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Four WW2 aircraft prints. - Cranston Fine Arts
DHM1750AP. High Summer by Anthony Saunders. <p> On the 9th September 1940,  No.92 Squadron was thrown into the Battle of Britain.  They had fought bravely during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and after a spell on convoy patrol, they were thrust into the desperate climax of the greatest air battle in history.  Flying Spitfires from Biggin Hill, they immediately went into action attacking massive Luftwaffe bomber formations and their escorting Me109s.  Southern England was under severe threat, but the impact of 92 Squadron was immediate.  During the next four months, its young pilots brought down no fewer than 127 enemy aircraft.  This painting by Anthony Saunders portrays Spitfires from No.92 Sqn as they successfully engage an Me109 over the harvested fields of southern England, in August 1940.  The desperate action of aerial combat is beautifully captured in this compelling and accurate reconstruction of a famous fighter squadron at war. <b><p> Signed by Flight Lieutenant Alexander N R L Appleford (deceased) and Flight Lieutenant Trevor Gray. <p> Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. <p> Paper size 26.5 inches x 19.5 inches (67cm x 50cm)  Image size 21.5 inches x 14 inches (54cm x 36cm)
DHM0434F. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders. <p>Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission. <b><p>Signed by Flt Lt George Harris DFC. <p>George Harris RAF signature series edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints. <p>Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)
DHM1749AP. Homeward Bound by Anthony Saunders. <p> Summer 1940: it has been another rough day for the sasoned pilots of JG-26 Schlageter.  Once again they have flown out of their base at Abbeville in northern France to escort the massed bombers of the Luftwaffe against the RAFs fighter airfields of southern England, and once again they have been locked in deadly combat with the Spitfires and Hurricanes of RAF Fighter Command.  The Battle of Britain is reaching its climax and, for the first time, the Luftwaffe tastes defeat.  This painting by Anthony Saunders brings to life a typical cameo from those long and arduous aerial contests, an Me109 from JG-26 has taken a hit during the fighting, the engine is overheating, and beginning to trail smoke.  But the Squadron Commander, the legendary Adolf Galland, closes in to escort the stricken fighter back across the Channel.  Crossing the iconic white cliffs of Dover, the drama has time to run. <b><p> Signed by Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob and General Gunther Rall (deceased). <p> Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. <p> Paper size 26.5 inches x 19.5 inches (67cm x 50cm)  Image size 21.5 inches x 14 inches (54cm x 36cm)
DHM2122B. Head to Head by Nicolas Trudgian. <p> A classic head-to-head combat between Squadron Leader Sandy Johnstone in his Spitfire and an Me109 over the south coast of England on 25th August, 1940. With 602 Squadron scrambled to intercept an approaching raid. The Commanding Officer notches up his second victory of the day. <br><br><b>Published 2000.</b><p><b>Last 4 copies available of this sold out edition. </b><b><p>Signed by Squadron Leader Sandy Johnstone, <br>Wing Commander Paddy Barthrop, <br>Air Commodore C J Mickey Mount, <br>Squadron Leader S Nigel Rose,<br> Air Commodore Paul Webb, <br>Wing Commander Hector MacLean, <br>Flying Officer Hugh Niven <br>and <br>Wing Commander Donald M Jack, in addition to the artist. <p> Limited edition of 25 publishers proofs. <p> Paper size 26 inches x 21 inches (66cm x 53cm)

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  Website Price: £ 520.00  

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Four WW2 aircraft prints.

DPK0012. Pack of four aviation prints by Anthony Saunders and Nicolas Trudgian, featuring classic aircraft including the Lancaster, Me109 and Spitfire.

Aviation Print Pack.

Items in this pack :

Item #1 - Click to view individual item

DHM1750AP. High Summer by Anthony Saunders.

On the 9th September 1940, No.92 Squadron was thrown into the Battle of Britain. They had fought bravely during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and after a spell on convoy patrol, they were thrust into the desperate climax of the greatest air battle in history. Flying Spitfires from Biggin Hill, they immediately went into action attacking massive Luftwaffe bomber formations and their escorting Me109s. Southern England was under severe threat, but the impact of 92 Squadron was immediate. During the next four months, its young pilots brought down no fewer than 127 enemy aircraft. This painting by Anthony Saunders portrays Spitfires from No.92 Sqn as they successfully engage an Me109 over the harvested fields of southern England, in August 1940. The desperate action of aerial combat is beautifully captured in this compelling and accurate reconstruction of a famous fighter squadron at war.

