Great
value aviation art prints of the History
of the Dambuster Squadron. Royal Air Force Lancaster Squadron
617 in
aviation art prints. Avro Lancaster's of Wing Commander Guy
Gibson and Flt Lt Mickey Martin during the attack on
the Eder Dam and Mohne Dam on the Ruhr. These superb aviation art
prints available only direct from Cranston Fine Srts, websites
Goner 78A - The Dambusters
Raid by Tim Fisher 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 Gibson's 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). Young's aircraft was lost with all
lives on its return to Scampton possibly around 02.58 near
Castricum-ann-Zee, north of Ijmuiden.
Third
Time Lucky by Ivan Berryman. 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.
Operation
Chastise - The Night They Broke the Dams by Ivan Berryman. 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.
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Goner 78A - The Dambusters Raid by Tim Fisher.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Special Promotion : This print is 30% off for a limited time only! Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £79.80
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £135.00
Limited editiojn of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 56cm). Price £400.00
ITEM CODE DHM1128
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Third Time Lucky by Ivan Berryman.
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.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91m x 61cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM1482
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Operation Chastise - The Night They Broke the Dams by Ivan Berryman.
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.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM1483
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The Dambusters by Simon Smith.
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.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £135.00 Signed by five crew, Edward C Johnson - bomb aimer, Ray Grayston - Flight Engineer, Frederick Sutherland - RCAF Rear Gunner, George Chalmers and George Johnson
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £155.00 Signed by five crew, Edward C Johnson - bomb aimer, Ray Grayston - Flight Engineer, Frederick Sutherland - RCAF Rear Gunner, George Chalmers and George Johnson
ITEM CODE DHM1460
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Target Y The Eder Dam Raid, The Ruhr Valley, 17th May 1942 by David Pentland.
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!
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 20 inches x 14 inches (51cm x 35cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £180.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM1217
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Gibson Over the Mohne by Keith Aspinall.
Open edition print. Image size 14.5 inches x 9.5 inches (37cm x 24cm) Less than 8 copies available of this now sold out edition.. Price £22.00
ITEM CODE KA0008
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Tonight We Make History by Keith Aspinall.
Open edition print. Image size 14.5 inches x 9.5 inches (37cm x 24cm). Price £18.00
ITEM CODE KA0029
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Moonlight Run (Dambusters) by Ivan Berryman.
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.
Signed limited edition of 400 prints. Image size 23 inches x 14 inches (58cm x 36cm). Price £95.00
ITEM CODE B0021
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Gibson by Robert Tomlin.
Guy Gibson in his specially modified Avro Lancaster, makes his first run over the Mohne Dam to create a legend that will live forever.
Limited edition of 500 prints. Paper size 15.5 inches x 19.5 inches (40cm x 50cm). Price £50.00
ITEM CODE DHM1475
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Breaching the Eder by Simon Smith.
On the night of 16th / 17th May 1943, Lancasters of 617 Squadron under the command of Wing Commander Guy Gibson attacked the hydroelectric dams of the Ruhr. Five of the aircraft that successfully attacked and breached the Mohne flew onto the Eder, only three with the Upkeep bombs still on board. Whilst there was no flak, the approach, over difficult terrain, was hazardous and a tremendous test of skills of the crews involved. Pilot Officer Les Knights aircraft, AFN, can be seen having just dropped the last of the groups bombs, which actually breached the dam, and is climbing steeply to avoid the hill behind the dam.
Signed limited edition of 750 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £95.00
Signed limited edition of 650 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Edward C Johnson, DFC, Flying Officer Raymond E Grayston and Sergeant Frederick E. Sutherland RCAF
ITEM CODE DHM2407
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Dambusters Outward Bound by Simon Smith.
Guy Gibson leads the first wave of Dambusters out over Norfolk on their way to attack the Mohne and Eder.
Signed limited edition of 650 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 400 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £135.00 Signed by George Chalmers DFC DFM and Squadron Leader George L. Johnson DFM
ITEM CODE DHM2408
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Ready to
purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. |

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Primary Target by Philip West - Original Sketch. (P)
SOLD OUT.
ITEM CODE DHM2317
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Eye of the Storm - The Dambusters by Philip West.
Wing Commander Gibsons aircraft in the foreground and Flt. Lt. Martins in the distance, both draw flak away from Sqn. Ldr. Youngs Lancaster after it has dropped its Bouncing Bomb and makes its escape over the Mohne Dam. Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 19 Lancasters departed their home base in three waves, each aircraft armed with a single bouncing bomb developed by Barnes Wallis. The targets were German dams in the heart of the industrial Ruhr. The resulting attacks breached the Mohne and Eder Dams with attempts also on the Sorpe and Schwelme Dams. For his leadership and courage, Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross. 34 other men also received decorations.
