November 12th 1944. Lancaster's from Nos 617 and 9 Squadron
bombed the German battleship 'Admiral von Tirpitz' at anchor
just off Tromso. Using Barnes Wallis designed Tallboy bombs dropped
from between 12,000 to 16,000 feet they delivered several very
close misses and three or more direct hits. A column of steam
and smoke shot up to 300 feet and within a few minutes the massive
ship began to turn turtle. The RAF and Royal Navy had had several
previous 'goes' at the Tirpitz with limited success, but on this
occasion the threat from this extremely powerful warship ended.
The painting depicts Wing Commander J B Tait's Lancaster after
his bombing run 'staying on the scene' to observe the outcome
of the mission. The rest of 617 and 9 Squadron aircraft complete
their runs and turn to head home to Lossiemouth. Down below at
low level another Lancaster is orbiting and filming the destruction.
This Lancaster came from 463 Squadron and was the last one to
return home. With only one Lancaster being seriously damaged
all the aircraft completed the mission. |