Robert Taylor Lysander aviation prints. Robert Taylor Lysander aviation prints.  Full range of Lysander signed limited edition art prints by Aviation artist Robert Taylor. published by The Military Gallery and available from Cranston Fine Arts. Look out for the two print promotional packages available at great discounts.

To fly a small aircraft at the dead of night, without radio communication or navigational assistance, deep into enemy-occupied territory, was an extremely perilous task.  To then land on an unlit remote field, deliver secret agents, collect Resistance leaders, or downed airmen and fly them home without attracting the attentions of enemy night fighters, was appallingly risky work. Yet throughout World War II the prime function of the pilots of the RAF's Special Duties Squadrons was to fly time and again into occupied France, in utmost secrecy, under the cover of darkness.  It was acutely dangerous work requiring inordinate flying and navigational skills, and supreme courage.  Most suited to these clandestine operations was the rugged Westland Lysander, operations being conducted, weather permitting, during the moon's fullest phase.  Guided only by torch light, the pilot made a hazardous night landing into an isolated field at a pre-arranged time, trusting that agents on the ground had checked the field for cart tracks and loitering Gestapo.  Every missions required ice cool bravery and nerves of steel.