DUXFORD AIR SHOW - 10th & 11th SEPTEMBER

What an amazing weekend this promises to be! We are delighted to be hosting the exclusive launch of the new book and print portfolio BOMB DOORS OPEN by 617 Sqn veteran Ken Trent and GRAND SLAM by Richard Taylor. We will be joined by Ken Trent along with veterans who flew with 617 Sqn during WWII to autograph items for collectors.

10 September 2016

Our special guests include the following WWII veterans of 617 Squadron:

SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER

Flt Lt KEN TRENT DFC* - the cousin of the Victoria Cross holder, Leonard Trent, Ken flew his first tour as a Pilot on Lancasters with 576 and 625 Sqns from August 1944. He was posted to 617 Sqn in 1945 taking part in many major missions and completing a further 10 Ops’, finishing with the raid on Berchtesgaden, carrying the 'Tallboy' bomb.

Sqn Ldr GEORGE ‘JOHNNY’ JOHNSON DFM - previously with 97 Sqn, he joined 617 Sqn as Bomb Aimer on Lancaster AJ-T which attacked the earth Sorpe Dam on the night of the Dambuster Raids. It is of great historical significance that 'Johnny' is now the last surviving British Dambuster to take part in the raids.

W.O. FRANK TILLEY - he joined 617 Sqn as a Flight Engineer and his first operation was on 27th August 1944 to Brest. He also took part in the second and third strikes against the mighty battleship Tirpitz but his flying came to an end when his Lancaster crashed short of the runway when returning from Politz and the entire crew were injured.

 

SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER

Flt Lt KEN TRENT DFC* - the cousin of the Victoria Cross holder, Leonard Trent, Ken flew his first tour as a Pilot on Lancasters with 576 and 625 Sqns from August 1944. He was posted to 617 Sqn in 1945 taking part in many major missions and completing a further 10 Ops’, finishing with the raid on Berchtesgaden, carrying the 'Tallboy' bomb.

Sqn Ldr GEORGE ‘JOHNNY’ JOHNSON DFM - previously with 97 Sqn, he joined 617 Sqn as Bomb Aimer on Lancaster AJ-T which attacked the earth Sorpe Dam on the night of the Dambuster Raids. It is of great historical significance that 'Johnny' is now the last surviving British Dambuster to take part in the raids.

Sqn Ldr BENNY GOODMAN - called up in 1940 he initially served as a ground gunner before completing training as a Pilot. He flew Stirlings and later Lancasters with 617 Sqn, completing a full tour of 30 Ops’ which included attacks on the mighty battleship Tirpitz, the Arnsberg viaduct and Hitler’s Eagles Nest.

Flt Lt SYDNEY GRIMES - completed a full tour as a Wireless Operator on Lancasters with 106 Sqn before joining 617 Sqn for a second tour. His first mission was attacking the German battleship Tirpitz, before returning a month later on the mission that sank it. He finished the war having completed a total of 60 Ops’. 

 

This is the perfect opportunity to have your copy of the new Print and Book Portfolio GRAND SLAM & BOMB DOORS OPEN additionally signed by our special guests.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THIS SUPERB NEW RELEASE

Standard books are also available but PLEASE NOTE - Due to the expected demand we cannot guarantee the availability of standard books or portfolio editions throughout the launch weekend so we urge you to reserve in advance to secure your copy.

 

 

Please be aware that the gallery will be open for viewings by prior appointment only from Wednesday 7th – Monday 12th September inclusive as we prepare for this exciting event. We are of course available on the phone and look forward to hearing from you during this time.

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