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Leading the Way by Gerald Coulson. - Cranston Military Prints

Leading the Way by Gerald Coulson.


Leading the Way by Gerald Coulson.

On August 15th 1942, under the leadership of Don Bennet, a new group was formed from Bomber Command to develop specialised target finding and target marking. Made up purely from experienced volunteers, this elite and highly trained group of men were known as the Pathfinders. Up until this point the means available to Bomber Command of accurately finding their targets were totally lacking and the task of the Pathfinders was to develop techniques to precisely define these targets ahead of the main force. Initially made up of four Squadrons Nos. 7 (Stirlings) 35 (Halifax) 83 (Lancaster) and 156 (Wellingtons) they were based at a clutch of airfields between Cambridge and Huntingdon. Originally part of No.3 Group Bomber Command the Pathfinder Force was directly answerable to C-in-C Air Marshal Arthur Harris until January 1943 when it became a separate group, No.8 (PFF) . Personally selected for the task by Arthur Harris, the Australian born Don Bennet, just 32 years of age proved to be and inspired choice to form the Pathfinders. A navigation expert without peers he was widely experienced in flying all types of aircraft including fighters, flying boats and bombers and already an experienced operational bomber captain. Along with many of his colleagues, such as Hamish Mahaddie and John Searby he was responsible for instilling in his men the Pathfinder Spirit - an intangible quality of dedication which bonded them together. Pathfinder crews used a combination of personal skill and technical equipment to locate their targets. Often flying against overwhelming odds and in appalling conditions they transformed the performance of a bomber force that in 1941 was dropping almost half its bombs on open countryside. The first Pathfinder unit to fly the Halifax was 35 Squadron based at Graveley. With some of the greatest Bomber Aircrew amongst their number the unit quickly gained a reputation for excellence that was second to none. This superb painting from one of the worlds most highly regarded Aviation Artists, Gerald Coulson, depicts a Halifax B.MkII series 1A of 35 (PFF) Squadron on an operation over occupied Europe. Flying at around 20,000 feet and completely alone and unprotected, the crew navigate their bomber well ahead of the main force, leading the way to their target.
Item Code : DHM2250YLeading the Way by Gerald Coulson. - Editions AvailableExtra....

A photograph of an edition of the print :

DESCRIPTIONSIZESIGNATURESOFFERSPRICEPURCHASINGPACKS
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm)
Carden, Pat
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE

Died : 2008
Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased)
Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Rollins, John
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2005
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased)
After joining the RAF in 1940 he was called up in early 1941 and entered OTU where he qualified as an observer and was then posted operationally to 466 Sqn at Leconfield on Wellingtons. At the end of 1942 he joined 35 Sqn as a Navigator at Gravely as part of the Pathfinder Force, initially on the Halifax and later converting to Lancasters. He remained with the Pathfinders until 1944 when he was posted to Stoney Cross to convert back to Wellington 1C's as a way of becoming reacquainted with
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Kenwright, Ernest
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM
Joining the RAF in 1940 he was initially posted to Cardington as a driver and ended up on the Isle of Sheppey releasing explosive met balloons in order to hamper enemy aircraft. Volunteering for aircrew he attended a gunnery course at Stormy Down in 1942 and shortly after joined 51 squadron at Snaith in Yorkshire, as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes. In 1943 after many operations with the main force he volunteered for the Pathfinders and joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on both the Halifax and Lancaste
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : Gerald Coulson


Signature(s) value alone : £125
£30 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £170.00

Quantity:
In 9 Pairs
and 2 Packs
View
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm)
Carden, Pat
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE

