to reach Malta, over three hours flying time away, they carry maximum fuel together with a centre-line over-load tank. Even their ammunition is removed to save weight. Escorting Furious to her aft is the Cruiser HMS Manchester together with Destroyers Brave and Lithe. To their port side is the Ohio tanker laden with fuel during what became an epic voyage. In the distance HMS Eagle succumbs to an Axis torpedo attack. The success of Operation Pedestal was absolutely critical for the survival of Malta, bringing desperately needed fuel, food and ammunition to the Island. Losses were heavy but the courage and determination by all involved prevailed: five of the fourteen merchant ships, including the Ohio, made it through and the island was saved.Spitfires - Malta Bound by Philip West. (B)Click For DetailsDHM2310B
On the 11th August 1942, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Wellum DFC, having just taken off from the deck of HMS Furious, leads his section of gathering Spitfires on the long journey to Malta. They are much-needed reinforcements for the beleaguered island, now in the twenty-sixth month of its siege. To enable each of the 38 Spitfires dispatched from Furious to reach Malta, over three hours flying time away, they carry maximum fuel together with a centre-line over-load tank. Even their ammunition is removed to save weight. Escorting Furious to her aft is the Cruiser HMS Manchester together with Destroyers Brave and Lithe. To their port side is the Ohio tanker laden with fuel during what became an epic voyage. In the distance HMS Eagle succumbs to an Axis torpedo attack. The success of Operation Pedestal was absolutely critical for the survival of Malta, bringing desperately needed fuel, food and ammunition to the Island. Losses were heavy but the courage and determination by all involved prevailed: five of the fourteen merchant ships, including the Ohio, made it through and the island was saved.Spitfires - Malta Bound by Philip West. (C)Click For DetailsDHM2310C
 Heavy snow during the winter of 1941 often kept pilots and their aircraft grounded, despite the best efforts of the ground crew. Spitfire G George - based at RAF Manston and assigned to Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum, could only resume combat sweeps over northern Europe once the storm had passed and they were all satisfied the aircraft was safe to fly. Winter of 41 by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2318
 SOLD OUT.  Winter of 41 by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2318AP
 Another busy start to the day at Biggin Hill in the summer of 1940. The Battle of Britain is at its height and 92 Squadron Spitfires with Geoffrey Wellum in G for George, depart under early morning sunlight to engage a mass of incoming enemy aircraft over the southeast coast. By the end of 1940 the Squadron was credited with having destroyed 127 German aircraft. First Light - Battle of Britain, July 1940 by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2319
 Another busy start to the day at Biggin Hill in the summer of 1940. The Battle of Britain is at its height and 92 Squadron Spitfires with Geoffrey Wellum in G for George, depart under early morning sunlight to engage a mass of incoming enemy aircraft over the southeast coast. By the end of 1940 the Squadron was credited with having destroyed 127 German aircraft. First Light - Battle of Britain, July 1940 by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2319AP
 Flight Lieutenant Bryan Colston, A Flight Commander – 225 Squadron in Spitfire Mk. VB, ER 660 attacks a German Transport Convoy on a mountain road near Sjedenane in Tunisia with Pilot Officer Melvyn Evans flying as his wingman – 6th March 1943. Close Encounter by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2325AP
 The White Cliffs at Dover patrolled and protected by two magnificent Spitfires. A sight to bring back memories of days, thankfully long gone, when the future of Great Britain was at stake. Defending the Realm by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2326
 The White Cliffs at Dover patrolled and protected by two magnificent Spitfires. A sight to bring back memories of days, thankfully long gone, when the future of Great Britain was at stake. Defending the Realm by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2326AP
 Geoffrey Wellum joins combat head-on with a Dornier during the Battle of Britain. He was part of a small group of 10 spitfires from Biggin Hill facing 150 plus enemy bombers and fighters. Other friendly fighters joined battle but the defenders were still vastly out numbered, a scene repeated on many occasions in the summer of 1940. On this particular day Geoff scored a Heinkel destroyed, together with a Dornier as a probable. Against All Odds by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2327