Signed by Flight Lieutenant Alexander N R L Appleford (deceased) and Flight Lieutenant Trevor Gray.

Limited edition of 25 artist proofs.

Paper size 26.5 inches x 19.5 inches (67cm x 50cm) Image size 21.5 inches x 14 inches (54cm x 36cm)


Item #2 - Click to view individual item

DHM0434F. Lancaster Dawn by Anthony Saunders.

Depicts a 103 squadron Lancaster returning from a night-time bombing mission.

Signed by Flt Lt George Harris DFC.

George Harris RAF signature series edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 850 prints.

Image size 19 inches x 12.5 inches (48cm x 32cm)


Item #3 - Click to view individual item

DHM1749AP. Homeward Bound by Anthony Saunders.

Summer 1940: it has been another rough day for the sasoned pilots of JG-26 Schlageter. Once again they have flown out of their base at Abbeville in northern France to escort the massed bombers of the Luftwaffe against the RAFs fighter airfields of southern England, and once again they have been locked in deadly combat with the Spitfires and Hurricanes of RAF Fighter Command. The Battle of Britain is reaching its climax and, for the first time, the Luftwaffe tastes defeat. This painting by Anthony Saunders brings to life a typical cameo from those long and arduous aerial contests, an Me109 from JG-26 has taken a hit during the fighting, the engine is overheating, and beginning to trail smoke. But the Squadron Commander, the legendary Adolf Galland, closes in to escort the stricken fighter back across the Channel. Crossing the iconic white cliffs of Dover, the drama has time to run.

Signed by Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob and General Gunther Rall (deceased).

Limited edition of 25 artist proofs.

Paper size 26.5 inches x 19.5 inches (67cm x 50cm) Image size 21.5 inches x 14 inches (54cm x 36cm)


Item #4 - Click to view individual item

DHM2122B. Head to Head by Nicolas Trudgian.

A classic head-to-head combat between Squadron Leader Sandy Johnstone in his Spitfire and an Me109 over the south coast of England on 25th August, 1940. With 602 Squadron scrambled to intercept an approaching raid. The Commanding Officer notches up his second victory of the day.

Published 2000.

Last 4 copies available of this sold out edition.

Signed by Squadron Leader Sandy Johnstone,
Wing Commander Paddy Barthrop,
Air Commodore C J Mickey Mount,
Squadron Leader S Nigel Rose,
Air Commodore Paul Webb,
Wing Commander Hector MacLean,
Flying Officer Hugh Niven
and
Wing Commander Donald M Jack, in addition to the artist.

Limited edition of 25 publishers proofs.

Paper size 26 inches x 21 inches (66cm x 53cm)


Website Price: £ 520.00  

To purchase these prints individually at their normal retail price would cost £860.00 . By buying them together in this special pack, you save £340




All prices are displayed in British Pounds Sterling

 

Signatures on this item
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
NameInfo


The signature of Flight Lieutenant Alexander N R L Appleford (deceased)

Flight Lieutenant Alexander N R L Appleford (deceased)
*Signature Value : £35 (matted)

Born in September 1921, Robin Appleford was one of the youngest pilots to take part in the Battle of Britain. He joined 66 Squadron at Duxford on 13th May 1940, flying Spitfires. He was shot down over the Thames Estuary during a dogfight on 4th September 1940, but baled out slightly wounded. After a spell as an instructor, in 1943 he flew another combat tour, this time with 274 Squadron, flying Hurricanes on coastal defence in North Africa. After a spell with the Aircraft Delivery Unit, he went to South Africa as a flying instructor. Sadly, we have learned that Alexander Appleford passed away on 17th April 2012.


