Order Enquiries (UK) : 01436 820269

You currently have no items in your basket


Buy with confidence and security!
Publishing historical art since 1985

Don't Miss Any Special Deals - Sign Up To Our Newsletter!
Aircraft
Search
Ship
Search
ORIGINAL
PAINTINGS
SEE THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL OFFERS
Product Search         
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF ALL ANTHONY SAUNDERS PRINTS BY TITLE
ALWAYS GREAT OFFERS :
20% FURTHER PRICE REDUCTIONS ON HUNDREDS OF LIMITED EDITION ART PRINTS
BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE ON THOUSANDS OF PAINTINGS AND PRINTS
FOR MORE OFFERS SIGN UP TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased) - Art prints and originals signed by Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased)

John Cunningham

John Cunningham
The signature of Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased)

21 / 7 / 2002Died : 21 / 7 / 2002

Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased)

John Cunningham joined the RAF in 1935 with 604 Squadron. At the outbreak of World War Two he was based at North Weald flying Blenheims on day escort and night fighter operations. In September 1940 he converted onto Beaufighters equipped with radar, the first aircraft that made night fighting really possible. In November he had the Squadrons first successful night combat. He took command of 604 Squadron in August 1941. After a period at HQ81 Group, he was posted on his second tour to command 85 Squadron equipped with Mosquitoes. In March 1944 with 19 night and 1 day victory he was posted to HQ11 Group to look after night operations. The most famous Allied night fighter Ace of WWII - 20 victories. He died 21st July 2002. Born in 1917, Group Captain John Cunningham was the top-scoring night fighter ace of the Royal Air Force. Cunningham joined the RAF in 1935 as a Pilot Officer. He learned to fly in the Avro 504N and was awarded his wings in 1936. While assigned to the Middlesex Squadron Auxiliary based at Hendon, Cunningham received instruction in the Hawker Hart prior to moving on the Hawker Demon. The Demon was a two-seat day and night fighter. Cunningharns squadron was mobilized in 1938 following the Czechoslovak crisis. His No. 604 unit was moved to North Weald. Later in 1938 his unit returned to Hendon and was reequipped with the more modern Blenheim 1 fighter. In August of 1939 the unit was again mobilized and returned to North Weald. The Squadron was primarily utilized to provide daylight air cover for convoys. Lacking radar the Blenheim was relatively useless as a night fighter. In September of 1940 the unit was moved to Middle Wallop and the first Bristol Beaufighters arrived. The Beatifighter had a modestly effective, although often unreliable radar. It was an excellent aircraft with reliable air-cooled engines and four 20mm cannons. Cunningham attained the units first night victory in the Beaufighter, and his tally rose steadily. He was promoted to Wing Commander of 604 Squadron in August of 1941. Cunningham completed his first combat tour of duty in mid-1942 with a total of 15 victories. He was then posted to H.Q. 81 Group, which was an operational training group under the Fighter Command. In January of 1943 Cunningham was transferred to command of No. 85 Squadron which was equipped with the Mosquito. With the higher speed of the Mosquito, Cunningham was successful at downing Fw-190s, something impossible in the slower Beaufighter. Cunningham completed his second tour in 1944 with a total of nineteen victories at night and one by day. He was promoted to Group Captain at that time, and was assigned to H.Q. 11 Group. Cunninghams radar operator Sqd. Ldr. Jimmy Rawnsley participated in most of Cunninghams victories. The 604 Squadron was disbanded in 1945, but in 1946 Cunningham was given the honor of reforming the Squadron at Hendon - flying the Spitfire. Cunningham left the RAF in 1946 and joined the De Havilland Aircraft Co. at Hatfield as its Chief Test Pilot. Cunningham had a long and distinguished career in the British aviation industry, retiring from British Aerospace in 1980. Cunningham was appointed OBE in 1951 and CBE in 1963. He was awarded the DSO in 1941 and Bars in 1942 and 1944; the DFC and Bar in 1941, also the Air Efficiency Award (AE). He also held the Soviet Order of Patriotic War 1st Class and the US Silver Star. Group Capt John Cunningham died at the age of 84 on the 21st July 2002.


Items Signed by Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased)

 Without doubt one of the most outstanding and versatile aircraft in the Allied inventory during World War II, the Bristol Beaufighter was to endure a cautious reception by its crews when it first entered service, not least due to difficulties experi......
Seastrike by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £145.00
Without doubt one of the most outstanding and versatile aircraft in the Allied inventory during World War II, the Bristol Beaufighter was to endure a cautious reception by its crews when it first entered service, not least due to difficulties experi......