Died : 2008
Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased)
Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Rollins, John
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2005
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased)
After joining the RAF in 1940 he was called up in early 1941 and entered OTU where he qualified as an observer and was then posted operationally to 466 Sqn at Leconfield on Wellingtons. At the end of 1942 he joined 35 Sqn as a Navigator at Gravely as part of the Pathfinder Force, initially on the Halifax and later converting to Lancasters. He remained with the Pathfinders until 1944 when he was posted to Stoney Cross to convert back to Wellington 1C's as a way of becoming reacquainted with
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Kenwright, Ernest
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM
Joining the RAF in 1940 he was initially posted to Cardington as a driver and ended up on the Isle of Sheppey releasing explosive met balloons in order to hamper enemy aircraft. Volunteering for aircrew he attended a gunnery course at Stormy Down in 1942 and shortly after joined 51 squadron at Snaith in Yorkshire, as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes. In 1943 after many operations with the main force he volunteered for the Pathfinders and joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on both the Halifax and Lancaste
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Codd, David
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Flight Lieutenant David Codd DFC
Joining the Army in 1938 he initially served with Royal Engineers at Dunkirk before volunteering for aircrew and transferring to the RAF in 1941. He qualified as a navigator and in 1942 joined 10 squadron at Leeming on Halifaxes before moving to 35 squadron with the Pathfinders, again on Halifax bombers. In 1943 his aircraft was shot down near Cologne and he became a POW at Stalagluft 3, having completed 42 operations. He returned to England in May 1945 and left the RAF in 1947.
Signature Value : £10
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Hanham, Michael
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2009
Flying Officer Sir Michael Hanham DFC (deceased)
He joined the RAF straight from school in 1942 and initially qualified as a navigator but then retrained as a flight engineer in 1943. He volunteered for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron as a flight engineer on Halifaxes and Lancasters, completing 55 operations with this unit. In May 1945 he became a Flying Control Officer and was posted to India, leaving the RAF in 1946. Died 20th May 2009.
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Carruthers, Don
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Flying Officer Don Carruthers
Joining the RAF in 1941 he trained as a wireless operator and completed his ops training at Lossiemouth on Wellingtons where he formed up with a crew that was to stay together for his entire operational career in Bomber Command. In 1943 he was posted to 466 squadron at Leconfield on Wellingtons before converting to the Halifax. He and his crew volunteered for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron on Halifax's and then Lancasters. In 1945 having completed a total of 63 operations he
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : Gerald Coulson


Signature(s) value alone : £210
£55 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £295.00

Quantity:
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm)

Extras....

Companion Print :


Moonlit Lancaster by Gerald Coulson.


Each print in this edition is supplied with a copy of Moonlit Lancaster by Gerald Coulson.


Rodley, Ernest

Died : 2004
Wing Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE (deceased)
Ernest Rodley initially joined the RAFVR in 1937 and was commissioned and posted to Bomber Command in 1941. Joining 97 Sqn flying Manchesters he was involved in the attack on the Scharnhorst, Prinz Eugen and Gneisenau whilst in Brest harbour and in the famous Augsberg daylight raid for which he received a DFC. At the end of 1942 he joined RAF Scampton helping to convert to Lancaster Bombers before rejoining 97 Sqn at Bourn as a Pathfinder. After a spell at Warboys as an instructor he took com
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Mahaddie, Hamish

Died : 1997
Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC (deceased)
Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 S
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Carden, Pat
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE

Died : 2008
Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased)
Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Bennett, Donald