Flight Lieutenant Trevor Gray (deceased)
*Signature Value : £25 (matted)

Trevor Gray joined the RAFVR in 1939 and was called for service on the outbreak of war. As he was only partially trained, he completed his flying training and after being awarded his wings was posted to 7 OTU at Hawarden After training Trevor Gray was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in August 1940. Converted onto Spitfires, and with the Battle of Britain at its Climax, he was urgently posted to join 64 Squadron at Leconfield, arriving on 16th September 1940. The Squadron had re-equipped from Blenheims to Spitfires earlier that year as it fought in the great air battles over Dunkirk, before seeing hectic action in the Battle of Britain. he damaged a Bf 110 in December 1940. He left the Squadron on April 3 1941 having completed his tour and was posted to 58 OTU at Grangemouth as an instructor from there he was posted to Castletown, the most northerly station on the mainland, to join 124 Squadron which was then being formed. Trevor Gray was then given a post as a research engineer officer at RAE Farnborough and finally left the RAF in 1946 as a flight Lieutenant. He died on 21st January 2012.
Signatures on item 2
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
NameInfo
The signature of Flt Lt George Harris DFC (deceased)

Flt Lt George Harris DFC (deceased)
*Signature Value : £35 (matted)

George Harris went to an Operational Training Unit flying old Wellingtons and, on his last flight of the course, a night practice bombing and fighter affiliation trip, suffered an engine fire just after take-off. He came down in darkness in Sherwood Forest and came to in hospital. A wooden propeller had shattered on impact, sheared through the airframe and his seat, taking a slice out of his back and leaving him with several broken ribs, a punctured lung and lacerated kidney. His parents were warned he may not survive but within six weeks he was flying again, back in Wellingtons, then on Halifaxes, before finally moving on to Lancasters and a posting, along with three other crews, to No 1 Group 101 Squadron in Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire. It had taken three years of training and frustration and now he and his crew were replacements for those recently killed in action. The squadron's Lancasters were equipped with the radio jamming system known as the Airborne Cigar, or ABC. It covered the frequencies used by the Luftwaffe but its presence also deprived them of a vital navigational aid which heightened their vulnerability. On average only one in four crews survived and that was the case with those Harris had been posted with: all were lost, the first on its first operation. His missions ranged from major night attacks on Germany and tactical support attacks on German troop strongholds, communication centres, V-1 flying bomb sites and airfields in France and the Low Countries. He was subsequently invited to take his crew to the Pathfinder Force but turned down the opportunity as it would have meant leaving behind his German-speaking Special Operator, which he felt was wrong. Anyway, he regarded 101 as a very special squadron with huge spirit and said the Lancaster was 'a simply splendid' aircraft to fly. Among his hair-raising exploits were coping with another engine fire – resulting in an emergency landing on three engines with a full bomb load – braving electric storms which could throw the Lancasters around like corks and dodging the searchlights above enemy territory. On one occasion, returning from a night raid on Brunswick on 12th August 1944, the searchlights locked on him and he desperately performed a violent corkscrew manoeuvre to escape the beams. Failing to shake them off, he dived at full bore with a full bomb load, descending so rapidly the navigator said he had exceeded the plane's reported break-up speed. The slipstream and engine noise was like a banshee, he recalled. Miraculously they remained in one piece to tell the tale and, after debrief, took an idyllic stroll back to their quarters as the sun rose and the dawn chorus began. That night 24 of their men did not return and 101 maintained its reputation as a 'chop' squadron. Reflecting on the end of his operational tour with his Lancaster Z-Zebra, he said he felt strangely flat, rather old and empty but had gained much, including the sheer freedom and joy of flying, the magic of cloud hopping and, as a flight commander, the responsibility for life and death decisions over other men. His award of the DFC, for valour in the face of the enemy, was announced in February 1945. Seventy years later he received the Legion D'honneur for his part in the operations to liberate Caen. After the war he completed a BA in modern languages and economics at St John's College, Cambridge and took posts at Liverpool and Glasgow universities before moving to the Mobil Oil Company in 1954. Four years later he joined PA Management Consultants and in 1967 established executive search company Canny Bowen and Associates, the UK arm of the US firm Canny Bowen, undertaking searches at chairman, managing director and director level for major British and international companies. George died on 17th January 2018 in Tunbridge Wells, aged 95.
Signatures on item 3
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
NameInfo


