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West, Philip
Loire Rendezvous
Lysanders of 161 Special Operations Squadron turn onto their final course to a clandestine landing field somewhere in central occupied France during a full moon period in 1943. Based at Tempsford, Bedfordshire and often operating from Tangmere to shorten the flight, the pilots flew a dead reckoning course to their first turning point, usually on the River Loire, using rudimentary navigating equipment. The moonlit town of Blois is easily distinguishable by its chateau, churches and bridge with the Forest of Chambord beyond. The agents in the rear cockpit prepare themselves by torchlight for the forthcoming landing.
Signed by four Lysander pilots:
Flt. Lt PETER ARKELL, OBE, USAF Medal of Distinction
Flt Lt. MURRAY ANDERSON, DFC*, US Air Medal
Flt. Lt. R G (BOB) LARGE, DFC, Legion d'honneur
Sir LEWIS HODGES, KCB, CBE, DSO, DFC
Print size: 28"w x 20"h
Edition size: 250 signed and numbered
