aviation art Polish Battle of Britain pilot signed RAF Spitfire print & book

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay UK

This is a very collectable set. Three Polish RAF Squadrons were based at RAF Chailey, an ALG in Sussex in support of D-Day 1944. The three Squadrons were 302, 308 and 317. 19 of the pilots present in 1944 had fought in the Battle of Britain. 302, 308 and 317 Squadrons were 131 Wing RAF. The main print in this set is called "Wings over Chailey" and is signed by Flight Lieutenant Ludwik Martel of 317 Squadron. Ludwik Martel served in 603 Squadron in the Battle of Britain. See his full biography below. Just 131 prints have been signed by Ludwik Martel, and in this special print book set are the following, all with matching numbers. 1) "Wings over Chailey" by Barry Weekley, signed by Ludwik Martel.2) RAF Chailey profile print signed by artist Colin Ashford. 3) Copy of Spit & Polish, a 96 page colour history of RAF Chailey, signed by author Richard Whittle. "Wings over Chailey" is 458mm x 348mm printed on acid free 350gsm paper. Richard Whittle and I visited Ludwik Martel numerous times taking him to lunch. These prints were signed in his 10th floor flat overlooking Wimbledon's Centre Court! There are just 131 sets and only a few remaining. Each set comes with a Certificate of Authenticity containing Ludwik Martel's biography. The COA is signed by me, Arthur Rayner, of Spitfire Art. Spit & Polish with 96 pages has over 200 wartime photograghs and colour profiles, plus colour photos of Spitfires on the current display circuit, including Spitfire BM597 JH-C in 317 Squadron markings, and this actual Spitfire was flown by Ludwik Martel. The book alone retails for £14.99. Postage for the set is £10. The 2 prints will posted in a tube wrapped in tissue paper, and the book will come in a separate flat package. Ludwik Martel's biography: The 131 Wing Special Edition comprising matching numbered copies of Wings over Chailey signed by Ludwik Martel and artist Barry Weekley, matching numbered profile print, signed by artist Colin Ashford, and matching numbered copy of Spit & Polish signed by author, Richard Whittle. No from 131 copies. RAF Chailey 25 th April to 30 th June 1944 . 131 Polish Fighter Wing, 18 Sector, 84 Group 2nd TAF. 302 Squadron City of Poznan . 308 Squadron City of Krakow . 317 Squadron City of Wilno. Ludwik Alfred Martel. Born on 5 th March 1919 at Piotrkow. In 1937 he graduated from Panstowowa Szkola Techniczno-Przemyslowa ( State Technological-Industrial School ) in Lodz , and subsequently Szola Podchorazych Rezerwy Lotnictwa (Air Force Reserve Cadet officers’ School). In September 1939 he was evacuated to Rumania , thence to France . He arrived in Britain in one of the first groups. In July 1940 he underwent training at Elementary Flying School at Old Sarum, and subsequently at OUT Hawarden. On 10 th August 1940 he was posted to 54 Squadron RAF. On 28 th of August 1940 he was transferred to 603 Squadron RAF. In this squadron he achieved his first combat victory, when on 5 th October 1940 he shot down a Bf109. On 19 th March 1941 he was posted to 317 (Polish) Squadron “City of Wilno ”. On 1 st April 1941 he was awarded Krzyz Walecznych (Cross of Valour). On 28 th January 1942 he moved to 58 OUT where he was an instructor. In August 1942 he returned to 317 Squadron. In 1943 he fought in Africa , in the elite Polish Fighting Team, “Skalski’s Circus”. On 20 th April 1943 he shot down a Bf109 and probably destroyed another. Upon return to Britain he flew with 317 Squadron again. From 20 th August until 4 th November 1943 he was an instructor at No16 Flying Training School at Newton . On 4 th November 1943 he returned to 317 Squadron as Flight Commander. On 20 th December 1943 he was awarded a bar to his Krzyz Waleczynch. As a Flight Commander of 317 Squadron he served at RAF Chailey in Sussex from 26 th April 1944 until 27 th June 1944 . From September 1944 he worked in the HQ Polish Air Force. On 25 th September 1944 he was awarded Srebrny Krzyz Virtuti Militari (Silver Cross of Virtuti Mil... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.