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Aviation art prints of
the world war one fighter the SE5a. The SE5a aviation art prints by aviation
artists Gerald Coulson and M Kinnear are available direct from Aviation
art prints . com a division of Cranston Fine arts.
The third
S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a
200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went
to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the
year No's 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After
troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a
general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper
became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation
for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with
the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and
maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with
four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also
service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the
end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the
RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons.
After its 'demob' 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to
Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland
and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and
were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always
remain one of aviation's great warplanes.
Dawn
Dog Fight, Mick Mount VC by Graeme Lothian High
above the trenches in April 1918, 74 Squadron engage the famed JG 1 led
by the renowned ace baron von Richthofen in his distinctive bright red
DR 1. Edward Mick mannock flying a SE5.a diving down top engage another
Fokker Dr1 as the red baron flies past momentarily catching each others
eyes. The new CO of 74 squadron, major Grid Caldwell MC (bar) New
Zealands
top ace can be seen above entering the dog fight. But it would be
Mannock who would go on to great fame. with 61 confirmed victories and
to win the VC, DSO (bar) and MC (bar). After 74 squadron he replaced
Billy Bishop of CO 85 Squadron on the 3rd July 1918, scoring 46 victories
in the Se5.a He was killed by ground fire near Lestram, France on the
26th July 1918. his Victoria Cross being gazetted on the 18th July 1919.
The red baron CO of the Richthofens Flying circus didnt survive the
month, also killed by ground fire on the 24th April, he was buried by
the Allies with full military honours.
Grid Caldwell by Graeme Lothian. Grid
Caldwell, the top New Zealand Ace with 25 victories in his SE5A of 74
Squadron, is shown taking off from his home airfield during the Great
War. |
| Dawn Dog Fight, Mick Mannock VC by Graeme Lothian. High above the trenches in April 1918, 74 Squadron engage the famed JG 1 led by the renowned ace baron von Richthofen in his distinctive bright red DR 1. Edward Mick mannock flying a SE5.a diving down top engage another Fokker Dr1 as the red baron flies past momentarily catching each others eyes. The new CO of 74 squadron, major Grid Caldwell MC (bar) New Zealands top ace can be seen above entering the dog fight. But it would be Mannock who would go on to great fame. with 61 confirmed victories and to win the VC, DSO (bar) and MC (bar) After 74 squadron he replaced Billy Bishop of CO 85 Squadron on the 3rd July 1918, scoring 46 victories in the Se5.a He was killed by ground fire near Lestram, France on the 26th July 1918. his Victoria Cross being gazetted on the 18th July 1919. The red baron CO of the Richthofens Flying circus didnt survive the month, also killed by ground fire on the 24th April, he was buried by the Allies with full military honours. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints Image size 25 inches x 16 inches (64cm x 41cm). Price £95.00  Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16 inches (64cm x 41cm). Price £130.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £135
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE DHM1296 |
| Knights of the Sky by Nicolas Trudgian The dramatic scene depicts an aerial dog-fight between Sopwith Camels and SE5A fighters of the Royal Flying Corps, and the bright red planes of Baron von Richthofens JG1 fighter wing. High over Northern France, the highly manoeuvrable fighters wheel and turn in the cauldron of close aerial combat, the artist bringing alive that evocative era when aerial combat first began. Limited edition of 600 prints. Paper size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £175.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Philip Bristow (deceased), in addition to the artist. Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £185.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Philip Bristow (deceased), in addition to the artist. Save £20 on selected prints - Was £205
Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
** (Ex Display) Limited edition of 600 prints. (Two copies reduced to clear) Paper size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £125.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Philip Bristow (deceased), in addition to the artist.
