THE BOMBER BOYS

by James Dietz

Editions Edition Size US($) QTY
Limited edition 150 $135.00
617 squadron edition 125 $245.00
Bomber command edition 100 $275.00
Remarques 15 $695.00
Double remarques 10 $975.00
Giclee studio proofs 75 $550.00
Giclee exhibition proof 25 $1250.00
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On the night of 16 / 17 May 1943, in one of the most daring low-level missions of the war, the men of newly-formed 617 Squadron, under the command of Guy Gibson, attacked the great dams of the Ruhr. The story of their audacious raid gained the squadron immediate fame and thereafter they would be known simply as the ‘Dambusters’.

But for the hundreds of airmen who followed in their footsteps, the destruction of the great dams was merely the beginning for this new squadron of low-flying, precision-bombing experts. Over the next two years their courageous exploits would earn the respect of the world.

They did so under the command of some of Bomber Command’s greatest leaders.

Following in Gibson’s footsteps were men such as the inspirational Leonard Cheshire VC, described by the London Gazette as having ‘a reputation second to none in Bomber Command’, and who helped pioneer precision target marking and the accurate delivery of Barnes Wallis’s new deep-penetration ‘earthquake’ Tallboy bombs, especially in the operations against V-weapon sites in northern France.

Cheshire’s worthy successor was James Tait, who led the raids against the Tirpitz and whose Tallboy bomb eventually sank the mighty German battleship. In December 1944, having completed over 100 operations, Tait handed over the reins to Canadian Jimmy Farquier – described as probably the finest bomber pilot in the RCAF – and the man who would lead 617 Squadron until the last raid of the war.

Under his stewardship the airmen of 617 Squadron were to reach new heights of fame, delivering Tallboy’s massive big brother – the Grand Slam -– Barnes Wallis’s pièce-de-résistance, a 22,000lb bomb whose warhead contained over 9,000lbs of explosive, making it the most powerful conventional bomb of World War II. In the capable hands of 617 Squadron’s specially modified Lancasters, they destroyed targets such as the great Arnsberg and Bielefeld viaducts, and the seemingly indestructible Valentin U-boat pens on the banks of the River Weser, whose huge 15ft walls supported a roof that in places was 23ft thick.

The squadron flew their last mission of the war on 25 April 1945, their Tallboys helping to destroy much of Hitler’s once-fabled mountain retreat at Obersalzberg.

This highly detailed and carefully researched painting by James Dietz, one of America’s foremost military and aviation artists, fittingly depicts this famous unit to represent all those who served with Bomber Command during World War II. The crews have just returned safely to RAF Scampton after a long, hazardous raid over enemy territory. Tired, weary and thankful to have made it back in one piece, they can at last stretch their legs and enjoy some welcome refreshments before heading off to de-brief and a much-needed rest.

The Signatures

Adding great authenticity and in tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the collection of signatures on this memorable piece not only includes veterans who served with 617 Squadron, but also pilots and aircrew who took part in the bitter conflicts in the skies over Europe, creating a unique and highly desirable collector’s piece.

The Limited Edition

Joining artist James Dietz in signing every print is a highly regarded veteran who served on Lancasters with the legendary 617 Squadron during WWII: 

  • Wing Commander John Bell MBE DFC

The 617 Squadron Edition

This historic FIVE signature edition is additionally autographed by a further four aircrew who served with 617 Squadron during WWII:

  • Squadron Leader George Johnson MBE DFM
  • Squadron Leader Lawrence 'Benny' Goodman
  • Flight Lieutenant Sydney Grimes
  • Flight Sergeant Charles Avey

The Bomber Command Edition

In tribute to all those who served with RAF Bomber Command, each print in this TEN signature edition is additionally signed by a further five highly-regarded WWII veterans who flew on Lancasters:

  • Flight Lieutenant Russell 'Rusty' Waughman DFC AFC Ld'H
  • Warrant Officer Harold Kirby Ld'H
  • Warrant Officer Rupert Noye DFC
  • Flight Sergeant Ron Gard
  • Warrant Officer Ted Key

The Remarques

Widely considered as some of the best in the industry, artist James Dietz will individually create a unique pencil Remarque in the lower margin of the print. Each copy is personally autographed by the ten veterans who signed the Bomber Command Edition.

The Giclée Proofs on Canvas

Using the most sophisticated digital Giclée technology, these editions are printed directly on to fine canvas creating the look and feel of an original painting. Each canvas is fully authorized, stamped on the back, hand numbered and titled.

Available in two different sizes:

Studio Proof: 40” wide x 20” high
Exhibition Proof: 60” wide x 30” high

 

Media:
Lithograph
Size:
33.75 x 21.25 inches
Release Date:
2/2019

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

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