Died : 1986
Air Vice Marshall Donald Bennett (deceased)
Born in Australia, Bennet had joined the RAF before the war. He became widely experienced in flying all types of aircraft including fighters, flying boats and heavy bombers commanding 77 squadron, flying Halifaxes. In 1942, whilst commanding 10 Squadron, he was shot down on one of the attacks on the Tirpitz, but evaded capture and returned to England. Widley regarded as a navigation expert beyond comparison, he was personally selected by Arthur Harris to form the Pathfinder Force and his unco
Signature Value : £70
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Rollins, John
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2005
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased)
After joining the RAF in 1940 he was called up in early 1941 and entered OTU where he qualified as an observer and was then posted operationally to 466 Sqn at Leconfield on Wellingtons. At the end of 1942 he joined 35 Sqn as a Navigator at Gravely as part of the Pathfinder Force, initially on the Halifax and later converting to Lancasters. He remained with the Pathfinders until 1944 when he was posted to Stoney Cross to convert back to Wellington 1C's as a way of becoming reacquainted with
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Kenwright, Ernest
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM
Joining the RAF in 1940 he was initially posted to Cardington as a driver and ended up on the Isle of Sheppey releasing explosive met balloons in order to hamper enemy aircraft. Volunteering for aircrew he attended a gunnery course at Stormy Down in 1942 and shortly after joined 51 squadron at Snaith in Yorkshire, as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes. In 1943 after many operations with the main force he volunteered for the Pathfinders and joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on both the Halifax and Lancaste
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Codd, David
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Flight Lieutenant David Codd DFC
Joining the Army in 1938 he initially served with Royal Engineers at Dunkirk before volunteering for aircrew and transferring to the RAF in 1941. He qualified as a navigator and in 1942 joined 10 squadron at Leeming on Halifaxes before moving to 35 squadron with the Pathfinders, again on Halifax bombers. In 1943 his aircraft was shot down near Cologne and he became a POW at Stalagluft 3, having completed 42 operations. He returned to England in May 1945 and left the RAF in 1947.
Signature Value : £10
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Hanham, Michael
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2009
Flying Officer Sir Michael Hanham DFC (deceased)
He joined the RAF straight from school in 1942 and initially qualified as a navigator but then retrained as a flight engineer in 1943. He volunteered for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron as a flight engineer on Halifaxes and Lancasters, completing 55 operations with this unit. In May 1945 he became a Flying Control Officer and was posted to India, leaving the RAF in 1946. Died 20th May 2009.
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Carruthers, Don
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Flying Officer Don Carruthers
Joining the RAF in 1941 he trained as a wireless operator and completed his ops training at Lossiemouth on Wellingtons where he formed up with a crew that was to stay together for his entire operational career in Bomber Command. In 1943 he was posted to 466 squadron at Leconfield on Wellingtons before converting to the Halifax. He and his crew volunteered for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron on Halifax's and then Lancasters. In 1945 having completed a total of 63 operations he
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Kirby, Harold

Warrant Officer Harold Kirby
Called up in 1942 he attended a flight mechanics course at RAF Halton and then qualified as a flight engineer in 1943, joining 467 Squadron at Waddington on Lancasters. In August 1944 his aircraft was forced to crash land after an operation when a 1000lb bomb from another Lancaster ripped through their port wing and destroyed their undercarriage over France. In September 1944 he joined 97 Squadron at Coningsby on Lancasters as part of the Pathfinders and remained with this unit until the end o
Signature Value : £40
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Searby, John

Died : 1986
Air Commodore John Searby DSO DFC (deceased)
John Searby joined the RAF in 1929 as a Halton apprentice but was a Sergeant Pilot flying bombers when war broke out. Joining 106 Squadron he flew Lancasters with Guy Gibson and eventually took over as Squadron Commander when Gibson left for 617 Squadron. A specialist in navigation, he was then chosen by Arthur Harris to take command of No.83 Pathfinder Squadron at Wyton. Searby quickly developed a superb reputation as a Pathfinder and was involved in countless precision raids including his r
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Gerald Coulson


Signature(s) value alone : £485
SOLD
OUT
NOT
AVAILABLE
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm)
Carden, Pat
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE

Died : 2008
Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased)
Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Rollins, John
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2005
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased)
After joining the RAF in 1940 he was called up in early 1941 and entered OTU where he qualified as an observer and was then posted operationally to 466 Sqn at Leconfield on Wellingtons. At the end of 1942 he joined 35 Sqn as a Navigator at Gravely as part of the Pathfinder Force, initially on the Halifax and later converting to Lancasters. He remained with the Pathfinders until 1944 when he was posted to Stoney Cross to convert back to Wellington 1C's as a way of becoming reacquainted with
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Kenwright, Ernest
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM
Joining the RAF in 1940 he was initially posted to Cardington as a driver and ended up on the Isle of Sheppey releasing explosive met balloons in order to hamper enemy aircraft. Volunteering for aircrew he attended a gunnery course at Stormy Down in 1942 and shortly after joined 51 squadron at Snaith in Yorkshire, as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes. In 1943 after many operations with the main force he volunteered for the Pathfinders and joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on both the Halifax and Lancaste
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : Gerald Coulson


Signature(s) value alone : £125
£60 Off!Now : £140.00

Quantity:
**Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (One print reduced to clear) Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm)
Carden, Pat
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE

Died : 2008
Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased)
Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Rollins, John
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Died : 2005
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased)
After joining the RAF in 1940 he was called up in early 1941 and entered OTU where he qualified as an observer and was then posted operationally to 466 Sqn at Leconfield on Wellingtons. At the end of 1942 he joined 35 Sqn as a Navigator at Gravely as part of the Pathfinder Force, initially on the Halifax and later converting to Lancasters. He remained with the Pathfinders until 1944 when he was posted to Stoney Cross to convert back to Wellington 1C's as a way of becoming reacquainted with
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Kenwright, Ernest
NO
PHOTO
AVAILABLE
Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM
Joining the RAF in 1940 he was initially posted to Cardington as a driver and ended up on the Isle of Sheppey releasing explosive met balloons in order to hamper enemy aircraft. Volunteering for aircrew he attended a gunnery course at Stormy Down in 1942 and shortly after joined 51 squadron at Snaith in Yorkshire, as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes. In 1943 after many operations with the main force he volunteered for the Pathfinders and joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on both the Halifax and Lancaste
Signature Value : £35
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

+ Artist : Gerald Coulson


Signature(s) value alone : £125
£75 Off!SOLD
OUT
NOT
AVAILABLE


Some other related items available from this site.

 Having survived the bombing raid on Karlsruhe, it was the cruelest of ironies that Halifax III LK789 (MP-L) of 76 Sqn should fall victim to a lone German fighter that was lurking in the night skies above Norfolk.  Witnessed by another Halifax, LK785 (MP-T), the upward firing waist guns of Lt Wolfgang Wenning's Messerschmitt Me410 of II/KG51 found their mark, expertly exploiting the blind spot of the Halifax, sending LK789 down in flames near Welney, killing all but one of her crew.  Wenning's victory was to be short lived, however, the German being killed in a mid air collision with an RAF Airspeed Oxford just three days later during another intruder operation over the midlands.

Unseen and Deadly by Ivan Berryman.
 With the departure of No 1 Group in May 1943, No 4 Group's 78 Sqn Halifaxes arrived at Breighton in Yorkshire from where they would continue to operate until the end of the war.  Halifax III LW291 (EY-M) is depicted snowbound in the Winter of 1944, not long before it was lost over Grossmutz whilst taking part on a raid on Berlin on 20th January 1944. <br><br>Crew of EY-M : <br><br>Pilot : Flight Sergeant F Moffat RCAF (killed),<br>Navigator : Flying Officer W McGreggor RCAF (killed),<br>Bomb Aimer : Flying Officer R Selman RCAF (killed),<br>Wireless Operator : Flight Sergeant H H Bennett (taken prisoner),<br>Flight Engineer : Sergeant N Legg (killed),<br>Rear Gunner : Sergeant W Ruelhoff (killed,<br>Mid-Upper Gunner : Sergeant J Stewart (killed).

White-out at Breighton - Tribute to No.78 Squadron by Ivan Berryman.
 Halifaxes of No.76 Squadron RAF en route to another night bombing raid over Germany.  The lead aircraft here has code MP-L.  Serial numbers for aircraft were unique, but codes like MP-L were transferred after an aircraft was lost.  A total of 10 aircraft carrying the codes MP-L were lost from No.76 Squadron.  <br>These aircraft were : <br><br>L9530 : Shot down 12th-13th August 1941. <br>R9452 : Crashed 12th-13th April 1942.<br>W7660 : Shot down 19th-20th August 1942. <br>W7678 : Lost 3rd-4th March 1943.<br>DK172 : Shot down 23rd-24th May 1943.<br>DK200 : Crashed 11th-12th June 1943.<br>LK922 : Shot down 21st-22nd January 1944.<br>LK789 : Shot down 24th-25th April 1944.<br>MZ622 : Crashed 24th-25th May 1944.<br>LL579 : Crashed 27th February 1945.

No.76 Squadron Halifax by Ivan Berryman.
 One of 6,176 Halifaxes built during World War II, NA337(2P-X) was shot down over Norway on 23rd April 1945.  In 1995 it was recovered from the lake that had been its watery home for fifty years and has now been restored by the Halifax Aircraft Association in Ontario, Canada.