Signed limited edition of 350 prints. Paper size 28 inches x 20 inches (71cm x 51cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. Paper size 28 inches x 20 inches (71cm x 51cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 25 remarques. Paper size 28 inches x 20 inches (71cm x 51cm). Price £300.00
ITEM CODE DHM2293
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Operation Chastise - The Dambuster Raid by Barry Price.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Image size 16 inches x 24 inches (41cm x 61cm). Price £80.00
ITEM CODE LE0012
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Homeward Bound by Nicolas Trudgian.
No single raid during World War Two has attracted more discussion, analysis, features, books, interviews, or been the subject of more films, documentaries, and TV programmes than the famous attack mounted by the RAFs 617 Squadron upon the mighty hydroelectric dams in Westphalia, on the night of 16/17 May, 1943. Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, nineteen specially adapted Lancaster bombers, manned by 133 aircrew, culminated months of secret training when they made one of the most audacious raids of the war. Flying at tree-top height in darkness, and doing their best to avoid electricity pylons and other obstructions, they navigated their way deep into occupied territory. Their targets were the huge Mohne, Sorpe, Ennepe, and Eder Dams that powered Germanys huge industrial factories in the heartland of the Rhur. Each bomber had to avoid enemy flak and fighters en route, locate their target, descend to precisely 60 feet above the water then, in the face of a barrage of anti-aircraft fire, release their single unique 10,000 lb hydrostatic bomb at exactly the right moment. There was no margin for error, and there was no place for faint hearts. Eight of the crews that left RAF Scampton that night were never to return. Of the fifty-six aircrew on board only two survived. Though nearly half the skilled crews that made up 617 squadron were lost, they recorded one of the most successful and daring air raids of the war- a costly endeavour, but one that has become legend in the annals of aerial warfare. Nicolas Trudgians emotive painting Homeward Bound depicts Dave Shannons Lancaster AJ-L, dodging the searchlights low over the Dutch landscape, as he returns from the Eder Dam following the part he and his crew played in the famous raid on that moonlight night in May, 1943.
Signed limited edition of 300 prints. Image size 20 inches x 12 inches (51cm x 31cm). Price £140.00 Signed by Sgt Ray E Grayston and Flt Lt Edward C Johnson, in addition to the artist.
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 20 inches x 12 inches (51cm x 31cm). Price £190.00 Signed by Sgt Ray E Grayston and Flt Lt Edward C Johnson, in addition to the artist.
Signed limited edition of 125 Collectors Edition prints. Image size 20 inches x 12 inches (51cm x 31cm). Price £260.00 Signed by Sgt Ray E Grayston, Flt Lt Edward C Johnson, Squadron Leader George L. Johnson DFM, Flight Sergeant Grant S McDonald RCAF, Flying Officer Dave Rodger and Sergeant Frederick E. Sutherland RCAF, in addition to the artist.
Limited edition of 25 remarques. Image size 20 inches x 12 inches (51cm x 31cm). Price £400.00 Signed by Sgt Ray E Grayston and Flt Lt Edward C Johnson, in addition to the artist.
ITEM CODE DHM2263
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| This epic story of the Dam Busters needs
little introduction. An elite squadron of hand-picked airmen were put
together under the command of Wing commander Guy Gibson. Their mission
was to destroy the hydroelectric dams of the Ruhr, causing millions of
tons of water to crash into the German munitions factories. The best
known of the dams is of course, the heavily defended Mohna which was the
first to be breached. Having destroyed this dam, five of the remaining
aircraft, only three still carrying Barnes Wallis' famous 'Upkeep' bomb
flew onto their second, but no less important target, the Eder Dam.
Although defended by flak, the Eder was surrounded on all sides by steep
mountains making the approach extremely hazardous.
The Dambusters by Simon Smith Gibson and Martins attack run 16th May 1943.
Signed by five crew, Edward C Johnson - bomb aimer, Ray Grayston - Flight
Engineer, Frederick Sutherland - RCAF Rear Gunner, George Chalmers and George Johnson
Target Y "The Eder Dam Raid",
The Rhur Valley, 17th May 1942 by David Pentland 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!
Tonight We Make History by Keith Aspinall Guy
Gibson, Micky Martin and John Hopgood outward bound from Scampton on the
evening of 16th May 1943.
Moonlight Run (Dambusters) by Ivan Berryman 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.
Gibson by
Robert Tomlin Guy Gibson in his specially modified Avro
Lancaster, makes his first run over the Mohne Dam to create a legend that
will live forever.
Breaching the Eder by Simon Smith Depicts Lancaster
AJ-N of pilot officer Les Knight having just
dropped the final bomb which actually breached the dam, climbing steeply
to avoid the mountain behind the dam. So moved by Simon Smith's
reproduction of the event, Flight Lieutenant Edward C Johnson DFC took
the unprecedented step of endorsing the painting itself with his
signature
Dambusters Outward Bound by Simon Smith
Depicts the aircraft setting out over Norfolk prior to their epic
mission, available signed by artist only or also countersigned by
two members of the squadron. and artist proofs with two further members of this
elite squad.
