This painting commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Avro Lancaster, probably
the most versatile and successful bombing aircraft of all time. Seen in Robert's imposing
panorama are Lancasters of No. 83 Squadron Pathfinder Force as they climb out over the
east coast of England en-route for Peenemunde on this warm summer evening, on what became
the most precise bombing raid of the war. The target was a secluded research establishment
near the remote Baltic town of Peenemunde, where a group of Germany's top scientists were
developing Hitler's secret weapon, the V-2 rocket projectile, with which he hoped to
devastate London and other major English cities. The raid was
completed with great gallantry but at heavy cost, and is today remembered as one of the
RAF's most successful achievements.
Paying tribute to the Lancaster and endorsing Robert's commemorative print with their
original signatures, are five of RAF Bomber Command's most famous and highly decorated
sons: Bill Reid, Rob Learoyd, Norman Jackson, Hamish Mahaddie, and Squadron Leader Norman
Scrivener.