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Renowned aviation artist Gerald
Coulson, superb range of aviation art prints - limited editions and open
editions. Gerald Coulson, one of the worlds leading aviation artists range
of aviation prints includes Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster, Fairey
Swordfish, Halifax and Wellington bombers. These aviation art prints are
available from Cranston Fine Arts the military art print company.
Gerald Coulson has been painting
professionally for over 30 years. the Fine Art Guild have placed him
among the top ten best selling UK artists no less than 15 times in 12
years - 3 times at No. 1. Coulson's first love was aircraft,
studying them and drawing them at every opportunity, from an early
age. His apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer then as an RAF
Technician and later an engineer with British Airways, have allowed him an
insight and intimate knowledge of the aircraft he paints. Now a Vice
President, he is a founder member of the Guild of Aviation Artists and
four times winner of the Flight International Trophy for outstanding
aviation painting. He qualified for his pilots licence in 1960 and
is still actively flying today - mostly vintage aircraft and can often be
seen buzzing over the Fens of Cambridgeshire in a Tiger Moth.
Whatever the subject, whether aviation, landscape or portrait, his ability
to capture the realism and mood of the scene is unsurpassed, making him
one of the most collected and highly regarded artists in the world today.
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A Moment of Triumph by Gerald Coulson.
On the afternoon of Sunday, 13th September 1931, Flt. Lt J N Bootham, RAF, in a Southampton-built S6B seaplane, tore through the skies over the Solent to average 340.08mph round a 217-mile course. This fly-over was sufficient for Great Britain to gain the Schneider Trophy outright since it meant that the event had been won on three consecutive occasions. That it nearly didnt happen is part of the history of British Aviation, only timely sponsorship saving the whole Supermarine programme. So ended an era in aviation history which, with hindsight, proved so important for the free world as it was from this remarkably-advanced design of airframe and engine that R J Mitchells most famous aircraft of all time, the Spitfire, was developed. Without the advances brought on by the development of the Supermarine racing seaplanes, it is doubtful that the technology required for the Spitfire would have been so readily available. The Merlin and Griffon engines from Rolls Royce were also part of this programme. These were to be the mainstay of the British Aircraft Industry during World War II and become a legend in their own right. A replica of the aircraft which went on to set world air speed records can be seen in the Southampton Hall of Aviation, together with the legendary Spitfire. The Schneider Trophy was won outright by Great Britain on September 13th 1931. Flight Lieutenant J N Boothman flying S6B S1595, completed the seven laps at an average speed of 340.08mph. Fg Off Leonard Snaith and Flt Lt Freddy Long were the first and second reserve pilots of the 1931 GB Schneider Trophy team, behind J N Boothman.
Signed limited edition of 550 prints. Image size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £ Signed by Flt Lt Freddy Long and Fg Off Leonard Snaith.
300 of the edition signed by the artist Gerald Coulson only. Image size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £105.00
ITEM CODE DHM2510
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Mission by Moonlight by Gerald Coulson.
To commemorate this much-loved and incomparable aircraft, Gerald Coulsons evocative painting depicts a Mosquito B Mk. XVI, a high altitude bomber version, on operations deep over occupied Europe. In this guise the Mosquito was by far the fastest piston-engine bomber of World War II, and also the only light bomber capable of delivering the devastating 4,000lb block-buster bomb.
Signed limited edition of 350 prints. Print paper size 22 inches x 19 inches (56cm x 48cm). Price £95.00 Signatories: Wg Cmdr Robert Bray; Flt Lt Frank Diamond DFC AE; Flt Lt Geoffrey Perks DFC.
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. Print paper size 22 inches x 19 inches (56cm x 48cm) . Price £155.00 Signatories: Wg Cmdr Robert Bray; Flt Lt Frank Diamond DFC AE; Flt Lt Geoffrey Perks DFC.
ITEM CODE DHM2597
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Moonlight by Gerald Coulson.
Flying secret agents in and out of occupied France, transporting arms and radio equipment to the Resistance, and collecting downed airmen from behind enemy lines, was one of the most hazardous flying operations of World War II. These cloak and dagger sorties, always conducted at night by the light of the moon, required a cool head and inordinate flying and navigational skills – a duty performed courageously by the pilots of RAF Special Duty Squadrons. Due to their clandestine nature, the true magnitude of their operations only became fully appreciated when the war was over.