 Geoffrey Wellum joins combat head-on with a Dornier during the Battle of Britain. He was part of a small group of 10 spitfires from Biggin Hill facing 150 plus enemy bombers and fighters. Other friendly fighters joined battle but the defenders were still vastly out numbered, a scene repeated on many occasions in the summer of 1940. On this particular day Geoff scored a Heinkel destroyed, together with a Dornier as a probable. Against All Odds by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2327AP
 Without doubt the most famous British fighter aircraft. It always inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike – to this very day. Flight Lt. Geoff Wellum in his 92 Sqn. Spitfire, during an all-too rare quiet moment, one evening during the summer of 1940 - the height of the Battle of Britain. The aircraft that inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike, and such statements as - she really was the perfect flying machine; she hadnt got a vice at all - was also admired by those on the ground. In propaganda posters and illustrations, the Spitfire represented Britains defiance and commitment to ultimate victory. Evening Glory by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2332
 Without doubt the most famous British fighter aircraft. It always inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike – to this very day. Flight Lt. Geoff Wellum in his 92 Sqn. Spitfire, during an all-too rare quiet moment, one evening during the summer of 1940 - the height of the Battle of Britain. The aircraft that inspired devotion from pilots and mechanics alike, and such statements as - she really was the perfect flying machine; she hadnt got a vice at all - was also admired by those on the ground. In propaganda posters and illustrations, the Spitfire represented Britains defiance and commitment to ultimate victory. Evening Glory by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2332AP
 In Gerald Coulsons fine study First Light, Mk Vb Spitfires of 92 Squadron climb out of Biggin Hill at the outset of an early morning patrol on a cold winters morning in February 1941. Leaving the mist behind as the first beams of light streak across the heavens, they will turn to the east and steel themselves to meet the enemy, high in the dawn sky. First Light by Gerald Coulson.Click For DetailsDHM2588
 It is the winter of 1941 and heavy snow has disrupted operations for several days. A break in the weather today has brought blue skies and the opportunity for the ground crew to clear the runway of snow and get the pilots of 92 Squadron airborne. Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum and his fellow fighter pilots are bringing their Spitfires safely home after the third and final sortie of the day. Spitfires Safely Home by Stephen Brown.Click For DetailsDHM2624
 It is the winter of 1941 and heavy snow has disrupted operations for several days. A break in the weather today has brought blue skies and the opportunity for the ground crew to clear the runway of snow and get the pilots of 92 Squadron airborne. Flt. Lt. Geoffrey Wellum and his fellow fighter pilots are bringing their Spitfires safely home after the third and final sortie of the day. Spitfires Safely Home by Stephen Brown. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2624AP
 It is 1941, the Battle of Britain is won but the countrys future is still by no means certain, with the Luftwaffe continuing to mount daily raids on cities, factories and airfields. In Stephen Browns painting Return of the Few, the legendary Douglas Bader leads his famous Tangmere Wing back to base having been scrambled to intercept a German bomber formation. Return of the Few by Stephen Brown.Click For DetailsDHM2625
 It is 1941, the Battle of Britain is won but the countrys future is still by no means certain, with the Luftwaffe continuing to mount daily raids on cities, factories and airfields. In Stephen Browns painting Return of the Few, the legendary Douglas Bader leads his famous Tangmere Wing back to base having been scrambled to intercept a German bomber formation. Return of the Few by Stephen Brown. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2625AP
 The winter of 41 is remembered well by Geoffrey Wellum, pilot of Spitfire G for George. Bitter cold and heavy snow during this Battle of Britain period made flying conditions almost unbearable. The ground-crews job at RAF Manston, never easy at the best of times, involved working in all weathers to keep the aircraft in a state of readiness for the pilots to return to the battle at the earliest opportunity. Pride of Britain by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2628
