Dakota (No. 267 Squadron)

Original art print of a Douglas C-47 (known as the Dakota in RAF service, and as the Skytrain in American service) transport aircraft that was developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. Around 1900 Dakotas were used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, across the breadth of the world, from Burma to Normandy.

Depicted in this illustration is Dakota KG477, V-AO, of No. 267 Squadron RAF, taking part in Operation Wildhorn III (or Operation Most III in Polish sources). On the night of 24 July 1944, KG477 flew from Brindisi, Italy to a beet field in Poland, codenamed Motyl. There Kg477 made a surreptitious landing in German-controlled territory, and received a collection of V-2 components acquired by partisans in the Polish Armia Krajowa. On attempting to take-off, the Dakota became stuck in the mud, but was dug free by the partisans, and made a successful return trip, undetected by the Germans.

This illustration was commissioned by Darren Little, the great-nephew of KG477's Wireless Operator, F/Sgt John Appleby, RAFVR, DFM, Polish Cross of Honour.

This illustration by Rob Wisdom is a high quality Giclée art print on cotton-rich fine art paper. 

12x16" art print shown. Cropping and title position (if applicable) may differ slightly on 'A' size art prints.