Signed limited edition of 350 prints. Print paper size 19 inches x 16 inches (48cm x 41cm). Price £65.00 Signatories: Flt Lt Peter Arkell.
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. Print paper size 19 inches x 16 inches (48cm x 41cm). Price £135.00 Signatories: Flt Lt Peter Arkell.
ITEM CODE DHM2594
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Normandy Sunrise by Gerald Coulson.
Here, in the brightening morning sky, Typhoons are prepared for the first sortie of the day. One has already fired up its big, powerful engine, blowing up whirlwinds of Normandy dust, ground crew hover, ready to remove chocks prior to taxi and take-off. A second is readied, while the remainder of the squadron, widely dispersed around the temporary field, are about to set about their deadly missions of the day.
Limited edition of 300 prints, with three signatures. Image size 27 inches x 21 inches (69cm x 53cm). Price £165.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant James Kyle DFM, Warrant Officer Douglas Oram and Flying Officer Frank Wheeler DFC.
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs, with seven signatures. Image size 27 inches x 21 inches (69cm x 53cm). Price £295.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant James Kyle DFM, Warrant Officer Douglas Oram, Flying Officer Frank Wheeler DFC, Flight Lieutenant Sir John Atkinson KCB DFC, Flight Lieutenant Roy Crane, Warrant Officer Jack Hodges DFC and Squadron Leader L F W Stark DFC* AFC C de G (Belg).
Limited edition of 200 prints, with seven signatures. Image size 27 inches x 21 inches (69cm x 53cm). Price £245.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant James Kyle DFM, Warrant Officer Douglas Oram, Flying Officer Frank Wheeler DFC, Flight Lieutenant Sir John Atkinson KCB DFC, Flight Lieutenant Roy Crane, Warrant Officer Jack Hodges DFC and Squadron Leader L F W Stark DFC* AFC C de G (Belg).
Limited edition of 25 remarques. Image size 27 inches x 21 inches (69cm x 53cm). Price £495.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant James Kyle DFM, Warrant Officer Douglas Oram, Flying Officer Frank Wheeler DFC, Flight Lieutenant Sir John Atkinson KCB DFC, Flight Lieutenant Roy Crane, Warrant Officer Jack Hodges DFC and Squadron Leader L F W Stark DFC* AFC C de G (Belg).
ITEM CODE DHM2276
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Top Cover by Gerald Coulson.
Big Brothers and Little Friends : the enduring bond between the bomber crews and fighter pilots of the USAAF Eighth Air Force in their prolonged and hotly contested air war against Hitlers Nazi Germany, 1942-1945.
Limited edition of 400 prints, with three signatures. Paper size 29 inches x 24 inches (74cm x 61cm). Price £180.00 Signed by Colonel C E Bud Anderson, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A Karr and Lieutenant Colonel Clyde B East.
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. Image size 29 inches x 24 inches (74cm x 61cm). Price £295.00 Signed by Colonel C E Bud Anderson, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A Karr, Lieutenant Colonel Clyde B East, Captain Jim Brooks and Colonel Bob Goebel.
Limited edition of 250 prints, with five signatures. Image size 29 inches x 24 inches (74cm x 61cm). Price £225.00 Signed by Colonel C E Bud Anderson, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A Karr, Lieutenant Colonel Clyde B East, Captain Jim Brooks and Colonel Bob Goebel.
Limited edition of 100 Generals Portfolio prints. Image size 29 inches x 24 inches (74cm x 61cm) Includes companion print.. Price £395.00
Limited edition of 25 remarques. Paper size 29 inches x 24 inches (74cm x 61cm). Price £525.00
ITEM CODE DHM2303
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Patrolling the Line by Gerald Coulson.
After having shoot down an Albatros DV over Ypres, captain Billy Barker in his personal aircraft B6313 leads his flight of novices in loose formation back to Allied Lines. Flying West into the early evening sun against the back drop of a dramatic skyline the four Sopwith Camels head back to their base at St Omer.
Limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 27.5 inches x 20 inches (70cm x 51cm). Price £145.00
ITEM CODE DHM2216
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Stearman PT17 by Gerald Coulson.
The Boeing Stearman PT 17 is a picture painted by Gerald Coulson essentially for the American Market and as a little self-indulgence. The U.S. equivalent to the Tiger Moth, it was typically larger and more powerful, being based around a comparatively large radial engine. Tough and easy to fly the Stearman still exists in large quantities and is used by fun fliers on both sides of the Atlantic, it being an extremely agile aerobatics machine capable of exciting continuous manoeuvres pulled along by its tremendous power. The sound of the Stearman, like the Harvard, is unmistakable with its propeller tips going supersonic at maximum revs. As trainers they were painted in the most attractive colours and against the typical Coulson sky this machine makes a brilliant impact and striking print as U.S. Army trainer 530 buzzes angrily through the sunlit skies probably taking yet another potential World War II ace on his first solo flight.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Image size 20 inches x 25 inches (51cm x 64cm) Only 60 copies remain, with a slight bend on one corner of the white border. Special Price. Price £95.00
ITEM CODE DHM2511
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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.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm). Price £180.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC, Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM and Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased).
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm). Price £295.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC, Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM, Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased), Flight Lieutenant David Codd DFC, Flying Officer Sir Michael Hanham DFC and Flying Officer Don Carruthers.
Limited edition of 75 pathfinder proofs. Image size 31 inches x 26 inches (79cm x 66cm). Price £ Signed by Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC, Warrant Officer Ernest Kenwright DFC DFM, Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE (deceased), Flight Lieutenant David Codd DFC, Flying Officer Sir Michael Hanham DFC, Flying Officer Don Carruthers, Warrant Officer Harold Kirby, Wing Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE, Air Vice Marshall Donald Bennett (deceased), Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC (deceased) and Air Commodore John Searby DSO DFC (deceased).
ITEM CODE DHM2250
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Country Life 43 by Gerald Coulson.
Its a cold, misty winters day early in 1943 and a pair of Mosquitoes B. Mk IV return from a low level precision bombing raid over Occupied Europe. As the sun rises over the East Anglian countryside the unmistakable sound of Merlin Engines shatter the silence as these magnificent aircraft emerge from the mist skimming across the landscape, heading back to their Norfolk base. Gerald Coulson has captured the scene perfectly, once again proving that he is a true Master in his field, combining the technical accuracy of this powerful aircraft with his ability to capture the mood and feeling of a cold winter landscape.
Signed limited edition of 450 prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £165.00 Signed by Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC (deceased), Squadron Leader TJ Tommy Broom DFC and Group Captain Richard Haine OBE DFC (deceased).
ITEM CODE GC0102
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End of an Era by Gerald Coulson.
Entering service in 1951, the Shackleton has been seen worldwide performing anti-submarine and search and rescue duties prior to the installation of the radar necessary for the airborne early warning role in 1972 wit No.8 squadron. Phased out during 1991, and superseded by the Boeing E-3 Sentries, only six remain and are still with No.8 Squadron based at Lossiemouth. They are occasionally called upon to assist for search and rescue sorties and the dubious honour of operating in the conditions depicted. After forty years of sterling service the Shackleton deserves a tribute.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Image size 26 inches x 20 inches (66cm x 51cm). Price £150.00
ITEM CODE GC0222
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Overdue by Gerald Coulson.
The Vickers-Armstrong Wellington entered service life in the RAF in 1938 as a medium bomber. As the mainstay of the Bomber Command, it bore the initial brunt of the RAFs night offensive during 1940. Without the benefit of sophisticated navigation aids, the bomber crews had difficulty locating and hitting targets and also contending with rapidly improving German defences. The picture depicts an incident at sunrise on the morning of 26th July 1940. A Wellington 1c of 99 Squadron, based at Newmarket Heath, returns from a raid over Dortmund. An engine fails over the North Sea and the aircraft, captained by Squadron Leader Sarll, struggled almost to its home base and crashed just south of Cambridge. The crew survived.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Image size 26 inches x 20 inches (66cm x 51cm). Price £150.00
ITEM CODE GC0187
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Singing Wires by Gerald Coulson.
