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Military
& Aviation Artist: Simon Smith
Military Art of the Parachute regiment, and
British army forces in the Gulf
war, by Military Artist Simon Smith, Aviation Art prints and paintings also
available published by Cranston Fine Arts.
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The Dambusters by Simon Smith.
On the night of 16/17th May 1943,under a full moon, 19 specially modified Lancaster bombers from 617 Squadron carried out one of the most daring and effective air raids of the Second World War. Led by wing commander Guy Gibson the 19 aircraft took off and headed for Germany at extreme low level.. Their mission, code named Operation Chastise, was to destroy the Ruhr dams which supplied water and electricity to the industrial heart of Reich. Each aircraft carried the ingenious Upkeep mine, developed by the engineer Barnes Wallis. Shaped like a large oil drum, the bomb was spun prior to release at exactly 60ft above the water and 150 yards from the dam wall. This caused the weapon to bounce across water and on impact would also make it stay close to the wall of the dam as it sank. The bomb, technically a mine, was fitted with a hydrostatic fuse similar to a depth charge causing detonation at the required depth.The correct height above the water was achieved by aligning the beams of two spotlights to meet on the surface of the water. Delivering such a weapon on target at night at such low altitude and under enemy fire was thought by many to be impossible. The nineteen pilots,some as young as eighteen had been hand picked by Gibson only two months before and formed into 617 squadron whose first mission was to remain top secret and unknown to them up until the last moment. The Mohne Dam was attacked first and several attempts were made under heavy fire with one lancaster being shot down as it flew over the target.Guy Gibson then attempted to draw fire away from the attacking aircraft by switching on his navigation lights and flying to one side of Mick Martins aircraft ,the scene depicted in Simon Smiths painting.Just as another aircraft was about to go in,excited shouts came over the intercom - its gone! The main target achieved, Gibson led the remaining aircraft on to the Eder Dam deep amongst the mountains of the Eder valley. Here, although no flak defenses, the terrain made the approach extremely hazardous. Two bombs were released yet still the target remained unbreached leaving only one last aircraft ,that of Les Knights to attack. A steep descent from a thousand feet then a dive over a spit of land left very little time to line up and release the bomb.Worse still there was a huge mountain on the far side of the dam! Added to this Edward Johnson the bomb aimer recalled that the spinning bomb had an alarming gyroscopic effect on the handling of the aircraft,so it was with superb flying and teamwork that their bomb struck and finally destroyed the massive stonework of the Eder Dam. Gibsons leadership and bravery led to the award of the VC and many other decorations were bestowed upon the other crews.The squadron however paid a heavy price with 8 lancasters being lost.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £135.00 Signed by five crew, Edward C Johnson - bomb aimer, Ray Grayston - Flight Engineer, Frederick Sutherland - RCAF Rear Gunner, George Chalmers and George Johnson
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £155.00 Signed by five crew, Edward C Johnson - bomb aimer, Ray Grayston - Flight Engineer, Frederick Sutherland - RCAF Rear Gunner, George Chalmers and George Johnson
ITEM CODE DHM1460
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The Veteran by Simon Smith.
Our Gal Sal, a veteran of over a hundred ops, returning to base in the summer of 1944. The peace of the English country side is broken by the thunder of the mighty four engined bombers and keen observers will spot the rabbit scampering along the country lane as the Forts of the Bloody 100th circle the Airbase. With one engine feathered and showing signs of the gauntlet of Flak and fighters she has had to come through, the crew know they are only moments away from the safety of home.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 23 inches x 17 inches (58cm x 43cm). Price £95.00 Signed by Colonel Bob Morgan
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 23 inches x 17 inches (58cm x 43cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Colonel Bob Morgan
ITEM CODE DHM1461
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Return From Combat by Simon Smith.
Two 85 squadron Hurricanes returning to base after a battle over the skies of southern England in the summer of 1940.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Image size 20 inches x 15 inches (51cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 20 inches x 15 inches (51cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Thorogood Presentation Edition of 4 Artist Proofs, supplied double mounted. Image size 20 inches x 15 inches (51cm x 38cm). Price £260.00 Features the mounted original signature of Squadron Leader Lawrence Thorogood DFC AE.
ITEM CODE DHM1462
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Return From Bremen by Simon Smith.
The leading ace of the mighty Eighth Air Force, Gabby Gabreski. He finished the war with a total of 28 air victories and 2 1/2 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground by strafing airfields. Gabreski also scored 6 1/2 air victories in the Korean war.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £95.00 Signed by Colonel Gabby Gabreski
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Colonel Gabby Gabreski
ITEM CODE DHM1463
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Little Friends by Simon Smith.
The aircraft in the foreground bears the name Alabama Rammer Jammer, the personal mount of 2/Lt Arthur Cundy ,352nd FS, 353rd FG. The 353rds yellow and black chequered nose bands were one of the most distinctive recognition features of all the Eighths fighter groups.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £135.00
Blakeslee Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs, supplied double matted. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £300.00 Features the mounted original signature of Colonel Don Blakeslee.
ITEM CODE DHM1464
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The Shining Sword by Simon Smith.
RAF Avro Lancaster flies low over occupied Europe.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Less than 60 copies remain.. Price £130.00 Signed by Victoria Cross winner Bill Reid.
Limited edition of artist proofs. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm) Less than 10 copies remain.. Price £180.00 Signed by Victoria Cross winner Bill Reid.