The signature of General Gunther Rall (deceased)

General Gunther Rall (deceased)
*Signature Value : £65 (matted)

A young pilot with III/JG52 at the outbreak of war. He quickly demonstrated his natural ability and leadership qualities, scoring his first air victory early in the Battle of Britain, and by July 1940 was leading 8/JG52. After transfer to the Eastern Front his air victories mounted at an astonishing rate. A crash hospitalised him but within nine months he was back in the cockpit, and, when commanding III/JG52, gained the Wings 500th victory. Gunther fought throughout the war to become the 3rd highest Ace in history with 275 victories. He was awarded the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Gunther Rall was born on March 10, 1918 in the small Bavarian town of Gaggenau, Baden. Immersing himself in Boy Scout activities during the difficult economic times in Germany following WW 1, Rall finished school in 1936 and joined the German Army. Influenced by a friend, who was a young officer in the Luftwaffe, Rall entered pilots school in 1938. His initial posting was with JG52. He attained his first aerial victory during the Battle of France in May of 1940. During the Battle of Britain JG52 absorbed many casualties, and Rall was promoted to Squadron Commander at the young age of 22. With his fair-hair and smooth complexion the young officer looked even younger than his years. But behind this pleasant exterior was a fierce competitor with the heart of a tiger. Later, Ralls squadron would support the attack on Crete, followed by deployment to the Southern Sector on the Eastern Front. Ralls victory totals began to mount. Following his 37 th victory, GiInther was himself shot down. He was lucky to survive the crash, but with a badly broken back he would spend most of the next year in various hospitals. In Vienna at the University Hospital he would meet his future wife, Hertha. Miraculously, Rall recovered and returned to the Luftwaffe in August of 1942. By November his score exceeded 100 and he was awarded the Oak Leaves to accompany the Knights Cross he was awarded only weeks earlier. As the War progressed against Russia, Rall began to encounter ever more experienced Soviet pilots flying better performing aircraft. Despite this fact, and being shot down several more times himself, Ralls victory tally kept rising. By March of 1944 the ace had attained 273 aerial victories. With the War now going badly for Germany, Rall was transferred to the Western Front. He was able to attain only two more victories against the swarms of Allied bombers and fighter escorts which now pounded Germany every day and night. In May of 1944 Rall was shot down by a P-47. Losing his thumb in the battle he remained out of combat until later in 1944. Ralls final assignments included flying 190Ds as Kornmodore of JG300, and flying the Me-262 jet. Ralls 275 aerial victories (attained on less than 700 combat sorties) make him the third highest scoring ace of all time. If not for the down time suffered as a result of his broken back, Rall might have actually equaled or exceeded Erich Hartmanns alltime record of 352 aerial victories. Rall was not much for socializing during the War. He was a fierce competitor with a businessmans attitude about flying. He was an excellent marksman, and possibly the best deflection shot expert of the War. He continued to fly with the Bundeslufwaffe following the War, serving as its Commander-In Chief in 1970-74. Sadly Gunther Rall died on 4th October 2009.


The signature of Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob (deceased)

Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob (deceased)
*Signature Value : £45 (matted)

After success in the Battle of Britain, Hans-Ekkehard Bob took over leadership of 9./JG54 in 1940. The following year he was awarded the Knights Cross. Transferring to the Eastern Front his victories rose steadily to 50 by September 1942. His Group later transferred back to the West for a short period, where in April 1943, he rammed a B-17 Fortress. Returning to the Eastern Front as Kommander of IV./JG3, he ended the war as Adjutant of Gallands JV44 in the West. In his 700 missions he scored 60 victories.
Signatures on item 4
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
NameInfo


The signature of Air Commodore Micky Mount CBE DSO DFC (deceased)

Air Commodore Micky Mount CBE DSO DFC (deceased)
*Signature Value : £55 (matted)

Flying Officer Christopher John (Micky) Mount joined NO.602 squadron on August 8th 1940 after a brief conversion course on Spitfires. On August 18th his Spitfire L1005 was severely damaged in combat with JU 87s and BF109s over Ford. Micky was unhurt. he again escaped injury when his Spitfire X4270 was damaged landing at Tangmere. he served in many of the theatres of WW2 and he flew Hurricanes in Malta and North Africa and Wellingtons in the Middle east. Micky retired and lived in Ascot in Berkshire. He died 23rd July 2002.