Quantity:
 When De Havilland built the prototype DH.98 Mosquito (E-0234) they did so as an act of the purest faith in their design since the Air Ministry had already dismissed the companys proposal for their all-wood aircraft as impractical and unworkable. How......
Destination Amiens by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £135.00
When De Havilland built the prototype DH.98 Mosquito (E-0234) they did so as an act of the purest faith in their design since the Air Ministry had already dismissed the companys proposal for their all-wood aircraft as impractical and unworkable. How......

Quantity:
 A pair of Beaufighters attacking Axis shipping in the North Sea.  Without doubt one of the most outstanding and versatile aircraft in the Allied inventory during World War II, the Bristol Beaufighter was to endure a cautious reception by its crews w......
Beaufighter Attack by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £360.00
A pair of Beaufighters attacking Axis shipping in the North Sea. Without doubt one of the most outstanding and versatile aircraft in the Allied inventory during World War II, the Bristol Beaufighter was to endure a cautious reception by its crews w......

Quantity:
 Royal Air Force Blenheim Mk.I aircraft of No.141 Squadron. ......
Mk.I Blenheims of No.141 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £360.00
Royal Air Force Blenheim Mk.I aircraft of No.141 Squadron. ......

Quantity:
 Viewed by many as the most advanced and forward-thinking design for an attack and reconnaissance aircraft in its day, the BAC TSR.2 was to fall victim to inter government wrangling and the absurd belief by those in power in the mid 1960's that t......Legend - TSR.2 by Ivan Berryman. (C)
Price : £300.00
Viewed by many as the most advanced and forward-thinking design for an attack and reconnaissance aircraft in its day, the BAC TSR.2 was to fall victim to inter government wrangling and the absurd belief by those in power in the mid 1960's that t......

Quantity:
Mosquitos of 105 Squadron, Marham.  No. 105 Squadron, stationed at Marham, Norfolk, became the first Royal Air Force unit to become operational flying the Mosquito B. Mk. IV bomber on 11th April 1942.  The painting shows 105 Squadron on the raid of 1......
Return From Leipzig by Anthony Saunders. (B)
Price : £125.00
Mosquitos of 105 Squadron, Marham. No. 105 Squadron, stationed at Marham, Norfolk, became the first Royal Air Force unit to become operational flying the Mosquito B. Mk. IV bomber on 11th April 1942. The painting shows 105 Squadron on the raid of 1......

Quantity:
A de Havilland Mosquito patrols high above the clouds.  This versatile all-wooden aircraft first flew on the 25th of November 1940.  This aircraft was used in a wide variety of roles, including as a fighter-bomber and as a Pathfinder for bombers.......
A Moment's Peace by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £260.00
A de Havilland Mosquito patrols high above the clouds. This versatile all-wooden aircraft first flew on the 25th of November 1940. This aircraft was used in a wide variety of roles, including as a fighter-bomber and as a Pathfinder for bombers.......

Quantity:
After taking part in the Battle of France early in 1940, 85 Squadron moved to Croydon on the 19th August, where, led by renowned squadron leader Peter Townsend DSO DFC, the squadron played a notable part in the Battle of Britain.  Thirty Hurricane sq......
Hurricane Patrol by Graeme Lothian (P)
Price : £3000.00
After taking part in the Battle of France early in 1940, 85 Squadron moved to Croydon on the 19th August, where, led by renowned squadron leader Peter Townsend DSO DFC, the squadron played a notable part in the Battle of Britain. Thirty Hurricane sq......

Quantity:
 Two Hawker Furies of No.1 Sqn, based at Tangmere in 1937. ......
Cloud Dancers by Ivan Berryman. (B)
Price : £200.00
Two Hawker Furies of No.1 Sqn, based at Tangmere in 1937. ......

Quantity:
 The Battle of Britain commenced at the beginning of June 1940, and for the next two and a half gruelling months the young men of Royal Air Force Fighter Command, duelled with the cream of Goerings Luftwaffe over the skies of southern England.  It wa......
Those Valiant Few by Robert Taylor. (B)
SOLD OUT
The Battle of Britain commenced at the beginning of June 1940, and for the next two and a half gruelling months the young men of Royal Air Force Fighter Command, duelled with the cream of Goerings Luftwaffe over the skies of southern England. It wa......NOT
AVAILABLE
 A colourful painting depicting a Mosquito, the fastest Allied aircraft and perhaps the most versatile of all to fly in World War II, dodging between the flak and searchlights on a low-level night attack. ......
Night Intruder by Robert Taylor.
Price : £80.00
A colourful painting depicting a Mosquito, the fastest Allied aircraft and perhaps the most versatile of all to fly in World War II, dodging between the flak and searchlights on a low-level night attack. ......

