This powerful image depicts battle weary Lancasters as they return from an overnight bombing raid.

On November 3rd 1943, 21 year old Flt/Lt Reid's Lancaster was hit during two seperate attacks by enemy fighters. His navigator was killed and the wireless operator fatally wounded. Bill Reid was also seriously injured with wounds to his head, shoulders and hands. Despite severe damage to the aircraft and with no oxygen, heating or communication systems, Flt/Lt Reid pressed on and successfully bombed the target some fifty minutes later. He then set course for home, navigating by the pole star and the moon. The flight engineer and bomb aimer were forced to take control when due to the intense cold and loss of blood Bill Reid lost consciousness. However he was revived and through supreme effort landed the bomber at the first available airfield.

Flt/Lt Reid showed supreme courage and leadership in penetrating a further 200 miles into enemy territory. His tenacity and devotion to duty were beyond praise.

Oil on Canvas Board

Size: 36" x 24"

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