Halifax Mk.III NA337 by Ivan Berryman.
Signatures on these products
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature and is for the unmatted version where available. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
NameInfo


Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased)
Died : 2008
*Signature Value : £45

Editions signed :

Signed limited edition of 500 prints.
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints.
**Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (One print reduced to clear)


Carden, Pat
(Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased))

Joining the RAF in 1932, after qualifying as a pilot, he served as an instructor until 1942, when he joined 15 Squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters. Volunteering for the Pathfinder Force he joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on Halifaxes, followed by 582 Squadron on Lancasters, taking part in many bombing sorties over Normandy, including two missions on D-Day. He finished the war having completed 66 operations. Pat Carden sadly died 28th June 2008, aged 96.
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased)
Died : 2005
*Signature Value : £45

Editions signed :

Signed limited edition of 500 prints.
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints.
**Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (One print reduced to clear)


Rollins, John
(Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC (deceased))

After joining the RAF in 1940 he was called up in early 1941 and entered OTU where he qualified as an observer and was then posted operationally to 466 Sqn at Leconfield on Wellingtons. At the end of 1942 he joined 35 Sqn as a Navigator at Gravely as part of the Pathfinder Force, initially on the Halifax and later converting to Lancasters. He remained with the Pathfinders until 1944 when he was posted to Stoney Cross to convert back to Wellington 1C's as a way of becoming reacquainted with two engined aircraft. he spent the remainder of the war flying Dakotas in the Far East and left the RAF in mid 1946. Died 26th March 2005.
Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM
*Signature Value : £35

Editions signed :

Signed limited edition of 500 prints.
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints.
**Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (One print reduced to clear)


Kenwright, Ernest
(Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM)

Joining the RAF in 1940 he was initially posted to Cardington as a driver and ended up on the Isle of Sheppey releasing explosive met balloons in order to hamper enemy aircraft. Volunteering for aircrew he attended a gunnery course at Stormy Down in 1942 and shortly after joined 51 squadron at Snaith in Yorkshire, as a Rear Gunner on Halifaxes. In 1943 after many operations with the main force he volunteered for the Pathfinders and joined 35 Squadron at Gravely on both the Halifax and Lancaster. He remained with this unit until the end of the war completing 82 operations and left the RAF in 1946
Flight Lieutenant David Codd DFC
*Signature Value : £10

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Codd, David
(Flight Lieutenant David Codd DFC)

Joining the Army in 1938 he initially served with Royal Engineers at Dunkirk before volunteering for aircrew and transferring to the RAF in 1941. He qualified as a navigator and in 1942 joined 10 squadron at Leeming on Halifaxes before moving to 35 squadron with the Pathfinders, again on Halifax bombers. In 1943 his aircraft was shot down near Cologne and he became a POW at Stalagluft 3, having completed 42 operations. He returned to England in May 1945 and left the RAF in 1947.
Flying Officer Sir Michael Hanham DFC (deceased)
Died : 2009
*Signature Value : £35

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Hanham, Michael
(Flying Officer Sir Michael Hanham DFC (deceased))

He joined the RAF straight from school in 1942 and initially qualified as a navigator but then retrained as a flight engineer in 1943. He volunteered for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron as a flight engineer on Halifaxes and Lancasters, completing 55 operations with this unit. In May 1945 he became a Flying Control Officer and was posted to India, leaving the RAF in 1946. Died 20th May 2009.
Flying Officer Don Carruthers
*Signature Value : £40

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Carruthers, Don
(Flying Officer Don Carruthers)

Joining the RAF in 1941 he trained as a wireless operator and completed his ops training at Lossiemouth on Wellingtons where he formed up with a crew that was to stay together for his entire operational career in Bomber Command. In 1943 he was posted to 466 squadron at Leconfield on Wellingtons before converting to the Halifax. He and his crew volunteered for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron on Halifax's and then Lancasters. In 1945 having completed a total of 63 operations he moved to Transport Command flying Dakotas in India with 238 squadron and then Calcutta with 52 squadron. He left the RAF in 1946.