Eye of the Storm - The
Dambusters by Philip
West Wing
Commander Gibsons aircraft in the foreground and Flt. Lt. Martins in the
distance, both draw flak away from Sqn. Ldr. Youngs Lancaster after it
has dropped its Bouncing Bomb and makes its escape over the Mohne Dam.
Lead by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 19 Lancasters departed their home
base in three waves, each aircraft armed with a single bouncing bomb
developed by Barnes Wallis. The targets were German dams in the heart of
the industrial Ruhr. The resulting attacks breached the Mohne and Eder
Dams with attempts also on the Sorpe and Schwelme Dams. For his
leadership and courage, Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross. 34 other
men also received decorations.
Operation Chastise - The Dambuster Raid by Barry Price 617 Squadron took off from RAF Scampton led by Wg Cdr G P Gibson.
Specially adapted Lancasters were used. The fourth aircraft to attack, AJ@A (ED877) piloted by Sqn Ldr H M Young was the aircraft which breached
the Mohne Dam. The attack was carried out under the a full moon for
maximum nighttime visibility. The mine was released at an altitude of 60ft
at 220mph. Codename for the cylindrical mine was 'Upkeep'. Diameter
50", length 60". Of the 19 who set out only 8 failed to return.
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| Homeward Bound by Nicolas Trudgian.
No single raid during World War Two has attracted more discussion,
analysis, features, books, interviews, or been the subject of more films,
documentaries, and TV programmes than the famous attack mounted by the
RAF's 617 Squadron upon the mighty hydroelectric dams in Westphalia, on
the night of 16/17 May, 1943. led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson,
nineteen specially adapted Lancaster bombers, manned by 133 aircrew,
culminated months of secret training when they made one of the most
audacious raids of the war. Flying at tree top height in darkness,
and doing their best to avoid electricity pylons and other obstructions,
they navigated their way deep into occupied territory. Their targets
were the huge Mohne, Sorpe, Ennepe, and Eder Dams that powered Germany's
huge industrial factories in the heartland of the Ruhr. Each bomber
had to avoid enemy flak and fighters en route, locate their target,
descend to precisely 60 feet above the water then, in the face of a
barrage of anti-aircraft fire, release their single unique 10,000lb
hydrostatic bomb at exactly the right moment. There was no margin
for error, and there was no place for faint hearts. Eight of the
crews that left RAF Scampton that night were never to return. Of the
fifty-six aircrew on boar only two survived. Though nearly half the
skilled crews that made up 617 squadron were lost, they recorded one
of the most successful and daring air raids of the war - a costly
endeavour, but one that has become legend in the annals of aerial warfare. |
| Text for the above print: On the night of 16th/17th May 1943 Wing Commander Guy Gibson led a
small force of 19 Lancaster's of 617 Squadron on what was to become
one of the most daring and ingenious raids in history. Flying from
RAF Scampton their mission - code named Operation Chastise - was to breach
the mighty hydroelectric dams of the Ruhr, Mohne, Eder and Sorpe, a task
which Arthur Harris had earlier described as impossible.
Months of preparation had preceded the attack with the Squadron
practicing the use of their unique bouncing bombs - code named Upkeep -
the brain child of the brilliant Barnes Wallis. The actual targets
were only revealed to the crew's a short time before their departure
however this elite unit were under no illusions as to the dangers of their
mission. Flying at altitudes as low as fifty feet and observing
strict radio silence they would face heavy flak and ground fire crossing
Holland to Germany. On the run in to the target, using their height
finding spotlights they would have to fly in complete darkness at
precisely 60 feet before their lethal cargo could be released.
Gerald Coulson has used his undeniable skills to recreate the attack on
the Mohne Dam as Mick Martin's aircraft pulls away from the target. His
9,250lb bomb explodes behind him and although not actually breaching the
dam wall, sends a huge plume of water into the air leaving a fine mist
hanging in the atmosphere. Guy Gibson having already made his run
flies to Martin's right, lights on full drawing gun fire from the towers.
Below them the power station hit by John Hopgood's bomb on the previous
run is still engulfed in flames.
The Dambusters Raid was probably the most brilliant air attack of the
Second World War but the success was not without its cost. Of the 19
aircraft that took part in the mission eight failed to return, in fact
only 6 returned unscathed, with the loss of 53 aircrew. The
destruction of the Mohne and Eder Dams released over 150 million gallons
of water into the Ruhr valley and caused widespread flooding and severe
interruption to industry, communications and various utilities. One
of the most important consequences was that over 20,000 men had to be
redeployed by the enemy to repair the damage.
Following the raid no fewer than 33 aircrew received decorations for
gallantry, including Gibson's award of the Victoria Cross. |
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