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Pilots Collection (#7)

"Pilots: The Unsung Heroes of the Skies" Churchill's praise for RAF Pilots echoes through history

Background imagePilots Collection: Helene Dutrieu

Helene Dutrieu
Hlne Dutrieu (1877 - 1961), Belgian world champion cyclist, automobile racer, stunt driver, cyclist and motorcyclist and pioneer aviator

Background imagePilots Collection: Interceptor aircraft pilots waiting to go up 1939

Interceptor aircraft pilots waiting to go up 1939
Interceptor aircraft pilots sitting on their parachutes as they wait for the order to fly, a few weeks after the outbreak of war

Background imagePilots Collection: Diagrams showing air fighting techniques 1939

Diagrams showing air fighting techniques 1939
Set of diagrams detailing the techniques of fighter planes, taking into account their increased speed. Clatworthy shows the advantages of " dive

Background imagePilots Collection: Second-Lieutenant Patrick about to land alongside a German aeroplane which he had shot

Second-Lieutenant Patrick about to land alongside a German aeroplane which he had shot
STC412109 Second-Lieutenant Patrick about to land alongside a German aeroplane which he had shot down (litho) by Avis, W. (20th Century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English

Background imagePilots Collection: A plane of Morane-Saulnier Type G, which could be equipped with a 7

A plane of Morane-Saulnier Type G, which could be equipped with a 7
697595 A plane of Morane-Saulnier Type G, which could be equipped with a 7.9mm Hotchkiss machine gun, September 1914 (autochrome) by Gervais-Courtellemont

Background imagePilots Collection: Aerial photography in World War One

Aerial photography in World War One
A illustrated explanation of the uses of and how aerial photography worked in World War One. Aerial photography was introduced as an additional means of observation

Background imagePilots Collection: Is the Crossing of the Atlantic by Aeroplane Possible

Is the Crossing of the Atlantic by Aeroplane Possible
CHT216774 Is the Crossing of the Atlantic by Aeroplane Possible?, cover of Excelsior magazine, 26th October 1914 (litho) by French School

Background imagePilots Collection: Fastening a bomb before starting, the Airmen of our ally on the Eastern Front

Fastening a bomb before starting, the Airmen of our ally on the Eastern Front
STC311063 Fastening a bomb before starting, the Airmen of our ally on the Eastern Front, from The Illustrated War News, 1916 (b/w photo) by Russian Photographer

Background imagePilots Collection: Aerial explorations at the great cavalry maneuvers between Ticino and Mincio (colour litho)

Aerial explorations at the great cavalry maneuvers between Ticino and Mincio (colour litho)
2815577 Aerial explorations at the great cavalry maneuvers between Ticino and Mincio (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePilots Collection: Free French Air Force Memorial Arromanches

Free French Air Force Memorial Arromanches
This is in the Place du Groupe d Alsace. The Lorraine and Alsace Groups were part of the FFAF formed by some 200 French pilots in England in July 1940

Background imagePilots Collection: In the superb setting of the Stadium of Domitian, in Rome, the Duce held the Grand Report at

In the superb setting of the Stadium of Domitian, in Rome, the Duce held the Grand Report at 4000... (colour litho)
2778142 In the superb setting of the Stadium of Domitian, in Rome, the Duce held the Grand Report at 4000... (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imagePilots Collection: A Polish aviator, who had to land due to a sudden engine failure in the mountains... (colour litho)

A Polish aviator, who had to land due to a sudden engine failure in the mountains... (colour litho)
2777943 A Polish aviator, who had to land due to a sudden engine failure in the mountains... (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Polish aviator)

Background imagePilots Collection: Whats new in sports in America (colour litho)

Whats new in sports in America (colour litho)
2777864 Whats new in sports in America (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The news of sport in America)

Background imagePilots Collection: A nice gesture of camaraderie (colour litho)

A nice gesture of camaraderie (colour litho)
2778585 A nice gesture of camaraderie (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: A nice act of camaraderie)

Background imagePilots Collection: A curious leisure for winged men (colour litho)

A curious leisure for winged men (colour litho)
2777815 A curious leisure for winged men (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: A curious leisure for winged men)

Background imagePilots Collection: The aerial crossing of a beast (colour litho)

The aerial crossing of a beast (colour litho)
2777804 The aerial crossing of a beast (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The aerial crossing of a beast)

Background imagePilots Collection: How an air raid was punished, the end of an Austrian airplane hit by our fire... (colour litho)