Gerald Coulson said of this painting :
How very fortunate to be in a position to paint aviation as a result of direct experience. This aeroplane has been featured in many of my paintings. The fact that I have flown this machine for years and still do probably has something to do with it. It is, of course, the de Havilland Tiger Moth, one of the greatest aeroplanes in the world. Not one of the most comfortable, nor noted for its crisp handling qualities. It is, nevertheless, a delight in which to be aloft over a sun-dappled landscape. With the roar of the Gypsy engine, the slipstream singing through the bracing wires and the sun flashing off silvered wing, what more inspiration does an aviation artist require.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £58.00
ITEM CODE LE0252
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Happy Days by Gerald Coulson.
Few pilots can resist the temptation for low flying should the opportunity present itself. Out of sight of the spoil-sport eyes of the authority, the rules will be broken, the artist would indulge in this chancy but undeniable thrill. A great sensation from any cockpit but for the artist nothing can compare with the effect from behind a pair of goggles to the accompaniment of humming wires around the cockpit of a Tiger Moth.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 26 inches x 20 inches (66cm x 51cm). Price £150.00
** (Ex Display) Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (One copy reduced to clear) Image size 26 inches x 20 inches (66cm x 51cm). Price £80.00
ITEM CODE GC0142
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Evening Departure by Gerald Coulson.
A pair of Wellington bombers of the Royal Air Force head out on a bombing mission.
Open edition print. Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 56cm). Price £42.00
ITEM CODE GC0602
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British Aerospace Concorde by Gerald Coulson.
Open edition print. Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £16.00
ITEM CODE GC0193
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Croydon Departure by Gerald Coulson.
During the early 1930s, Imperial Airways of London introduced to its European and Eastern routes the HP42, an enormous four-engined Handley Page biplane carrying up to 38 passengers at a sedate 100mph. For the first time air travellers could enjoy Pullman comfort, the wicker-work chairs finally being dispensed with. Eight of these outstanding aircraft were built and operated from 1931 to the start of the Second World War. The European services were flown by the four known as the Heracles class with fleet names Horatius, Hengist and Helena. The Hannibal class with Horsa, Hanno and Hadrian serviced the Empire routes. They accumulated over 10 million miles of peacetime operations wthout harm to a single passenger or crew member. Safety became their byword. Depicted here is Horatius, bound for Paris from Croydon. What a sight to behold, truly a galleon of the clouds.
Signed limited edition of 850 pints. Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £70.00
ITEM CODE LE0262
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The Last Patrol by Gerald Coulson.
SOLD OUT (£22, February 2009) Image size 16in x 12in (41cm x 31cm). Price £
ITEM CODE GC0267
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De Haviland Mosquito by Gerald Coulson.
Sold out at publisher. We have the last 200 remaining prints.
Open edition print. Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £16.00
ITEM CODE GC0439
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The Yoxford Boys by Gerald Coulson.
Open edition print. Image size 28 inches x 14 inches (71cm x 36cm). Price £38.00
ITEM CODE GC0723
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Brief Encounter by Gerald Coulson.
Royal Flying Corps SE5As of 56 squadron engaged in air combat with flying circus Fokker Dr1s commanded by the great German ace Baron von Richthofen, France 1917.
Signed limited edition of 295 prints. Image size 27 inches x 21 inches (69cm x 53cm). Price £141.00
ITEM CODE GC0524
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| Stearman PT17 by Gerald
Coulson. The Boeing Stearman PT 17 is a picture painted by
Gerald Coulson essentially for the American Market and as a little
self-indulgence. The U.S. equivalent to the Tiger Moth, it was
typically larger and more powerful, being based around a comparatively
large radial engine. Tough and easy to fly the Stearman still exists
in large quantities and is used by fun fliers on both sides of the
Atlantic, it being an extremely agile aerobatics machine capable of
exciting continuous manoeuvres pulled along by its tremendous power.
The sound of the Stearman, like the Harvard, is unmistakable with its
propeller tips going supersonic at maximum revs. As trainers they
were painted in the most attractive colours and against the typical
Coulson sky this machine makes a brilliant impact and striking print as
U.S. Army trainer 530 buzzes angrily through the sunlit skies probably
taking yet another potential World War II ace on his first solo flight.