ITEM CODE DHM2444 |
| Major Edward Mannock by Ivan Berryman. Despite having sight in just one eye, Major Edward Mick Mannock was to become one of the most decorated and celebrated aces of World War 1, bringing down an official 61 enemy aircraft in just eighteen months before himself being brought down in flames by enemy ground fire. He was reluctant to add shared kills to his tally, so his actual total of victories is recorded at 73. His decorations include the VC, DSO and 2 Bars, MC and Bar and he is depicted here diving on enemy aircraft in SE5a D278 of 74 Sqn in April, 1918. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm. Price £115.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 20 publishers proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £115.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1638 |
| 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 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE GC0524 |
| Magnificent Courage by Stan Stokes. On April 6, 1916 the RFC formed several new squadrons, including the No. 56 Squadron - Scouts. In March of 1917 the unit received the first of its new SE5s. The aircraft was disappointing to the pilots, being slower than expected, and its new Vickers machine gun with interrupter gear was next to useless. Many modifications ensued in the field, and many SE5s were fitted with Lewis guns located atop the upper wing, and in some cases an additional Lewis was installed which could be fired downward through the cockpit. In early April of 1917 No. 56 was ready to see its first combat action, and the unit headed off to France. About nine months earlier the pendulum of air superiority had swung back to the Germans. The Fokker scourge of 1915 had previously been negated by the deployment of DH2 and FE8 aircraft, but the newer German Albatros and Halberstadt fighters had regained the upper hand. The RFC was once again suffering unsustainable casualties. No. 56 Squadron was immediately pressed into service upon its deployment in France, and over the next several months gave a good account of itself. The Squadrons first victory came on April 22, and went to Albert Ball who would become a high scoring ace. On September 23, 1917 many of No. 56 Squadrons pilots would become engaged in what would be considered as one of the epic battles of early aerial warfare. At about 5:00 PM in the evening eleven SE5s took off for a routine patrol. There were heavy clouds at 9,000 feet, effectively limiting the ceiling. Several engagements took place prior to James McCudden noticing a lone SE5 from No. 60 Squadron under attack by a German triplane. Unknown to McCudden was the fact that the triplane was piloted by Werner Voss, a top German ace with 48 confirmed victories. During the next several minutes 7 SE5s focused their efforts on attacking Voss triplane. Voss had several opportunities to make a dash for the German lines, but chose to stay and fight. Demonstrating beautiful flying and determination, Voss held the massed SE5s at bay, and managed to inflict damage on each and every one. With maneuvers made so quickly and so unpredictably, none of the SE5 pilots could keep Voss in their gunsights long enough to fire a meaningful burst. Voss managed to damage two of the SE5s enough that they withdrew from the fight, and a red-nosed German Albatros joined in the fray for a short time. At one point in the battle McCudden indicated that the triplane was in the cone of tracer bullets from at least five machines simultaneously. Voss could out climb and outmaneuver all the RFC craft. Minutes later at about 2,000 feet the SE5 piloted by Arthur Rhys Davids managed to catch the German ace in a straight flat dive, and approached to within feet of the triplanes tail, firing a solid burst before pulling out of his dive. Moments later the triplane hit the ground and disintegrated. Later that evening the pilots of 56 Squadron recounted the epic battle speculating as to who might have been the pilot of the German triplane. The next morning General Trenchard sent an aide to 56 Squdron to elicit details of the battle. In this report James McCudden paid the following tribute to Voss, As long as I live I shall never forget that German pilot who single-handedly fought seven of us for ten minutes, and who put some bullets through all our machines. His flying was wonderful, his courage magnificent, and in my opinion he is the bravest German airman whom it has been my privilege to see fight. Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £40.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE STK0016 |
| James McCudden by Ivan Berryman. SE5As of B Flight, 56 Sqn led by James McCudden in the aircraft numbered B519, on patrol over the Western Front in 1917. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £60.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
Restricted edition of individually produced mugs, exclusively available from Cranston Fine Arts. Standard size earthenware mug, produced in the UK.. Price £12.00
ITEM CODE DHM1572 |
| Leutnant Josef Mai by Ivan Berryman. Victory No 26 for Josef Mai was a 64 Squadron SE5.A on 5th September 1918, here falling victim to the guns of the aces zebra-striped Fokker D.VII 4598/18 of Jasta 5. By the end of the war, his total had risen to 30 aircraft destroyed, Mai himself collecting a number of decorations, among them the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd class. Surviving the Great War, it is believed that he became a flying instructor for the Luftwaffe during World War II, finally being laid to rest in 1982, aged ninety four. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1589 |