How an air raid was punished, the end of an Austrian airplane hit by our fire... (colour litho)
2777535 How an air raid was punished, the end of an Austrian airplane hit by our fire... (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: How an air raid was punished)

Background imagePilots Collection: Figurine of Wilbur Wright in a plane (litho)

Figurine of Wilbur Wright in a plane (litho)
3091232 Figurine of Wilbur Wright in a plane (litho) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Figurine of Wilbur Wright in a plane)

Background imagePilots Collection: How did the German air fleet end up (colour litho)

How did the German air fleet end up (colour litho)
2808752 How did the German air fleet end up (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: How the German Air Fleet ended)

Background imagePilots Collection: A very important episode of the lightning-fast Italian military action in Albania was

A very important episode of the lightning-fast Italian military action in Albania was... (colour litho)
2783894 A very important episode of the lightning-fast Italian military action in Albania was... (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imagePilots Collection: The Bull and the Airplane (Colour Litho)

The Bull and the Airplane (Colour Litho)
2783867 The Bull and the Airplane (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The bull and the plane)

Background imagePilots Collection: A very daring mockery (Colour Litho)

A very daring mockery (Colour Litho)
2783817 A very daring mockery (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: A very daring mockery)

Background imagePilots Collection: During the offensive in Aragon, the Italian Legionary Aviation contributed to the victorious

During the offensive in Aragon, the Italian Legionary Aviation contributed to the victorious... (colour litho)
2783785 During the offensive in Aragon, the Italian Legionary Aviation contributed to the victorious... (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imagePilots Collection: Air force pilot standing by his plane, Republic of Estonia

Air force pilot standing by his plane, Republic of Estonia. Date: 1922

Background imagePilots Collection: Pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary Service

Pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary Service: Mrs G. Patterson, Miss Rosemary Rees and Mrs Marion Wilberforce. Date: 1940

Background imagePilots Collection: French recruitment poster for pilots

French recruitment poster for pilots, design by Paul Colin. circa 1920

Background imagePilots Collection: The Visit of the Prince of Wales to Norway (engraving)

The Visit of the Prince of Wales to Norway (engraving)
1041078 The Visit of the Prince of Wales to Norway (engraving) by Hall, Sydney Prior (1842-1922) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Visit of the Prince of Wales to Norway)

Background imagePilots Collection: Hilda Hewlett

Hilda Hewlett
Hilda Beatrice Hewlett (1864 -1943), early aviator and aviation entrepreneur. She was the first British woman to earn a pilots licence

Background imagePilots Collection: British Airmen with a big bomb, 1918

British Airmen with a big bomb, 1918
British Airmen of the Royal Air Force pictured examining a large bomb to be taken aloft and dropped. Date: 1918

Background imagePilots Collection: A scouting squadron drawn up in line with pilots & mechanics

A scouting squadron drawn up in line with pilots & mechanics
Eighteen aircraft, all of the same pattern, drawn up in line with pilots and mechanics posing next to them. Large distinguishing letters appear on the upper planes

Background imagePilots Collection: Officers of the Royal Air Force Squadron (Canadian)

Officers of the Royal Air Force Squadron (Canadian)
Officers of a Royal Air Force Squadron (Canadian) with their machines in France. Date: 1918

Background imagePilots Collection: Pilots of the Royal Air Force Scouting Squadron

Pilots of the Royal Air Force Scouting Squadron
Airmen of the Royal Air Force scouting squadron posing for a photograph, together with various animal mascots, in July 1918. Date: 1918

Background imagePilots Collection: Raymonde de Laroche

Raymonde de Laroche (1882 -1919), born Elise Raymonde Deroche, French pilot and the first woman in the world to receive an aeroplane pilots licence

Background imagePilots Collection: Artists impression of an idea under consideration of the French Government - aeroplanes

Artists impression of an idea under consideration of the French Government - aeroplanes with invisible wings, to make them difficult to be spotted by the German Air Force pilots

Background imagePilots Collection: KAMAKAZE JAP AIRMEN

KAMAKAZE JAP AIRMEN
The heroic crew of a damaged Japanese bomber, instead of seeking safety, crash their plane onto a Chinese gun emplacement, anticipating WW2 kamakaze pilots Date: September 1938

Background imagePilots Collection: Filling a Hot Air Balloon With Gas, c. 1790 (wood engraving)

Filling a Hot Air Balloon With Gas, c. 1790 (wood engraving)
1123847 Filling a Hot Air Balloon With Gas, c.1790 (wood engraving) by French School, (18th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; French, out of copyright