A Moment of Triumph by Gerald Coulson
On the afternoon of Sunday, 13th September 1931, Flt. Lt J N Bootham,
RAF, in a Southampton-built S6B seaplane, tore through the skies over the
Solent to average 340.08mph round a 217-mile course. This fly-over
was sufficient for Great Britain to gain the Schneider Trophy outright
since it meant that the event had been won on three consecutive occasions.
That it nearly didn't happen is part of the history of British Aviation,
only timely sponsorship saving the whole Supermarine programme. So
ended an era in aviation history which, with hindsight, proved so
important for the free world as it was from this remarkably-advanced
design of airframe and engine that R J Mitchell's most famous aircraft of
all time, the Spitfire, was developed. Without the advances brought
on by the development of the Supermarine racing seaplanes, it is doubtful
that the technology required for the Spitfire would have been so readily
available. The Merlin and Griffon engines from Rolls Royce were also
part of this programme. These were to be the mainstay of the British
Aircraft Industry during World War II and become a legend in their own
right. A replica of the aircraft which went on to set world air
speed records can be seen in the Southampton Hall of Aviation, together
with the legendary Spitfire.
Normandy Sunrise by Gerald Coulson Click
here for signature information of each edition After the success of the Hurricane it was with eager anticipation
that the RAF looked forward to receiving Hawker's new replacement for
the ageing Battle of Britain fighter. But when the Typhoon arrived
it was a disappointment. Originally planned as a high altitude
interceptor, its rough, tough design made it too slow and not
sufficiently manoeuvrable in high level dogfights, forcing the RAF to
look for another role for their new aircraft. It was not long
before this sturdy aircraft, with its distinctive frontal radiator
scoop, had become the benchmark of all ground attack aircraft to serve
in World War II. At the time of D-Day and during the Allied
advance through Europe, the Typhoon became the backbone of the 2nd
Tactical Air Force's ground attack Wings. Deadly at low level, and
fast - it could top 400mph at low altitude - the Typhoon could outrun
the Me109 and Fw190, and was robust enough to take the considerable flak
damage that ground attack inevitably attracts, and to get its
pilot home. Heavily armed with cannon, rockets and bombs, the
Typhoon's sharp shooting pilots became the scourge of the German ground
forces, exampled by the action at Mortain on 7th August 1944 when
Typhoons wiped out the 1st SS Panzer Division.
Top Cover by Gerald Coulson Big Brother and Little Friends - the enduring bond between the
bomber crews and fighter pilots of the USAAF Eighth Air Force in their
prolonged and hotly contested air war against Hitler's Nazi Germany, 1942
- 1945.
Patrolling the Line by Gerald Coulson After having shoot down an Albatros DV over
Ypres, captain Billy
Barker in his personal aircraft B6313 leads his flight of novices in loose
formation back to Allied Lines. Flying West into the early evening sun
against the back drop of a dramatic skyline the four Sopwith Camels head
back to their base at St Omer.
Home Run by Gerald Coulson It is June 1944 and Mosquito B.Mk XVI's of the Light Night Strike
Force, with their distinctive bomb doors and wing tanks return from a raid
over Berlin having despatched their 4000lb 'cookie' bombs. The sun is just
beginning to rise and the peaceful tranquillity is shattered as these
majestic aircraft power in from the North Sea and continue their route,
flying at low level over the Norfolk Marshes. |
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Synchro by Gerald Coulson
Painted to commemorate, and
in tribute to, the world-famous Red Arrows, this is the 25th Anniversary
picture. The Synchro pilot
hurtles down the runway as his Synchro partner "tries to miss
him" with the rest of the team in the background. Always
spectacular, this maneouvre causes the crowd to catch its breath because
from the crowd line because it appears that the Hawks might be close
enough to touch each other.
Signed limited edition
of 500 prints. Image size 20" x 25". Order Code
DHM2512. Print price £120 |
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Text for
'Leading the Way' On August 15th 1942, under the leadership of Don
Bennett, 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 Marshall
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
Bennett, just 32 years of age proved to be an 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 new 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.