 The winter of 41 is remembered well by Geoffrey Wellum, pilot of Spitfire G for George. Bitter cold and heavy snow during this Battle of Britain period made flying conditions almost unbearable. The ground-crews job at RAF Manston, never easy at the best of times, involved working in all weathers to keep the aircraft in a state of readiness for the pilots to return to the battle at the earliest opportunity. Pride of Britain by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2628AP
 Many hundreds of young aspiring men and women gained their coveted RAF wings flying the Tiger Moth. Training could be tough and one needed determination as well as skill to complete it. With their newly awarded wings, some pilots would move onto fly bombers, some to fighters like the Spitfire and Hurricane and many others to a wide variety of different aircraft types. Those Were the Days by Philip West.Click For DetailsDHM2629
 Many hundreds of young aspiring men and women gained their coveted RAF wings flying the Tiger Moth. Training could be tough and one needed determination as well as skill to complete it. With their newly awarded wings, some pilots would move onto fly bombers, some to fighters like the Spitfire and Hurricane and many others to a wide variety of different aircraft types. Those Were the Days by Philip West. (AP)Click For DetailsDHM2629AP
 Many hundreds of young aspiring men and women gained their coveted RAF wings flying the Tiger Moth. Training could be tough and one needed determination as well as skill to complete it. With their newly awarded wings, some pilots would move onto fly bombers, some to fighters like the Spitfire and Hurricane and many others to a wide variety of different aircraft types. Those Were the Days by Philip West. (B)Click For DetailsDHM2629B
 Situated on the south eastern tip of Kent, RAF Hawkinge was the most forward airfield in Fighter Command.  It was not surprising therefore that when Reichmarshal Goering began his fierce attacks on airfields - part of his softening up campaign in preparation for Hitlers Adler Tag (Eagle Day) - Hawkinge would be among the first in his sights.  The Luftwaffe were putting up massive raids - over 1700 aircraft crossed the coast on August 16th - and RAF bases in the south-east were taking a pounding.  Hawkinge, a satellite of Biggin Hill sector station, and vital to front line defences, lay right in the path of the raiding Luftwaffe hordes.  When on August 12th it was bombed for the first time, its effect was only to harden the resolve of its pilots and groundstaff.  MkI Spitfires of No.610 County of Chester Squadron are seen scrambling out of RAF Hawkinge in late August 1940.  refuelled and re-armed, with scarlet patches covering the gunports, all serviceable aircraft roar off the grass strip and head back to the fray.  With aerial battles raging all the way from 2000 to 20,000 feet, within minutes they will be back in the action.  Ground crews in the foreground work frantically to get more Spitfires airworthy.  In the background Hurricanes from No.32 Squadron are at readiness, and will be called into action as the primitive radar picks up the next incoming raid Their Finest Hour by Nicolas Trudgian. (B)Click For DetailsDHM2682B
Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC

Squadrons associated with this Signature
NameInfo
No.92 Sqn RAFEast India

Aut pugna aut morere - Either fight or die

Aircraft associated with this Signature
NameInfo
SpitfireRoyal Air Force fighter aircraft, maximum speed for mark I Supermarine Spitfire, 362mph up to The Seafire 47 with a top speed of 452mph. maximum ceiling for Mk I 34,000feet up to 44,500 for the mark XIV. Maximum range for MK I 575 miles . up to 1475 miles for the Seafire 47. Armament for the various Marks of Spitfire. for MK I, and II . eight fixed .303 browning Machine guns, for MKs V-IX and XVI two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 browning machine guns. and on later Marks, six to eight Rockets under the wings or a maximum bomb load of 1,000 lbs. Designed by R J Mitchell, The proto type Spitfire first flew on the 5th March 1936. and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938, with 19 squadron based and RAF Duxford. by the outbreak of World war two, there were twelve squadrons with a total of 187 spitfires, with another 83 in store. Between 1939 and 1945, a large variety of modifications and developments produced a variety of MK,s from I to XVI. The mark II came into service in late 1940, and in March 1941, the Mk,V came into service. To counter the Improvements in fighters of the Luftwaffe especially the FW190, the MK,XII was introduced with its Griffin engine. The Fleet Air Arm used the Mk,I and II and were named Seafires. By the end of production in 1948 a total of 20,351 spitfires had been made and 2408 Seafires. The most produced variant was the Spitfire Mark V, with a total of 6479 spitfires produced. The Royal Air Force kept Spitfires in front line use until April 1954.

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