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Warrant Officer Cecil Keys - Cranston-Military-Prints.com Aviation Art Store
Aviation Art Collecton - Warrant Officer Cecil Keys



Died : 2003

Keys served as a Warrant Officer Wireless Operator during World War II. He worked primarily on Lancaster and Stirling bombers, including a period on special operations in North Africa with No.624 Squadron. Keys' crew dropped men behind enemy lines to assist resistance groups. It also dropped supplies for the units forming on the ground. Missions included Italy, France, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia. No.624 Squadron disbanded on 5th September 1944. Cecil joined No.61 Squadron in March 1945 and remained in Bomber Command for the rest of the war. His last operational mission before the end of hostilities was a raid on the Hamburg U-boat pens with No.61 Squadron, as shown in the painting Jet Attack by David Pentland. It was during this mission the RAF found itself attacked by jet propelled Nazi aircraft. Some years ago Mr. Keys explained what happened during this operation :

We were flying in the usual 'gaggle' formation and the flak was heavy. I took a quick look at the situation from the Astrodome and could see our escort of Mustangs far out to starboard but something was moving very fast indeed in the opposite direction on the port side. I knew at once it was one of the jet fighters the Germans had developed and were using in the Hamburg area. Our two gunners had already seen it but we were also aware our.303 calibre guns would be no match for the 0.5 shells from the German jet. I was searching the area directly behind us for another possible dash of the enemy jet when a Lancaster, about 100 yards behind us, suddenly put its nose down in a vertical dive. The jet had come in so fast they hadn't much hope of getting a hit. We were aware we had just missed getting the chop instead of the unfortunate crew just behind us. Indeed, our bomb aimer was hit by flak. This raid on Hamburg took place around 9am in sunshine. The bombers were accompanied by American Mustangs because of their long range fuel tanks.

Cecil Watson Albert Keys died on 22nd April 2003 aged 89.

Based on many years of experience in dealing with thousands of aviation signatures, we have estimated the value this signature adds to a print as £45


Jet Attack by David Pentland.


Jet Attack by David Pentland.

Oberleutenant Schalls ME 262 of JG7 catches the Australian crewed Lancaster from 5 group dead astern as it lines up for its bombing run on the Hamburg U-Boat pens. Even at this angle the speed of the jet made it difficult to get off more than a few bursts of cannon fire before it passed through the British formation. The episode was witnessed by navigator Cecil Keys in the leading Lancaster QR/Y from 61 squadron on his last raid of the war. Lt. Schall, an ace with 117 kills, and 2nd highest jet ace of the war with 14 victories was killed the following day when his aircraft hit a bomb crater on landing at his base of Parchim.
Item Code : DHM0582Jet Attack by David Pentland. - Editions Available
FULL DETAILS
DESCRIPTIONSIZESIGNATURESOFFERSPRICEPURCHASINGPACKS
Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 26 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)Artist : David Pentland£45 Off!
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Now : £75.00

Quantity:
In 1 Pair
and 2 Packs
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Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Rudorffer, Erich

Died : 2016
Major Erich Rudorffer (deceased)
Erich Rudorffer was born on November 1st 1917 in the town of Zwickau in Saxony. Erich Rudorffer joined the Luftwaffes I./JG2 Richthofen in November 1939, and was soon flying combat patrols in January 1940 and was assigned to I/JG 2 Richthofen with the rank of Oberfeldwebel. He took part in the Battle of France, scoring the first of his many victories over a French Hawk 75 on May 14th, 1940. He went on to score eight additional victories during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain.
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Keys, Cecil
Died : 2003
Warrant Officer Cecil Keys (deceased)
Keys served as a Warrant Officer Wireless Operator during World War II. He worked primarily on Lancaster and Stirling bombers, including a period on special operations in North Africa with No.624 Squadron. Keys' crew dropped men behind enemy lines to assist resistance groups. It also dropped supplies for the units forming on the ground. Missions included Italy, France, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia. No.624 Squadron disbanded on 5th September 1944. Cecil joined No.61 Squadron in March 19
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : David Pentland
£30 Off!
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Now : £170.00

Quantity:
From the limited edition of 1000 prints, a number have been signed by Cecil Keys. Image size 26 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)Artist : David Pentland£15 Off!
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Now : £125.00

Quantity:
Schuck / Thomson / Lamb signature series edition of 200 prints from the signed limited edition of 1000 prints.
Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!
Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Schuck, Walter

