With the familiar Lincolnshire countryside beckoning, a Lancaster of the famous 617 “Dambusters” Squadron, makes its final approach after a raid on Germany, late summer 1944.

There were few sights back in the early 1940’s that stirred the emotions more than that of a Lancaster in final approach, its weary crew returning from combat over enemy territory. The characteristic roar of four mighty Merlin engines never failed to turn heads skyward, as these magnificent heavy bombers descended into their air bases, strategically spread around the countryside of East Anglia.

The Royal Air Force’s bomber crews flew by day and night throughout the six year long campaign to defeat Nazi Germany, eventually bringing Hitler’s war machine to its knees; but not without cost: More than 55,000 of Bomber Command’s finest young men paid the ultimate sacrifice. So it was with emotions of admiration, pride, and appreciation that a grateful public waited and watched as these great warriors of the sky came lumbering home.

Unique among RAF bomber squadrons was NO617: formed with a specific task, 617 Squadron gained immortality in May 1943 for is daring and successful raid on the German dams that supplied power to the factories of the Ruhr. Forever after known as ‘The Dambusters’, 617 Squadron remained active as a precision bombing unit until the end of hostilities, its last operation being an attack in Hitler’s famous mountain retreat, the Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden. During its illustrious wartime activities the squadron’s crews were awarded two Victoria Crosses, and more than 150 other decorations for gallantry.

Gerald Coulson’s new painting Summer Harvest winds the clock back sixty years, recreating a typical East Anglian countryside scene in late 1944. With the sun well above the horizon, a Lancaster comes thundering in on finals after a gruelling night precision bombing mission over Germany. Below, farm workers busy gathering the summer harvest, stop to marvel at the sheer power and majesty of the mighty aircraft, and to dwell briefly on what horrors its crew may have endured on their perilous journey.

Overall Print Size: 30.5” wide x 23.5” high

THE PILOTS EDITION
Joining artist Gerald Coulson, each print in the Pilots Edition is signed by three RAF Bomber Command pilots who flew operations on Lancasters with 617 Squadron during the height of operations in World War II.

Flight Lieutenant ARTHUR F. POORE DFC
Squadron Leader E. GRAY WARD DFC
Group Captain JAMES CASTGNOLA DSO DFC

300 signed and numbered with THREE signatures £145inc vat (£123.40+vat)

THE DAMBUSTERS EDITION
Every print in this special edition is additionally signed by four of the original aircrew who, on the night of 16/17 May 1943, took part in the epic Dambusters raids. There are a total of SEVEN signatures in this edition
.
Squadron Leader JOHN LESLIE MUNRO DSO DFC RNZAF
Squadron Leader GEORGE L. JOHNSON DFM
Sergeant RAYMOND E. GRAYSTON
Sergeant FREDERICK E. SUTHERLAND RCAF

200 Dambuster Edition with SEVEN signatures £165inc vat (£140.43+vat)
25 Dambuster Artist Proofs £225inc vat (£191.49+vat)

Orders from outside the European Union are free from VAT.

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