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| Signatures
for 'Leading the Way': The following three signatures an on all editions:
Flight Lieutenant John Rollins DFC AFC : 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 Dakota's in the
Far East and left the RAF in mid 1946.
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 Lancasters. 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
Squadron Leader Pat Carden DFC AE : He initially
joined the RAF in 1932 on a short service commission and qualified as a
pilot, becoming an instructor. He served at the Central Flying
School at Uphaven between 1939 and 1942 and was then released for an
operational tour with 15 squadron at Mildenhall, flying Lancasters.
He then moved to Feltwell as Chief Flying Instructor before volunteering
for the Pathfinder Force and joined 35 squadron at Gravely on Halifax's
followed by 582 squadron at Little Staunton on Lancasters, gaining a
Mention in Despatches. He finished the war with 66 operations and
joined Transport Command, serving in Cairo and Malta, leaving the RAF in
1946.
The following three signatures an on the Artist Proof
and Pathfinder Proof editions :
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
Halifax's 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 : 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 Halifax's 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. 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. The
following five signatures are only on the Pathfinder Proof edition : 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 the
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. Wing
Commander Ernest Rodley DSO DFC AFC AE : He 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 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 Striking Force. Staying with this unit he
finished the war having completed 87 operations. Air
Vice Marshal Don Bennett CB CBE DSO : Born in Australia, Bennett 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 Halifax's. 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. Widely regarded
as a navigation expert beyond compare, 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. Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO
DFC AFC : Initially joining the RAF in 1928 as a Halton apprentice he
qualified as a pilot in 1935 and was involved in the first bombing raid of
WWII on the island of Sylt. In 1942 after a period instructing, he
joined one of the first Pathfinder units 7 squadron, flying Stirlings from
Oakington. After 50 ops he was given the task by Don Bennett of
finding 'volunteers' for the Pathfinder Force and over the next two years
he recruited around 17,000 of the best aircrew in the business for No 8
group. In 1944 he took command of Warboys, the PFF training unit and
had become a living legend in Bomber Command. Air
Commodore John Searby DSO DFC : He joined the RAF in 1929 as a Halton
apprentice but was a Sergeant 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 six hundred heavy
bombers. |
| Country Life 43 by Gerald Coulson
It is a cold, misty winters day in 1943 and a pair of Mosquitoes B.
Mk IV return from a low level precision bombing raid over Occupied Europe.
As the sun rises over the East Anglian countryside the unmistakable sound
of Merlin engines shatter the silence as these magnificent aircraft emerge
from the mist skimming across the landscape, heading back to their Norfolk
base.
The de Havilland Mosquito was one of the most versatile aircraft of
WWII, taking part in almost every role that the RAF employed. As a Night
Fighter it became famous for its excellent record and was also used for
precision bombing and photo-reconnaissance, where its speed and height put
it beyond the reach of the opposition. Later it became prolific with the
Strike Wings in an Anti Shipping role and with the Pathfinder Squadrons -
piloted by such notable figures as Guy Gibson and Leonard Cheshire. Having
a maximum speed of over 400mph the Mosquito had superb maneuverability and
could out perform most other aircraft of the time.
With a unique airframe constructed of wood the Mosquito was light but
exceptionally strong and had a reputation with its crews of being able to
get them home even when heavily damaged. Few other aircraft were so highly
regarded by the crew that flew them and enthusiasts alike, making the
Mosquito one of the greatest aircraft of WWII.
During 1943 Mosquito Squadrons were involved in many precision bombing
raids over specific targets in Germany, its design making it ideal for
this role - Berlin and back took only four hours and at around 28,000 feet
German fighters were unable to touch it. The first two RAF units
to be equipped with the B. Mk IV were Squadron Nos. 105 and 139. Both were
used in strikes against specialist targets such as rail marshalling yards
and key industrial plants, with the attacks being mounted along the length
and breadth of Western Europe. Flying at low level and using maximum cloud
cover, the crews were largely able to strike their targets and return with
minimal losses. One famous raid was to Berlin on 30th January 1943 - the
tenth anniversary of Hitler's ascension to power - when the Mosquitoes
presence over the Reich Capital totally disrupted a speech due to be given
by Hermann Goering.
