Operation Cerberus - The Channel Dash by Philip West

The Channel Dash (officially known as Operation Cerberus) was one of three operations during the Second World War for which the Swordfish was to become the most famous. Heavily outgunned in the Straits of Dover on this day in February 1942 by the German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen, with their accompanying flotilla of destroyers and motor torpedo boats, and with top cover provided by deadly fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe, all six Fleet Air Arm Swordfish were shot down. Only five of the eighteen aircrew survived. Here we see the Swordfish flown by Sub. Lt. Kingsmill and Sub. Lt. Samples with PO Bunce in the rear, fighting for their lives with his machine gun.

The bravery of the Swordfish aircrew in this and all other operations is a matter of history and must never be forgotten.

Signatures:

Primary Editions:

C.P.O. Donald Bunce (Shot down in the attack.)

Artist's Proofs:

Capt. AWF Sutton DSC*

Lt. Cdr. Edgar Lee (also shot down during the Channel Dash)

Lieut. NC Gillis

Sub. Lt. Stanley Brand

Remarques & Double Remarques:

Capt. AWF Sutton DSC*

Lt. Cdr. Edgar Lee

Lieut. NC Gillis

Sub. Lt. Stanley Brand

C.P.O. Donald Bunce

P.O. Leslie Sayer DSM