Description

In March 1944, a combined force of RAF, RAAF, RNZAF and RCAF aircrew flew one of the most hazardous daylight bombing raids of WWII. In atrocious weather their Mosquitoes and Typhoons flew an ultra-low level mission to ‘spring’ French Resistance fighters from the Amiens prison, then under control of the Gestapo.

During January 1944, information had been received in London that over 100 loyal
Frenchmen were being held awaiting execution for their efforts in the allied cause. The local Resistance requested an urgent air strike to break open the prison walls - even at the risk of killing some of the patriots.

At 1055 hours on the 18th February, with snow falling, 19 Mosquitos took off
from R.A.F. Hunsdon to execute OPERATION JERICHO and one by one they disappeared into the murky sky, hoping to meet up with their Typhoon escort over Littlehampton.

First to attack were the five Mosquitos of 487 Squadron led by W/C I S 'Black' Smith. Their task was to breach the twenty-foot high, three-foot thick outer wall at both the eastern and northern sides of the prison.

Following closely were five Mosquitoes of 464 Squadron, and a sixth Mosquito from 487 piloted by GP Capt P C Pickard. Led by Wg Cdr Bob Iredale, their task was to breach the main building and destroy the guard’s quarters at the east and west ends of the prison.

258 prisoners escaped including many important members of the Resistance movement.

Overall Commander of the raid, Group Captain 'Pick' Pickard - one of the RAF’s most celebrated airmen - was last over the prison and Coulson's outstanding painting captures the moment as his Mosquito clears the building just seconds before the delay fuse bombs exploded.

Signatures

Each print is individually signed by EIGHTEEN legendary Jail breakers, including raid leaders: Wg. Cdr. 'Black' Smith and Wg. Cdr. Bob Iredale along with Resistance escapees:

Wg Cdr BOB IREDALE DFC – Pilot & Squadron Leader / 464 Sqn.
Sqn Ldr IAN McRITCHIE – Pilot & Flight Leader / 464 Sqn.
Flt Lt TOM MCPHEE DFM – Pilot / 464 Sqn.
Flt Lt GEOFFREY ATKINS – Navigator / 464 Sqn.
Wg Cdr 'BLACK' SMITH DFC – Pilot /487 Sqn.
Plt Off MAXWELL SPARKES – Pilot /487 Sqn.
Plt Off ARTHUR DUNLOP – Navigator / 487 Sqn.
Flt Lt 'TICH' HANAFIN – Pilot & Flight Leader / 487 Sqn.
Plt Off FRANK REDGRAVE – Navigator / 487 Sqn.
Plt Off BOB FOWLER – Pilot / 487 Sqn.
Flt Lt 'BUCK' TAYLOR DFC – Pilot & Flight Leader / 21 Sqn.
Flt Lt ARTHUR WHEELER DFC – Pilot / 21 Sqn.
Flt Lt IAN MALLETT – Pilot & Flight Leader / 174 Sqn.
Flt Sgt FRANK WHEELER – Pilot / 174 Sqn.
Plt Off DON BURTON – Pilot / 174 Sqn.
Flg Off HARRY V MARKBY – Pilot / 174 Sqn.
Flt Lt TED SISMORE – 2 Gp Op Navigator
ANDRE PACHE – Amien Prison escapee
RAYMOND BONPAS – Amien Prison escapee