The signature of Air Commodore Paul Webb CBE DFC AE (deceased)

Air Commodore Paul Webb CBE DFC AE (deceased)
*Signature Value : £55 (matted)

Joining 602 Squadron Aux AF L in Scotland in late 1937, Paul Webb was called up full time in August 1939. After initial skirmishes off the Scottish East Coast, 602 came south to Tangmere / Westhampnett. During the Battle of Britain he claimed a Bf110 destroyed on August 16th, on the 25th two more, on the 26th a He59, on September 7th a Bf10 and on the 9th a Do17. In 1941 he was the first Commanding Officer of 416 Squadron RCAF, which he led until 1942 when posted to the Middle East and then Malta. He served later in Italy and with the Balkan Air Force in Yugoslavia. He died on 10th July 2007.


The signature of Air Vice Marshal Sandy Johnstone CB DFC AE DL (deceased)

Air Vice Marshal Sandy Johnstone CB DFC AE DL (deceased)
*Signature Value : £50 (matted)

Early in 1938, Johnstone was a civilian navigation instructor at Scottish Aviation, moving later to the Civil Air Navigation School at Prestwick. In August 1939 he was called to full-time service with 602 Squadron. After some Spitfire engagements off the Scottish coast, he received command of 602 - he was still only 24 - and led it south to the tiny airfield at West Hampnett, in West Sussex, where it was stationed throughout the Battle of Britain. Sandy was in command of no. 602 squadron during the critical days of the Battle of Britain, flying with the squadron before the war though to 1941, when he was posted to the Middle east, he also served with 229 and 249 squadrons in Malta during the Islands most fateful days of the war. Sandy became a successful author and resided near Ipswich in Suffolk. Sandy Johnstone died 13th December 2000, aged 84.


The signature of Flying Officer Hugh Niven (deceased)

Flying Officer Hugh Niven (deceased)
*Signature Value : £55 (matted)

Hugh Glen Niven was born in Toronto, Canada in 1919.Niven joined 602 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force at Abbotsinch on 7th May 1939 and began his training in Avro Tutors. On the outbrteak of World War Two he was posted to 11 EFTS Perth on 25th October 1939. He went to 15 FTS Lossiemouth on 23rd March 1940 and after completing the course he moved to 5 OTU Aston Down on 17th August to convert to Hurricanes. Niven rejoined 602 Squadron, then at Westhampnett, on 1st September 1940 but, having had no Spitfire experience, he was posted to 601 Squadron at Debden three days later. After much complaining he rejoined 602 Squadron on 21st September. His Spitfire, X4603, was damaged in combat with Me109s over Maidstone on 29th October. Apart from a few days with 603 Squadron in late July 1941, Niven was serving with 602 until 23rd September 1941. He was admitted to Horton Emergency Hospital on the 24th, suffering from tuberculosis. He was invalided out of the RAF on 12th March 1942 as a Flying Officer. Sadly Niven died on 8th April 2008.


The signature of Squadron Leader Stuart Nigel Rose (deceased)

Squadron Leader Stuart Nigel Rose (deceased)
*Signature Value : £45 (matted)

Originally from Elswick in the north east of England, Rose moved south to join the RAFVR in March 1939, called up at the outbreak of war he was commissioned in June 1940 joining No.602 Sqn in June 1940 flying Spitfires and serving with the unit throughout the Battle of Britain, claiming three victories. Squadron Leader Nigel Rose was then posted to 54 Sqn at Hornchurch in September 1941 before becoming an instructor in 1942, and also serving in the Middle East. Afterwards he moved to No.54 Sqn before taking on positions in training units. He died on 10th September 2017 aged 99.