| McCudden, VC by Ivan Berryman. Major James McCudden is pictured in his 56 Sqn S.E.5a B519 on a patrol during August 1917. In this month alone, he shot down four Albatross DVs. His final tally of victories totalled a remarkable 57 before he was killed in a flying accident in 1918. Signed limited black and white edition of 1150 prints. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £26.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £43.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £48
Original black and white acrylic painting by Ivan Berryman. Size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £750.00
ITEM CODE B0157 |
| Seeing Red by Ivan Berryman. Credited with no fewer than 80 victories, Manfred Von Richthofen, The Red Baron, became legendary, not least for the 17 kills scored whilst flying the diminutive Fokker DR1 Triplane. Contrary to popular belief, however, only one of his aircraft is known to have been painted all red. Serial no. 477/17 is shown here dicing with an SE5. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Red Baron signature edition of one artist proof (No. 1) from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £1180.00 Signed by Manfred von Richthofen (deceased) (mounted)
Red Baron signature edition of one artist proof (No. 1) from the edition of 20 small artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £1080.00 Signed by Manfred von Richthofen (deceased) (mounted)
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting by Ivan Berryman. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1518 |
| Captain Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor by Ivan Berryman. Standing just five feet two inches tall, Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor had to have his SE5a specially modified to accommodate his small stature, but the diminutive South African was a giant in the air, claiming a total of 54 victories before the end of the war, many of them observation balloons which made him one of the top balloon-busting aces of the RFC. But many aircraft fell to his guns, too, as here when on 21st August 1918 he claimed an Albatros C-Type as victory number 34 whilst flying D6856 of 84 Squadron. Signed limited edition of 20 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 10 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 15 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Small limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
Remarque edition - limited edition of 10 giclee prints featuring an original pencil remarque. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm) plus border with text and remarque drawing.. Price £350.00
ITEM CODE DHM1764 |
| Last Dogfight of Werner Voss by Ivan Berryman. The air battle that took place above the trenches of France on the evening of 23rd September 1917 was to go down in history as one of the most extraordinary dogfights ever. The young German ace Werner Voss found himself engaged with no fewer than eleven SE5s of 56 Sqn, among them British aces such as James McCudden and Arthur Rhys Davids. Hugely outnumbered, the brave Voss saw off several British aircraft with his amazing airmanship and accuracy of fire. Again and again he could have fled the scene due to his Triplanes superior rate of climb, but his attacks were insistent and deadly. His final moments came when Rhys Davids found himself on the tail of Voss and fired both his Lewis and Vickers guns into the little turqoise Triplane which was seen to drift toward the ground, his aircraft inverting before impact, killing Voss instantly. The painting shows Voss distinctive pre-production Fokker F. 1, with the yellow nose of Jasta 10, being pursued by the SE5 of Rhys Davids while, high above,a Spad is helping to keep a gaggle of Albatross DVs at bay. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 18 inches (66cm x 46cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 18 inches (66cm x 46cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Werner Voss signature edition of one artist proof (No.1) from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 18 inches (66cm x 46cm). Price £1280.00 Signed by Werner Voss (deceased) (mounted)
Werner Voss signature edition of one artist proof (No.1) from the edition of 20 small artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £1180.00 Signed by Werner Voss (deceased) (mounted)
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 large giclee canvas prints. Size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £555.00 £135 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £690
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 28 inches (91cm x 71cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Original painting, oil on canvas. Size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1458 |
| Oberleutnant Lothar Freiherr von Richthofen by Ivan Berryman. On the evening of 7th May 1917, a fierce battle took place involving aircraft of Jasta 11 and 56 Sqn RFC, the former led by the brother of the Red Baron, Lothar von Richthofen. As the sun dipped beneath the heavy clouds, most expected the dogfight to break off in the fading light, but an extraordinary duel between the RFCs Captain Albert Ball and Lothar von Richthofen broke out, the two aircraft flying directly at each other, firing continuously, then turning and repeating the manoeuvre. Lothars all red Albatross was damaged, but landed safely. Albert Balls SE5, however, was seen by observers to fall through the heavy cloudbase inverted, before crashing heavily, fatally wounding Ball. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1587 |
| SE5 Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear. Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5.a D3540. The Artful Dodger was the personal aircraft of Wing Commander G.H. Lewis DFC and the aircraft in which he claimed four of his twelve victories. Aircraft History: The third S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year Nos 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its demob 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always remain one of aviations great warplanes.