Died : 2015
Oberleutnant Walter Schuck (deceased)
Initially with JG3, Walter Schuck was posted north to 7./JG5 in April 1942. On 15 June 1944 he chalked up his 100th victory during a day when he shot down 6 aircraft. Two days later he had his most successful day, achieving 12 victories in twenty-four hours, a feat never surpassed in JG5. On 1 August, he assumed command of 10./JG5. Walter Schuck transferred to fly the Me262 as Staffelkapitan of 3./JG7, and achieved 8 further victories flying the new jet. His final tally was 206 air victorie
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Thomson, George

Sgt George B Thomson
George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944,
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Lamb, Alistair
Gunnery Leader Sgt Alistair Lamb
Alistair Lamb, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Royal Air Force in March 1944 and went to No.7 Gunnery School at Stormydown in Wales. In August 1944 he went to Market Harborough and started training in Ansons before moving on to Wellingtons. Alistair went to H1654 heavy conversion unit at Wigsley flying in Stirlings and Lancasters. In March he joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and participated in amongst other operations Operation Manna dropping food supplies to the Dutch, on the 30th
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : David Pentland
£60 Off!Now : £100.00

Quantity:
In 3 Pairs
and 5 Packs
View
Reinert Presentation Edition of Artist Proofs Nos. 1 - 5. Image size 26 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Reinert, Ernst Wilhelm (clipped)

Died : 2007
Hauptmann Ernst Wilhelm Reinert (deceased)
Ernst Wilhelm Reinert flew with JG77, before transferring to the Eastern Front in 1941. He was posted to Tunisia in January 1943 where he became the most successful Luftwaffe Ace in North Africa during that period. On January 2nd 1945 he was given the leadership of IV./JG27. In March he transferred to III./JG7 flying the Me262. In his 715 missions Reinert scored 174 aerial victories. he was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Born 2nd February 1919 in Lindenthal, die
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Schuck, Walter

Died : 2015
Oberleutnant Walter Schuck (deceased)
Initially with JG3, Walter Schuck was posted north to 7./JG5 in April 1942. On 15 June 1944 he chalked up his 100th victory during a day when he shot down 6 aircraft. Two days later he had his most successful day, achieving 12 victories in twenty-four hours, a feat never surpassed in JG5. On 1 August, he assumed command of 10./JG5. Walter Schuck transferred to fly the Me262 as Staffelkapitan of 3./JG7, and achieved 8 further victories flying the new jet. His final tally was 206 air victorie
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Rudorffer, Erich

Died : 2016
Major Erich Rudorffer (deceased)
Erich Rudorffer was born on November 1st 1917 in the town of Zwickau in Saxony. Erich Rudorffer joined the Luftwaffes I./JG2 Richthofen in November 1939, and was soon flying combat patrols in January 1940 and was assigned to I/JG 2 Richthofen with the rank of Oberfeldwebel. He took part in the Battle of France, scoring the first of his many victories over a French Hawk 75 on May 14th, 1940. He went on to score eight additional victories during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain.
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Thomson, George

Sgt George B Thomson
George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944,
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : David Pentland
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!£320.00

Quantity:
Ken Johnson signature edition of 50 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Johnson, Ken
Warrant Officer Ken Johnson
As a Mid-Upper Gunner he flew on Lancasters with 9 and 61 Squadrons taking part in many raids including the final attack to sink the Tirpitz in November 1944 along with attacks on Berchtesgaden, Hitlers alpine home.
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : David Pentland
£40 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £105.00

Quantity:
Rudorffer/ Schuck / Thomson signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1000 prints.
Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!
Image size 26 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Rudorffer, Erich

Died : 2016
Major Erich Rudorffer (deceased)
Erich Rudorffer was born on November 1st 1917 in the town of Zwickau in Saxony. Erich Rudorffer joined the Luftwaffes I./JG2 Richthofen in November 1939, and was soon flying combat patrols in January 1940 and was assigned to I/JG 2 Richthofen with the rank of Oberfeldwebel. He took part in the Battle of France, scoring the first of his many victories over a French Hawk 75 on May 14th, 1940. He went on to score eight additional victories during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain.
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Thomson, George

Sgt George B Thomson
George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944,
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Schuck, Walter

