| 26" x 20" | "Target at 270" Don Connolly Countersigned |
$125.00 (Cdn) |
|
World War I had a major effect on both the development of aircraft and on their military use, as techniques of reconnaissance, bombing and tactical air support were evolved and refined. Typically, the concept of what is now termed "medium bombing" emerged, and aircraft were then designed specifically for this mission. Thus came about the DH9, an aircraft built to carry a bomb load of several hundred pounds to targets of tactical significance, such as marshalling yards, canals, aerodromes, and bridges. These early 'mediums' suffered from lack of speed, maneuverability, and defensive firepower, and as a result, soon came to be organized into defensive formations consisting of vics of three or five, spaced 50 to 100 feet apart, in squadrons of 10 to 15 aircraft. The crews of these bombers did not receive the publicity accorded the more glamorous scout or "fighter" pilots whose names became household words, but the contribution of this 'silent majority' was every bit as important to the Allied cause. One of them, Clennell Haggerston (Punch) Dickins (later DFC, OBE, OC) was destined to become one of Canada's most famous "bush" pilots. However, on the day in 1918 portrayed in the picture, he was a 19-year old 2nd Lt. out on a typical mission with his observer, 2nd Lt. Jock Adam. He would complete 73 such missions while flying with 211 Sqn. of the Royal Flying Corps. Frequently encountering "E.A." (enemy aircraft) and "Archie" (anti-aircraft fire), the squadron experienced grievous losses, no doubt contributed to by the absence of parachutes. Like many other units, 211 Sqn. was well populated with Canadians of whom over 20,000 served in the British flying services. Many of the survivors had a profound effect on the development of aviation in Canada after the war. Punch Dickins' experiences have embraced the full span of modern aviation history, to which he has made a unique contribution. Although he has officially been "retired" for the past 27 years, he continues to take an active interest in aviation. He shares a pleasant lifestyle in Toronto with his lovely wife Connie, whom he married in 1927.  The DH9 was powered by a 200-230hp Puma engine and had a top speed of 114 mph, a maximum ceiling of 18,000' and maximum endurance of 4-1/2 hours. It could carry up to 500 lbs. of bombs and was armed with two machine guns, one fixed and forward firing; the other controlled by the observer or 'gunlayer', as he was sometimes called. The squadron would usually operate at 8-12,000' and would release bombs when the leader dropped his. The DH9 and the improved DH9a (with a 400hp Liberty engine) were used extensively in Canada during the 1920s in such applications as mapping and flying the mail. It was a DH9a that completed the first Trans-Canada flight in 1920, crewed by pilot Capt. G.A.Thompson and Lt. Col. A. Tylee. The Puma engine of the DH9 was not noted for its reliability, but Punch reported that the ones he flew gave excellent service. Perhaps this is another example of the legendary good fortune (no doubt abetted by good management) that has smiled on him for nearly a century.Artist Don Connolly masterfully re-creates the scene as the 9's of 211 Sqn. begin their turn towards the bridge (just below Punch's aircraft "O"). All eyes will now be on the leader and all aircraft will drop their bombs the moment his are released. Only then can the "Run For Home Base" begin, through the gauntlet of "E.A." and "Archie".
|