Wing Commander Gwilym H. Lewis, DFC: Born 5th August, 1897, Gwilym Lewis qualified for his aviators certificate number 2116 on 27th November 1915. He was posted to France with 32 Squadron at he age of eighteen flying the DH2 single seater scout aircraft. Later after a period as an instructor he was posted as a flight commander to 40 squadron flying the famous S.E.5.a. By the end of the First World War, Gwilym Lewis had amassed a personal tally of 12 enemy aircraft destroyed and had been awarded the DFC. After leaving the RAF he went into insurance working for Lloyds Insurance Brokers, Sedgwick, Collins & Company Ltd. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, he rejoined the RAF and became a member of Winston Churchills Joint Planning Staff in the underground Central War Room. After World War II, he resumed his successful career in insurance and retired in 1974. Open edition print. Paper size 16.5 inches x 11.5 inches (42cm x 30cm). Price £14.00
ITEM CODE AP0003 |
| Major Edward Mannock by Ivan Berryman. Despite having sight in just one eye, Major Edward Mick Mannock was to become one of the most decorated and celebrated aces of World War 1, bringing down an official 61 enemy aircraft in just eighteen months before himself being brought down in flames by enemy ground fire. He was reluctant to add shared kills to his tally, so his actual total of victories is recorded at 73. His decorations include the VC, DSO and 2 Bars, MC and Bar and he is depicted here diving on enemy aircraft in SE5a D278 of 74 Sqn in April, 1918. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm. Price £115.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 20 publishers proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £115.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1638 |
| Grid Caldwell by Graeme Lothian. Grid Caldwell, the top New Zealand Ace with 25 victories in his SE5A of 74 Squadron, is shown taking off from his home airfield during the Great War. Keith Logan (Grid Caldwell) was born 16th October 1895. At the outbreak of World War One, Caldwell joined the territorial army. He attempted to enlist with the New Zealand expeditionary force destined for Gallipoli but was refused. In October 1915 he paid the sum of £100 to join the first class of the New Zealand Flying School. In January 1916 Grid Caldwell arrived in England and was commissioned into the Royal Flying Corps in April that year. In July 1916 he was posted to No.8 Squadron, flying BE2Cs and Ds on observation duty. It was on 18th September 1916 his first aerial victory was scored, shooting down a Roland CII. He transferred to 60 Squadron in November and flew Nieuport 17 fighters and was promoted to Captain in February 1917. During this period he scored further victories, shooting down Albatros Scouts, and on 17th September was awarded the Military Cross. In October 1917 he was posted back to England as an instructor. In March 1918, promoted to Major, he was given command of 74 Squadron RAF flying SE5As. The squadron under his command was credited with 140 aircraft destroyed and 85 out of control. This tally was scored in the last eight months of the war with the loss of only 15 pilots killed or taken prisoner. During his wartime flying, he had fought dogfights with German aces Werner Voss and Herman Becker, and he once survived a mid-air collision, bringing his badly damaged aircraft to ground level, jumping out before it crashed. He was credited with 11 aircraft destroyed, 3 shared destroyed or captured and 10 out of control, and 1 further shared out of control. During World War Two he was station commander at Woodbourne and later Wigram and posted to India in 1944. After the war he was made commander of the British Empire. He retired from the RNZAF in 1956, and sadly died of cancer in Auckland on 28th November 1980. Signed Limited Edition of 200 Giclee paper prints. Image size 25 inches x15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £130.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £135
Limited edition of 50 artists proofs. Image size 25 inches x15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £140.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting by Graeme Lothian. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £2100.00 Massive Summer Sale! To make way for new art projects, this painting is reduced to gallery trade price for all customers!
Save £500 on this original painting! - Was £2600
ITEM CODE DHM1426 |
| SE5 Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear. Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5.a D3540. The Artful Dodger was the personal aircraft of Wing Commander G.H. Lewis DFC and the aircraft in which he claimed four of his twelve victories. Aircraft History: The third S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year Nos 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its demob 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always remain one of aviations great warplanes.