The signature of Wing Commander Donald M Jack AE (deceased)

Wing Commander Donald M Jack AE (deceased)
*Signature Value : £50 (matted)

Wing Commander Donald M Jack AE. Donald MacFarlane Jack was born on 5th May 1914 at Brookfield, Renfrewshire and educated at John Neilson Institute, Paisley. He joined 602 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force in 1936 and was called up in September 1939. He flew throughout the Battle of Britain getting in early with a damaged Ju88 on the 9th July and destroying a Bf110 and a Bf109 during August. During 1941 he commanded No 123 Squadron, then when 123 Squadron merged with 80 Squadron and on the 11th April 1942 he took command flying in the Middle East and Western Desert. Having no aircraft it was attached initially to ADU in June and then to 274 Squadron in the Western Desert from early July. Part of 123 went to Iraq and the rest merged with 80 Squadron. Jack took command of 80 Squadron at El Bassa, Palestine on 17th September 1942. Naturally Donald's Spitfire bore the Donald Duck motif. Jack was posted away in February 1943 to the Air Staff of Air HQ Air Defence Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo. He was appointed Squadron Leader Flying 243 Wing to take part in a proposed landing on Rhodes. In October 1943 he was appointed SASO at HQ 209 Group at Haifa. Jack took command of HQ 12 Sector at Port Said on 19th August 1944. He returned to the UK in March 1945 and became Station Commander at RAF High Ercall in May. He was released from the RAF in September 1945 as a Wing Commander. Jack rejoined 602 Squadron in September 1946, as Adjutant, and served with it until March 1948. Donald Jack passed away 22nd September 2005.
The signature of Wing Commander Hector MacLean (deceased)

Wing Commander Hector MacLean (deceased)
*Signature Value : £55 (matted)

Hector was flying with No 602 squadron before war broke out. A gallant young man, his fighter pilot days were drawn to an abrupt halt on August 26th 1940 when his leg was severely injured during battle, but the war was by no means over. After his recovery he was posted to Rosemount for duty as a fighter controller, in the rank of Squadron Leader. Hector retired and lived in Kilmacolm near Glasgow. He died on 19th July 2007.


The signature of Wing Commander Paddy Barthropp DFC AFC (deceased)

Wing Commander Paddy Barthropp DFC AFC (deceased)
*Signature Value : £45 (matted)

At the outbreak of war Paddy flew obsolete Hinds, Hectors and Lysanders in combat, but converted to Spitfires and joined 602 Squadron at Tangmere. During the Battle of Britain he flew with some of the great aces - Douglas Bader, Sailor Malan, and Bob Stanford Tuck. In 1941 he was a Flight Commander with 610 Squadron. Continuing to fly Spitfires, now with 122 Squadron based at Hornchurch, he flew fighter sweeps and escort missions. On 17th May 1942 he was shot down over St Omer. He baled out but was captured, spending the next three years as a POW. One of the RAFs best known and best loved characters, though the bane of certain senior officers, Paddy Barthropps RAF service spanned the period from bi-planes to supersonic jets. Joining the RAF in 1938, his first squadron was 613 flying Hinds, Hectors and Lysanders. In 1940 he was released to fly Spitfires with 602 Squadron where he shared in the destruction of two aircraft. He was posted to 610 Squadron, and then to 91 Squadron, shooting down two Bf 109s during summer 1941 and receiving the DFC. In August 1941 he returned to 610 Squadron as a flight commander. He was shot down three times, the third time being taken prisoner ofwar. He had by then brought his total to 9. Scraps in the air were accompanied by scrapes on the ground, and appearances in Magistrates Courts for disorderly conduct. Addicted to fast cars and lively ladies - and the sworn enemy of stuffed shirts everywhere - he was the irrepressible life and soul of any party, and a persistant thorn in the side of overweening authority as the Germans were to discover. The war over, he was posted to the Empire Test Pilots School where he flew over a hundred different types of plane in ten months. Soon, he was out in the Sudan and in serious trouble again - under arrest after taking a hippo to an upper-crust party. As a boy, he had been taught to ride by champion jockey Steve Donaghue and now, posted to Hong Kong, he rode winners on the track at Happy Valley, and seriously thought of turning professional. Then it was back to the U.K. to take up an appointment as a Fighter Station Commander, and to lead the Coronation fly-past over Buckingham Palace. He left the RAF to set up his own luxury car-hire firm. He died on 16th April 2008.

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