Died : 2015
Oberleutnant Walter Schuck (deceased)
Initially with JG3, Walter Schuck was posted north to 7./JG5 in April 1942. On 15 June 1944 he chalked up his 100th victory during a day when he shot down 6 aircraft. Two days later he had his most successful day, achieving 12 victories in twenty-four hours, a feat never surpassed in JG5. On 1 August, he assumed command of 10./JG5. Walter Schuck transferred to fly the Me262 as Staffelkapitan of 3./JG7, and achieved 8 further victories flying the new jet. His final tally was 206 air victorie
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : David Pentland
£50 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £125.00

Quantity:
In 2 Pairs
and 1 Pack
View
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm)Artist : David Pentland
(on separate certificate)
£100 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £500.00

Quantity:
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm)Artist : David Pentland
(on separate certificate)
£100 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £400.00

Quantity:
Bomber Crew edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Thomson, George

Sgt George B Thomson
George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944,
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

MacNamara, Len
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Flt Lt Len MacNamara DFC
A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Lamb, Alistair
Gunnery Leader Sgt Alistair Lamb
Alistair Lamb, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Royal Air Force in March 1944 and went to No.7 Gunnery School at Stormydown in Wales. In August 1944 he went to Market Harborough and started training in Ansons before moving on to Wellingtons. Alistair went to H1654 heavy conversion unit at Wigsley flying in Stirlings and Lancasters. In March he joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and participated in amongst other operations Operation Manna dropping food supplies to the Dutch, on the 30th
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : David Pentland
£90 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £115.00

Quantity:
In 1 Pair
and 1 Pack
View
Ebhart Signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Ebhardt, Rolf
Died : 2013
Oberleutnant Rolf Ebhardt (deceased)
Joined Luftwaffe in December 1941 and began flight training at Dresden in February 1942. Joined NJG 101 in December 1942 (night training unit) where he completed his specialist training. (In training flew Ju52, He111, Ju88, Do217 and Me109) As a newly promoted Leutnant he joined III/NJG 1 in Holland on 1st November 1943 and achieved his first night time victory on 26 April 1944. By the time of his eighth and last victory on 5 January 1945 he had flown 82 operations and been awarded the Iron Cros
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : David Pentland
£45 Off!Now : £95.00

Quantity:
Publishers Proof edition of 50 prints. Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Ebhardt, Rolf
Died : 2013
Oberleutnant Rolf Ebhardt (deceased)
Joined Luftwaffe in December 1941 and began flight training at Dresden in February 1942. Joined NJG 101 in December 1942 (night training unit) where he completed his specialist training. (In training flew Ju52, He111, Ju88, Do217 and Me109) As a newly promoted Leutnant he joined III/NJG 1 in Holland on 1st November 1943 and achieved his first night time victory on 26 April 1944. By the time of his eighth and last victory on 5 January 1945 he had flown 82 operations and been awarded the Iron Cros
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : David Pentland
£50 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £115.00

Quantity:
Postcard Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)none£2.50

Quantity:

In 1 Pack
View
Bomber Crew edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints.
Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!
Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)
Thomson, George

Sgt George B Thomson
George Thomson was trained on Stirlings and Wellingtons before converting to Lancasters and joining No.15 Sqn. He flew most of his missions on Lancaster LS-P, including missions to Stettin and Paris rail yards. While on the Paris mission, LS-M developed engine problems and was left behind by the rest of the squadron. Luckily, two P-38 Lightnings high above spotted the the struggling Lancaster and came down to escort the bomber back to base at Mildenhall. On the night of 12th September 1944,
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

MacNamara, Len
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Flt Lt Len MacNamara DFC
A Rear Gunner with 10 Squadron at Melbourne, before being transferred to 158 Squadron at Lissett. He completed 36 Operations, then after a spell at OTU, completed 10 more Operations with 75 New Zealand Squadron.
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Lamb, Alistair
Gunnery Leader Sgt Alistair Lamb
Alistair Lamb, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Royal Air Force in March 1944 and went to No.7 Gunnery School at Stormydown in Wales. In August 1944 he went to Market Harborough and started training in Ansons before moving on to Wellingtons. Alistair went to H1654 heavy conversion unit at Wigsley flying in Stirlings and Lancasters. In March he joined No.15 Squadron at Mildenhall and participated in amongst other operations Operation Manna dropping food supplies to the Dutch, on the 30th
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : David Pentland
£115 Off!Now : £90.00
Better Than
Half Price!

Quantity:
**Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. (One print reduced to clear) Image size 262 x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm)Artist : David PentlandHalf
Price!
Now : £70.00

Quantity:


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