Guiding the Straggler Home by Richard Taylor

Spitfires from 504 Squadron provide close escort to a badly damaged Lancaster of 576 Squadron as she limps back to base, having fallen far behind the main force following an arduous raid over Germany, 1944.

Two aircraft, above all others, came to symbolize the deeds of the men and machines of the RAF: the Spitfire, magnificent in defense, lethal in attack, and the mighty Lancaster, the awesome heavy bomber that took the war to the heart of Nazi Germany.

In tribute to these iconic aircraft and the legendary airmen who flew them, Richard’s detailed drawing depicts an all too common scene as a badly damaged Lancaster from 576 Squadron struggles to keep up with the rest of the main force on returning from a raid over Germany. This time however, help is at hand as a flight of Spitfires from 504 Squadron spot the danger and guide the straggler back to more familiar skies and by doing so prevent any nearby Luftwaffe fighters claiming an easy victory – both RAF crews appreciating the unwritten bond between Fighter and Bomber Command.

Signatures:. Each print in this highly-restricted 15-signature edition is matted to include a museum quality reproduction RAF brevet badge.

Signatures are compiled from the following list of bomber and Fighter Command veterans:

Squadron Leader GEOFFREY WELLUM DFC (Spitfire Pilot)

Warrant Officer ERIC CARTER (Hurricane Pilot)

Squadron Leader IAN BLAIR DFM (Blenheim & Spitfire Pilot)

Flight Lieutenant RUSSELL ‘RUSTY’ WAUGHMAN DFC AFC LD’H (Lancaster Pilot)

Flight Lieutenant GORDON MELLOR (Wellington & Halifax Navigator)

Squadron Leader LES MUNRO CNZM DSO QSO DFC (Manchester & Lancaster Pilot)

Wing Commander TERRANCE KANE (Spitfire Pilot)

Flying Officer KEN WILKINSON (Spitfire Pilot)

Flight Lieutenant TOMMY COLES DFC (Halifax Pilot)

Squadron Leader TONY PICKERING AFC (Hurricane Pilot)

Warrant Officer DOUG VINCE (Stirling Flight Engineer)

Warrant Officer WILLIAM ‘BILL’ GOULD (Lancaster Flight Engineer)

Warrant Officer ERIC CARTER (Hurricane Pilot)

Flight Lieutenant ALAN PAYNE DFC (Lancaster Bomb Aimer)

Flight Lieutenant BILL REID VC (Lancaster Pilot)

Wing Commander GEORGE ‘GRUMPY’ UNWIN DSO DFM* (Spitfire & Mosquito Pilot)

Wing Commander BOB DOE DSO DFC* (Spitfire & Hurricane Pilot)

Group Captain LEONARD CHESHIRE VC OM DSO** DFC* (Whitley, Halifax, Lancaster & Mosquito Pilot)

Warrant Officer HARRY IRONS DFC (Lancaster & Halifax Rear Gunner)

Flying Officer BILL NORTH (Lancaster Pilot)

Warrant Officer BOB FROST (Wellington Air Gunner)