OPERATION MILLENNIUM - - The 1000 Bomber Raid

by Richard Taylor

Editions Edition Size US($) QTY
Collectors edition 20 $395.00
Remarque $630.00
Double remarque $945.00
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A lasting tribute to the brave young crews of RAF Bomber Command

Air Marshal Arthur Harris was appointed head of RAF Bomber Command in February 1942. He quickly concluded that losses suffered in daylight raids by heavy bombers were far too high and that his vision for the future would concentrate on a campaign of intense area bombing by night using large numbers of bombers and improved radar. He put his views into practice on the night of 30 / 31 May 1942 when Bomber Command launched Operation Millennium, its first ‘one thousand bomber’ raid. The target was Cologne.

Assembling a thousand bombers, however, had been far from easy; the Admiralty had refused a request from Harris for the Hudsons of Coastal Command to take part and with new heavy four-engine bombers such as Stirlings, Halifaxes and Lancasters still in short supply, a large proportion of the force consisted of stalwart Wellingtons. Making up the numbers were troublesome Manchesters, ageing Hampdens and Whitleys, including aircraft and crews drawn from training units.  

The damage inflicted on Cologne was immense and the news that Bomber Command could manage to put over a thousand bombers into the air for a single raid was a much-needed tonic for British morale, even though two further raids were marred by the loss of nearly 50 aircraft, many of which had been manned by trainees. Until more crews could be fully trained and more heavy bombers brought into operational service, raids involving such large numbers would, for now, be shelved.

Internationally renowned for his exceptional drawing skills, artist Richard Taylor has provided us with Operation Millennium, a stunning piece depicting the composite make-up of aircraft types participating in that historic raid. Reproduced in restricted quantities as a fine art Limited Edition print, each copy is issued matted to full conservation standards to include the original autograph of Arthur Harris who masterminded Operation Millennium, along with seven World War Two veterans, each representing the different types of aircraft flown on the raid.

The Collector’s Edition

Only TWENTY copies are available worldwide, each mounted to include a museum-quality reproduction RAF brevet badge and a total of EIGHT veteran signatures:

  • Marshal of the RAF Sir Arthur T. Harris BT, GCB OBE DD
  • Flight Lieutenant William Robert 'Bob' Hughes DFC AE
  • Group Captain Drane Lowe CBE, DFC, AFC
  • Air Commodore 'Dim' Strong CB AFC
  • Flight Lieutenant John Petrie-Andrews DFC DFM
  • Wing Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE
  • Group Captain William Farquharson DFC
  • Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC

Upgrade to include a Remarque

Regarded as one of the most gifted exponents of pencil work in the industry, Richard Taylor can hand-craft an original drawing in the lower margin of each print.

Every copy can be upgraded to include an original Remarque or Double Remarque, creating a completely unique piece.

If you have a particular request, such as specific aircraft markings, please ask when placing your order.

 

Image size: 19.75 inches wide x 7.75 inches high
Approx matted size: 25.75 inches wide x 16 inches high
Matted Remarque sizes will vary

Media:
Lithograph
Size:
25.75 x 16 inches
Release Date:
2/2025

Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.

Framing Service available on this item

Interested in having this item framed? Our expert team are on hand to review your bespoke requirements. Simply tick the framing box at the checkout and we’ll contact you to discuss the best framing choices for your piece plus delivery options. For further information about our framing service click here.