Striking Back by Gerald Coulson "Conceived initially by Hawkers (of Hurricane fame), as a fast powerful
fighter, the typhoon's performance in this role proved to be
disappointing in the respect of rate of climb, and at height. They did
however eventually come into their own as a superlative very fast ground
attack aircraft, and combined with the skill of their pilots became one of
the most potent weapons of World War Two.
End of an Era by Gerald Coulson Entering service in 1951, the Shackleton has been seen worldwide
performing anti-submarine and search and rescue duties prior to the
installation of the radar necessary for the airborne early warning role in
1972 wit No.8 squadron. Phased out during1991, and superseded by the Boeing E-3 Sentries
(AWACS),
only six remain and are still called upon to assist for search and rescue
sorties and the dubious honour of operating in the conditions depicted in
this painting. After forty years of sterling service the Shackleton
deserves a tribute.
Overdue by Gerald Coulson The Vickers-Armstrong Wellington entered service life in the RAF in
1938 as a medium bomber. As the mainstay of the Bomber Command, it bore
the initial brunt of the RAF's night offensive during 1940. Without the
benefit of sophisticated navigation aids, the bomber crews had difficulty
locating and hitting targets and also contending with rapidly improving
German defences.
Happy Days by Gerald Coulson Few pilots can resist the temptation for low flying should the
opportunity present itself. Out of sight of the spoil-sport eyes of the
authority, the rules will be broken, the artist would indulge in this chancy but undeniable thrill. A great sensation from any cockpit but for
the artist nothing can compare with the effect from behind a pair of
goggles to the accompaniment of humming wires around the cockpit of a
Tiger Moth. |
Operation
Jericho, the Jail Breakers by Gerald Coulson published 1993 by Solomon
and Whitehead.. with 18 signatures One secondary market print being sold on behalf of
a major collector's estate. No. 166//850 Price
£480 Order Code AX41 A secure order form is available on this link:
secure
order form
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WE HAVE ONE PRINT Signed by John Moffat, swordfish pilot accredited
for the Torpedo that hit the Bismarck's steering gear. Print price £200.
($320) NOW SOLD
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To Sink The Bismarck by Gerald Coulson
It is 7.15pm on 25th May 1941. The place, North Atlantic. The mission
to find and sink the massive German warship Bismarck. The weather was very
bad and worsening noticeably with storm force winds, rain squalls and
increasingly heavy seas. With seemingly impossible flying conditions, Ark
Royal launched its second strike of the day of fifteen swordfish, four
each from 810 and 818 squadrons and seven from 820 squadron. Coming under
intense fire the pilots came in very low and close and dropped their
torpedo on the target. Eventually the Bismarcks fate was sealed by the
guns of the Home Fleet.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Print serial number GC277.
Image size 24" x 18". SOLD OUT EDITION
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PRINT IS NOW
SOLD OUT.
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Wings of Victory by Gerald Coulson
A Truly majestic painting of three of the most well known aircraft of
World War II, the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane. Each of the 650
copies is signed by Gerlad Coulson, and three RAF Fighter Pilots from the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Signed limited edition of 650 prints. Print serial number GC331.
Image size 23" x 18". Print price £105. Signed by Sqn Ldr
Groombridge, Sqn Ldr Stevens and Sqn Ldr Martin. |
| Pathfinder by Gerald Coulson
The Pathfinder force of RAF Bomber Command was formed during 1942,
comprising specially selected crews. Very experienced and highly trained, their
task was to spearhead, locate and mark targets at night for the
attack by the main bomber stream. This was achieved by using aircraft
equipped with an extremely accurate bombing aid coded 'Oboe' and dropping
clusters of coloured flares (target indicators) on or near the target.
The de Haviland mosquito, outstanding in the roles of fighter, bomber
and photographic reconnaissance and capable of operating at up to 30,000 ft
where anti-aircraft devices were ineffective, was ideally suited to the
task.
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signed limited edition of 500 prints. Print serial number GC301.
Image size 24" x 18". SOLD OUT EDITION
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