Quantity:
 A colourful painting depicting a Mosquito, the fastest Allied aircraft and perhaps the most versatile of all to fly in World War II, dodging between the flak and searchlights on a low-level night attack. ......
Night Intruder by Robert Taylor. (Y)
Price : £60.00
A colourful painting depicting a Mosquito, the fastest Allied aircraft and perhaps the most versatile of all to fly in World War II, dodging between the flak and searchlights on a low-level night attack. ......

Quantity:
 Flying the high speed low level Day Ranger missions in the Mosquito was one of the most exhilarating forms of aerial combat experienced by aircrews in WWII.  Given a free hand at squadron level to select targets of opportunity deep inside enemy held......
Rangers on the Rampage by Robert Taylor. (APC)
SOLD OUT
Flying the high speed low level Day Ranger missions in the Mosquito was one of the most exhilarating forms of aerial combat experienced by aircrews in WWII. Given a free hand at squadron level to select targets of opportunity deep inside enemy held......NOT
AVAILABLE
 Flying the high speed low level Day Ranger missions in the Mosquito was one of the most exhilarating forms of aerial combat experienced by aircrews in WWII.  Given a free hand at squadron level to select targets of opportunity deep inside enemy held......
Rangers on the Rampage by Robert Taylor. (C)
SOLD OUT
Flying the high speed low level Day Ranger missions in the Mosquito was one of the most exhilarating forms of aerial combat experienced by aircrews in WWII. Given a free hand at squadron level to select targets of opportunity deep inside enemy held......NOT
AVAILABLE
Throughout the long hot summer of 1940 the destiny of the British Isles, indeed the future of Europe, lay in the hands of a small band of young RAF fighter pilots. Against them stood the vast aerial fleets of an all-powerful Luftwaffe, gloating and c......
Glorious Summer by Robert Taylor. (B)
Price : £635.00
Throughout the long hot summer of 1940 the destiny of the British Isles, indeed the future of Europe, lay in the hands of a small band of young RAF fighter pilots. Against them stood the vast aerial fleets of an all-powerful Luftwaffe, gloating and c......

Quantity:
 Completing a record 213 operational sorties with Bomber Commands Pathfinder Force, Mosquito LR503 became one of the most successful aircraft in the Royal Air Force during World War II. It flew first with 109 Pathfinder Squadron, and then 105 Pathfin......
Top Dog by Robert Taylor. (C)
Price : £265.00
Completing a record 213 operational sorties with Bomber Commands Pathfinder Force, Mosquito LR503 became one of the most successful aircraft in the Royal Air Force during World War II. It flew first with 109 Pathfinder Squadron, and then 105 Pathfin......

Quantity:
Crucial to every squadron in the RAF were the unsung heroes of World War II - the ground crew. Without the vital support of these dedicated men who refuelled the aircraft, rearmed them, maintained them and kept them flying, the pilots and aircrew wou......
Vital Support by Robert Taylor. (B)
Price : £325.00
Crucial to every squadron in the RAF were the unsung heroes of World War II - the ground crew. Without the vital support of these dedicated men who refuelled the aircraft, rearmed them, maintained them and kept them flying, the pilots and aircrew wou......

Quantity:
 On the night of 28th / 29th May 1942, Beaufighter X7583, piloted by Flt Sgt Ladislaw Bobek with Sgt Kovaric as navigator, intercepted a lone Dornier Do217 off the coast of Norfolk, sending it plunging into the North Sea after a 20 minute chase.  Thi......
Tribute to Flight Sergeant Ladislaw Bobek by Ivan Berryman. (C)
Price : £290.00
On the night of 28th / 29th May 1942, Beaufighter X7583, piloted by Flt Sgt Ladislaw Bobek with Sgt Kovaric as navigator, intercepted a lone Dornier Do217 off the coast of Norfolk, sending it plunging into the North Sea after a 20 minute chase. Thi......