Background imagePilots Collection: An unprecedented accident occurred at the station of Zollino (South East Railways)

An unprecedented accident occurred at the station of Zollino (South East Railways) in Apulia (colour litho)
2778351 An unprecedented accident occurred at the station of Zollino (South East Railways) in Apulia (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imagePilots Collection: The Unexpected Obstacle (Colour Litho)

The Unexpected Obstacle (Colour Litho)
2778222 The Unexpected Obstacle (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The unexpected obstacle)

Background imagePilots Collection: The Apotheosis of Rome (Colour Litho)

The Apotheosis of Rome (Colour Litho)
2778181 The Apotheosis of Rome (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Apotheosis of Rome)

Background imagePilots Collection: The Ardious Italian Flock Flying Over the Atlantic (Colour Litho)

The Ardious Italian Flock Flying Over the Atlantic (Colour Litho)
2778169 The Ardious Italian Flock Flying Over the Atlantic (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Ardious Italian Flock Flying Over The Atlantic)

Background imagePilots Collection: The baptism of the air of a group of Cocincina dancers who came to Europe to... (colour litho)

The baptism of the air of a group of Cocincina dancers who came to Europe to... (colour litho)
2778081 The baptism of the air of a group of Cocincina dancers who came to Europe to... (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePilots Collection: Minister Galeazzo Ciano, former commander of the glorious The Desperate Squadron, returns

Minister Galeazzo Ciano, former commander of the glorious The Desperate Squadron, returns... (colour litho)
2778501 Minister Galeazzo Ciano, former commander of the glorious The Desperate Squadron, returns... (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imagePilots Collection: The furniture that flies (colour litho)

The furniture that flies (colour litho)
2777893 The furniture that flies (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The furniture that flies)

Background imagePilots Collection: After the prodigious test (colour litho)

After the prodigious test (colour litho)
2777859 After the prodigious test (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: After the prodigious test)

Background imagePilots Collection: The Daredevil Enterprises (Colour Litho)

The Daredevil Enterprises (Colour Litho)
2777807 The Daredevil Enterprises (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The reckless enterprises)

Background imagePilots Collection: Our aircraft bombed the enemy airfield in Prosecco with effects judged to be very effective

Our aircraft bombed the enemy airfield in Prosecco with effects judged to be very effective (colour litho)
2777607 Our aircraft bombed the enemy airfield in Prosecco with effects judged to be very effective (colour litho) by Beltrame

Background imagePilots Collection: Morning on parade, from British Adventure published by Collins, 1947 (litho)

Morning on parade, from British Adventure published by Collins, 1947 (litho)
3435641 Morning on parade, from British Adventure published by Collins, 1947 (litho) by Ravilious, Eric (1903-42); Private Collection; (add.info)




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"Pilots: The Unsung Heroes of the Skies" Churchill's praise for RAF Pilots echoes through history, as their bravery and skill played a crucial role in defending Britain during World War II. A wartime poster proudly displayed his famous words, reminding everyone of the pilots' valor. Among these legendary aviators was Amy Johnson, whose daring solo flights broke barriers and inspired generations to come. Her name became synonymous with courage and determination. In the early days of aviation, telegraph keys like the Morse Code Type J-37 connected pilots to ground control, enabling vital communication in the skies. This simple device held immense power in ensuring safe journeys. Propaganda posters adorned walls across towns, displaying Prime Minister Churchill's resolute statements about pilots' unwavering commitment to protect their homeland. These powerful images instilled hope and unity among citizens. The Wright brothers themselves stood proud beside Flyer II at Huffman Prairie in Dayton, Ohio – pioneers who defied gravity and forever changed human history with their invention of powered flight. Sister Hilda Hope McMaugh fearlessly took to the skies as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), showcasing that women too could contribute significantly to aviation during times of conflict. At RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, flight simulators allowed aspiring pilots to hone their skills before taking on real-life challenges. These advanced training tools ensured that every pilot was prepared for any situation they might encounter up above. Royal Air Force Display Posters at Hendon showcased not only military might but also celebrated aviation achievements throughout history. They served as a reminder that flying is not just a profession but an art form worth cherishing. No discussion about they are be complete without mentioning The Battle of Britain – a pivotal moment when brave men fought against overwhelming odds to defend freedom from Nazi aggression. Their resilience saved countless lives and turned tides in favor of victory. In 1955, the introduction of the R. A. F.