Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Arthur T. Harris and Avro Lancaster" Original Watercolor painting on paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 31p Sir Arther Harris/Lancaster stamp issued September 16, 1986. During World War II few men had more impact on the Allies' aerial attacks on Germany than Arthur T. Harris. At the beginning of the war, Harris was put in charge of Number 5 group of the Royal Air Force, but his natural leadership became apparent early on and he rose rapidly through the ranks. First Air Vice-Marshall, then Air Marshall, Commander-in-Chief of the Bomber Command and Air Chief Marshall, Harris was promoted time and again for his brilliant efforts in attacking the Axis powers. Throughout the war, Harris strongly supported the production of heavy bombers like the Avro Lancaster. He urged the abandonment of attacks on enemy targets in favor of saturation bombing. The persuasive Harris won his point and from 1942 on, the air attack on Germany bore the Harris trademark. The Avro Lancaster is probably the most famous British heavy bomber of World War II, and a natural vehicle for the type of bombing operations advocated by Arthur Harris. The first squadron to be fully equipped with Lancasters flew in early 1942. The Lancaster performed excellently and was there fore ordered in large numbers. A total of 7,366 were delivered. Widely used by Bomber Command until the war ended, the Lancaster won a place in history as the aircraft that made the successful attacks on the Mohne and Eder Dams on May 16-17, 1943. It was also the only British bomber capable of carrying the 12,000 pound "Tallboy" and the 22,000 pound "Grand Slam" bombs. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B10538)