Quantity:
 On 15th May 1941, Geoffrey de Havilland Jnr, accompanied by Fred Plumb, lifts the third prototype Mosquito, the first night-fighter variant, from the unprepared fields of Salisbury Hall for the short flight to Hatfield.  The Mosquito was probably th......
Mosquito - The Wooden Wonder of Salisbury Hall by Robert Tomlin. (AP)
SOLD OUT
On 15th May 1941, Geoffrey de Havilland Jnr, accompanied by Fred Plumb, lifts the third prototype Mosquito, the first night-fighter variant, from the unprepared fields of Salisbury Hall for the short flight to Hatfield. The Mosquito was probably th......NOT
AVAILABLE
......
Mosquito by Frank Wootton.
SOLD OUT
......NOT
AVAILABLE
 The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters utilized by the RAF during WW II. The forerunner of the Beaufighter was the Bristol Beaufort, which was the first modern torpedo bomber to enter service. The Beaufort, known......
Double Trouble by Stan Stokes. (B)
Price : £130.00
The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters utilized by the RAF during WW II. The forerunner of the Beaufighter was the Bristol Beaufort, which was the first modern torpedo bomber to enter service. The Beaufort, known......

Quantity:
 The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters utilized by the RAF during WW II. The forerunner of the Beaufighter was the Bristol Beaufort, which was the first modern torpedo bomber to enter service. The Beaufort, known......
Double Trouble by Stan Stokes. (C)
Price : £90.00
The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters utilized by the RAF during WW II. The forerunner of the Beaufighter was the Bristol Beaufort, which was the first modern torpedo bomber to enter service. The Beaufort, known......

Quantity:
  The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters utilized by the RAF during WW II. The forerunner of the Beaufighter was the Bristol Beaufort, which was the first modern torpedo bomber to enter service. The Beaufort, know......
Double Trouble by Stan Stokes. (Y)
SOLD OUT
The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most successful twin-engine fighters utilized by the RAF during WW II. The forerunner of the Beaufighter was the Bristol Beaufort, which was the first modern torpedo bomber to enter service. The Beaufort, know......NOT
AVAILABLE

Packs with at least one item featuring the signature of Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased)



Mosquito Cres Tribute Aviation Print Pack.
Pack Price : £280.00
Saving : £355
Aviation Print Pack. ......

Titles in this pack :

Top Dog by Robert Taylor. (B)
Night Intruder by Robert Taylor.
Return From Leipzig by Anthony Saunders. (E)
A De Havilland Beauty by Ivan Berryman.
Sunday Afternoon by Geoffrey R Herickx.
Those Nagging Mosquitoes by Stan Stokes.

Quantity:

Mosquito Aviation Art Prints by Robert Taylor.
Pack Price : £185.00
Saving : £105
Aviation Print Pack. ......

Titles in this pack :

Top Dog by Robert Taylor. (B)
Night Intruder by Robert Taylor.
Those Nagging Mosquitoes by Stan Stokes.

Quantity:

Wing Commander Bob Foster Signed Aviation Prints.
Pack Price : £695.00
Saving : £310
Aviation Print Pack. ......

Titles in this pack :

Glorious Summer by Robert Taylor. (B)
Spitfire F Mk21 by Ivan Berryman. (C)
Hurricane Mk.IIC by Ivan Berryman. (F)

Quantity:
Mosquito Aircraft Art Prints by Ivan Berryman.
Pack Price : £120.00
Saving : £130
Aviation Print Pack. ......

Titles in this pack :

Night Intruder by Robert Taylor.
Shell House Raiders by Ivan Berryman. (B)

Quantity:
RAF Beaufighter Prints by Ivan Berryman and Stan Stokes.
Pack Price : £145.00
Saving : £95
Aviation Print Pack. ......

Titles in this pack :

Double Trouble by Stan Stokes. (B)
Seastrike by Ivan Berryman.

Quantity:
Mosquito Aircraft Prints by Philip West and Robert Taylor.
Pack Price : £150.00
Saving : £150
Aviation Print Pack. ......

Titles in this pack :

Time To Go by Philip West.
Night Intruder by Robert Taylor.

Quantity:
Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased)

Contact Details
Shipping Info
Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy

Join us on Facebook!

Sign Up To Our Newsletter!

Stay up to date with all our latest offers, deals and events as well as new releases and exclusive subscriber content!

This website is owned by Cranston Fine Arts.  Torwood House, Torwoodhill Road, Rhu, Helensburgh, Scotland, G848LE

Contact: Tel: (+44) (0) 1436 820269.  Email: cranstonorders -at- outlook.com

Follow us on Twitter!

Return to Home Page