Wing Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE (deceased)
Died : 2004
*Signature Value : £50

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Rodley, Ernest
(Wing Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE (deceased))

Ernest Rodley initially joined the RAFVR in 1937 and was commissioned and posted to Bomber Command in 1941. Joining 97 Sqn flying Manchesters he was involved in the attack on the Scharnhorst, Prinz Eugen and Gneisenau whilst in Brest harbour and in the famous Augsberg daylight raid for which he received a DFC. At the end of 1942 he joined RAF Scampton helping to convert to Lancaster Bombers before rejoining 97 Sqn at Bourn as a Pathfinder. After a spell at Warboys as an instructor he took command of 128 Sqn at Wyton, flying Mosquitoes as part of the Light Night Strike Force and involvede in doing 7 trips to Berlin. Staying with this unit he finished the war having completed 87 operations. In 1946 Ernest Rodley joined British South American Airways flying Lancastrians across the Atlantic from a tented Heathrow. On 13th April 1950 he was checked out on the new Comet jet airliner by John Cunningham and became the worlds first jet endorsed Airline Transport Pilots Licence holder. Ernest Rodley retired from BOAC in 1968 as a Boeing 707 Captain, joining Olympic Airways a few days later. He amassed an amazing 28000 flying hours. Sadly he died in 2004.




Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC (deceased)
Died : 1997
*Signature Value : £70

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Mahaddie, Hamish
(Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC (deceased))

Group Captain Thomas Gilbert 'Hamish' Mahaddie. DSO, DFC, AFC.. CzMC. Nos 7, 55, and 77 Squadrons. Born In Keith, Edinburgh, on 19 March 1911. He joined the RAF as a part of the 17th Entry at Halton in 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No 4 FTS at Abu Suler for pilot training. He gained his wings in 1935 and his first air crew posting was to No 55 Squadron at Hinaldi flying Westland Wapitis. On his return to England in 1937 he joined No 77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No 77 Squadron before moving to Klnloss to instruct with No 14 OTU. He completed another tour, this time with No 7 Squadron at Oakington on Stirlings, before joining HQ Staff of No 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No 111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa, In 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzwellerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in 1958 and has since been involved with the film Industry as an aviation consultant specialising in electronics for all three services. Hamish Mahaddie died 16th January 1997.




Air Vice Marshall Donald Bennett (deceased)
Died : 1986
*Signature Value : £70

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Bennett, Donald
(Air Vice Marshall Donald Bennett (deceased))

Born in Australia, Bennet had joined the RAF before the war. He became widely experienced in flying all types of aircraft including fighters, flying boats and heavy bombers commanding 77 squadron, flying Halifaxes. In 1942, whilst commanding 10 Squadron, he was shot down on one of the attacks on the Tirpitz, but evaded capture and returned to England. Widley regarded as a navigation expert beyond comparison, he was personally selected by Arthur Harris to form the Pathfinder Force and his uncompromising attitude and ceaseless devotion to his men made him a legendary figure in WWII history. He died 15th September 1986.




Warrant Officer Harold Kirby
*Signature Value : £40

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Kirby, Harold
(Warrant Officer Harold Kirby)

Called up in 1942 he attended a flight mechanics course at RAF Halton and then qualified as a flight engineer in 1943, joining 467 Squadron at Waddington on Lancasters. In August 1944 his aircraft was forced to crash land after an operation when a 1000lb bomb from another Lancaster ripped through their port wing and destroyed their undercarriage over France. In September 1944 he joined 97 Squadron at Coningsby on Lancasters as part of the Pathfinders and remained with this unit until the end of the war. He left the RAF in 1946.




Air Commodore John Searby DSO DFC (deceased)
Died : 1986
*Signature Value : £45

Editions signed :

Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs.


Searby, John
(Air Commodore John Searby DSO DFC (deceased))

John Searby joined the RAF in 1929 as a Halton apprentice but was a Sergeant Pilot flying bombers when war broke out. Joining 106 Squadron he flew Lancasters with Guy Gibson and eventually took over as Squadron Commander when Gibson left for 617 Squadron. A specialist in navigation, he was then chosen by Arthur Harris to take command of No.83 Pathfinder Squadron at Wyton. Searby quickly developed a superb reputation as a Pathfinder and was involved in countless precision raids including his role as Master Bomber on the Peenemunde raid, coordinating the attack by over 600 heavy bombers. He died on 14th January 1986.

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Order
Acting Group Captain John Henry SEARBY, D.F.C., Royal Air Force, No.83 Squadron. One night in August, 1943, this officer participated in a bombing attack on an important target at Peenemunde. Enemy fighters were extremely active over the target area, but in spite of this Group Captain Searby executed his difficult task with consummate skill. He displayed faultless leadership, great courage and resolution throughout. (London Gazette – 7 September 1943)
Aircraft Related to This Print
Halifax

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