Wing Commander Gwilym H. Lewis, DFC: Born 5th August, 1897, Gwilym Lewis qualified for his aviators certificate number 2116 on 27th November 1915. He was posted to France with 32 Squadron at he age of eighteen flying the DH2 single seater scout aircraft. Later after a period as an instructor he was posted as a flight commander to 40 squadron flying the famous S.E.5.a. By the end of the First World War, Gwilym Lewis had amassed a personal tally of 12 enemy aircraft destroyed and had been awarded the DFC. After leaving the RAF he went into insurance working for Lloyds Insurance Brokers, Sedgwick, Collins & Company Ltd. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, he rejoined the RAF and became a member of Winston Churchills Joint Planning Staff in the underground Central War Room. After World War II, he resumed his successful career in insurance and retired in 1974. Open edition print. Paper size 16.5 inches x 11.5 inches (42cm x 30cm). Price £14.00
ITEM CODE AP0003 |
| James McCudden by Ivan Berryman. SE5As of B Flight, 56 Sqn led by James McCudden in the aircraft numbered B519, on patrol over the Western Front in 1917. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £60.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
Restricted edition of individually produced mugs, exclusively available from Cranston Fine Arts. Standard size earthenware mug, produced in the UK.. Price £12.00
ITEM CODE DHM1572 |
| Dawn Dog Fight, Mick Mannock VC by Graeme Lothian. High above the trenches in April 1918, 74 Squadron engage the famed JG 1 led by the renowned ace baron von Richthofen in his distinctive bright red DR 1. Edward Mick mannock flying a SE5.a diving down top engage another Fokker Dr1 as the red baron flies past momentarily catching each others eyes. The new CO of 74 squadron, major Grid Caldwell MC (bar) New Zealands top ace can be seen above entering the dog fight. But it would be Mannock who would go on to great fame. with 61 confirmed victories and to win the VC, DSO (bar) and MC (bar) After 74 squadron he replaced Billy Bishop of CO 85 Squadron on the 3rd July 1918, scoring 46 victories in the Se5.a He was killed by ground fire near Lestram, France on the 26th July 1918. his Victoria Cross being gazetted on the 18th July 1919. The red baron CO of the Richthofens Flying circus didnt survive the month, also killed by ground fire on the 24th April, he was buried by the Allies with full military honours. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints Image size 25 inches x 16 inches (64cm x 41cm). Price £95.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16 inches (64cm x 41cm). Price £130.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £135
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE DHM1296 |
| Knights of the Sky by Nicolas Trudgian The dramatic scene depicts an aerial dog-fight between Sopwith Camels and SE5A fighters of the Royal Flying Corps, and the bright red planes of Baron von Richthofens JG1 fighter wing. High over Northern France, the highly manoeuvrable fighters wheel and turn in the cauldron of close aerial combat, the artist bringing alive that evocative era when aerial combat first began. Limited edition of 600 prints. Paper size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £175.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Philip Bristow (deceased), in addition to the artist. Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £185.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Philip Bristow (deceased), in addition to the artist. Save £20 on selected prints - Was £205
Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
** (Ex Display) Limited edition of 600 prints. (Two copies reduced to clear) Paper size 17 inches x 22 inches (43cm x 56cm). Price £125.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Philip Bristow (deceased), in addition to the artist.
ITEM CODE DHM2444 |
| Captain Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor by Ivan Berryman. Standing just five feet two inches tall, Andrew Beauchamp-Proctor had to have his SE5a specially modified to accommodate his small stature, but the diminutive South African was a giant in the air, claiming a total of 54 victories before the end of the war, many of them observation balloons which made him one of the top balloon-busting aces of the RFC. But many aircraft fell to his guns, too, as here when on 21st August 1918 he claimed an Albatros C-Type as victory number 34 whilst flying D6856 of 84 Squadron. Signed limited edition of 20 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 10 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 15 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Small limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
Remarque edition - limited edition of 10 giclee prints featuring an original pencil remarque. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm) plus border with text and remarque drawing.. Price £350.00
ITEM CODE DHM1764 |
| Leutnant Josef Mai by Ivan Berryman. Victory No 26 for Josef Mai was a 64 Squadron SE5.A on 5th September 1918, here falling victim to the guns of the aces zebra-striped Fokker D.VII 4598/18 of Jasta 5. By the end of the war, his total had risen to 30 aircraft destroyed, Mai himself collecting a number of decorations, among them the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd class. Surviving the Great War, it is believed that he became a flying instructor for the Luftwaffe during World War II, finally being laid to rest in 1982, aged ninety four. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1589 |
