Operation Cerberus by Philip E West
The Channel Dash
Approx. overall print size 16½” x 26½ ” / 420cms x 67cms
Original painting: SOLD
The Channel Dash (officially known as Operation Cerberus) was one of three operations during the Second World War for which the Swordfish was to become the most famous. Heavily outgunned in the Straits of Dover on this day in February 1942 by the German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen, with their accompanying flotilla of destroyers and motor torpedo boats, and with top cover provided by deadly fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe, all six Fleet Air Arm Swordfish were shot down. Only five of the eighteen aircrew survived. Here we see the Swordfish flown by Sub. Lt. Kingsmill and Sub. Lt. Samples with PO Bunce in the rear, fighting for their lives with his machine gun.
The bravery of the Swordfish aircrew in this and all other operations is a matter of history and must never be forgotten.
The Editions
- *100 Primary Edition: £150
- **50 Artist Proofs: £175
- ***25 Remarques: £295
- ***15 Double Remarques: £425
The Signatures
* Signed by C.P.O. Donald Bunce (Shot down in the attack.)
** Signed by: Capt. AWF Sutton DSC*; Lt. Cdr. Edgar Lee (also shot down during the Channel Dash); Lieut. NC Gillis; Sub. Lt. Stanley Brand; (4 signatures)
*** Signed by: Capt. AWF Sutton DSC*; Lt. Cdr. Edgar Lee; Lieut. NC Gillis; Sub. Lt. Stanley Brand; C.P.O. Donald Bunce; P.O. Leslie Sayer DSM. (6 signatures)