ITEM CODE DHM1466
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Under Cover of the Night by Simon Smith.
Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
From the signed limited edition of 1000 prints, less than 100 are available co-signed. Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm). Price £95.00 Signed by Flt Eng William (Bill) Higgins.
Reid Presentation Edition of 5 Artist Proofs, supplied double mounted. Image size 22 inches x 15 inches (56cm x 38cm). Price £300.00 Feaetures the mounted original signature of Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 56cm). Price £460.00
Original painting by Simon Smith. Image size 46 inches x 36 inches (117cm x 91cm). Price £4000.00
ITEM CODE DHM0290
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Mission Completed by Simon Smith.
Depicting the morning after a gruelling operation during the autumn of 1944. As day breaks a returning crew awaits the crew bus at their aircraft dispersal, grouped before their mighty bomber which shows fresh scars of battle from an arduous mission over occupied Europe. The exhausted men are clearly relieved and thankful to be safely home at their in Lincolnshire base.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 26 inches x 15 inches (66cm x 38cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Group Captain William Farquharson DFC and Flight Lieutenant Frank Wolfson DFC.
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 15 inches (66cm x 38cm). Price £160.00 Signed by Group Captain William Farquharson DFC and Flight Lieutenant Frank Wolfson DFC.
ITEM CODE DHM2210
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Breaching the Eder by Simon Smith.
On the night of 16th / 17th May 1943, Lancasters of 617 Squadron under the command of Wing Commander Guy Gibson attacked the hydroelectric dams of the Ruhr. Five of the aircraft that successfully attacked and breached the Mohne flew onto the Eder, only three with the Upkeep bombs still on board. Whilst there was no flak, the approach, over difficult terrain, was hazardous and a tremendous test of skills of the crews involved. Pilot Officer Les Knights aircraft, AFN, can be seen having just dropped the last of the groups bombs, which actually breached the dam, and is climbing steeply to avoid the hill behind the dam.
Signed limited edition of 750 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £95.00
Signed limited edition of 650 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Flight Lieutenant Edward C Johnson, DFC, Flying Officer Raymond E Grayston and Sergeant Frederick E. Sutherland RCAF
ITEM CODE DHM2407
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Freedom Fighters by Simon Smith.
Limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 28 inches x 15 inches (71cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 28 inches x 15 inches (71cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
ITEM CODE DHM0403
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Dambusters Outward Bound by Simon Smith.
Guy Gibson leads the first wave of Dambusters out over Norfolk on their way to attack the Mohne and Eder.
Signed limited edition of 650 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 400 prints. Image size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £135.00 Signed by George Chalmers DFC DFM and Squadron Leader George L. Johnson DFM
ITEM CODE DHM2408
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Last Stand of the 24th Regiment at the Battle of Isandhlwana by Simon Smith
Battle of Isandhlwana. Zulu victory over the British forces on 22nd January 1879 about 100km north of Durban. Lord Chelmsford led a column of forces to seek out the Zulu army camped at Isandhlwana, while patrols searched the district. After receiving a report, Chelmsford set forth at half strength, leaving six companies of the 24th Regiment, two guns, some Colonial Volunteers and a native contingent (in all about 1,800 troops) at the camp. Later that morning an advanced post warned of an approaching Zulu army. Shortly after this, thousands of Zulus were found hidden in a ravine by a mounted patrol but as the patrol set off to warn the camp, the Zulus followed. At the orders of the Camp Commander, troops spread out around the perimeter of the camp, but the Zulu army broke through their defences. The native contingent who fled during the attack were hunted down and killed. The remaining troops of the 24th Regiment, 534 soldiers and 21 officers, were killed where they fought. The Zulus left no one alive, taking no prisoners and leaving no wounded or missing. About 300 Africans and 50 Europeans escaped the attack. Consequently, the invasion of Zulu country was delayed while reinforcements arrived from Britain.
Limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 23 inches x 16 inches (58cm x 41cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 23 inches x 16 inches (58cm x 41cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £690.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
ITEM CODE DHM0280
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Irrepressible Para by Simon Smith.
Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 8 inches x 12 inches (20cm x 31cm). Price £38.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 8 inches x 12 inches (20cm x 31cm). Price £45.00
ITEM CODE DHM0481
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Arnhem Bridge by Simon Smith.
Men of Colonel Frosts 2 Para retake the bridge after a German attempt lead by Captain Viktor Graebner of the 9th SS panzer Division (armoured reconnaissance Troops) had failed.
Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £28.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm). Price £45.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £690.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £590.00
Original painting by Simon Smith. Image szie 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £5500.00
ITEM CODE DHM0485
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Arnhem by Simon Smith
Douglas C47 Dakotas fly into the landing and drop zone at Renkum Heath, September 17th 1944.
Open edition print. Special Promotion : This print is 30% off for a limited time only! Image size 23 inches x 15 inches (59cm x 38cm). Price £37.80
Open edition print. Image size 11.5 inches x 7 inches (30cm x 18cm). Price £13.00
Signed edition. Image size 23 inches x 15 inches (58cm x 38cm). Price £55.00
Signed edition. Image size 11.5 inches x 7 inches (30cm x 18cm). Price £28.00
Original painting, oil on board by Simon Smith. Massive Saving! Was £4800. Size 40 inches x 28 inches (102cm x 71cm). Price £2800.00
ITEM CODE DHM0404
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