| Oberleutnant Lothar Freiherr von Richthofen by Ivan Berryman. On the evening of 7th May 1917, a fierce battle took place involving aircraft of Jasta 11 and 56 Sqn RFC, the former led by the brother of the Red Baron, Lothar von Richthofen. As the sun dipped beneath the heavy clouds, most expected the dogfight to break off in the fading light, but an extraordinary duel between the RFCs Captain Albert Ball and Lothar von Richthofen broke out, the two aircraft flying directly at each other, firing continuously, then turning and repeating the manoeuvre. Lothars all red Albatross was damaged, but landed safely. Albert Balls SE5, however, was seen by observers to fall through the heavy cloudbase inverted, before crashing heavily, fatally wounding Ball. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting, oil on canvas by Ivan Berryman. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1587 |
| McCudden, VC by Ivan Berryman. Major James McCudden is pictured in his 56 Sqn S.E.5a B519 on a patrol during August 1917. In this month alone, he shot down four Albatross DVs. His final tally of victories totalled a remarkable 57 before he was killed in a flying accident in 1918. Signed limited black and white edition of 1150 prints. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £26.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £43.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £48
Original black and white acrylic painting by Ivan Berryman. Size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm). Price £750.00
ITEM CODE B0157 |
| Seeing Red by Ivan Berryman. Credited with no fewer than 80 victories, Manfred Von Richthofen, The Red Baron, became legendary, not least for the 17 kills scored whilst flying the diminutive Fokker DR1 Triplane. Contrary to popular belief, however, only one of his aircraft is known to have been painted all red. Serial no. 477/17 is shown here dicing with an SE5. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Red Baron signature edition of one artist proof (No. 1) from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £1180.00 Signed by Manfred von Richthofen (deceased) (mounted)
Red Baron signature edition of one artist proof (No. 1) from the edition of 20 small artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £1080.00 Signed by Manfred von Richthofen (deceased) (mounted)
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting by Ivan Berryman. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1518 |
| Last Dogfight of Werner Voss by Ivan Berryman. The air battle that took place above the trenches of France on the evening of 23rd September 1917 was to go down in history as one of the most extraordinary dogfights ever. The young German ace Werner Voss found himself engaged with no fewer than eleven SE5s of 56 Sqn, among them British aces such as James McCudden and Arthur Rhys Davids. Hugely outnumbered, the brave Voss saw off several British aircraft with his amazing airmanship and accuracy of fire. Again and again he could have fled the scene due to his Triplanes superior rate of climb, but his attacks were insistent and deadly. His final moments came when Rhys Davids found himself on the tail of Voss and fired both his Lewis and Vickers guns into the little turqoise Triplane which was seen to drift toward the ground, his aircraft inverting before impact, killing Voss instantly. The painting shows Voss distinctive pre-production Fokker F. 1, with the yellow nose of Jasta 10, being pursued by the SE5 of Rhys Davids while, high above,a Spad is helping to keep a gaggle of Albatross DVs at bay. Signed limited edition of 200 giclee paper prints. Image size 26 inches x 18 inches (66cm x 46cm). Price £150.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 18 inches (66cm x 46cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Small limited edition of 20 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £70.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £75
Werner Voss signature edition of one artist proof (No.1) from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 18 inches (66cm x 46cm). Price £1280.00 Signed by Werner Voss (deceased) (mounted)
Werner Voss signature edition of one artist proof (No.1) from the edition of 20 small artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £1180.00 Signed by Werner Voss (deceased) (mounted)
Small signed limited edition of 50 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £51.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £56
Limited edition of up to 50 large giclee canvas prints. Size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £555.00 £135 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £690
Limited edition of up to 50 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 28 inches (91cm x 71cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Original painting, oil on canvas. Size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM1458 |
| 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 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE GC0524 |
