Crossing the Coast
Leaving the serene calm of the moonlit crossing of the North Sea shimmering behind them, the three Lancasters of Gibson, Martin and Hopgood now meet the glistening foreshore of the Dutch coast.
Gibson's single command over his Lancaster's crew intercom is simple and to the point.
"Stand-by Front Gunner. We're going over!"
The air gunners in their turrets are alert to any early glimpse of a German night fighter's silhouette in the moonlit sky, or mobile flak battery in the fields and on the roads clearly visible below.
The three Lancasters are now fanning out to line-abreast formation; making themselves as small a target as possible for whatever the enemy's defences have waiting for them.
This is the moment when the navigator's role in 'Operation Chastise' really comes into its own; keeping his skipper, crewmates and their all-up 63,000lb Lancaster and 'Upkeep' bomb so precisely on course at such low altitude. The navigator’s warning of ground obstacles, electricity pylons and chimneys and the referencing of map and ground features is constant, not allowing a degree of drift off-course that would bring them into sudden contact with the enemy's flak and ground defences.
The 2nd and 3rd wave of six Lancasters led by Sqn Ldr. HM. "Dinghy" Young and Sqn Ldr Henry Maudsley are now closing to within sight of the enemy coast. The five Lancasters of 617 Squadron's diversionary force heading for the Sorpe Dam will meet their own fates after crossing the coast. But for now, it is the moment of absolute no-turning-back for the three Lancasters of Gibson's wave.
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Limited Editions
Size: 24"x18" limited edition print
Edition: 250 | Price: £105
Size: 33"x24" limited edition print
Edition: 400 | Price: £145
Size: 36"x24" stretched canvas
Edition: 150 | Price: £375
Other options are available including artist proofs, various remarques and the original painting. Please contact us for more information.
Further information
25 Presentation copies.
Archival paper prints
These are produced using the giclee digital inkjet printing process. Colour matching of the printer’s proofs to the original is painstakingly carried out, ensuring faithful reproduction of the original. Copies are printed on archival paper with lightfast inks, producing prints of exceptional quality.
All print sizes are to the nearest inch.
Titles are hand written by Simon Atack ensuring that the titles do not interfere with the full width remarques.
Canvas prints
These use the same meticulous giclee printing process. They are full size copies of the original and are the closest possible match to the original. Varnish is applied to the printed canvas for extra protection.
Stretched and mounted canvas prints
Carefully stretched and mounted on stretcher bars.
For further details please contact sales@simonatack.com or phone Simon's business partner, David Phelps on 07971 060639.