| Magnificent Courage by Stan Stokes. On April 6, 1916 the RFC formed several new squadrons, including the No. 56 Squadron - Scouts. In March of 1917 the unit received the first of its new SE5s. The aircraft was disappointing to the pilots, being slower than expected, and its new Vickers machine gun with interrupter gear was next to useless. Many modifications ensued in the field, and many SE5s were fitted with Lewis guns located atop the upper wing, and in some cases an additional Lewis was installed which could be fired downward through the cockpit. In early April of 1917 No. 56 was ready to see its first combat action, and the unit headed off to France. About nine months earlier the pendulum of air superiority had swung back to the Germans. The Fokker scourge of 1915 had previously been negated by the deployment of DH2 and FE8 aircraft, but the newer German Albatros and Halberstadt fighters had regained the upper hand. The RFC was once again suffering unsustainable casualties. No. 56 Squadron was immediately pressed into service upon its deployment in France, and over the next several months gave a good account of itself. The Squadrons first victory came on April 22, and went to Albert Ball who would become a high scoring ace. On September 23, 1917 many of No. 56 Squadrons pilots would become engaged in what would be considered as one of the epic battles of early aerial warfare. At about 5:00 PM in the evening eleven SE5s took off for a routine patrol. There were heavy clouds at 9,000 feet, effectively limiting the ceiling. Several engagements took place prior to James McCudden noticing a lone SE5 from No. 60 Squadron under attack by a German triplane. Unknown to McCudden was the fact that the triplane was piloted by Werner Voss, a top German ace with 48 confirmed victories. During the next several minutes 7 SE5s focused their efforts on attacking Voss triplane. Voss had several opportunities to make a dash for the German lines, but chose to stay and fight. Demonstrating beautiful flying and determination, Voss held the massed SE5s at bay, and managed to inflict damage on each and every one. With maneuvers made so quickly and so unpredictably, none of the SE5 pilots could keep Voss in their gunsights long enough to fire a meaningful burst. Voss managed to damage two of the SE5s enough that they withdrew from the fight, and a red-nosed German Albatros joined in the fray for a short time. At one point in the battle McCudden indicated that the triplane was in the cone of tracer bullets from at least five machines simultaneously. Voss could out climb and outmaneuver all the RFC craft. Minutes later at about 2,000 feet the SE5 piloted by Arthur Rhys Davids managed to catch the German ace in a straight flat dive, and approached to within feet of the triplanes tail, firing a solid burst before pulling out of his dive. Moments later the triplane hit the ground and disintegrated. Later that evening the pilots of 56 Squadron recounted the epic battle speculating as to who might have been the pilot of the German triplane. The next morning General Trenchard sent an aide to 56 Squdron to elicit details of the battle. In this report James McCudden paid the following tribute to Voss, As long as I live I shall never forget that German pilot who single-handedly fought seven of us for ten minutes, and who put some bullets through all our machines. His flying was wonderful, his courage magnificent, and in my opinion he is the bravest German airman whom it has been my privilege to see fight. Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £40.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE STK0016 |
| Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5.a D3540. "The
Artful Dodger" was the personal aircraft of Wing Commander G.H. Lewis
DFC and the aircraft in which he claimed four of his twelve victories.
Aircraft History: The third
S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a
200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went
to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the
year No's 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After
troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a
general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper
became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation
for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with
the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and
maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with
four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also
service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the
end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the
RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons.
After its 'demob' 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to
Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland
and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and
were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always
remain one of aviation's great warplanes.
Wing Commander Gwilym H. Lewis, DFC: Born
5th August, 1897, Gwilym Lewis qualified for his aviators certificate
number 2116 on 27th November 1915. He was posted to France with 32
Squadron at he age of eighteen flying the DH2 single seater scout
aircraft. Later after a period as an instructor he was posted as a flight
commander to 40 squadron flying the famous S.E.5.a. By the end of the
First World War, Gwilym Lewis had amassed a personal tally of 12 enemy
aircraft destroyed and had been awarded the DFC. After leaving the RAF he
went into insurance working for Lloyds Insurance Brokers, Sedgwick,
Collins & Company Ltd. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, he
rejoined the RAF and became a member of Winston Churchill's Joint Planning
Staff in the underground Central War Room. After World War II, he resumed
his successful career in insurance and retired in 1974.
40 Squadron Royal Air Force:
40
squadron was formed at Gosport on 26th February 1916 as a scout squadron
equipped with the FE8. One flight went to France in early August and the
rest of the squadron at the end of the month. However, the FE8 was soon
obsolete and 40 squadron was unable to be effective in its task of
fighting when faced with a faster aircraft. In March 1917 the squadron
suffered heavy casualties when 9 aircraft were caught on patrol by Jasta
11 led by Manfred von Richthofen and all aircraft were brought down with
four pilots killed. Before the end of March they were re-equipped with
Nieuport Scouts and with these, 40 squadron began a successful career,
flying offensive patrols and developing its own tactics for observation
balloon attacks. During this period one of the 40 Squadron officers
Lieutenant Edward Manock (later Major Mannock VC) destroyed 6 enemy
aircraft and went on to a highly successful fighting career in command of
two other squadrons. Before the end of 1917, 40 Squadron replaced its
scouts with the highly successful S.E.5.a and continued offensive
operations against the German armed forces until the end of the First
World War. It ended the war with a squadron tally of 130 enemy aircraft
and 30 balloons destroyed. The squadron returned to the UK in February
1919 and was disbanded 4th July the same year. It was reformed on 1st
April 1931 as a bomber squadron and served in the UK and the Middle East
theatre. It was disbanded in Egypt during 1947 and reformed later that
year as a transport squadron until 1950. In 1953 it was again reformed as
a bomber squadron before being finally disbanded in 1956. (The badge shown
was issued in 1937 and reflects the role of the squadron at the time). Magnificent Courage by Stan
Stokes On April 6, 1916 the RFC formed several new squadrons, including the
No. 56 Squadron - Scouts. In March of 1917 the unit received the first
of its new SE5s. The aircraft was disappointing to the pilots, being
slower than expected, and its new Vickers machine gun with interrupter
gear was next to useless. Many modifications ensued in the field, and
many SE5s were fitted with Lewis guns located atop the upper wing, and
in some cases an additional Lewis was installed which could be fired
downward through the cockpit. In early April of 1917 No. 56 was ready to
see its first combat action, and the unit headed off to France. About
nine months earlier the pendulum of air superiority had swung back to
the Germans. The Fokker scourge of 1915 had previously been negated by
the deployment of DH2 and FE8 aircraft, but the newer German Albatros
and Halberstadt fighters had regained the upper hand. The RFC was once
again suffering unsustainable casualties. No. 56 Squadron was
immediately pressed into service upon its deployment in France, and over
the next several months gave a good account of itself. The Squadrons
first victory came on April 22, and went to Albert Ball who would become
a high scoring ace. On September 23, 1917 many of No. 56 Squadrons
pilots would become engaged in what would be considered as one of the
epic battles of early aerial warfare. At about 5:00 PM in the evening
eleven SE5s took off for a routine patrol. There were heavy clouds at
9,000 feet, effectively limiting the ceiling. Several engagements took
place prior to James McCudden noticing a lone SE5 from No. 60 Squadron
under attack by a German triplane. Unknown to McCudden was the fact that
the triplane was piloted by Werner Voss, a top German ace with 48
confirmed victories. During the next several minutes 7 SE5s focused
their efforts on attacking Voss triplane. Voss had several opportunities
to make a dash for the German lines, but chose to stay and fight.
Demonstrating beautiful flying and determination, Voss held the massed
SE5s at bay, and managed to inflict damage on each and every one. With
maneuvers made so quickly and so unpredictably, none of the SE5 pilots
could keep Voss in their gunsights long enough to fire a meaningful
burst. Voss managed to damage two of the SE5s enough that they withdrew
from the fight, and a red-nosed German Albatros joined in the fray for a
short time. At one point in the battle McCudden indicated that the
triplane was in the cone of tracer bullets from at least five machines
simultaneously. Voss could out climb and outmaneuver all the RFC craft.
Minutes later at about 2,000 feet the SE5 piloted by Arthur Rhys Davids
managed to catch the German ace in a straight flat dive, and approached
to within feet of the triplanes tail, firing a solid burst before
pulling out of his dive. Moments later the triplane hit the ground and
disintegrated. Later that evening the pilots of 56 Squadron recounted
the epic battle speculating as to who might have been the pilot of the
German triplane. The next morning General Trenchard sent an aide to 56
Squdron to elicit details of the battle. In this report James McCudden
paid the following tribute to Voss, As long as I live I shall never
forget that German pilot who single-handedly fought seven of us for ten
minutes, and who put some bullets through all our machines. His flying
was wonderful, his courage magnificent, and in my opinion he is the
bravest German airman whom it has been my privilege to see fight.
Knights of the Sky by Nicholas Trudgian
The dramatic scene depicts an aerial dog-fight between Sopwith Camels
and SE5A fighters of the Royal Flying Corps, and the bright red planes
of Baron von Richthofen's JG1 fighter wing. High over Northern France,
the highly manoeuvrable fighters wheel and turn in the cauldron of close
aerial combat, the artist bringing alive that evocative era when aerial
combat first began.
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